Page 46 of Starting Over at Halesmere House
‘There’s no more on Ella.’ He hesitated. ‘I think I’m going to shower and have an early night. Sorry.’
‘Zac, it really isn’t a problem.’ Alice hid her disappointment, but she had spoken the truth. ‘You don’t have to explain anything to me. I just hope you’re okay, that’s all.’
‘I’m fine.’ He didn’t quite sound it. His usual teasing grin had been replaced by a tautness in his expression as he glanced at the fire, the empty mug on a coffee table. ‘The swelling in Dad’s knee has improved so hopefully we’ll be out of your way in a day or two.’
‘Please don’t rush for my sake,’ she told him quietly. ‘Whenever is best for both of you.’ She returned to the sitting room and slid the throw from her shoulders. ‘Too cold out there now.’ She added a quick smile, hoping Zac wouldn’t think she was coming back in to persuade him to join her.
‘Night.’ He turned away and Alice let the fire burn out once he’d gone, staring into the flames without really seeing anything. Something had upset him this evening, but it wasn’t her place to ask what, or why. For all that they were having fun, flirting and enjoying this game they were playing, tonight had been a glimpse into their reality and how little they really knew one another. Better to keep it that way; better to keep things simple.
In bed later she couldn’t help checking her phone again. She didn’t expect to be high up on the list of those Max would inform once the baby had arrived, but Zac would let her know as soon as he could, and Pearl and Sandy were definitely in the loop. Alice was restless and she couldn’t relax into her book, despite how soothing she normally found it.
All was silent, still, and she realised she must have eventually dozed off when she startled awake at what sounded like a tap on her door. She thought she’d dreamed it and eased down again. But the tap came a second time, and Zac’s voice was a whisper.
‘Alice? Sorry to disturb you. It’s Ella – I thought you’d want to know.’
‘What is it?’ She shot up in bed, heart clattering.
‘Can I come in?’
‘Yes!’ Alice just needed to know.
Zac’s phone was in his hand as he hovered in the open door. He was smiling, and she leaned back with a rush of relief. ‘Ella’s had the baby?’
‘She has, and everything’s fine. Want to see?’
‘Absolutely!’
‘May I?’ He took a hesitant step into her room.
‘Of course.’ Alice pointed to the bed and Zac sat down at the end. She shuffled across until she was beside him, half out of the duvet, and he turned the phone so she could see. She was staring at the most adorable little bundle, small pink face all round and peaceful, pale lashes sweeping onto cheeks.
‘A boy, seven pounds nine ounces, mother and baby doing fine.’ Zac let out a breath. ‘They did a caesarean as Ella’s labour didn’t progress and they were a bit concerned about the baby. They’re both ecstatic.’
‘Oh, Zac, he’s gorgeous! And I’m sure they are absolutely thrilled. I hope Stan’s heard the news; he’s probably still in his workshop.’
‘He will – Max or Pearl will have seen to that. He’s going to be over the moon too; he thinks the world of the family.’
‘He’s adorable. The baby, not Stan! Although Stan’s pretty awesome too.’ Alice looked at Zac, eyes shimmering. ‘Your beautiful godson. Congratulations.’
‘Thank you.’ His smile was full of wonder. A new arrival in his world, one who would help hold him to Halesmere. ‘I hope I can do him justice.’
‘You will.’ She let her shoulder bump against his arm. ‘I have no doubts. I’ve seen you with Lily and Arlo and you’re brilliant.’
‘Well, they are amazing kids. They’re gonna be so excited about this one. Max was worried about moving on from his wife when he and Ella met, but they’re so great together and she adores Lily and Arlo.’
‘I’m so pleased for them all. Have they chosen a name yet?’
‘I think so but they’re going to share it tomorrow.’ Zac glanced at the book by her bed, the half-drunk glass of water. ‘I’m sorry for waking you this late.’
‘Please don’t be – I’m glad you did. I feel better now I know they’re okay.’
A few seconds ticked by as Alice waited for Zac to stand up and say good night. He’d shared the news about the baby and now he could leave.
‘I’m sorry about before too; I was a bit terse.’ He touched his phone, and the screen went dark.
‘There’s no need to apologise.’ Alice was conscious then of her pyjamas, Zac in shorts and a T-shirt. They were both very similarly and decently dressed, and yet having him sitting on her bed suddenly didn’t feel like it. ‘As long as you’re all right. I was probably being presumptuous, thinking we’d spend the evening together.’
‘You weren’t, because I was thinking it too.’ He sighed. ‘Someone sent me a message, just after we got back here. One I didn’t want, and it needed sorting out.’
