Moira laughed, and Clara saw Sam’s likeness in her bright blue eyes. ‘Sounds frightening indeed. I’ve never tried pumpkins actually. We grew marrows for a while, but they’re a rather useless vegetable and I don’t like the taste of them much, so maybe I’m prejudiced against them.’
‘I don’t think they have a lot of flavour on their own,’ Sam said. ‘But they’re good in things.’
‘Like competitions.’ Moira gave Clara a little smile. ‘If you can grow them big enough.’ She flicked on the kettle. ‘Take a seat outside, my sweethearts, and I’ll make some tea. Or coffee if you’d rather. I hope you like lemon drizzle cake.’
‘Love it.’ Clara saw the cake sitting on the worktop enclosed with a mesh cover. ‘And that looks amazing. Is that your job? Are you a baker?’
‘Oh no, nothing like that. I’m retired now, but I used to be a teacher too. Primary though. The two of you are very brave doing high schools. I always found the older kids too cheeky.’
‘They can be that,’ Clara agreed.
‘Shall I take the cake out?’ Sam asked.
‘Yes, if you don’t mind. And maybe some plates and cutlery.’
‘I can get them,’ Clara said. ‘Just point me in the right direction.’
‘So kind.’ Moira told her where to find them, and Clara got them out before following Sam outside to the little wooden table in the garden.
‘I love your mum.’ Clara beamed at him. ‘She’s so like you.’
He shook his head. ‘I think if anything, it’s the other way around. She was like she is long before me.’
‘Well, whichever way it is, you’re both brilliant.’
‘Here we go.’ Moira came out with a couple of mugs. ‘Let me just grab my own.’
Clara and Sam took seats next to each other, and Moira joined them moments later.
‘Claire’s popping over later with the girls, so you’ll see them too.’
‘I can’t wait to see them again.’ Sam lifted his mug.
‘And I’m looking forward to meeting them.’ Clara took a sip of coffee.
‘You’ll see them again next month too.’ Moira lifted the cover from the cake. ‘We’re coming up to Scotland for the half term. We haven’t seen Sam’s house in the unpronounceable village yet, and it’s his birthday in May. I know the Scottish schools don’t get a full week off, but Claire has managed to get that week, so we thought we’d use it for a trip, even if we only see Sam in the evenings and at the long weekend. Sam’s so good about coming down here every year. It’s been a while since we’ve been up, and I’ve heard his house is lovely.’
‘It is a beautiful house, though I’ve only seen the outside. And I’m sure I’d love to see you all again.’ Clara glanced at Sam. ‘If you don’t mind.’ She patted his arm.
‘Of course I don’t.’
‘The girls might not be up for sharing him much. They just adore their Uncle Sam.’ His mum gave him a little nudge. ‘Such a good boy.’ She smiled fondly. ‘Always so gentle and kind.’
‘Mum, you’re making me blush.’
Clara raised her eyebrows at him, a small grin teasing her lips. ‘She’s right though.’
Sam laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. ‘I might leave the table for a bit.’
‘Oh, my darling.’ His mum sank a knife into the cake.
Clara took another sip of her coffee, then grinned at Sam, whose cheeks were pink just above the soft hairs of his beard.
‘And I didn’t know it was your birthday in May,’ she added.
‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘It’s not even a big one or anything.’
‘Still,’ his mum said, handing Clara a piece of cake. ‘We haven’t seen him on his birthday for so long. And we want to come up.’ She ruffled his hair. ‘We all love you so much.’
