Hidden Cottage Read Online Free PDF Page B

the silence, Mia stood up. ‘If you’re all finished, I’ll get the dessert.’
    ‘I’ll help you,’ Jensen said, eager to have a few moments alone with his mother.
    Out in the kitchen, the door closed to the dining room, Jensen began stacking the dishwasher. ‘Come on, then, Mum, what do you think? Do you like her?’
    ‘Yes I do. She’s great.’
    He smiled. ‘She is. She really is. I think she’s the one I want to be with for the rest of my life.’
    ‘Even with a nine-year-old daughter?’
    He stopped what he was doing. ‘Does that bother you, that she has a child?’
    ‘No, not at all. I just don’t want . . .’ her voice trailed away.
    ‘What, Mum? What don’t you want for me? To be happy?’
    ‘Don’t be silly. Of course I want you to be happy. It’s what I’ve always wanted for you. And if Tattie makes you happy, then that makes me happy. But taking on the responsibility of someone else’s child isn’t something you should do lightly. It’s a big step.’
    ‘I know that. I’ve given it a lot of thought.’ He went to his mother and hugged her. ‘Thanks for tonight, for my birthday dinner. I still can’t quite believe I’m thirty now; it feels like a properly grown-up age.’
    She hugged him back and laughed. ‘How do you think it makes me feel? There should be a law against such things happening. I’m officially banning you from having any more birthdays!’
    He laughed too and, letting go of her, he said, ‘Then I’d better make the most of this one. But seriously, your approval of Tattie is the best birthday present you could give me. I meant it when I said I want to be with her for ever. I’ve never known anyone like her.’
    ‘And her daughter, you get on with her?’
    ‘I haven’t pushed it, but yes, Madison’s a great kid. You’ll love her too.’
    ‘I’m sure I will.’
    He watched his mother open the oven and take out his favourite dessert of apple crumble. He only had to smell it and he was transported back to being a very young child. He associated it with rainy Sunday afternoons, the two of them on the sofa, Mum reading to him, the light fading outside. Strange that he could still feel nostalgic for those days.
    ‘How long have you known each other?’ she asked.
    ‘We met five months ago at a party given by a client of mine.’
    She set the hot dish on a mat on a tray, then slapped him playfully with the oven gloves. ‘Five months and we’re only now having this conversation?’
    He smiled. ‘I wanted to wait until I was sure how Tattie felt about me. I mean, as Dad would be the first to say, I’m not much of a catch, am I?’
    She tutted. ‘Stop putting yourself down, you’re a fine catch.’
    ‘Yeah, but you’re biased.’
    ‘And that, darling, is a mother’s prerogative. Now take the jug of cream for me and before you’re gripped with any more self-doubt, listen very carefully. From what I’ve seen so far, I think you and Tattie make a great couple and, what’s more, I think she’ll be good for you. I certainly like her sense of humour. She’s refreshingly open.’
    So unlike our family, he thought as he followed his mother out of the kitchen.
    Back in the dining room, Eliza was asking Tattie if it was difficult for her to balance work with having a child.
    ‘I manage pretty well,’ she answered as his mother began spooning the crumble into bowls and Jensen helped by passing the bowls around the table. ‘I actually have two jobs, one of which I run from home. I run my own online business supplying eco-friendly party bags for children’s parties.’
    ‘Eco-friendly party bags,’ repeated Jeff. ‘That’s a new one on me. Is there much call for such a thing?’
    ‘Oh yes, and it’s going from strength to strength. I’m twenty per cent up on this time last year.’
    ‘And your other job?’ asked Daisy.
    ‘I work as a celebrity lookalike.’
    ‘No! Really? Who do you do?’ asked Daisy.
    ‘Guess. And I’m not giving you any