‘Why would we want to?’ Jim said.
‘Because sometimes losing is more fun. Life can be dull without challenge. When you fail, you learn from it.’
Jim stared at her. ‘Surely the objective of any game is to win.’
‘Not always,’ Greta said, picking up the ball and rolling it between her palms. ‘When you’re not focused on winning, you notice other moments that matter more.’
She paused and frowned, letting her own words sink in. Why hadn’t she seen things this way before?
Her gaze flicked to Jim, the man she’d loved for so long. This version of him was different, but not entirely. So much of him was still the same. His eyelashes curled at the tips, and his lips were as kissably plump as ever. He still had a tiny mole on his top lip, and a gap in his eyebrow that she used to like tracing with her fingers. It had beensolong since she’d done that.
And suddenly, she was done with waiting.
Her heartbeat thrummed softly in her chest as she stepped toward him.
Jim didn’t move. He just watched her as if waiting to see what she’d do next.
Reaching up, Greta gently traced her fingers along his jaw. He leaned into her touch, and her belly flooded with heat. She slid her other arm around his back, drawing him closer. Their bodies fitted together with ease, and the familiar sparkle in his eyes made her heart ache in the best way.
Jim’s lips curved into a surprised smile. ‘Well, hi,’ he murmured.
‘Hi, honey,’ Greta whispered back.
Birds sang in the distance and butterflies flitted around them, as if this was a scene from a Walt Disney film. Time seemed to stand still as they held each other, both lost in the moment.
Their lips drifted closer.
Greta could feel the heat from Jim’s fingertips through her dress and hear the quickening of his breath. Her pulse raced in anticipation.
But then . . . a long whistle broke the spell.‘Mum. Dad.Get a room,’ Lottie called out with a laugh.
Jim and Greta pulled apart, their eyes still drinking each other in. A kiss would have to wait. She pressed her cheek to his chest, laughing and holding him tight. Knowing, hoping, there would be many other moments like this. Everything here felt right. So long as her family were by her side, she was truly home.
After finishing the game of golf, Jim and Greta held hands and strolled with Lottie to a pleasant spot in the park where a large checked picnic blanket lay on the grass. Millie and Jefferson already lounged there, surrounded by a glorious spread of food. Sandwiches were stacked with precision in neat triangles, fruit glistened, and a coffee-and-walnut cake was cut into neat slices. A large silver Thermos took pride of place.
‘Hi, fancy seeing you here,’ Jim said.
‘Well, hello there, neighbour,’ Jefferson replied. ‘What a glorious day.’
‘My, you look beautiful today, Greta,’ Millie added, her own clothes and make-up as immaculate as ever. ‘You must join us for lunch. There’s plenty to go around.’
Jim, Greta, and Lottie thanked her and settled onto the grass. Greta was hungry after her tiny breakfast.
With a flourish, Millie picked up the Thermos, holding it up like an Oscar. ‘Ta-da,’ she announced. ‘Look what I’ve brought to accompany our picnic.’
‘How wonderful, darling,’ Jefferson said, his eyes glowing with admiration.
‘You’re welcome.’ Millie smile grew a bit too wide. ‘Though I think it’s your turn to cater for us next time . . .’
Jefferson shrank back as if he’d spotted a slug in the grass.‘Me?’
‘Yes. I’ve been noticing a few things recently, like how I always seem to make the coffee, and organise picnics. There should be more balance between us, don’t you think?’
Jefferson blinked several times, but Millie had already handed him the Thermos. ‘Do pour us all a coffee, won’t you, darling?’
Greta tried not to laugh as he fumbled with the lid.
‘Maple Gold, Greta?’ Jefferson offered, still looking startled.
