Morgan nodded with a smile. ‘Yes, she’s back for a short visit. We’re supposed to be meeting here this morning after she’d done some errands, but maybe she’s thinking twice about it now the wind has picked up and she’s gone back to the hotel.’
‘Oh, so is she staying in your hotel?’ asked Tammy.
Morgan nodded. ‘Yes, Marcus the dog-groomer is still renting her house short-term.’
Tammy nodded and grinned, ‘Yes, I know. There’s not much I don’t find out about the local residents from general chit-chat with my customers. Can I get you something while you wait Morgan?’
‘Just a cup of tea with milk and no sugar please Tammy, and then I need to order a birthday cake.’
MORGAN NOTICED NEDhad given Tammy and her some privacy to chat and was continuing to eat his breakfast, but his head lifted on hearing her comment about the cake.
Tammy nodded. ‘Lovely. I’ll be back in five with your tea and to take down the details for the order.’
Morgan smiled and nodded, and Tammy turned around and headed back behind the counter.
Ned looked up at Morgan from his breakfast as he chewed. He swallowed and grinned at her with a wink. ‘It’s your special one, eh?’
Morgan’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. How did he know?
Chapter three
The wind rattled against the window and Morgan tossed and turned in her bed. She hated nights like this, they always brought her back tothatnight. The night she received the worst news of her life—the night she found out she’d lost her husband forever.
Pulling the covers up tightly around her ears, she squeezed her eyes tightly shut and tried to block out the sounds on the other side of the windowpanes. Double glazed, they were supposed to block out everything, but the crashing of the ocean in the distance and the howling of the wind which appeared to be finding ways into nooks and crannies around the window was still too noisy to get the REM sleep she craved, which would ensure she avoided all possibilities of dreaming and reliving the nightmare night from three decades ago.
Finally, after what seemed like an age, the noises of the brewing storm dissipated, and she found herself sinking into her soft, warm mattress, her breathing becoming steady and hypnotic as sleep finally took hold of her.
MORGAN WAS IN THE KITCHENwashing up, and as she looked out of the window, she noticed there was a robin sitting on the fence watching her, the setting sun behind it casting an orange glow around the bird and making it appear ethereal.
Morgan smiled at it, admiring its red breast. ‘Is that you mum?’
Hands from behind her slipped easily around her waist and she felt hot breath on the back of her neck. Her lips curled up as soft hot lips kissed where the sensitive area where the hot breath had just been, raising the small hairs on the nape of her neck. Morgan leaned into the strong chest behind her, her smile intensifying.
‘Are you still feeling queasy love?’
Bren’s voice was soft and calming, a tonic for any ailment she was feeling. Morgan loved the fact he never raised it, yet he always held everyone’s attention when he spoke.
‘I am. I must have a stomach bug or something.’
‘Don’t bother worry about cooking me any tea if you’re still feeling under the weather, love. I have to ride to Sam Gilbett’s house in the next village. He’s lending me a tool I need for my next job. I’ll grab a bag of fish and chips on my way back. Do you want me to get you something as well?’
Morgan spun around in Bren’s arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, trying not to let the bubbles covering them from the washing up bowl drip onto him. ‘Are you sure? I don’t mind rustling you up something.’ Bren shook his head. ‘I’ll not have anything else to eat today other than a dry biscuit to settle my tummy.’
‘Okay love. You should take a nap, you might feel a little better after that. I won’t be long at Sam’s. then when I get back, we’ll snuggle in front of the TV and watch a movie together, eh?’ Morgan nodded and Bren kissed the tip of her nose before claiming her lips.
Morgan’s heart fluttered. She really wanted to tell him she was certain she was pregnant, but she didn’t want to raise his hopes in case she was wrong. She still needed to make an appointment with the doctor to get it confirmed.
When Bren pulled away, Morgan looked up into his green eyes. She’s drowned in those eyes so many times, and now was no exception. She was exactly where she wanted to be, in the arms of the man she loved, getting lost in the strong emotions radiating from his eyes which without words, promised such of a wonderful life together. Morgan really hoped she was pregnant, she knew without a shadow of doubt Bren would be the most patient and loving father.
Morgan nodded. ‘Sounds like a plan. Just be careful. You know how I worry about you on that motorbike. The quicker we sell it and get a car, the better.’
Bren kissed her forehead. ‘It won’t be long my love. Not with the extra jobs I’m doing now. Now, please leave the washing up and go and lie down. I’ll finish it off after I’ve eaten my supper.’ Bren pulled her into him and squeezed her tightly to him before letting her go. It was the safest place in the world. When he released her, she immediately felt so empty without him close to her. She dried her hands on a towel and watched him get his helmet and gloves from off the top of the refrigerator. Walking into the hall, Morgan followed him, still drying her hands.
‘Remember, ride safely!’
Bren looked back over his shoulder as he opened the front door. His eyes twinkling, and even though she couldn’t see his mouth with his helmet on, she pictured his lopsided grin. ‘I will.’ He paused a moment longer and Morgan felt as though he were drinking her in, setting her pulse racing ‘Love you.’
‘Love you too.’
