‘I thought I’d pop by and show you,’ she went on as he gazed at her distractedly.
Adam took a second to answer. Then, ‘Sorry, Kim.’ He shook his head and mustered up a smile. ‘Miles away.’
‘I gathered. Anything I can help with?’ Kim asked as he stepped out to help her with the pushchair.
‘Not really. A few problems, that’s all. I’m sure it will all sort itself out.’
Kim nodded, though she doubted it would without a little intervention. In her experience, if you wanted a problem solved, then you had to be proactive, as she was. ‘I’ve probably splurged a bit more than I should,’ she chatted on as he closed the door behind her. ‘I couldn’t resist, though. You’ll see why when I show you.’
‘Weren’t you meeting up with Cassie today?’ Adam asked, his brow creasing into a frown as he helped her unhook her bags from the handles of the pushchair.
‘I was,’ Kim said, ‘but Samuel had a touch of the sniffles, so I rang her and postponed. The nurse said it was nothing to worry about when I popped into the surgery, though, so I went on to the shops afterwards.’
‘Ah.’ Adam nodded. ‘And is he all right now?’ He looked concerned for the baby. He really was a caring man.
‘Bright as a button, as you can see,’ Kim assured him as, after glancing at her to check it was okay, he bent to lift Samuel out. Handling him carefully, he nestled him in the crook of his arm, a smile lighting his eyes as he gazed down at him. Kim reflected again on what a good father he would have been and how much he must have given up for Cassie’s sake. She wondered whether Cassie appreciated it. Appreciated him. Because looking at him now, seeing the quiet longing in his eyes, it was obvious he had wanted children of his own, dearly. He was possibly still mourning the baby he’d lost, as well as Josh.
‘Hey, little guy, have you been worrying your mum, hey?’ he asked, crooking a finger to stroke Samuel’s peachy cheek. Samuel jiggled his arms and chuckled delightedly. From the mouths of babes, as they said. Plainly Samuel rated Adam too.
‘I can’t wait to show Cassie the things I’ve bought.’ Kim glanced expectantly past him towards the kitchen.
Adam’s face clouded over. ‘Ah, sorry. She’s not feeling too well. She’s taken a sleeping pill and gone to bed early. She’ll be sad she’s missed you, but it’s probably best not to wake her.’
‘Oh no.’ Kim looked at him, alarmed. ‘Is she okay? She’s not poorly, is she?’
Adam shook his head. ‘No. She hasn’t been sleeping much, that’s all. I’m sure the rest will do her good.’
Kim nodded slowly. ‘Right, well…’ She glanced at him uncertainly. ‘I’ll call back then, shall I?’
‘You could. I think she’s home all day tomorrow. Since you’re here, though, you might want to show me,’ he suggested. ‘I’m possibly not the authority on baby clothes that Cassie is, but I’d love to see them.’
Kim hesitated. She didn’t want to appear blasé about the fact that Cassie had taken to her bed.
‘I was just about to put the kettle on,’ Adam added. ‘And I believe we have chocolate cake, if you fancy a slice.’
Kim eyed him. ‘You’re not trying to tempt me by any chance, are you?’
‘Absolutely,’ Adam assured her, his mouth curving into a smile as he nodded towards the kitchen.
Laughing, Kim followed him. ‘I’ll do it,’ she offered, heading for the kettle. ‘You’re going to struggle with your arms full of baby.’
‘I think your mother might be doubting my multi-tasking skills, Samuel, but we’ll let her off, shall we?’ Adam’s amused gaze was on the baby, who was searching his face and babbling excitedly. Kim watched in awe as Samuel stretched out a hand, which Adam caught, lowering his head to press a soft kiss to it.
‘He looks a lot like Josh, doesn’t he?’ she ventured, as Adam studied him with the same sense of wonder he always did.
His expression darkening, he took a second to answer. ‘Very much,’ he said hoarsely.
Kim’s heart ached for him. She wanted to go to him, to comfort him, but sensed that wouldn’t be a good move when he was clearly working to control his emotions. Emotions that would be in turmoil with everything coming at him. ‘Are you okay, Adam?’ she asked gently.
He attempted to compose himself, smiling for Samuel’s benefit. ‘Fine,’ he answered, his voice tight.
‘Are you sure?’ Kim pressed. He was visibly upset. She hadn’t come here with the intention of upsetting him further.
‘Positive.’ Adam looked up at her, and Kim felt her heart constrict. He had tears in his eyes. She’d never seen a grown man cry before. ‘I, er…’
His voice cracked as he trailed off, and she went to him. How could she not? ‘It’s okay, Adam,’ she said, sliding a comforting arm around his shoulders.
‘Damn.Sorry. Do you think you could…?’ Heaving in a breath, Adam nodded down at Samuel.
