‘Yeah. I’m fine,’ Sam said, but his smile was faker than any of their dates had been.
There wasn’t much time now before the May half term. For Glenbriar, like most Scottish schools, it was only a long weekend, but the English schools got a whole week, and Sam’s family would soon be arriving. Despite the weird limbo-like state Clara found herself in with Sam, she was delighted when he messaged her to check that she still wanted to see his family.
They decided she’d come over on the Saturday of their arrival to help get the house ready.
‘This wasn’t my best idea.’ Sam laughed as Clara was almost swallowed whole by a kingsize duvet cover as she tried to wrestle it onto the duvet. ‘You’re too short.’ He helped her out of it, and they caught each other’s eyes, giggling like old times.
‘And you’re too cheeky.’
He smirked. ‘I wish I had more time to get this place in better shape.’
‘It looks fine. It’s quaint.’
‘That’s one way to put it.’ He scrubbed his hand over his face as he took in the old-fashioned windows and outdated carpet.
‘At least it’s clean.’ Clara came over and hugged him. ‘And very welcoming.’
Later in the day, a silver car pulled into the driveway, and Moira and Claire got out, stretching while Alisha and Mina tumbled out of the backseat.
‘Uncle Sam!’ Alisha cried, spotting him first. She broke into a run, her long dark hair swishing behind her as she launched herself into his arms. Sam caught her, spinning her around as she giggled.
Mina, not to be outdone, rushed over as well, wrapping her arms around Sam’s legs. ‘We missed you, Uncle Sam!’
‘I missed you too, munchkins.’ His face lit up as he ruffled Mina’s shiny hair.
Clara sucked on her lower lip. He was so beautiful with kids. He clearly loved these girls, just as he loved his sons. And he cared about the kids in the school. He made no distinction about whose kids they were, and she respected that so hard. She understood his desire to go wherever his boys went. And she also understood his desire for more. It wasn’t just about the desire to care for them and raise them but about leaving a legacy. Kids without his DNA wouldn’t be added to his family tree or carry on his family bloodline.
And I can’t do that with him.
Moira approached, her arms outstretched, wearing a plain white top and a pretty lilac scarf. ‘Clara. So lovely to see you here.’ She enveloped Clara in a warm hug, a faint floral scent clinging to her. As she pulled back, she held Clara at arm’s length, her eyes twinkling. ‘I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Not that I’m complaining, of course. It’s delightful.’
‘It’s wonderful to see you too. I hope you don’t mind me crashing your family gathering.’
‘Nonsense.’ Moira patted Clara’s arm. ‘You’re always welcome in our family, sweetheart.’
Claire joined them, greeting Clara with a quick hug. ‘Hey, you, so glad you’re here.’
Before Clara could respond, some excited squeals erupted from behind them. Alisha and Mina had noticed Skye, who was wagging her tail and eagerly sniffing at their feet.
‘Aw!’ Alisha dropped to her knees to pet Skye. ‘Can we play with her?’
‘Of course,’ Clara said with a smile.
‘Come into the garden.’ Sam put his arm around his mum. ‘I’ll get your bags upstairs later. Plenty of time for that.’
‘What a beautiful place,’ Moira said as they all made their way into the garden. ‘And the view. Goodness me. It’s gorgeous.’
Skye bounded ahead, her tail wagging furiously as Alisha and Mina chased after her, their laughter ringing out like wind chimes in the warm breeze.
Sam led the way, pointing out various landmarks to his mum. Clara fell into step beside Claire, who gave her a little side hug.
‘It’s so nice to see you. It really is.’
As they reached the slightly uneven patio, Sam gestured to the seats with their plush cushions.
‘Make yourselves at home,’ he said in his deep voice. ‘Can I get anyone a drink? We’ve just had a delivery, so I can offer you pretty much everything.’
The word ‘we’ wasn’t lost on Clara, and she suspected Moira and Claire had picked up on it too, though neither reacted. Clara would love to imagine this was the start of a whole new chapter in her life, but in reality, it was the opposite. What she had with Sam just now felt so flimsy, she was barely able to keep hold of the remnants of it. But she clung on for dear life, squeezing out every last second she had with him.
