Page 28 of Between Two Shores

Simon and Jacob stood as Dad did the introductions around the room.

Beth kneeled and gave Talicia a hug. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart. Let’s sit on the rug so you can open your present.” Beth led her to the center of the room, placed the gift on the floor, and sat in a single seated sofa chair. Nick sat in the one next to hers.

All eyes toward little Talicia, as the precious girl picked at the paper and peeled it back slowly. Her eyes lit up, and her mouth formed an O. “Aunty Beth! You’re the best.”

More chuckles filled the room as Talicia lifted the lifelike doll in the air.

“She looks like me!” Talicia swung the doll in front of her grandfather’s face.

Beth smiled, glad her niece could notice the resemblance in the blonde hair and green-eyed doll. Talicia ran to her and jumped in her arms, then wriggled onto her lap with her gift in hand. She peeked over to Nick and whispered in Beth’s ear. “Who’s he? Is that my new uncle?”

Beth flushed, hoping no one heard, but even Talicia’s whispers were loud. She’d asked the question that seemed to be on everyone’s faces.

Beth tucked some hair behind Talicia’s ear and whispered, “He’s a friend.”

Her niece sat upright, her eyes big. “Ohh.”

Nick placed his hand on Beth’s chair, and looked at Talicia with a smile. “Maybe one day, I’ll become her very special friend.”

“Good. Because I want a cousin.”

Beth smothered a laugh into Talicia’s neck, the heat in Beth’s cheeks intense. She dared not look around the room, but the giggles told her that everyone was having a good time at her expense. Nick! She’d throttle him after.

Soon, the family settled into easy conversation. Talicia sat on the rug playing with her new toys. Dad, her brothers, and Nick chatted away. Nick had them laughing on several occasions.

Beth joined Amy in the kitchen to help her make teas and coffees. The cappuccino machine gurgled as it heated.

“Beth, I like your new friend. How come you didn’t tell me?” One brow rose.

“Tell you what? I’ve only been out with him twice.”

“He’s keen. You look like you’ve been dating for a while. Comfortable with each other.”

“Okay. I admit it. It’s all happening pretty fast.” Beth bounced on her runners and held out her wrist. “Nick bought me this bangle today. He’s so sweet.”

“It’s gorgeous.” Amy played with the hanging anchor charm. “How long is he in town?”

“Two weeks, then he’ll be a twelve-hour drive away. Exmouth. Four weeks.”

“Are you going to follow him and stay up there?”

Beth gasped. “What would Dad say?”

“It’s your life, Beth.”

“He’s staying at the Navy barracks there. I could take holidays and rent a caravan.” She touched her throat. “I can’t believe I’m considering this. I’ll see if he asks me first, and if he does, I’ll take it as a sign.”

Amy jiggled a tea bag in a floral cup. “Oh, he’ll ask you, all right. Nick’s besotted by you.”

Beth nodded. “He is.”

Chapter Eleven

Lachlan

Lachlan hauled his heavy duffle bag onto his shoulder and shut the Uber car’s trunk.

“Thanks, man,” he called to the driver, who waved from his driver’s window. The Toyota zoomed away, leaving him in gasoline fumes.

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