All three of them exchange a look, then burst into a round of applause, complete with wolf whistles.
Tommy laughs. “Yeah, yeah. Funny, guys.”
It doesn’t stop them, especially when the kids run into the kitchen and join in, although I’m sure they haven’t a clue what they’re clapping for. At last, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Josh runs towards me before jumping into my arms. “Mummy, I missed you.”
It’s so cute when Ozzie copies him. “Daddy, I missed you.”
“Hey, bud. Did you have a fun night?” Tommy asks him.
He nods vigorously and my heart explodes when Tommy turns to Josh, who is still hugging me tight. “How about you, buddy? Did you have fun with your friends?”
Josh beams. “We had the best time! Can we play football now, Uncle Tommy?”
“Give me five, bud. I need a coffee first, then I’m all yours, okay?”
“Kay.”
“And me, Daddy.”
“Of course, Oz. You’re my number one striker.”
His little fist punches the air. “Yes!”
I settle Josh back down on the ground and Tommy does the same with Ozzie but doesn’t get up. Instead, he crouches beside them. “Even better, why don’t you ask Zoe and the twins if they want to play?”
“Okay. Let’s go, Oz,” Josh says as both boys run off upstairs in search of the girls.
“Since when do you play football?” I ask him.
“I can play.”
“Yeah. Anyone can play against a couple of five-year-olds, but let me warn you, you haven’t come up against my girls yet.” Ash smirks.
Tommy is about to give him the finger, but there’s a spark in his eyes. Maybe he realised any one of five kids couldcome running inside. “For that, you’re playing too. Then we’ll see who the star football player is.”
“I’m beginning to regret what I said.” Ash huffs.
“Come sit down, and I’ll get you both a coffee,” Calla smiles. “I want to know everything,” she whispers with a wink, as she passes by me.
“So, it’s all systems go for you two?” Max seems eager for information.
“Yes, Max. It is.” I have a stupid grin on my face, and Tommy’s equally goofy grin beams back at me. “You were worth the wait, babe.”
Max sticks his fingers down his throat and pretends to gag. We all laugh, but something inside tells me he’s looking for someone to love. There’s only so much sleeping around one man can do, surely.
“Ignore him. He’s just jealous.” Tommy has no idea how true his words could be, and when there’s no retort from Max, sadness washes over me. Everyone should experience true love. I hope he gets what he wants one day.
Calla sits down, placing our coffee in front of us. “Well, I couldn’t be happier for you both.”
I just want to kiss Tommy forever when he takes control of the conversation.
“We’re not insensitive to the fact you lost your brother, Cal, and that his wife is finding happiness elsewhere. We don’t want to upset you or Ash by rubbing this whole thing in your face.”
Calla reaches across the table and takes his hand. “Thank you for saying that. It means a lot.”
“Yeah,” Ash joins in. “Thanks, man.”
