Sam went inside to get the drinks, and Moira leaned forward. ‘So, Clara, how have you been? How is school?’
‘Very busy. The exams start next week, and lots of pupils need some extra support. How about you? How was the drive up? It’s such a long way.’
Claire groaned dramatically. ‘It was fine except for the bit around Birmingham.’
‘That was frustrating.’ Moira shook her head. ‘It was constant stop-start for about an hour.’
Sam returned, balancing a tray of glasses. He distributed the drinks before taking a seat next to Clara, their knees brushing slightly as he settled in.
‘At least you’re all here safely now.’ He took a sip of his drink.
‘When will we see the lovely boys?’ Moira asked. ‘Alisha and Mina have many plans.’
‘Tomorrow. I’ll go and get them in the morning, and they’ll stay over until Monday for the bank holiday. I’ve asked Olive if they can come back on Friday night to see you before you leave the day after, but she’s not sure it fits in with something she’s got planned. But they’ll get two days together at least.’
‘That’s good they can be here on Monday for your birthday.’ Moira patted his arm.
Sam nodded.
‘And will you join us, Clara?’ Moira smiled at her.
‘I can do, yes. If—’ She glanced at Sam.
‘Of course you can.’
‘I’m not even sure what to do for your birthday,’ Moira went on. ‘What would you like to do?’
‘I don’t really know,’ Sam said. ‘Nothing too fancy.’
‘Why don’t we go to the park beside the tennis courts in Glenbriar?’ Clara suggested. ‘We could have a picnic there. It has a viewpoint, and the kids could play on the equipment there.’
‘That sounds wonderful,’ Moira said. ‘Do you like that idea, son?’
‘Absolutely. Let’s do it.’
Clara found his hand under the table and squeezed it. He glanced over at her and smiled. What she wouldn’t give for a lifetime of those smiles.
As the afternoon unfolded, Clara relaxed back into the company of Sam’s family. It was like being back with old friends, not meeting people she’d only met once before. Alisha and Mina, having tired themselves out chasing Skye, sprawled on a picnic blanket nearby, playing a game that involved putting on American accents.
Moira chatted about their trip, and Claire chimed in every now and then though she kept yawning.
‘Scottish air wears me out,’ she said, stifling another one.
Sam’s deep chuckle resonated beside Clara. ‘It’s Scottish weather you have to watch out for,’ he told his sister. ‘Four seasons in one day, though it’s lovely today.’
‘Don’t jinx it.’ Claire eyeballed him.
They talked long and enjoyed the sunshine that didn’t seem in any danger of vanishing despite Sam’s warnings. Much later, as the sun began its descent, Clara realised with a start that it must be after nine.
‘I think I should head home,’ she said. ‘It’s late.’
‘Can’t you stay?’ Moira asked.
Sam nodded. ‘You’re welcome to.’
‘I have nothing with me.’
Moira patted her arm. ‘Well, I hope we’ll see you tomorrow.’
