27
Stefan
Stefan swallowed hard as Florence departed the sea looking every bit the model on a beach photoshoot. He recognised her tracksuit so knew it was her towel beside it, so he picked it up, hoping he was giving off friendly vibes as she approached.
‘Thank you,’ she said, about to take the towel from him, but Stefan couldn’t help himself. He stepped forward and wrapped it around her.
‘Can we talk, please?’ he asked, gesturing at the other towel on the shingle.
Florence sat, patting herself dry. ‘Yes, I think we should.’
Stefan sat by her side, placing his hands behind him to reduce the need to hold her. ‘It was all a bit much, wasn’t it? I overreacted, and I want to apologise.’
‘You had every right to be annoyed. What I did was thoughtless. How has Lindy been?’
‘She’s okay. She said she might give self-defence class another go after Christmas. Right now, all she wants to think about is her new school and the horses.’ He waited for Florence to meet his eyes. ‘I thought we’d see you at the stables.’
‘Oh, I’ve been busy.’
Stefan glanced out to sea. ‘Who were you swimming with?’
Florence’s face beamed. ‘Tiggy.’
He had no idea Tiggy had been released, and now he felt terrible he hadn’t been there for such a big day in Florence’s life. ‘Oh, wow. I hadn’t heard. When did she get here?’
‘Just arrived. She wanted to swim.’
‘Can’t blame her. It’s looks lovely out there today.’
Florence shivered. ‘Cold.’
Stefan passed her a sweatshirt, and Florence quickly slipped it on, then removed her bikini top from underneath, flopping it to one side. He cleared his throat, then thumbed behind him. ‘I’ll buy her some flowers from Silver Blooms. What do you think?’
‘I think she’d like that.’
He stretched his head to scan the small rolling waves. ‘Where is she?’
‘Oh, she popped to the sailing shop. Not sure if she wants a surfboard or to just sign up to their swimming club.’ She smiled as she stood. ‘I should get some clothes to her before she starts shivering.’
Stefan helped her gather her things, draping a towel over his arm. ‘Look, about us—’
‘It’s all right, Stefan. I got it wrong. I’m just glad Lindy is doing okay, and I promise never to interfere again.’
Stefan touched her arm in a bid to get her to wait a moment. ‘I’m sorry, Florence. I shouldn’t have left it this long to speak to you.’
‘You were upset. I understand.’
He shook his head. ‘It’s not the point. I love you, and I went and treated you like an outsider who cared little for my daughter.’ He went to say more but stopped when he noticed Florence grinning at him. ‘What?’
‘You love me?’
He dipped his head. ‘Isn’t it obvious?’
Florence looked up through her damp lashes. ‘I’ve missed you.’
‘I’ve missed you too. We both have. Lindy hasn’t stopped asking for you.’
‘Where is she?’
‘With Rose in Edith’s Tearoom. I was just heading that way when I saw you.’
‘You have good eyes.’
Stefan grinned as he pushed his glasses up his nose. ‘I have these.’
‘Which make you look extra cute, by the way.’
‘Is that so?’
Florence nodded as she stepped closer. ‘I really have missed you so much,’ she whispered.
Stefan immediately wrapped her in his arms as a rush of love washed over him. ‘Please tell me you’re back in my life.’
Florence pulled away and cupped his face. ‘I am, and I won’t let you down again. I—’
Stefan kissed her hard, not wanting to come up for air. ‘We’re human. We make mistakes. Next time, I’ll handle it better. We’ll talk things through like the team we are.’
Florence pecked his cheek. ‘You know our team just grew, right?’
‘Tiggy, yes, of course. Do you want to bring her over tonight for dinner? We can show her our picnic spot.’
‘I’ll ask her.’
‘I’m coming,’ said Tiggy, wrapping her arms around herself before reaching for her towel.
Florence laughed. ‘Oh, you heard that?’ She turned to Stefan. ‘She’s always had super hearing.’
‘It’s lovely to meet you, Tiggy.’ Stefan wasn’t sure whether to shake her hand. He opted for a short nod.
Tiggy beamed a smile that matched Florence’s. ‘Lovely to meet you too. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to get the keys and go have a long hot bath.’ She kissed Florence on the cheek. ‘I’ll see you both later.’ And with that, she sprinted off, waving her clothes in the air.
‘I should head back too. I don’t want to leave her alone for long at the moment.’ Florence gave him a kiss, then took his hand. ‘You can walk me home, Dr Bedford.’
Stefan smiled, stopping her outside the tea shop. ‘Florence, are we really okay now?’
She turned and lightly touched his cheek. ‘Stefan, we are more than okay. Lindy is doing great, Tiggy is home, and we love each other.’
Lindy came running out of the shop, flinging her arms around Florence. ‘Yay, you’re back. I haven’t seen you in ages.’
‘I’ve been getting my flat ready for my sister. Tiggy is home now.’
Lindy squealed. ‘Can I see her?’
‘Later. She’s coming for a picnic in your garden for dinner.’
‘Are you sure she’ll want to come?’ asked Stefan.
Florence nodded. ‘My sister is just like Lindy. You watch, before we’ve had time to wash up, she’ll be watching Disney films in the living room.’
Stefan waved to Rose through the tearoom’s window, letting her know he was taking Lindy home, then he headed off with Florence and his daughter. ‘Looks like we’re in for another great family night.’
Florence leaned against his shoulder. ‘Yes, and this time, our family is complete.’