“Yesterday afternoon. Sorry, I should have called, but we both crashed out early.”
“Oh gosh, that’s all right. It’s a long drive. How’s Max doing?”
“He’s okay. A little clingy. He’s hardly left my side.” I sigh. “He’s not keen on going to the holiday club. I’m a little worried about leaving him there.” I glance through the door at the guys who are still talking to Max. “Cullen said that sometimes kids hang out here during the holidays.”
“Absolutely. Noah’s very good about things like that.”
“It’s just… is that a good idea? I know most people would say kids adapt, and you should encourage them out of their comfort zones.”
Beth blows a raspberry. “I think it’s more important that the kid’s healthy and happy, just the same as dogs. And if he’s happier staying closer to you, I don’t see a problem with that.”
“Mmm.” She’s right. And I have to try to stop worrying about what people will think of my parenting choices, and instead focus on what’s best for Max. “So… how are you? You seem very happy here.”
She nods. “Yeah, it’s a great place to work. Best thing I ever did, coming here last year.”
“And how are you and Jude? Are we going to be hearing wedding bells soon?”
Her smile fades, and she looks out to sea. “Don’t know… maybe. He hasn’t asked me to marry him yet. I’d like to settle down, put down some roots, have kids, but I don’t think he’s grown out of his ‘sow your wild oats’ phase yet.”
“Aw, I’m sure it’ll happen soon.” I glance back at the boys. “I’m so sorry for my faux pas in there. I hope I didn’t embarrass you both too much.”
She just laughs. “That’s okay. He went to school with Jude. We’re just good friends.”
It was clear from the way Archer looked at her that he’d like to be more than friends. I don’t say that, though.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Beth says. “I think it’ll be really good for you. And for him.” She nods at the boys.
“You mean Max?”
“Him as well.”
I don’t have time to reply. Archer is still unclipping Cookie and lifting her off the table. Cullen and Max are making their way to the door. We smile as they come out, Ghost at their feet.
“The morning meeting should be over now,” Cullen says. “Shall we head over to the clinic?”
“Sure.” I smile at Beth, and we hug a final time. “See you later.”
“Have a great day.”
Max and I follow Cullen and Ghost out of the gate and along the path that leads behind the Ark to the clinic on the other side.
We’re halfway there when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I turned it off yesterday when I left, and only turned it back on this morning.
I take it out and check the screen. It’s Rob.
“Sorry, I just need to take this,” I tell Cullen.
“No worries.” We’re close to a fence that runs around a paddock. A horse is looking over the gate beneath a large oaktree. “Come and talk to Hector,” Cullen says. “He was supposed to have been rehomed ages ago, but he lives here now.”
I answer the phone, watching them walk over to the gate. “Hello?”
“Where are you?” Rob demands. “I went around to your parents and you weren’t there, and they won’t tell me where you’ve gone.”
I jam my hand into my pocket, my shoulders tense. “I’ve gone away for a while.”
“What? Where?”
“Just away. Max and I need some time alone.”
