by Iris Blobel
“It seems he’s also checking out the new teacher,” she added with a soft laugh. Placing a hand on his arm, she whispered, “What was the Christmas present all about?”
Something inside pulled at his heart. “I called him Dad.”
She let out an aww and a deep sigh. “Best present ever, I reckon.”
Before he was able to say something, someone slapped him gently on his shoulder. It was Niall.
“Ready for the event of the year?”
Connor chuckled. “Ready as I’ve ever been.”
Emily leaned in, gave Niall a kiss on his cheek, and Sabrina a hug. “Good to see you.” She pointed to Niall. “You, my best friend, are in trouble.”
Niall’s eyebrows shot up. “Me?”
“You went to the waterfalls without me,” she said nonchalantly.
“Men’s business. And what about the other three?”
“Ethan is in trouble as well.”
He nodded towards Connor. “And him?”
Emily lifted her shoulder in a slight shrug. “He doesn’t know the rules, yet.”
“There are rules?”
“What’s up?” Ethan asked as he joined the group.
Connor placed a hand on Ethan’s arm. “Hold back for a moment, buddy. This is hilarious.”
Emily turned around and weighed him with a critical glare. Connor wasn’t sure whether to laugh or to be worried that he’d said the wrong thing. But then again, he didn’t believe Emily was a hundred percent serious about the whole scenario.
Hands on hips, she asked, “Men’s business? That’s not fair. I’m part of this group. Next time you talk men’s business, I want to be part of it.”
She looked from Connor, to Ethan and Niall. “Understood?”
Connor whispered to Jack, “Is that the inner vixen coming out?”
Jack’s laugh turned into a cough and everyone gathered around him as he sat down. Sabrina turned to Connor. “I know we’ve met, but since everyone’s a bit side-tracked with men’s business, I have to introduce myself. I’m Sabrina, Niall’s grandmother and Jack’s long-time friend. You’ve seen me at the newsagency.”
Connor nodded. “Nice meeting you.”
“Emily’s fault with her accusations.” Niall laughed as he placed his arm around his grandmother’s shoulder. “My nana, best friend, partner-in-crime, babysitter—”
Connor nodded. “That’s a lot of responsibilities.”
Sabrina let out a soft chuckle. “And a lot of work, believe me.”
Everyone sat down. Ethan sat next to Connor. “The little one in the red T-shirt and the stupid Santa hat is my little one.”
Connor looked towards the sea of children. Red was the dominant colour of clothing, but in the end he did find Nicolas. He was Ethan Junior, indeed. He could tell from all the photos he’d seen over the last few days.
He leaned back into his chair, stretched his legs, and watched the concert unfold in front of him. It was definitely the first time that he’d been to a school concert and for some odd reason, he was enjoying himself. They’d had concerts at school and for the obvious reasons, nothing like a Christmas concert on the school oval, but he couldn’t remember his mother or Duncan making the effort to come. His grandparents came a couple of times, and he’d treasured their visits. He looked around. The atmosphere was uplifting. Parents chatting. Children playing.
Trying to recall the conversations of the last ten minutes, his father’s reaction to his comment, but mainly the teasing friendship between everyone. The casual banter, the underlying love for each other.
Unexpectedly, a wave of sadness hit him.
He looked up, the sun glaring down at them, relentless with not a single cloud in the sky. Christmas in summer. A new experience. Something his mother had never mentioned, yet he assumed it’d be something that would remain in his memory forever.
Fermosa Bay was growing on him.
“There’s the star of the evening,” Ethan whispered as he bumped Connor with his elbow.
And for the next five minutes they watched Nicolas dancing along an Australian version of “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Connor grinned, nearly cracking up in laughter. And it seemed so did the others.
He’d loved it!
“You wouldn’t believe how sick I am of this song,” Ethan said. “Had to listen to it non-stop the last four weeks.”
Connor turned to reply, when he saw Ethan’s transfixed stare into the distance. It wasn’t his son he was looking at, but…a woman. A smile tugged at his lips.
“Is she the one?” he asked quietly.
“Is she the one what?”
Connor grinned.
“Some of your traits haven’t changed, it seems. Still a nosy bugger.”
“That’s why I’ve become a lawyer.”
Ethan shook his head in amusement. “I’ve got a kid. There’s no time for a woman.”
That surprised Connor. From what everyone had told him, he calculated the boy to be about nine or ten years old.
“No woman since Skye?”
His friend lifted a shoulder in a shrug as he let out a long sigh. “Here and there, but nothing serious. Not many out there who are interested in becoming a mother to someone else’s child. There’s also the issue that I sit on a bit of money, thanks to Jack.” He turned to look at Connor. “What about you?”
Indeed, what about him? Another thing that had struck him, but also impressed him, was the honesty in everyone’s word. People were frank with each other—as far as he was aware, of course.
“Yeah, there was someone. Broke up recently. Apparently someone else’s bed was warmer than mine.”
“Ouch,” Ethan whispered.
“It’s okay. In hindsight, it might even be better.” He glanced at Emily and thought might wasn’t the right word. Straightening up, he added, “Like your money, having a father owning one of the best law firms in town can attract the wrong crowd.”
