‘Top up anyone?’ asked Pat, offering out a bottle of wine.
‘I’d better get Bertie into bed,’ I said, ‘but if there’s still some left by the time I come back down, I’ll join you in a nightcap.’
Bertie let out a dramatic yawn, stretching out his arms above his head. ‘I’m too tired to walk upstairs.’
‘You’re too big for me to carry, so you’ll have to. Come on.’ I held out a hand, but Bertie curled up into a ball, his fake snoring causing laughter among the assembled adults.
‘How about I help you up there?’ said Seb. ‘Has anyone ever given you a fireman’s carry?’
Bertie uncurled himself and frowned at Seb. ‘What’s a fireman’s carry?’
‘Stand up and I’ll show you. That is, if you’re not too tired to stand.’
Bertie climbed off his bean bag and stood in front of Seb. In one swift movement, Seb had a giggling Bertie thrown over his shoulder. Rather than despairing that I’d never get Bertie settled after the excitement, I relished the sound of his giggle. It was wonderful to see the recent change in him, from a quiet, brooding young boy, to one whose eyes sparkled, and who jumped out of bed each morning, desperate to see what the new day would hold.
I wasn’t stupid, I knew we were in a honeymoon phase at Lowen Farm and soon the realities of life would encroach on our state of happiness, but I intended to embrace every second while it lasted. It was the least we deserved after our recent stress.
Once in our bedroom, Seb leaned forward and lowered Bertie down. He pulled off his shoes and brought the duvet up to his chin.
‘Can I have a story?’
Seb looked at me. ‘No,’ I said, ‘it’s way past your bedtime. You’ll be in a terrible grump tomorrow if you don’t get to sleep now.’
‘What are we doing tomorrow?’
‘I don’t know yet.’
‘Actually,’ said Seb, ‘I need to go into town in the morning to run some errands. There’s a train from town straight to thebeach. I wondered if you and Bertie would like to come with me? It seems a shame you’ve not seen any of the local area yet.’
‘Ooh yes please,’ said Bertie, answering for both of us.
I laughed. ‘It doesn’t look like I’ve got much choice.’
‘Goodnight, Bertie,’ said Seb, ruffling his hair. ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’
‘Good night,’ said Bertie, his words caught in a loud yawn.
I walked over and kissed Bertie’s cheek. ‘Will you be OK here if I go downstairs for a little while?’
‘Mmm,’ said Bertie, already drifting towards sleep.
‘Are you sure you want us tagging along with you tomorrow?’ I asked Seb once we were back downstairs.
‘I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t. Bertie’s a great kid, which must make you a great mum, by the way.’
‘Thank you. Are you staying for another drink?’
‘No, I’d best get home.’
I hid my disappointment behind a smile. ‘OK, I’ll see you in the morning.’
I joined the others and topped up my glass. Whilst I enjoyed being in their company, I struggled to concentrate on the conversation, my mind straying to the feeling of Seb’s hand in mine. I told myself it was the gesture of a friend, and nothing more. But every time my thoughts returned to that moment, a frisson of excitement caught me off guard.
‘I’m going to head to bed,’ I told my friends. They wished me goodnight, and I made my way upstairs, hoping that a good night’s sleep would clear my head of all the foolishness currently filling it.
Chapter Twenty-Four
‘Ready for an adventure?’ asked Seb. He was leaning against Harry’s Land Rover, looking smarter than usual with his newly trimmed beard and thick winter coat.
