Page 45 of Starting Over at Halesmere House
‘I’ve just ’eard about Ella; we was on our way back an’ Pearl’s phone lit up like a bloody beacon once she got signal,’ he shouted. ‘’Ow is she? What’s goin’ on?’
‘Ella’s okay; her labour’s being induced but that’s all we know, Stan.’ Alice couldn’t help her smile; he was practically hopping from foot to agitated foot and it was the first time she’d ever seen him without a hat. She’d heard he loved his ties as well and tonight this one was covered in galloping fairground horses. ‘Why don’t you go home? Pearl will probably know something as soon as we do.’
‘I won’t be able to settle.’ He let out a long sigh and scratched his head. ‘I ’ave to be ’ere; I want to know what’s ’appenin’ soon as I can. An’ there’s somethin’ I need to do.’
‘Stan!’ Lily flew out of the cottage past Alice, and he swung her up, spinning her around until she shrieked. ‘My mum’s in hospital getting ready to have our new baby sister.’ He put her down and she pulled a face. ‘Or brother.’
‘Don’t you want a new brother, Lily?’ Stan questioned.
‘I don’t mind really, as long as they love animals. Dad’s promised we can rescue another chicken as soon as the baby’s born. I think we should call it Stan.’
‘What, the baby or the chicken?’ Stan coughed and Alice laughed. ‘I think your mum an’ dad might ’ave somethin’ to say about the baby’s name, Lily, an’ I can’t see it bein’ Stan. I can ’elp you find another chicken, soon as there’s some news to share.’ He tapped his nose. ‘I know someone.’
‘Dad said you know everyone.’ Lily was staring up at him, and he grinned.
‘Everyone that matters, aye, I do. Like you an’ Arlo an’ this baby, when it comes.’
‘Do you know anyone who has donkeys?’
‘I might.’ Stan’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. ‘Why?’
‘I thought Arlo’s sheep might like some company.’
Stan roared. ‘I’d keep quiet about donkeys for now; your mum an’ dad will ’ave enough to think about. An’ Arlo’s sheep ’ave probably ’ad all the company they need; they’re goin’ to lamb in the spring. Isn’t it your bedtime anyway?’
Lily looked at Alice pleadingly. ‘Do we have to go yet? Nana will be here soon and I want to wait up in case the baby’s born. Mamie’s in London; she’s supposed to be coming back at the weekend. If the baby comes tomorrow, she’ll want to come home sooner, won’t she?’
‘I’m sure she will,’ Alice confirmed. She knew about bedtime routines from weekends with Jenna, Steven and their girls, but at times like these, ‘normal’ often went out of the window. ‘The baby might not come for a day or two yet, Lily,’ she said gently. ‘But I think it’s fine to stay up and see your nana first, and then maybe she can read you a story? You’ve still got school tomorrow.’
‘Okay.’ Lily went back inside, and Alice looked at Stan.
‘Are you coming in?’
‘Nah, thanks all the same.’ He shrugged out of his smart jacket and reached inside the pickup for the old donkey one, and a hat. ‘I’ll be in me workshop; I need to keep busy till there’s any news.’
Back in the cottage, Alice put a movie on for the children and the three of them snuggled on the sofa to watch it. Arlo was falling asleep, and she didn’t want to disturb him. Zac was due any time with Ella’s mum and Alice was certain she’d want to see both children. He arrived fifteen minutes later, and Ella’s mum thanked Alice for looking after them. Arlo woke up and she was watching from the door as he and Lily tried to throw themselves onto their nana’s lap at the same time, both talking excitedly as she hugged them tightly.
‘Ready for home? Yours, I mean.’ Zac’s quick laugh was self-conscious. ‘Max will let us know any news when he can.’
Alice nodded. She’d pretty much forgotten about Neil and Zac staying at the barn while she’d been here. They hugged the children good night too, and Lily asked if they would look after them again and read the story Zac had promised. He assured them he would, and Lily wasn’t happy until Alice agreed to join him.
Sandy had already left when they returned to the barn and Alice heard the quiet hum of the television in the guest room, meaning Neil was probably still awake. It wasn’t that late, and Zac stuck his head around the door to ask if there was anything his dad wanted. It had felt strange but nice all the same, coming home with Zac, as though they did this all the time.
‘I’m going to shower and then I’ll light the fire. Not that you have to sit up there with me,’ she added hastily. ‘You must have your own plans.’
‘What?’ Zac had been staring at his phone and he rammed it into a pocket. A muscle was flickering in his cheek and tension was evident in the lines around his mouth. ‘Sorry, Alice, I just need to make a call.’
‘It’s not Ella?’ Alice knew Stan wasn’t the only one who wouldn’t settle until the baby was safely here and doing fine with Ella. She didn’t even realise she was clutching Zac’s arm until he glanced down, and she snatched it away.
‘No.’ He was already making for the door. ‘I’ll let you know if it is. I won’t be long, sorry.’
After her shower, Alice could hear he’d returned from the low voices muttering in the guest room. Both men sounded strained, and she heard Zac exhale as he told Neil sharply that he’d sorted it, whatever it was. She escaped upstairs, unwilling to overhear any more. She’d made herself some tea and left the extra two mugs ready so they would know she hadn’t excluded them on purpose. She’d thought about finishing off the wine she’d opened last night but just didn’t feel like it.
She lit the fire, phone nearby, but there were no more messages about Ella. News travelled quickly around here, despite the remoteness of the valley, and Alice knew she’d just have to wait. She didn’t often draw the curtains and kept a cosy throw handy for stepping out onto the terrace. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she went out, appreciating the bite of air on her face.
‘Alice?’
‘What is it?’ She spun around and Zac held up a hand.