Ethan nodded. “What’s his name?”
“Excuse me?”
“What’s the name of your…what is he? Stepfather?”
“Duncan.”
“Lawyer as well?”
Connor nodded.
“Not your favourite topic?”
He dragged his hand through his hair and scratched the back of his head. “Not on a day like this.”
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to put salt into a wound.”
“That’s okay.”
Another bump of Ethan’s elbow into his arm. “Here comes trouble.”
Connor followed Ethan’s gaze and saw Nicolas running towards them. The boy gave his dad a high five before he sat on his lap and looked at Connor.
“Are you Dad’s friend from England?”
Connor smiled. The child was a chip off the block with his dark, brown hair and blue eyes. “I am indeed,” he replied.
“Cool.” He wrapped his arm around his father’s neck, their close relationship obvious. “Did you like our song?”
“I thought it was the best of them all.”
“Are you coming to our house later on?”
“Apparently that’s the deal.”
“Great,” the boy nearly shouted. “See you then.” Then he ran off with some of the other kids. From the distance Connor thought he heard him saying to his friends, “This is my dad’s friend from London.” They stared at him, and for a moment Connor felt like an animal in the circus. They all waved before heading back to their teachers.
“He’s a great little man,” he said to Ethan.
Nodding, Ethan followed his son with his eyes. “There’s a lot of regret when it comes to Skye, but having Nick…I’ll never regret that. He’s my reason for living. Such a great buddy. Heaps of fun.”
“What happened to your parents?”
“Dad died when I was ten or eleven. Aggressive brain tumour. Mum had a car accident about seven years ago. She was in a coma for a few months, but in the end the body didn’t want to fight anymore.”
“Sor
ry, mate,” Connor whispered.
“Look at it this way. Mum missed Dad incredibly. It was a comfort to know they’re back together.”
The announcement of Santa’s arrival caused havoc on the oval. They grabbed their chairs and agreed to meet at Ethan’s.
***
“Do you want us to give you a lift?” Connor asked.
Emily turned, and a little shiver ran down her spine when she met his gaze. “I promised Nick to drive with him. I’ll see you at his house.”
Connor placed a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll see you in a little while then.”
Locking her knees so she wouldn’t melt into a puddle, Emily simply nodded and watched him walking to the car with Jack.
Damn, he looked good. He was the reason her heart was pounding, and for the butterflies in her stomach. Having him here was everything she’d ever wanted. Watching him with Ethan and Nick sent warmth through her body, which she hadn’t experienced for a long time.
He fit in. He was part of their family.
And hopefully he would be for good.
Once Emily arrived at Ethan’s house, she helped pack away the camping chairs before following Nick into the house. She switched on the air conditioning, went along the hall and into the kitchen.
The house was light and spacious, especially the lounge room with the tall ceilings and window front with the million dollar view over the town and ocean. Emily loved it and had always been envious of the terracotta tiles in the kitchen and the wooden floor in the lounge room. There was a small pool outside, as well as an impressive veranda with the perfect set-up for outdoor entertainment. Nick’s room was upstairs in the loft. Ethan gave him the biggest room with the condition he had to keep it tidy and clean. It was a challenge, but Nick was improving. Emily laughed, remembering the discussions Ethan and Nick had.
There were another three rooms on the ground floor, plus Ethan’s study and a couple of bathrooms. Emily could easily see herself living in a place like this, despite loving her small house.
With a sigh, she went into the kitchen and prepared some snacks and drinks.
“The girls think Dad’s friend looks cool.”
Emily turned around to find Nick digging in the lolly jar. She laughed. “Is that so?”
He nodded as he stuffed a handful of chocolate into his mouth.
“Have you had dinner, yet?” she asked.
“Sausages at the school.”
“Very healthy indeed.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw through the window as Jack’s car pulled in front of the house. Apparently, so did Nick, because he raced to the front door to open it.
Ethan came into the kitchen. “He’s very excited to finally meet Connor.”
A smile tugged at her lips. “So it seems.”
“How are you coping at the moment?” he asked as he stepped closer.
Not understanding the question, she raised her brows and asked, “What do you mean?”
He lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug. “Jack’s illness. Connor. Pick your choice.”
She looked away, suddenly feeling a heaviness in her chest. “I’m annoyed with Jack for not taking his meds.”
“You need to accept his decision.”
Sadness spread through her. “That doesn’t mean I have to like it,” she whispered.
“What about Connor?”
She met his gaze. “What about him?”
“Jack said Connor stayed the night with you the other day. And he said it with a smile.”
Emily shrugged. “He came over for dinner and decided to stay the night so he could have a drink.”
Thankful for Nick’s noisy return to the kitchen, she picked up the plates with food and carried them into the lounge room. With everyone arriving at once, there was chaos in the entrance. She met Connor’s gaze and heat rushed to her cheeks.
With a smile, he asked, “Need a hand?”
She shook her head. “I’ll be right. Ethan might need a hand with the drinks, though.”
He helped Jack to get comfortable on the single seater before heading back into the kitchen.
When they’d all sat down, Nick sat on his father’s lap and turned to Connor.
