Luke kept Jess firmly by the hand, wary of the terrain. I reached out and took Jess’s other hand and we ambled along the clifftops.
Jack, on the other hand, had an innate confidence and was comfortable in his walking boots and jeans, easily piggybacking Ben who shrieked in pure delight over his shoulder, his strong hands around my son’s chubby ankles. It was such a beautiful picture against the Cornish sunset: a little boy laughing without a care in the world, knowing he was safe and loved in those strong hands.
To me, laughing and being silly were better than a romance. I didn’t even remember what it was like to be this carefree. Finally everything was going our way.
When we found our favourite spot, just by the stone National Trust location marker, we sat down to a meal of British staple foods such as pasties, Scotch eggs, sausage rolls, meat pies and Marmite sandwiches that Luke marvelled about graciously. It had been a long walk and we were content to sit back and watch the children play.
Luke’s eyes always darted to Jess, and I could tell he was making huge sacrifices to not jump up every time Jess moved. It was a relief to see how thoughtful Chloe was around Jessica, and how she was always on guard lest she tripped over something. This new friendship could do Chloe wonders, because Jessica was a gem of a girl – sweet, polite, and undemanding. She never spoke inconsiderately and always ate everything she was offered with gusto and grace. She was a true testament to Luke’s parenting skills.
Jack, who seemed to have read my mind, turned to him, somewhat less glacial than earlier. ‘Your daughter is a lovely girl. You’ve done a great job with her.’
Luke’s face lit up. ‘Thanks, man. Have you got any kids yourself?’
Jack’s face sobered ever so slightly. ‘No.’
‘Are you planning on having any?’
Jack took a long swig of his coffee as Luke’s eyes swung to mine in question. I raised my eyebrows up at him and shrugged imperceptibly. How was I supposed to know the answer to that question? He was as closed up as a lobster on that front.
‘If the right girl comes by,’ Jack answered, staring down into his mug. And that was the end of that conversation.
On the way back, we stopped off at Luke’s inn and he came up to Jack’s window.
‘Jess and I had a great day, Jack. Thanks. Thanks to all of you.’
Jack shrugged. ‘No biggie. I’m picking apples later this week if anyone’s interested.’
Luke’s arm came around his daughter’s shoulders. ‘Would you like that, sweetheart?’
‘Oh, yes, Daddy, please!’
Jack grinned. ‘Okay then. See you guys?’
‘Yay!’ the kids all cried to one another as we drove away.
But then in his 4x4, Jack’s mood changed. Not that you would know by his cool exterior.
‘You all right?’ I asked.
‘Yep. Did you have a good time?’
‘I had a great time, Jack, and it’s all thanks to you. You sure know how to entertain the kids.’
Something had definitely changed, and by the time we got back to the house, I still had no idea what it was. Was he bothered that the kids were spending so much time with another male role model? But he needn’t have worried. They loved him dearly. We all did. So that needed to be sorted out pronto.
‘Don’t forget breakfast tomorrow, Jack,’ I reminded him as we pulled up in front of the house. ‘I’m making blueberry pancakes, your favourite.’
He ruffled the kids’ hair with a smile as they got out, then he turned to me as I swung out, closing the door.
‘Thanks, but no thanks. You and Luke have a lot of work to do and so do I. My orchards and pumpkin crops wait for no one. Plus later I’m meeting someone.’
‘Are you sure? What about after that? We could all have Saturday brunch together.’
‘Another time, Nina, but thanks. I’ll see you.’
I stepped away from the Jeep. ‘Okay, then. Thanks again, Jack. Take care.’
He smiled, and I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t angry with me. But for some reason, I figured I’d done something wrong.
20
The English Patient
A few days later, after a hearty breakfast, Chloe and Ben took Jessica round to Jack’s as agreed. I refilled our coffee mugs and took them to the dining table so Luke and I could get to work. I needed to get him out of his Your Character Bill Is A Saint mode.
‘Thanks, Nina. So tell me,’ Luke said as we sank into our working seats. ‘Does Stella marry Aidan the vet straightaway, or should we give her some fun with Dylan the playboy first?’
I frowned. ‘Another man? No. Stella’s not like that.’ Just like I wasn’t.
‘Why not?’ he wanted to know.
I shrugged. ‘Because I don’t want to complicate things.’
He grinned. ‘You don’t think Stella should have a bit of naughty fun?’
I sat back. ‘You mean…? No. This is not about… sex. This is about her journey.’
‘Exactly. There should be a bit of spice – a change in her life.’
‘There is. It ends well, which is more than I can say for the real world.’
‘What a bitter concept you have of life, Nina. Life can be fantastic if you let it.’
‘Yeah, well maybe I’d have a sweeter concept if I lived in a glass mansion with a view of the Pacific Ocean.’ I bit my lip. ‘I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I know you’ve had your share of pain with the divorce and worries with Jess and th—’
‘Nina, it’s fine. I understand you, and you understand me. We’re good.’
I studied
