‘He loves me, Nora, and I love him. Should be simple — right?’ She started on the rompers next, tugging them over the baby’s adorable chubby legs. Most grown women never used the wordsadorableandchubbyabout themselves — how sad was that? Lyndsey hated to picture her beautiful niece in tears one day, because her legs didn’t have the sought-after thigh gap flaunted by all the top models. ‘But I’ve spent years building up my business in Cornwall. I know what I said to Griff, but what else am I any good at?’ Frustration bubbled up inside her. ‘It’s all right for him. He’s discovered a creative talent that pays the bills.’
Nora’s velvety dark eyes latched onto her. ‘You’re right, sweet pea. I’m making excuses because I’m scared. It’s nothing to do with the short time we’ve known each other, either, because I’d be just as skittish if we’d been dating for a couple of years.’ She heaved a sigh.
Nora suddenly grabbed her finger and held on tight. ‘Oh no, baby girl, don’t you dare do that. I decided a long time ago I’m not cut out to be a mum. Griff’s even older than me, so I’m sure he’s got no interest in becoming a dad at this point.’ Not that they’d ever actually discussed the subject. ‘Oh, but he does worship you, Nora. He cradles you so tenderly in his lovely big, strong hands, treating you like the glass he handles every day. He’s such a kind, thoughtful man who’d make a wonderful father.’
Nerves knotted her stomach. She was racing ahead of herself and needed to put the brakes on.
‘Have you finished dressing madam yet?’ Becca hurried in, fresh as a daisy in a bright yellow sundress. Her sister gave an understanding half-smile. ‘I never expected it either.’
‘What?’
‘The fierce love I felt when the doctor placed Nora in my arms. It frightened me to death.’ The admission came with a slight shrug. ‘I would die for her. Kill for her. Anything to keep her safe.’ She touched Nora’s cheek and the little girl beamed. ‘I’m convinced God makes babies start to smile at around two months old because by then you’re totally exhausted and on the verge of losing it. The smiles bind you to them tighter than a sailor’s knot.’ A shadow blurred Becca’s smile. ‘Poor Deke is torn all the time. He loves his music — it’s an integral part of him — but these recent problems with Theo hit hard. He’s seen the effect his absences have and doesn’t know what to do about it.’
‘But you and Theo are doing okay now, right?’
‘Much better, but I know he misses his dad terribly.’
‘You do, too.’
She’d seen how hard it was, even with help, to be a parent—especially to children of widely varying ages. Nothing about it was easy.
‘At least we’re on the downward side. It’s not quite four weeks to go now.’ Becca’s brave words vied with her solemn expression.
The wild idea she’d had a few days ago popped back into her head. Lyndsey never did get around to asking Griff’s opinion because they’d been too busy with other things. ‘The band are performing in London the end of next week, aren’t they?’
‘Yes. Why?’
‘There’s nothing tying us here. We could pack up the kids and get on a plane. Go down to Cornwall first to introduce Mum and Dad to their new granddaughter, and let them get to know Theo properly. After that, we could travel to London and spend a couple of days with Deke before flying back in time for Theo’s return to school. The first week of August sounds terribly soon for them to start back, but they finished so early for the summer holidays that I suppose it makes sense.’
‘How long has this been percolating in your head?’ Becca sounded suspicious. ‘Is this a ploy to wriggle out of making a decision about you and Griff?’
Is that what she was doing? It hadn’t been at the forefront of her mind . . . but was it burrowed somewhere she didn’t even recognize, gnawing at her?
‘Not at all. In fact, we could ask him to come too.’
Did she really say that out loud? By the way her sister’s eyebrows shot up, she apparently did. Gamely, Lyndsey went on: ‘He may have work commitments, plus he’s got his brother staying, so I expect he’d think it’s a mad idea . . .’
‘I think it’s terrific!’ Becca scooped up her daughter with a huge grin. ‘Right, Nora, let’s get ready for our guests. With any luck, you’ll soon be breathing some good fresh Cornish air.’
Oh God, she’d really gone and done it now.
‘You need to leave soon to fetch Ruth Mae,’ Becca reminded. ‘You know what a stickler she is for punctuality. When I invited her to have tea with us at three o’clock today, I promised someone would arrive in good time to walk over with her. I hope Griff and his brother won’t be late.’ Becca frowned. ‘Is it too much to hope she’ll take a liking to them as well? I think I might’ve got a little smug after our first tea party was such a success.’
‘I’m sure it’ll be fine.’ Lyndsey hurried to reassure her sister. ‘Anyway, a little smugness on our part is deserved, I think.’
All they’d ever hoped for was a slight thaw on Miss Grey’s part, enough to let her unbend and at least accept help from her neighbors, even if she would never consider them friends. But in the last two weeks, Paradise Valley had undergone a major climate change. Harold and William had worked like Trojans in Ruth Mae’s garden, and even persuaded the old lady to have Sunday lunch with them last week. Apparently, they’d talked for so long it’d been nearly sundown when the two men walked her home. Miss Grey was warming towards Tiffany, too, after she showed the old lady a few gentle exercises to ease her sciatica. They all kept an unobtrusive eye on their elderly neighbor, and if no one saw any signs of life by mid-morning someone would find an excuse to go and check on her.
‘I’m going to head off right now.’ She squashed a trickle of nerves. How Ruth Mae might react to Griff and his brother was something no one could predict. Lyndsey had got on so well with Jase the other night at dinner that when she left, he apparently warned Griff if he was dumb enough to let her go, Griff would have him to answer to.
A wall of humidity hit her in the face when she stepped outside, and for the first time she longed for a break from the incessant heat. Miss Grey was ready and waiting for her, of course, not exactly tapping her watch but not far from it.
‘Your garden is looking pretty.’ Her praise softened Ruth Mae’s expression. Lyndsey almost added that the house, with its watertight roof, new front door and tight-fitting windows was looking a thousand times better as well, but thought that might be a step too far.
‘Mr Morton and Mr Puckett have worked hard.’ Ruth Mae gave a tight nod. ‘I like to give credit where it’s due.’
They arrived outside the house as her sister greeted Griff and Jase.
‘Lovely to see you, Miss Grey.’ Becca turned to speak to them. ‘Let’s all go through to the conservatory. It’s the most recent room Lyndsey and I have tackled, so I’m quite proud to show it off.’
