Page 116 of The Summer Escape

“One song?” Trystan said, looking pleadingly at Beth. He knew she could never say no when he looked at her like that.

When she relented, Ellie jumped up to high five Trystan.

“I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this,” Kit said, then covered his mouth as he yawned.

“What?” his mum asked him.

He pursed his lips. “It’s just been a while since anyone asked me to dance.”

Turning in the doorway, Trystan barked out a laugh that made Seren jump awake. “After all the times you turned me down when I asked you to dance, I’d have thought you’d be relieved that I’ve finally found myself a willing dance partner.”

“I know what he means,” Noah said from his spot on the floor. “It always felt nice to be asked.”

Trystan’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Would you like to dance, Kit?”

“No.” The grin broke quickly on Kit’s face. “Thanks for asking though.”

“Noah?” Trystan said with a slight eye roll.

“No, thank you,” he replied sweetly.

Trystan and Ellie took themselves off to the kitchen and a moment later, loud music blared, interrupted occasionally by Ellie’s high-pitched laughter. Beth gave them five minutes, then coaxed them into leaving.

Ellie’s eyelids were drooping as soon as she lay down in bed and Beth was surprised she managed to stay awake for the entirety of the bedtime story.

“When are we going home?” she asked as Beth set the book on the bedside table.

“In about a week.”

“When can I play with Steph?” Ellie asked of the friend she’d made in the summer. They’d had a couple of playdates when they were over at half term as well.

“She’s coming over to play with you the day after tomorrow.”

“Good. I can show her my new toys.”

“Did you have a nice Christmas?” Beth asked.

“It was the best Christmas ever.”

Beth swallowed the lump in her throat, ignored the pain in her chest. “You were spoiled rotten.” It wasn’t only Mirren who’d showered Ellie with gifts, but the rest of the family too. Even Lowen had brought her a gift when he’d met up with them in the pub in the afternoon – a personalised bowl and plate to match the mug he’d made for her in the summer.

“Time to go to sleep,” Beth said firmly as she clicked off the lamp. “Sleep tight.”

“Mummy?” Ellie said. “I don’t want to go home in a week.”

“I know.” It had been the same at half term – Ellie not wanting to go back to Plymouth. “We have to, though.”

“Because of Grandad.”

“Yes.”

“Mummy?” Ellie said again, preventing Beth from leaving. “When we go home, will Trystan stay at our house all the time?”

“Yes.” They’d explained about Trystan moving to Plymouth, but Ellie continually asked questions to confirm the situation.

“So he won’t go back to London any more?”

“No. He’s going to look for a new job in Plymouth.”