Moira patted his cheek affectionately. ‘As are you, darling.’
Skye scrabbled around, clearly trying to get in on the action, and Sam bent down to scratch her ears.
‘She needs a walk.’ Clara checked her phone. ‘Have I got time to take her before you go?’
‘Yes.’ Moira nodded. ‘Claire’s still getting the girls ready.’
‘And Kaleb and Jacob are still in bed.’ Sam checked the time. ‘Though I suspect they’re awake. I’ll get them up in a minute.’
‘I’ll go now then,’ Clara said. ‘And I’ll be back in about half an hour.’
‘We’ll see you then.’ Moira gave her another hug.
Skye ran to Clara, circling her feet as she lifted the lead. ‘I’ll be as quick as I can.’ Her eyes met Sam’s.
He nodded, trying to ignore the pang in his chest at her departure. ‘Be safe,’ he said.
‘I will.’ She waved goodbye and headed off.
Sam took a deep breath, feeling oddly at sea and a little bereft. He glanced up to find his mum watching him. She opened her arms, and he leaned into her embrace, suddenly feeling like a small boy again.
‘I love you, Mum,’ he murmured into her hair.
‘I love you too, my darling boy.’ She patted his back. ‘You know—’ Her voice faltered. ‘Your father would be so proud of the man you’ve become.’
Sam swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat. ‘I hope so.’
‘Oh, he would.’ She pulled back and gripped his upper arms. ‘You’re so much like him. The way you care for others, your strength, your kindness. And as you’ve got older, you look more and more like him. It’s like seeing him again sometimes.’
He nodded, almost able to hear his father’s laugh, feel the warmth of his bear hugs.
‘I remember him so well.’ A smile tugged at his lips. ‘Sometimes it seems like yesterday he was here, and other days, it feels like an age ago.’
‘I feel exactly the same.’
They stood quietly for a moment, the gentle breeze rustling through the nearby trees. The sun had climbed higher in the sky, but clouds lingered. Perhaps last night’s rain had only let up temporarily.
‘You know, Sam,’ his mum said. ‘I was just saying how I’d love to see you happy again. Properly happy.’
Sam’s heart clenched. He stared down at his feet. ‘I am happy, Mum. I’ve got the boys, I’ve got you and Claire, the girls…’
‘But that’s not quite the same, is it?’ She took his hand. ‘I want you to find someone who’ll truly love you as you deserve. Someone to share your life with.’
The lump in Sam’s throat grew, threatening to choke him. He blinked rapidly, took a deep breath, then slowly released it. ‘Mum, I…’ His voice cracked. ‘I think I might have found that person.’
His mother’s eyes widened. ‘Clara?’
‘Of course. Who else?’ Sam nodded, then exhaled again, trying to maintain his composure.
‘Oh, my darling boy.’ His mum squeezed his hand.
‘But it’s not simple,’ Sam continued. ‘It’s not like we can just up and start a relationship. She’s loved someone else for a long time. I’m just… I’m just helping her get through that. The situation with Olive has made everything so difficult. I haven’t dared to think about relationships.’
‘I know, son.’ Moira raised an eyebrow. ‘But she likes you an awful lot. Don’t let go of that.’
‘So, do you think I should consider staying here – even if Olive moves away?’
‘There’s no right or wrong option but talk to the boys. They might be ok with the idea of you staying here. This is a good house after all, and they’re both getting older. In a few years, they might get part-time jobs or have other things on at weekends. You might end up not seeing them as frequently anyway. But during holidays you can spend longer periods with them, just like you do with us.’
