Sam furrowed his brow. ‘It’s really none of my mum’s business. Our relationship, our future – that’s between us.’
Clara nodded, but her fingers played with the hem of her damp T-shirt. ‘I guess.’
Sam reached over, taking her hand in his and giving it a squeeze. ‘My mum won’t mind. Not in the way you’re thinking. She’ll be upsetforyou if you choose to tell her because she cares about you. But disappointed? No.’
Moira and Claire were at the door waiting when they got back. Seeming to not care that Clara was still damp, they pulled her in for hugs.
Mina and Alisha were soon fussing over Skye and drying her out, and Kaleb and Jacob peered out of the kitchen.
‘I’m so glad you’re safe.’ Moira let go of Clara and hugged Sam. ‘Both of you.’
‘What happened?’ Claire put her hand on Clara’s shoulder as she explained how she’d been held up. As she got to the end of her story, she glanced at Sam, and he gave a one-shoulder shrug.
‘What?’ Moira looked between the two of them. ‘Did something else happen after that?’
‘Yes.’ Sam looked at Clara. ‘We got together.’
‘You did!’ Kaleb whooped. ‘My god, I knew it. Didn’t I tell you?’ He nudged Jacob, then the two of them barrelled into Sam.
‘Mum’s got a boyfriend and Dad’s got a girlfriend,’ Jacob said. ‘That’s all we need.’ He gave a theatrical eye roll that made everyone laugh.
Kaleb turned and hugged Clara. ‘Hello, wicked stepmum,’ he said. The laughter increased.
‘Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves,’ Sam said.
‘This is the best news.’ Claire engulfed both Sam and Clara in a tight hug. ‘I’m so happy for you both.’
‘Yes, this is wonderful.’ Moira came over to join the hug, her eyes a little shiny. ‘I can’t imagine a more precious and wonderful girl for my boy, and I just know you’re going to be so happy together.’
Sam linked eyes with Clara and smiled. Yes. His mum was right. As always. And really, he was delighted about it.
Chapter Thirty-One
Clara
The school car park was a flurry of activity as Clara pulled her car into it on Monday morning and searched for a space.
‘This is what happens when we’re late,’ Sam said.
‘We’re not late.’ Clara checked the time.
‘Late for us. We’re normally the first ones in.’
She smiled. The extra-curricular activities that morning were much more fun than an extra coffee. But when Sam had got an upset message from Kaleb, they’d been held up even longer.
Apparently, Kaleb had argued with his mum about moving in the future. Sam had attempted to smooth it out by text, but she could tell he was still anxious.
When they got out of the car, Clara adjusted her bag on her shoulder, casting a glance at Sam.
‘Are you ok?’ She raised her eyebrows.
‘Fine, yeah. I’m just worried for the boys. Kaleb said Olive had told them she applied for something last week. A permanent job… but he didn’t say where. What if it’s London or somewhere even further?’
She took his hand and squeezed it. ‘I’m so sorry, but I’ll do anything you need.’ Letting go of his hand, she glanced around. ‘Oops, people will be suspicious.’
‘So what? I’m ready to confess.’
Before she could respond, Lissa’s loud, exuberant voice rang out.
