“No, it’s not. I wouldn’t be a decent lawyer if I made promises when I don’t know all the facts.” She smiled at his annoyed groan. “But I won’t do anything without your agreement, Darcy.”
He sighed. “All right. I appreciate your help, Faith.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’ll see you on Thursday.” She hung up and smiled, snuggling down in her bed. He didn’t know it yet, but she fought hard for the clients she believed in.
And she believed in him.
Chapter 7
Wednesday night arrived like a charging ram. Darcy still had no idea of the best way to tell Lara her mother was in town. He’d agonised about it all day, had considered picking her up from school himself, but that would only make her worry. So he waited anxiously in the kitchen for her to arrive home.
Amy sauntered in from the camp grounds reception, where she’d been checking in a guest. She clapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve got this, Darce. Don’t stress.”
She grabbed her hat from the hook and went to show the new guests where their campsite was. Outside Lara called, “Hey, Ames.”
She was home.
Darcy busied himself putting on the kettle and getting biscuits from the cupboard so he wasn’t just standing there like an idiot.
The screen door creaked open. “Hey, Dad! Did you see the new guests? That means all our sites are full!”
Her enthusiasm only further intensified his nerves. He forced a smile and opened his arms for her hug. And he held on for perhaps a moment too long, because she stepped back with a frown on her face. “What’s wrong?”
Damn. “Have a seat, pumpkin. I’ve got news for you.”
She glanced around. “Did something happen? Is someone hurt?”
“No, pumpkin.” He squeezed her arm. “You might like the news.”
“Then why are you acting so weird?”
“Because I don’t know how you’re going to react.” He took a deep breath. “Your mum called. She’s in Retribution Bay and she wants to visit.”
Lara’s mouth dropped open. Silence. Finally she said, “She wants to see me?” The hope was clear on her face.
Darcy nodded. “Yeah. She’s staying with her parents, and she’s with her new husband and his two boys.”
“Does that make them my brothers?”
“Step-brothers.”
Lara opened and closed her mouth a couple of times as if not sure what to say. “Is she coming here now? What do I say to her? Should I get changed?” She started for the corridor.
Darcy hauled her back. “Don’t panic, pumpkin.” He squeezed her, feeling her jitters. “We’re going to meet her after school tomorrow. At Ningaloo Café. If you want to see her.”
“Why wouldn’t I want to see her?” A pause. “Is she mean?”
Hell. He could hardly point out that some kids would be angry their mother had virtually ignored them for their entire life. He didn’t want to plant those kinds of seeds if she didn’t have them herself. “No, she’s not mean.”
“So what do I say to her?”
Good question. “You can tell her about school, and about pony club. Then you can ask her about Melbourne and her husband and your step-brothers.”
The tension melted from her. “I can do that.”
He kissed the top of her head. “You’ll be fine.”
“Yeah. I’ll write a list. Granny always says it’s best to write a list so you don’t forget anything.” She bit her lip and her eyes glistened.