“We learnt about England. My teacher said it’s winter over there now. Does it snow over there?”
Connor chuckled. “Yes, we have snow. It can get bitter cold in England.”
The boy nodded. “Here as well. But we don’t get snow. Only in the Alps.” He crossed his arms. “So Dad tells me you’re a lawyer.”
“I am indeed,” Connor replied, and Emily was sure she saw a smile on his face.
“Any murderers you got off the hook?”
Ethan laughed. “Buddy—”
Connor shook his head. “That’s okay. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not that kind of lawyer. I deal with businesses and contracts.”
Emily saw the boy’s disappointment, but it seemed it didn’t last too long.
“Ever seen the Queen?”
“I have. A few years ago at Ascot.”
“Where?”
“Ascot. They hold a very famous horse race there every year.”
But Nick didn’t seem interested in that. Emily could literally see his mind going into overdrive with all the questions he had. He asked about Christmas in winter, the long twenty-four-hour flight to Australia, as well as whether he’d be allowed to keep Connor’s old boogie board.
“You most certainly can.”
“Cool.”
Jack coughed and an eerie silence hung in the air for a long moment.
Niall leaned forward, first to break it. “We might have to take Connor to the cricket in Melbourne.”
Nick stood, hands up. “Yes, please. I reckon they’ll beat the pommies this year.”
Connor laughed, and Emily assumed it was more because of the boy’s excitement than his statement. “In your dreams.”
“Nah-ah,” the little boy replied with all his conviction.
“How about being there when it’s happening. I’m sure there’s got to be a chance to get tickets.”
Nick’s eyes grew wide. “Really?”
Connor shrugged. “If your dad approves. Why not?”
“Cool.”
Looking at his dad, he gave him the Please, Dad look.
Emily was pleasantly surprised with how much patience Connor demonstrated as he answered all of the Nick’s questions.
And she liked it. And liked him even more for it.
They chatted, or mostly Nick kept the conversation going with still more questions on his mind as well as their upcoming trip to New Zealand.
It was well and truly after the child’s bedtime when Niall finished his drink and got up.
“Time for me to call it a day.” He ruffled Nick’s hair. “Great job tonight, buddy. We’ll see you Christmas Day for dinner, righteo?”
Jack followed him. “Give me a lift, Niall, won’t you? Then Connor can drive Emily home.”
Emily wasn’t sure whether to say thanks or decline the offer. Another night with Connor would be the perfect end to a wonderful week.
“Will you read me a story first?” the child asked.
She stood. “Of course I will. Connor can help your dad with the mess here.”
She placed a kiss on Jack’s cheek, then gave Niall a kiss as well, and followed them to the door, helping Jack.
“Will you be right at home?”
Jack rolled his eyes. “I’m not a child, Emmy. Of course, I’ll be right.”
Letting out a soft laugh, she said, “Good night. I’ll see you Monday for another visit.” Then placed a hand on Niall’s arm, saying, “Thank you.”
Niall nodded. “I’ll see you for Christmas dinner.”
She nodded and followed Nick upstairs into his room, every nerve twitching in anticipation of what might happen later that night. As she read the words, her mind wandered off, remembering what he’d told the boy about his life in London, about what he liked or dis
liked, and the way he described where he lived. Although he hadn’t spoken about his life on the other side of the world in a yearning way, Emily started to worry that he might return home sooner rather than later.
She pushed that thought out of her head and focussed back on the book, but a quick look at Nick and she saw that he was already asleep.
She placed a kiss on his forehead and pulled up the duvet a little bit more before she returned downstairs.
“Ready?” Connor asked.
Turning to Ethan, she asked, “Need some help cleaning up?”
He shook his head. “I’ll get stuck into it tomorrow morning. You go and have a good night’s sleep.”
She nodded, gave him a kiss, and replied to Connor, “Ready.”
He opened the door, and they both went out, heading towards the car.
It was about five minutes into the drive when Emily asked, “Do you miss home?”
Contemplating the question, he answered after a long moment. “I can’t tell you that. I’m still in holiday mode. Everything is better and brighter when you’re on holidays.”
“You love London, don’t you?”
He gave a slow nod.
Suddenly she laughed and said, “Nick loves you.”
Meeting her gaze, he replied, “He’s a great guy. Ethan has done a tremendous job raising him.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
They drove the rest of the way in silence until he parked in front of her house. Connor took her hand and just the small touch caused her to shiver.
“You know I have to go back, don’t you?”
Curving her lips into a smile, she let out a little sigh, but didn’t reply.
“London is where I belong. It’s where my life is.”
She nodded. “I know.”
“I’m not…I don’t…” He sighed. “The other night…us…I mean…” Taking her hand, he said, “I’m not playing with you. Although we were apart for over twenty years, it feels I’ve always known you. But whatever happens next, you need to know that it’s not forever.”
“It could be,” she said barely above a whisper, but she knew she was barely hoping. He was right. Her heart hadn’t caught up to that news.
He didn’t reply.
“This could be your home, Connor. You were born here. Your father lives here. And I can see it in your eyes you’re enjoying your time here.”
