Page 73 of Between Two Shores

BETH

The grumble of trucks and cars swooshed past as Beth and Lachlan approached the Dome café. Western Australia didn’t have Starbucks, and in Beth’s opinion, Dome had the better décor and atmosphere.

Lachlan put his hand to her lower back as she stepped up the stairs and entered the building. She savored every touch from him. Although they remained at friend status, Lachlan’s affection hinted they’d be more one day. And from what Cassie had confirmed, it wasn’t just Beth’s imagination.

The delicious aroma of coffee beans and oven-baked pizza stimulated her appetite. They could share a large vegetarian. A pizza date. A pizza-friendship-date. She smiled to herself.

After they ordered at the counter, they slid into an emerald leather booth, and faced each other. She wanted to reach out and hold his hands, but it was too soon. Slow down, girl.

Chips of amber sparkled in Lachlan’s eyes from the light coming through the window beside them. “I missed you these last few days.”

Her stomach flipped at his words. Lachlan sure wasn’t afraid of showing his feelings.

But she tried her best not to reciprocate too soon. Even though he seemed the real deal and she’d met his family. His sister, Kayce, couldn’t stop singing his praises when she’d hosted Beth for a day. Still, more time was wise. She’d played the fool and wouldn’t again. “I’ve been so busy. It’s as if nothing got done while I was away. Volunteers are great and all, but paying for admin equals performance in my experience.”

“I’d offer my help, but you’re right. I’d just goof around and distract you.”

Beth had become very aware of his distracting capabilities of late.

“How’s Bayside Manna? Busy?”

“Chris is transitioning me into the workload. He’s a great boss. My brother is jealous that I’m spending so much time with his old buddy. He and Mark hung out in the old days. I was the annoying little brother, always trying to keep up. I think Chris and I will be great friends.”

“That’s great. Cassie’s always bragging about him. He’s a doting father to Johannah.”

“Oh, she’s a little sweetie. I hear her playing on the swing set next to the granny flat each morning, singing made-up songs. ‘I love my family. Love daddy and mommy.’ Too much cuteness.”

Her ovaries swelled. “You like kids, then?”

“Hope to have a bunch, one day.” He flashed a smile that quickly gave way to seriousness. “You?”

“Definitely. Not six, like my parents. Too exhausting. Plus, my time is running out.”

He wrinkled his brow. “You’re thirty-three. Plenty of time.”

“Not for six children. I don’t want to be over forty and pregnant.”

“Cassie managed.”

“There’s a story behind that.”

His eyes widened. “Oh.”

She leaned back into the padded booth. “How many kids do you want?” She bit inside her cheek. Too late, she’d asked.

“Depends on my wife, I guess. I don’t have to give birth to them. Three would be nice.”

She smiled, satisfied with his answer. Three would be perfect.

He gave a lop-sided grin. “What?” The word stretched with his accent.

Oh, she couldn’t hide the smile playing about her lips. She didn’t want to talk about kids with Lachlan, but it was nice to know they were on the same page—just in case.

She fluttered her lashes in jest and gave a cheesy grin. “Nothing.”

“Something.”

“None of your business.” She wobbled her head.

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