Page 61 of The Summer Escape

“You’re very easily pleased.”

“I really am.” The train rounded the corner and she waved at Ellie, who was beaming and waving enthusiastically. “They just got back. I have to go, but are you coming up to your mum’s for dinner? I’ll cook.”

“I thought I’d come up and get the barbecue going.”

“I was going to go to the shop. Should I buy stuff to grill?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll sort it. See you later.” He ended the call before she could protest. Between him and Mirren, it was starting to feel like a luxury holiday. She should probably just enjoy it while it lasted. They were already three weeks into the school holidays and time was going far too quickly. Before she knew it they’d be back home again.

Ellie charged at her legs, breaking the unpleasant thought.

“How was the ride?” Beth asked, scooping Ellie up and holding her on her hip.

“I helped drive! But only after we went past the police station. Because last time we did that Kit got arrested.”

“Not arrested!” Kit said in a mock whisper as he came over to them. “I told you if you help drive the train, you have to keep it a secret.”

“Oh yeah.” Ellie put a finger against her lips. “It’s a secret.”

Beth shifted her to the opposite hip before deciding she was too heavy and setting her down again. “What was that about the police?” she asked Kit.

“Oh, it was nothing.” He waved a dismissive hand in front of his face. “The police here aren’t exactly swamped in work, so I got a lecture after the last time they saw me driving past with Ellie on my lap. And since they have nothing better to do it was quite a long lecture. Not a big deal; I just waited until we were away from civilisation this time.”

“Was she well behaved?” Beth asked.

“Of course. She’s a little angel. Did you get your shopping done?”

“No. I decided there were much better options for my alone time, so I treated myself to coffee and cake.”

“She’s welcome to come on the train with me anytime. I only take afternoon rides at the moment, though. Keira does the morning rides.” He glanced behind him at the bustle of people lingering beside the train. “I promised balloon animals, so I better get back to them. Enjoy your shopping.”

“Trystan said he’s going to barbecue so we don’t even need to go shopping any more.”

“Tonight?” he asked as he backed away.

“Yes.”

“Sounds good. I’ll message him … might see you for dinner!”

“What are we going to do next?” Ellie asked, taking Beth’s hand.

She sighed. An hour to herself wasn’t nearly long enough.

* * *

Every effort Beth made to help with the barbecue preparations was scuppered. She wanted to make salad but Mirren managed to get there first. Then Keira arrived and made frozen margaritas and made sure everyone had drinks while Noah brought more chairs from the garage to the patio. Beth managed to take the ketchup and condiments to the patio table but that was about all. When Keira handed her a margarita, she gave up and sat down with it. The smell of smoke in the air was wonderful and she cast a discreet glance at Trystan, who was busy turning meat on the barbecue.

“The paddling pool’s out!” Kit exclaimed loudly when he and Seren arrived. “Someone forgot to mention swimwear on my invite.”

“It’s too little for you,” Ellie said, staring up at him with her hands on her hips. “You can’t fit.”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

“Don’t you dare!” Seren said, pulling him away by his elbow.

“Spoilsport,” he muttered, before getting himself a beer and sitting beside Beth.

“Thanks again for taking Ellie on the train today. It was so good of you.”