It was late afternoon before Gretchen rounded up the boys and Mischa to head home. “Time to go.”
“Aw, Mum, do we have to?” Jordan responded.
“Yes. You’ve got school tomorrow.”
They’d returned to the homestead after lunch and another swim, but the kids had wanted to practise what they’d learnt by playing hide and seek, so they’d stayed a little longer. Arthur had sat outside in the shade giving them tips, his notebook on his lap. She’d watched him for a while and realised he was sketching something. She glanced at him. “Do you want a lift?” Georgie probably wanted to stay at the Ridge with Matt.
“Yeah, that would be great.”
His lack of hesitation surprised but warmed her.
“You can sit in the back with us,” Jordan said.
Gretchen shook her head. “There’s not enough leg room for someone Arthur’s size.”
“He can take one off,” Jordan replied.
Gretchen gaped at her son, horrified at the suggestion, but Arthur burst out laughing, the joyous sound like a warm hug. His eyes sparkled with amusement. “I hadn’t considered that.”
Cheeks scorching hot, Gretchen said, “No. He’ll sit in the front.” Not waiting for an argument, she went to say goodbye to Amy and Faith.
“Thanks for your help,” Faith said, hugging her.
“Thank you for putting it together, and for taking us swimming today.”
“It was fun,” Amy said. “You’re welcome any time.”
Gretchen moved aside as Arthur came over. “Thanks for the recipe, Ames.” He hesitated and then hugged his sister.
She squeezed him back. “I expect some melting moments when I come to visit.”
“Sure.”
“Can I see what you drew?” Amy asked.
Arthur hesitated, glancing at the others, ending at Gretchen, uncertainty on his face. She smiled at him, trying for encouragement. He was silent for a moment and then braced himself and nodded, handing over the notebook.
Amy gasped and placed a hand on her chest. “This is amazing. You’ve captured the essence perfectly.” She passed the notebook to Brandon.
Brandon’s eyes widened. “You did this? I had no idea you could draw.” He handed the notebook to Darcy and then said, “Wait a minute. You always had a notebook on missions. Were you drawing then?”
Arthur nodded. “The major said they were rubbish.”
“Bullshit. This is excellent. I’d love to see what else you’ve done.”
Arthur’s mouth turned up in a small, pleased smile. “All right.”
Finally the notebook reached Gretchen. Her mouth dropped open. He’d drawn the homestead, the detail intricate, the pencil sketch more like a photograph. “It’s beautiful.” He’d captured the hominess of the house, made her want to step inside. This is what he’d been spending his days doing on the boat. She handed the book back to Arthur. “You’re very talented.”
His cheeks reddened. “Thank you.”
She wanted to see more of his drawings, but this was a big step for him. She’d wait until next week to ask.
It took another fifteen minutes for Gretchen to wrangle the three children into the back of her small car and Arthur hopped in the front with her. The moment they lost sight of the house, the boys and Mischa started peppering Arthur with questions.
“So, where did you hide last night?” Jordan asked.
“Were we better just now?” Mischa said.
