‘Check this out!’ Kaleb yelled from ahead. The roaring of the water was almost deafening now.
They emerged from the trees, and a huge waterfall cascaded down, clear and sparkling in the sunlight.
‘Stunning,’ Moira said. ‘What a beautiful place.’
Clara’s breath caught in her throat at the sight. The waterfall tumbled down moss-covered rocks, creating a misty veil that sparkled in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
‘It’s magical.’
Clara held Skye’s lead tightly as they got closer to the rail around the large, paved viewing area. Spray leapt up and hit her face, and Skye quivered slightly. Clara crouched down and cuddled her.
‘Is she ok?’ Sam bent down next to them.
‘This is quite scary for her.’
‘Shall I take her on? You stay for a bit and get some pictures.’
‘Aw, thank you.’
Sam took Skye, who trotted off happily with him, and Clara joined Moira and Claire in getting out her phone and snapping photos of the waterfall. Moira got the kids to pose in front of it, and they had fun pulling silly faces.
Once they’d snapped their fill, they began to walk again, Claire and Moira on either side of Clara.
‘Sam told me Olive is possibly moving on again,’ Moira said. ‘Is that what you were going to say before?’
‘Yes.’
‘So annoying,’ Claire said.
‘It’s very distressing for him.’ Moira shook her head with a long sigh. ‘Especially when he’s made such lovely friends here. I hope you’ll stay in touch with him if he has to leave. I know you’re very important to him.’
‘Of course I will.’ Clara gave her a reassuring pat on the arm.
Though staying in touch would never be the same as seeing him every day. Her heart was at breaking point. She didn’t want to fall too hard. She let out a little sigh. It was too late for that. This could be Kerr all over again, but much, much worse. Her love for Kerr had been one-sided, but this time…
Her eyes met Sam’s, and warmth radiated from him. This definitely wasn’t one sided, but the happy days were running out, and she needed to prepare herself.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sam
The following day, Sam lugged the picnic bag out of the boot, dodging Mina’s attempt to grab at it. The sun was shining brightly over the park behind the tennis courts. Perfect weather for his birthday.
‘Hang on, munchkin.’ He sidestepped her. ‘This bag’s bigger than you. Let’s not flatten you before we even start.’
‘I’m strong, Uncle Sam. I could totally carry it.’
‘Not as strong as me.’ Kaleb flexed his arm. ‘Look at these biceps. I’m fully ripped.’
‘Oh, please.’ Claire rolled her eyes. ‘What kind of silly word is that?’
‘Try working in a high school.’ Sam threw her a look. ‘Believe me, ripped is mild compared to some of the stuff we hear.’
Jacob laughed and shot Kaleb a look indicating they could both whip out a lot more colourful language if needed.
Sam checked around the park, his eyes searching for any sign of Clara. The way his soul ached without her was not a goodomen considering the strong probability that he’d be torn away from her in a few month’s time.
They reached a shady patch of grass under a wide oak tree, and Sam dumped the bag down.
