Ned held Declan by the shoulders at arm’s length and gazed upon his face with new eyes. ‘Disappointed? No. This is the best news I’ve ever received. I just wished I’d known about you from the start. I could have been there for Etain and you,to give her support financially and maybe mentally. We had a very brief relationship, but I would never have shunned my responsibilities.’
Declan shrugged. ‘It is what it is Ned. At least now we can make up for lost time.’
Morgan saw Ned choke back a sob, and seeing him upset physically and mentally affected her too. Her chest pulled tight, and tears fell freely. She moped them up with a tissue from her pocket and looked across to Tammy to see her doing the same. Tammy got to her feet and pulled out her mobile phone.
‘Let me take a photo to commemorate this special moment.’
Ned proudly put his arm around Declan’s shoulders as they stood side by side. Morgan got up and walked over to Tammy’s side to look at the men as the moment was captured forever.
‘That’s fantastic,’ said Ned after the photo was taken. He looked at Morgan and held his other arm up for her to join him by his side. ‘Morgan, I’d like a photo with you and Declan by my side.’
Morgan frowned. She couldn’t understand why he would want a photo with her and his newfound son on such a special occasion. Ned looked at Tammy. ‘And then can you do one of those timer things next to take a photo of us all together Tammy?’
Tammy nodded as she wiped away happy tears with the back of her hand. ‘Yes, I can Ned.’
Morgan walked over to Ned’s side feeling a little awkward. He put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him tightly. The hug instantly made all her apprehension wash away. She could feel by his tight grip he genuinely wanted her by his side. Her smile slid easily into place on her face with ease as Tammy took the photo before tapping onto the phone screen and then placing the phone on the mantle place.
Walking over to Declan’s side, Tammy shouted out excitedly. ‘We have about five seconds.’
Ned laughed. ‘I feel like I'm doing an advert selling toothpaste with this grin.’ Everyone laughed just as the flash went off.
Morgan turned to Ned and Declan. ‘Why don’t Tammy and I leave you alone for a while? You can have a long chat together.’
Ned nodded his head and looked at Declan. ‘I’d like that if you would...son. Is it alright to call you son? If it’s too soon, or if you feel weird being as we were just friends yesterday when we met on the beach, and now we’re suddenly blood related, I’ll understand if you don’t want me to.’
Declan nodded. ‘It’s okay with me...dad.’ They both laughed and took in deep breaths.
‘Can we go to my house though? I’d feel more comfortable.’
Declan nodded. ‘Yes. My motorbike is outside. I’ll drop Tammy back at the tearoom and come straight there.’
Ned nodded and turned to Morgan. ‘Shall I drop you home love?’
‘Actually, you can drop me at the tearoom as well. I’ll go and see Katherine.’
Ned patted Declan on the back. ‘See you in about fifteen minutes?’ Declan nodded.
Ned gestured for Morgan to head out and she smiled at Declan and Tammy and walked out of the sitting room to the front door, sensing Ned immediately behind her.
Outside in the car, Ned took a moment before he put the key in the ignition. Morgan reached across and placed a hand on his cheek. ‘Are you okay Ned? That was a lot to take in.’
He turned to look at her and nodded, his smile answering her question. ‘I’m made-up Morgan. I think I’m in shock, but I’m feeling ecstatic by the news.’
‘That’s truly wonderful Ned. I’m a little shocked as well, but I’m so pleased for you love.’
The engine fired up and they turned around and headed back down the hill towards the seafront in silence. Morgan stole glances at Ned’s profile. She couldn’t believe how her feelings towards him had changed so much too. She genuinely cared about his feelings, on a deeper level than she ever had before.
Outside the tearoom, Ned turned off the engine and turned to face Morgan. ‘Morgan, I don’t want you to think this new revelation is going to change things between us. I still mean what I said. I see you as being as close as family too. I want you to be by my side and be involved in everything that transpires between Declan and I.’
‘Wow. I’m honoured Ned.’
He leaned across and pecked her on the cheek. ‘Thank you for being there with me today. I couldn’t imagine sharing that magical experience with anyone else but you.’ Morgan had to choke back a sob. ‘I’ll speak to you later.’
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. ‘Okay.’
She didn’t know whether she’d see him later, they’d probably be catching up for hours, but she would be sure to call him later and check up on him. Her face was beaming as she watched his car pull away. What a wonderful end to the mysterious meeting.
Chapter seventeen
