Chapter 34
It was Sunday, the day of the family meal at Jack’s parents’ house. He still didn’t know how to feel about it. Once his mother had eventually finished her visit, very little time was left for what he and Tara had had planned, more’s the pity. It did give him chance though to speak to her about the dinner though.
‘You really don’t have to come, that is, if you don’t want to.’ Then realising how that might sound, quickly added, ‘What I mean is, don’t feel pressured into it.’ He’d given a cheerful smile, to show no offence would be taken if she declined the invite. But to his surprise, Tara had merely shrugged.
‘I’m fine about it, as long as you are?’ She’d eyed him closely, gauging his reaction.
Was she challenging him? They looked each other in the eye. Jack blinked first.
‘Of course I am,’ he replied. And he was. More than anything, Jack was keen to see how Tara and his dad responded to each other.
One thing for sure, the day promised to be an interesting one, reflected Jack as he headed out of his house to pick Tara up.
Tara had dropped Calum off at his friend’s for the day and was due to collect him early evening. She was glad, as it gave her an excuse to leave Jack’s parents’ should she need one. Whilst not anticipating confrontation of any kind, a part of her was naturally apprehensive. And with good reason. But she could feel herself growing extremely close to Jack now and knew it was inevitable she’d be expected to face his father at some point. A family meal was probably going to be the best scenario, when everyone, including his wife, was there. Austin Knowles definitely wouldn’t want to cause a scene, it was inhisinterestnot to, not hers. Above all, Tara felt vindicated in her actions. She was not the villain, far from it. She’d simply acted with the best intention.
Tara chose to wear smart but casual clothes. Conscious of not wanting to look like she’d overly made an effort, giving the occasion too much gravitas, she’d plumped for khaki trousers and a cream T-shirt. When Jack arrived, she was glad to see him in just jeans and a T-shirt too. Obviously it wasn’t going to be a formal affair.
They drove in a companiable silence, each deep in their thoughts. As expected, Jack’s mum gave them a big welcome.
‘Lovely to see you again!’ she cried, kissing their cheeks. ‘We’re in the garden. Come and join us.’
Jack and Tara followed her down the hall and through the lounge patio doors.
‘Everyone, meet Tara!’ she announced with gusto.
Natalie was first up off her deckchair. ‘Hi, Tara, I’m Jack’s sister, Natalie,’ she said, holding her hand out.
‘Pleased to meet you, Natalie, and congratulations,’ smiled Tara.
‘Oh, thanks. Another to add to the brood,’ she joked, nodding towards her two boys, who were busy kicking a football with her husband. He waved up at them and shouted over.
‘Hi, Tara, I’m Steve!’
‘Hi!’ called back Tara.
‘Where’s Dad?’ asked Jack, surprised not to see him.
‘He’s had to pop out,’ said his mum, rolling her eyes. ‘Something urgent came up at the office.’
Jack frowned. What could be so ‘urgent’ on a Sunday at the office? His suspicions rose.
‘Uncle Jack, come and play!’ shouted his nephews.
‘Yeah, give me a break,’ said Steve, laughing as he came to join them.
Jack smiled at Tara. ‘Fancy a kick-about?’
Tara shook her head. ‘I don’t think so.’
‘Of course she doesn’t,’ scolded his mum, then turned to Tara. ‘Go and sit down. I’ll get the drinks. Prosecco OK?’
‘Oh, lovely, thanks,’ replied Tara, feeling the need for alcohol. Soon she was sat next to Natalie sipping a very welcome glass of fizz.
‘Jack’s told me all about your amazing delivery of Robin’s twins,’ gushed Natalie.
‘Ididn’t deliver them, thank goodness, just rang the air ambulance,’ said Tara.
‘Just? You saved the day,’ replied Natalie incredulously. Then she turned at seeing her dad walk through the patio doors into the garden. Tara quickly turned too. Suddenly Jack was next to her.
