Page 48 of Love on the Run
“It’s about time she showed interest in someone,” Archie said. “I mean I’m glad she’s not like you, Dad. Let’s face it, until Monica came along, it was a new woman almost every week.”
Carl stared at his son with a mix of shock and offence. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
Beth and Archie gave him a knowing look. “Really?” they said.
Archie nudged his sister. “Think about it. She might stop fussing over us now.”
“I’ll believe that when I see it,” Carl said, laughing.
Hannah stared at her children and ex-husband. “Excuse me. Iamstill here, you know.”
Gabe entered the room with a cup of tea in hand. “Aunt Dorothy sent me in with this.”
Hannah smiled on the outside and cringed on the in. Questioning why Dorothy would do that, Hannah hoped to goodness Gabe hadn’t heard what had just been said. “Thank you.” She willed him to beat a retreat.
Handing the tea over, Gabe glanced at Hannah’s phone screen. “Hello,” he said to Beth, Archie, and Carl.
“Hello again,” Beth and Archie replied, while Carl puffed his chest out and gave Gabe a curt nod.
“Didn’t I tell you he’s good looking,” Beth said to her dad.
“Nice to meet you all,” Gabe said. He turned his attention to Hannah. “I’ll leave you to it.” Giving her another wink, he chuckled as he headed out the way he’d come.
Hannah’s stomach sank like it was tied to a block of concrete. Gabe might not have heard every word, but he’d clearly heard enough.
“Kids,” Carl said. “Why don’t you go and get ready. I wouldn’t mind a word with your mum.”
“We’re spending the afternoon at the beach,” Beth said to Hannah.
“Dad and Monica want a lazy day,” Archie said.
“I can think of worse things than an afternoon in the French sunshine,” Hannah said. “Think of me while you’re both having fun.” She waited until the kids were out of earshot before speaking again. “If this is so you can tell me to be careful you needn’t worry. Not only am I a grown woman, there’s nothing–”
“It’s not. I wanted to…” Carl took a deep breath. “I just thought you should…”
Watching him struggle to find the right words, Hannah didn’t think she’d seen Carl so flustered. Wondering what he could possibly be trying to say, Hannah’s mind went into overdrive, conjuring up various worst-case scenarios. “Are you sick? Have the kids done something wrong?”Oh, Lordy. She put a hand up to cover her mouth, trying not to giggle. “Monica’s not pregnant, is she?”
“No, she’s not!” The thought of being a dad for a third time clearly wasn’t a thought Carl relished. “But I am going to ask her to marry me.”
Falling silent, Hannah’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I’ve chartered a catamaran for a couple of days. You know, to make it memorable.”
Hannah continued to stare.
“Sunset on the horizon, crew at the ready with champagne to hand, me down on one knee…”
Hannah recalled the night Carl had proposed to her. It involved a Chinese takeout and a bottle of Cava. Dumbstruck by what she was hearing, Hannah wondered if she should ask for an increase in child support. Unlike back in the day, the man clearly had money to burn.
Carl returned her gaze, as if expecting a response.
Hannah’s shocked silence continued.
“Please say something, Hannah.”
Trying to find the right words, Hannah swallowed hard. She gave Carl an over-the-top smile. “Congratulations.”
CHAPTER32
