Summer Loving Read Online Free PDF Page A

would you feel?’
    ‘Can’t they do a DNA test? That would prove if the baby is Scott’s.’
    ‘Yes, they can. I expect they already have. But even if it confirmed that Scott is the baby’s father, it wouldn’t explain the baby’s colour. Nor would it undo the damage of him accusing her of being unfaithful.’ She saw discomfort follow realisation.
    ‘So how did it happen, then?’
    ‘That’s why Linda came to see me. She has reason to believe that John Evans, the man she called her dad, might not be her biological father.’ Quickly she recounted what Linda had told her, including her deduction that the black gene must have come through her from the American GI even though he was white.
    ‘She’s sure he was white?’
    Jess shrugged. ‘She had two good reasons for thinking so. The first is that she’s white. The second is that if her mother had been seen with a black GI, people would have talked about it.’
    ‘So what do she want from you?’
    ‘An explanation. She wants to know how it could have happened. How two white parents could have a black baby.’ Jess drained her cup and put it on the table.
    ‘You sure you want to take it on?’
    ‘I had my doubts,’ Jess admitted. ‘Then I thought about what Karen must be going through. My twins and your Chris were wanted children. Remember the joy and excitement we felt when they were born? Nothing that happened after – not your divorce or Alex’s death and the mess he left – can ever spoil the memory of those moments.’
    ‘True.’ Tom finished his tea.
    ‘Karen and Scott tried for years for this baby. But instead of being welcomed with love, the poor little mite is surrounded by tension and suspicion and his arrival has driven a wedge between his parents. Knowing Karen’s having to deal with all that after going through a long and difficult labour, how could I refuse?’
    ‘You couldn’t, could you, bird.’
    ‘I searched US military records and found that Billy-Joe Spencer was actually William Joseph Spencer who served in the United States 29 th Infantry Division. They were brought over early in 1944 in preparation for the D-Day landings.’
    ‘I know US troops was based on the Roseland side of the River Fal, up around Tolverne and Turnaware. You can still see bits of that concrete reinforcing they put down on the beaches to hold the tanks.’
    Jess nodded. ‘There were camps at Polvellan, Falmouth, and up the Helford River as well.’ A yawn caught her by surprise. ‘Sorry.’
    ‘Leave it now, bird. You’ve made a good start. And you’ve had a busy weekend.’
    ‘So have you.’
    He nodded. ‘Great it was. But I’m glad to be home.’ He caught hold of her hand. ‘Staying am I?’
    Touched that he should ask, she leaned over and kissed him. ‘If you want.’
    His arm snaked around her, drawing her close. ‘I want,’ he whispered, then pushed to his feet and pulled her up. ‘But I better warn you –’
    ‘No gymnastics?’ she smiled over her shoulder. ‘No problem.’
    ‘Weight off my mind, that is,’ he stifled a yawn.
    As Jess brushed her teeth she heard a distant rumble of thunder. She left the landing window and bedroom door open in hopes of a through draught to cool the heavy air.
    When Tom slid in beside her she had thrown off the duvet and lay naked beneath a sheet. His skin was warm and he smelled of soap and toothpaste. ‘Come here, my lover.’ He drew her close. ‘Dear life, I’ve missed you.’
    Their loving was tender; release a long sweet sigh. He was still holding her when they slipped into sleep.
    The storm broke just before dawn. Lightning lit the room with dazzling flashes followed a few seconds later by the boom and roll of thunder.
    Jess reached for the small clock on her bedside table.
    ‘Wha’s time?’ Tom mumbled.
    ‘Quarter to five.’
    Jess counted the interval between light and sound. It was shorter. ‘It’s moving very fast.’ She sat up. ‘Tea or coffee?’
    Tom swung his feet to the