Chapter 19
Spencer
The noise in the pub was down to a dull roar by the time Spencer and his friends and family had eaten most of the buffet Robson had laid out. The birthday song was sung, candles blown, and Spencer smiled into every photo taken of him. It made him realize they were his first pictures with Archie, and Lottie was making sure she snapped loads.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad evening. In fact, he enjoyed the fuss more than he’d expected, even the balloon with his face on it made him smile. It was the first photo Rebecca had taken of him when he went to live with her. Why his sister had it placed on a balloon was beyond him, but there it was, swaying from time to time at the back of the buffet table.
Spencer took a moment where he wished he could go back in time and let that little boy know things were going to be okay. He lowered his head, picking up a sliver of cake from one of the plates laid out. He was always partial to chocolate fudge cake, so thanked Ginny for making it by raising it above his head in a toast her way.
She waved back from the bar, then snuggled into Will’s side.
The last time Spencer had snuggled with someone was when he’d shared a bed with Beth for an hour or so during their one-night stand. Hardly a snuggle, but that was the last time he’d held a woman.
He glanced her way to see her chatting happily to Sophie and Alice. She looked so different to the woman who had told him he was a dad. It was great she was doing so well.
Lottie was in the corner with Samuel and his little sister, Hannah, all cooing over Archie, and everyone else seemed to be huddled into groups, so he took the opportunity to sneak out to the front beer garden for some fresh air and a bit of peace.
He tugged on his coat, then leaned against one of the brick pillars that made the grill shelter, listening to the faint murmur of the people in the pub for a moment before making his way across the road to the short pier, soft lighting guiding his way.
Sitting along one side, he dangled his legs down towards the dark sea lapping at the base, wondering what lurked beneath.
He’d never been one for monsters in the dark scaring him. The only baddies in his story had been real people.
The gentle whooshing sound was so soothing, Spencer closed his eyes for a second as he slowly inhaled the salty air. With no noise from the pub, and the seagulls asleep, he flopped backwards and gazed up at the stars.
‘Room for a little one?’ asked Beth, coming into view.
Spencer smiled warmly. ‘Pull up a pew.’
Beth matched his position and pointed at the sky. ‘Wow! There are so many stars.’
He felt the lightest of brushes against his hand as she lowered hers. A small wave rolled through his stomach. He chose to ignore the feeling he’d just encountered. ‘They always make me feel peaceful.’
‘It’s peaceful out here. I saw you head this way and debated whether to join you.’
‘You can always join me,’ he said quietly.
‘I wasn’t sure if you wanted time alone.’
Spencer breathed out a quiet laugh. ‘I don’t mind your company.’ He shifted his head slightly so he could see half her face. She was staring at the sky, with a softness about her that told him she was just as soothed as him. ‘Are you much of a people person?’
The corner of her mouth curled. ‘I used to think so. I’ve been a bit in myself since my stay in hospital.’
‘How’s it going with Jan?’
Her smile lifted. ‘Really good.’ As she turned to face him, the side of her hand touched his again. ‘You’ve helped too,’ she added softly.
Spencer studied her big chocolate eyes, almost drowning in them for a second. He blinked hard as he looked back at the sky.
‘Do you think it’s time I went home?’ she added quietly.
Another wave hit his stomach. ‘Do you feel ready for that now?’
‘No. Yes. I mean, I don’t know.’ Her hand moved away from his, but he could still feel its presence close, so he slid his that way until he could feel her cool skin once more. ‘I just don’t want to outstay my welcome. You know how it is.’
He tried not to focus on the fact they were touching again. ‘You’re welcome to stay at mine for as long as you want, Beth. I just want you to be well.’
‘I don’t like being a burden though.’
He glanced her way. ‘You’re not. Don’t think that. I like having you around. You and Archie.’
‘It has been nice.’
‘So, you want to stay a while longer?’ He held her gaze.
‘Yes,’ she whispered.
‘It feels like you’ve always been at mine.’
‘It does, doesn’t it? It’ll be weird going home, but I’m sure we’ll still see each other as much as possible.’
‘Yep.’ He couldn’t stay staring at her, so he turned back to the stars. A few moments of listening only to the sound of the sea below helped calm the charged atmosphere he could feel building each time he met her eyes. He took some silent deep breaths, relaxing himself.
‘Have you enjoyed your birthday?’ came her soft voice, breaking into his meditative state.
‘It’s been nice.’ His focus went back to their hands still touching. ‘Thanks for my coffee mug. Best present ever.’
Beth’s laugh was hushed, filling him with warmth. ‘Archie says you’re welcome.’
‘Is he still with Lottie?’
‘Yeah. I think she loves him more than we do.’
Spencer laughed. ‘I think you’re right. In fact, I do believe our little man has half of Port Berry wrapped around his finger.’
‘It’ll be nice for him growing up here.’
A fizz of delight took over from any churning. ‘Would you stick around then?’
‘Don’t see why not. I’ve only just moved here, where I work isn’t far, and Archie will have both his parents close if I stay.’
‘Definitely. What are your plans for Archie when you’re back at work?’
‘Day care.’
‘I can help with that. Perhaps be the one to pick him up at home time.’
‘Yes, a shared schedule would be great.’
He leaned up on one elbow. ‘I’m glad you found me.’ There was a definite smile in her eyes as she gazed up at him, which he felt settle directly in the middle of his heart.
‘I’m glad too,’ she whispered, placing her hands behind her head.
Spencer scanned her long neck, then moved up to her mouth, before resting back on her eyes.
Don’t you kiss her .
She wasn’t looking away, and he wondered if she would approve of him lowering his lips to hers.
Get a grip, Spence .
He flopped back to her side, inhaling the late evening air in a steady and controlled manner.
‘I could sleep here,’ she said quietly, as though any louder would remove the tranquillity. ‘If there wasn’t that nip in the air,’ she added, giggling.
It was then he noticed she wasn’t wearing her coat. Quickly, he sat up and removed his. ‘Here. This will help.’
Beth took a sleeve. ‘Won’t help you though.’
‘I’m good,’ he told her, lying back down. He smiled as he felt his coat drape over half his body.
‘We can share.’
There was more warmth entering him than from the coat. Beth was snug at his side, and when he stole a glance, he could see her eyes were closed and her smile slight. Every ounce of willpower he had stopped him from turning to cradle her into his arms. It was just the beauty of the night playing havoc with him. The stars, the sea, being snuggled beneath the coat together.
‘Five more minutes,’ she muttered. ‘Then we can go home and have some hot chocolate. You can use your new mug.’
The thought made him smile and turn to watch her once more. ‘I’d like to go home now.’
Her eyes opened to stare his way. ‘Are you cold?’
‘No, just rather get Archie settled for the night before I get too tired.’
‘I can do that tonight.’
‘You can make the hot chocolate.’
They shared a soft smile that made Spencer rise to his feet. He wasn’t tired or cold. It was just too much lying with her under the stars while wanting to kiss her mouth, cheek, all along her neck.
‘Right!’ he said louder than intended. ‘Let’s get a wriggle on.’ He held out his hand, which he regretted as soon as her slim fingers entwined with his. His stomach really could take no more disturbance.
Beth went to hand back his coat, but he shook his head, wrapping it around her before they walked back to the pub in companionable silence.