‘This’ll do.’ He pulled out the picnic rug and gave it a shake. His mum and Claire helped spread it out.
Kaleb flopped down, propping himself up on his elbows. ‘I’m starving.’
‘You’re always starving.’ Sam moved the bag out of his way. ‘But we’re not eating until Clara’s here, so hold your horses.’
‘When’s she coming?’ Alisha asked.
‘She’ll be here soon,’ Sam replied. ‘We’re a bit early.’
‘I thought you said we were running late.’ Kaleb frowned.
Sam gave him a pointed look. ‘It’s the only way to get you out of the house in time.’
Claire shielded her eyes from the sun, looking out over the glen. The River Briar snaked through the hills, and Loch Briar gleamed in the distance. ‘This place is stunning.’
‘That’s where we were yesterday.’ Sam pointed to the far side of the loch. He’d happily settle here forever, though that wouldn’t be in his power for quite a few years yet.
‘The whole area is just stunning.’ Claire’s eyes looked like they were feasting on it.
Moira put her hand on Sam’s arm. ‘I know things are uncertain, but I’ve got a good feeling.’
‘What about?’
‘Your future here.’
‘I wish I had your optimism.’
‘You’ve moved before, and it worked out fine,’ Claire said.
‘But he didn’t have Clara then,’ Moira said.
‘Listen, Clara and I are just really good friends. We both know the score. I’ve always been upfront with her.’
His mum gave him a little hug. ‘I know what a lovely friend she is. But I think we all know she could be a lot more if you allowed it.’
Claire raised an eyebrow. ‘It’s kind of obvious how much you two like each other.’
He sighed, glancing away. ‘I’m not denying that. But her life is here, and mine might not be. I don’t want to inflict my lifestyle on her.’
His mum swept her hand in front of herself like she was sweeping his words away. ‘How does she feel about it?’
‘She doesn’t feel anything about it. She and I are friends. There are other things going on too. Things I can’t tell you about because they’re not mine to tell. But Clara isn’t looking for anything else from me.’
He’d been there for her through the Kerr business, and he’d stand by her through the other issues she was having if she wanted to confide in him – and even if she didn’t. He’d always support her. When they both wanted an outlet for physical love, they’d been there for each other. Of course, if they put that together with their friendship, it made a great base for a romantic relationship, but he couldn’t allow himself to think like that.
His mum tilted her head. ‘If you say so.’
‘I do.’
She didn’t push further, instead bending down and lifting one of the picnic bags to pull out a container of sandwiches. ‘Well, let’s get this all set up for your birthday treat.’
‘There’s Clara.’ Kaleb pointed, and Sam looked over.
‘Hello, everyone.’ Clara waved enthusiastically. Her smile was radiant as always, and everyone waved back and called out to her.
‘Hey.’ Sam bent over and tickled Skye. ‘You’d think I hadn’t seen you for several years.’
When he straightened up, Clara grinned at him.
