‘Who’s this then?’ asked Owen.
Vicky swallowed hard. ‘My daughter, Eden. Sorry, I need to take her home.’
‘I’m not that bad,’ said Eden, slapping on a huge grin. ‘It’ll be fireworks soon and I reeeeeeeally want to see the guys get all burned up. Please can we stay?’
Vicky looked from Eden to Owen. ‘Fine, stay with Blythe while I speak to this man.’
*
There was a whistle from the PA system followed by a crackly announcement that the fireworks were about to start. The children were fizzing with excitement. More people came over to where Blythe and Sam were standing, making Sam move closer to Blythe. She looked up and he smiled down at her. Something in her stomach flipped. A hush descended and people moved even closer. Sam ended up standing behind Blythe. For a moment she imagined what it would be like if he wrapped his arms around her.
The first fireworks erupted into the night sky and showered down silver sparkles as the crowd oohed and ahhed. A series of rockets whooshed into the air and split into red stars.
Blythe felt Sam’s breath on her neck before she heard him. ‘Why aren’t there any bangs?’ he asked.
‘Child- and pet-friendly,’ explained Blythe.
He looked impressed. ‘Turpin will be very pleased.’ They grinned at each other and another series of whooshes drew their attention back to the display.
‘Blythe, can I sit down?’ asked Eden.
‘You won’t be able to see the fireworks too well from the grass and you’ll get a damp bum.’
Eden stuck her bottom lip out. ‘I can lift you onto my shoulders if you’d like,’ offered Sam.
‘Please.’ Eden looked taken with Sam.
‘That okay?’ asked Sam.
‘Sure. It’s really kind of you.’
Sam took hold of Eden’s waist and lifted her up. Immediately she screamed. And it most definitely wasn’t a scream of excitement.
Sam returned Eden to the ground and she crumpled into a ball clutching her stomach. He eased her into the recovery position and checked her pulse.
Vicky was there in a flash. ‘What the hell? What did you do?’ snapped Vicky.
‘Nothing,’ said Sam. ‘I was just lifting her and…’
‘What hurts, sweetie?’ asked Vicky, her mum voice back in place.
Eden let out a low groan. ‘Tummy.’ Her cheeks were very pale.
Leonora appeared wearing her first aider’s luminous tabard. As a retired nurse she was more than qualified for the job. She crouched down next to Eden and after what appeared to be a quick scan she turned to the anxious watching faces. ‘We need to get her to hospital.’
‘I’ll call an ambulance,’ said Blythe.
‘It would be quicker if someone drove her straight there,’ said Leonora.
‘I’ve been drinking,’ said Blythe, feeling awful that she couldn’t help.
‘I’ll run and get my car,’ said Sam. ‘We can sat nav the hospital.’
‘My car is just over there and I know the shortest route,’ said Owen. ‘I’ll take her.’ His words were framed more as a question to Vicky.
Everyone paused for a second to await her response.
‘Go!’ instructed Leonora forcefully.
