‘Isn’t there?’ His eyebrows rose.
‘Let’s see how this one goes first.’
Ned’s grin took over his face as he looked forward again, his eyes going to his dogs, and then to something in the distance. Morgan followed his gaze.
‘There’s a big dog with its owner coming towards us. I’d better get these two on their leashes just to be sure. Laurel! Hardy!’
The little pugs turned immediately upon hearing their names and their little legs did ten to the dozen as they ran towards Ned.
‘They are very well-trained.’
Ned’s face radiated at Morgan’s comment. ‘Thank you.’ He went down on his haunches and swiftly clipped the leashes onto the dogs’ collars.
Morgan stained to see who the walker was, until she recognised a familiar gait. ‘I think it’s Declan.’
Sure enough, a minute later Declan drew nearer, his large dog also now restrained. He raised his hand in greeting. ‘Morning Ned. Morning Morgan.’
‘Morning Declan lad.’
‘Morning smiled Morgan. Is your dog a St Bernard?’
Declan nodded. ‘He is. Fernando loves a long walk on the beach.’ He looked down at Laurel and Hardy, who were unusually quiet as they stood next to each other, their already bulging eyes appearing to be even more prominent as they stared up at Fernando. ‘Don’t worry you two. He’s as soft as a box of frogs.’ Declan shuffled from foot to foot, then ruffledthe top of Fernando’s head. The big dog looked up at him, love exuding from his eyes for his owner.
Morgan laughed. ‘You appear to be a bag of tied up energy this morning Declan.’
‘Is it that obvious? Truth is, Tammy and I have recently traced down my biological mother.’ Morgan’s brow shot up. ‘You see, I was fostered from a young age.’
‘Oh, my goodness. I never knew,’ said Morgan.
‘Nobody did. I only told Tammy. Anyway, I’m going to see her this afternoon. I haven’t had any luck tracing my father yet. Apparently, they split up when I was young or something.’
‘How lovely that you’ve tracked her down. What is your mother’s name?’
‘Etain. She’s Irish.’
Morgan smiled sweetly. ‘That’s lovely, and quite unique.’
Ned dropped his head to one side on hearing it and frowned. ‘I actually knew an Irish girl named Etain, many, many years ago.’
‘Declan’s eyebrows shot up. ‘You did. Wow. I’ll tell mum about it. It will be a conversation starter if things are a little awkward between us.’
Ned nodded. ‘Good idea, you’ll have to let us know how it goes.’
Declan nodded. ‘I will... Right, best be off.’
Morgan reached out and wrapped her arms around him. ‘Good luck. I hope it all works out for you.’
Declan smiled through thin lips, his nerves appearing to get the better of him. ‘Me too. It’s a long time coming. Come on boy.’
Morgan and Ned watched him walk away.
‘He’s a nice lad,’ said Ned.
Morgan nodded. ‘He is. I really do hope it works out. I’d hate to see him upset. Tammy and he have been so happy since they started dating.’
‘Shall we continue on a little further?’
Just another minute or so Ned. I need to get an uber booked and head up to Poppy Farm. I have deliveries coming soon I need to be there for.’
