Page 79 of Waiting for a Prince

Mark was way too much of a distraction.

Mum came into the living room, Mark following with her bag. She held her arms wide, and Sam got up to hug her. A moment later, her nose twitched, and she grinned.

“You made that Bolognese pasta bake I love so much.”

He kissed her cheek. “If I made you anything else, you’d only complain.”

“Me? Complain? When I never even say a word about—” She clammed up.

Sam tensed. “About what?”

“Nothing. It doesn’t matter. Besides, I came prepared this time.” She flushed.

“Prepared for what?” Mark demanded.

She bit her lip, then reached into her bag. “I thought these might come in handy.”

Sam stared at the rounded black plastic case in her hand. “What’s in there?”

Mark peered at it and let out a snort. “How to say ‘You make a lot of noise’ without actually saying the words.” His eyes gleamed. “Your mum has brought noise-cancelling headphones.”

For a second there his words didn’t compute, and then the penny dropped.

Sam’s face was on fire.

Mum stuffed the case back in her bag. “Maybe I should’ve kept quiet.”

Mark snickered. “Maybewe’rethe ones who should’ve kept quiet.” He kissed her cheek. “Vera, I love you. Don’t ever change.”

Her blush deepened, and she pulled Mark into a hug. “Love you too, sweetheart.” She went over to the open window. “I love your view.”

Mark chuckled. “You say that every time.”

She didn’t respond but stared out at the Solent.

Sam’s senses were suddenly on alert at the abrupt change in her. “Mum, are you okay?”

She turned to look at him. “Have you seen today’s County Press?”

“No. We usually grab a copy when one of us goes to the local shop.” He cocked his head. “Have we missed some vital piece of island news?”

Mum bit her lip once more, then reached into her shoulder bag. She handed him the folded newspaper. “Page six. And now I really need your bathroom.” She glanced around the living room.

“What are you looking for?” Mark asked.

“Tigger. Last time I stayed here, one of you hid him in the wardrobe, and when I opened it, he fell on me. Gave me the shock of my life.”

Mark chuckled. “You’re safe. He’s in his usual spot on our bed.”

She grinned. “Is he wearing earmuffs?”

Once she was out of the room, Sam gaped at Mark. “I can’t believe she said that.”

“I can. She’s your mother. So what is it we need to see in the County Press?”

Sam laid the newspaper on the table and flipped the pages over. When he saw the photos, he stilled. “Oh. I see.”

“See what?” Mark demanded.