* * *
‘You’ve got a lovely home.’ That sounded more like estate-agent talk than normal family conversation, but Gage was unnerved by Toby’s silent glares. At least dealing with the Taliban, he’d been armed and somewhat prepared.
‘We adore it, don’t we, Toby?’
Chloe’s forced cheerfulness was equally disconcerting. When she’d opened the door, a brief burst of shock had been swiftly replaced by an overly effusive welcome as she’d ushered them in and gushed about how wonderful it was that they’d dropped by. Tamara’s earlier determination had evaporated at that point, leaving him to stutter out a pathetic explanation about being out for a walk and stopping to admire the house.
‘I’ll make tea.’ Chloe sprang off the sofa.
‘I can give you a hand.’ Tamara jumped up too.
Gage steeled himself not to let the panic coursing through his body show. Beads of sweat popped out on his brow and if he dared lift his hands from his legs, it’d be impossible to disguise how badly they were shaking.
Left on their own he waited for Tamara’s son to speak, but nothing altered the young man’s mute glower. If he hadn’t taken the initiative, they’d still be sitting like two carved stone statues when their other halves returned.
‘Toby, if there’s anything you want to know about me, go ahead and ask. I promise I’ll answer as best I can.’ Acouple of steadying breaths regulated his racing heartbeat and he ploughed on. ‘I care for your mother very much. She’s an amazing woman—’
‘I know that! You don’t have to tell me how wonderful she is.’ His pale skin flushed with anger. ‘I know I’m being childish and selfish, okay? Chloe’s been on at me about it for weeks. Last night she had another go and I shouted at her. Told her to shut up because she didn’t understand.’ He grimaced with pain. ‘That’s not me.’
‘We all behave out of character sometimes and you had good reason. Chloe will understand.’ He risked a fleeting smile. ‘Although I’m pretty sure she’ll make you pay. Your mother is everything to you. I get that. And I admire that you’re trying to look out for her.’ Perhaps his sincerity resonated because Toby appeared to see Gage properly for the first time. ‘You don’t know me from Adam but if we could start putting that right, you’ll hopefully see I only want the best for her too. I would never want to push you out of her life.’ If anyone knew how it felt to be sidelined by family, he did. Some of his background was public knowledge by now, but he’d assume the young man wasn’t up to date with village gossip and dive in. By the time he finished sharing with Toby a brief recap of his childhood, his connection with Becky, and the highs and lows of his career in the Royal Marines, there was a subtle change in the atmosphere.
‘Where do we go from here?’ Toby sounded puzzled. ‘Sorry for being a dick. I’m just overprotective of my mum.’
‘Quite right too.’
The agreement brought out the other man’s engaging smile and his resemblance to Tamara was unmistakable.
‘We could have a drink together sometime and talk some more. And if you haven’t been in the shop yet, I could show you around?’
That last question was a misstep. Toby turned pink. They both knew he hadn’t ventured inside.
‘I was too pig-headed to come to the opening the other day.’
Gage cracked a smile. ‘Pigs’ heads are one thing we’re never short of around your mum.’
They were in fits of laughter when Tamara and Chloe walked back in.
‘Have you stopped being an idiot, Toby?’ Chloe didn’t mince her words.
Gage wouldn’t care to be in his shoes later.
‘Yeah, and I’m sorry I—’
‘Didn’t listen to your far smarter partner?’
‘Exactly.’
‘I’m just glad we’re talking again.’ Tamara’s voice wobbled. ‘We’ve all made mistakes.’
How true was that? Gage had certainly made his fair share. But the chance to put things right didn’t always drop into someone’s lap this way. Knowing this could’ve wrecked his relationship with Tamara made him turn hot and cold.
‘Teatime, I think.’ Chloe’s resolute tone made it clear the soul-baring part of the visit was over. Fine by him.
Chapter Eighteen
Doing his best to creep out without waking Tamara went well until Gage stubbed his toe on the leg of the bed, swore, lost his balance, dropped the armful of clothes he’d been holding and fell back on top of her.
She wriggled out from under him with a laugh. ‘Don’t ever apply for the part of the handsome prince waking Sleeping Beauty with a kiss. You won’t get the job.’ Tamara’s sleepy eyes rested on him.
