‘Is she still not answering her phone?’ Melissa’s tone was slightly accusatory towards Sophie, as if she didn’t quite trust that she was telling the truth.
‘No!’ Sophie shot back, her frustration bubbling to the surface. ‘Just that text saying she had to leave for an emergency and that she’d explain later.’
They were walking alongside the river that flowed from Dedham to Flatford. The meadows either side were thronged with tourists making the most of the sunshine and the picturesque countryside. On the river, rowing boats full of inept rowers kept passing by, with teenagers squealing as one of them invariably rocked it, threatening to tip all the occupants into the cold water.
‘I wish she’d at least answer her phone to let us know what’s happening,’ Melissa huffed, reaching out to break off a cowslip flower.
‘I hope she’s OK,’ Amy added.
Sophie sighed. Emily wasn’t a drama queen, so she knew it must have been something important to make her dash off like that. She would call her when they got home to try to get some answers.
As they walked along, all deep in their own thoughts, Amy fell into step beside her. ‘Can I ask you something, Sophie?’
Sophie looked up at her in surprise. ‘Sure.’
‘Why have you and Steve never got married?’
Sophie raised her eyebrows. ‘Wow, where did that come from?’
‘Just curious,’ Amy shrugged.
Sophie pondered the question. ‘I don’t know. I’ve always thought we would get married one day. But somehow we’ve never got round to it. Never even discussed it, actually.’
‘Well, I think you should,’ Amy said emphatically. ‘And let’s face it, we could all do with a really big party. I could organize it for you…’ she began, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ‘My way of thanking you both.’
Melissa caught up with them and linked her arm through Sophie’s. ‘What’s that about a party?’
‘I was just telling Sophie that she and Steve should get married and that I should organize the party.’
Melissa nudged Sophie. ‘She’s right! We could all do with a big knees-up…’
Sophie shook her head and laughed. ‘It’s not the best reason in the world to get married, just so that we can all have a big party.’
‘Well, obviously that’s not the only reason,’ Melissa conceded.
‘No, of course it’s not,’ Amy agreed. ‘It’s just that you two are so perfect together. It would be nice to celebrate your relationship and make it official.’
‘Don’t get too carried away, Amy. There’s one small thing you’re forgetting…’
‘What’s that?’
Sophie shrugged. ‘He’s never actually asked me.’
Later on that evening, Sophie opened the front door to let herself and Amy into the house. Steve was in the garden with the children, enjoying the last of the sunshine as they played a game of chase that seemed to have no rules and involve everyone madly chasing everyone else.
They dumped their bags and stood watching them through the open bi-fold doors that stretched across the back of the house, giggling at Theo, who squealed with excitement every time he managed to catch one of the others, apparently unaware that they were stopping to let him catch them, rather than the other way round.
‘Steve’s great with them, isn’t he?’ Amy nodded towards the garden where Steve was now lying on the grass, as all four children clambered over him. Suddenly, he let out an almighty roar and sat up, causing them all to let out blood-curdling screams and run in every direction. ‘You are a lucky, lucky lady, Sophie.’ Her tone was wistful but she was smiling. ‘Especially when you compare him to Nick or Anton. They’re not fit to lick his boots.’
‘He’s going to miss Megan and George, Amy. And you.’
Amy shook her head. ‘He’ll be fine. We’ll only be next door, hopefully.’
‘Are you definitely going to put an offer in then?’
Amy threw Sophie a sheepish look.
‘Oh,’ Sophie said, understanding immediately. ‘You already did…’
‘It hasn’t been accepted yet, but the estate agent thinks it will all go through.’
‘Why didn’t you speak to us first? We would have helped you.’
Amy nodded. ‘I know, that’s why I didn’t tell you about it. I wanted to stand on my own two feet for the first time in my life.’
‘I can understand that,’ Sophie conceded.
‘Plus,’ Amy added, ‘I thought you might try to change my mind. I couldn’t risk it.’
Just then, Steve noticed them and waved. Sophie waved back, feeling a surge of love for him. He never complained about her going away with the girls, meaning he was left to look after the children by himself. Then again, she suspected he loved it.
He walked towards them, handsome in his jeans and T-shirt. His face and arms were deeply tanned, his hair lightened by the sun.
‘Welcome back, ladies,’ he said, bending to kiss Sophie. She loved that he was so much taller than her. It made her feel petite when she was anything but.
‘You look like you’re having fun.’ Sophie nodded towards the children, who showed no signs of tiring as they continued to race around the garden after each other. Not one of them seemed to have noticed that their mums had returned home.
Steve pulled a sarcastic face. ‘Always! Anyway, I could do with a cup of tea – I’m sure you could too.’
‘I’ll do it!’ Amy dashed off before anyone could protest.
Sophie took Steve’s hand and they walked inside the house together. ‘Amy’s got something to tell you…’ she began. ‘I think it’s best to tell him sooner, rather than later,’ she added, when Amy gave her a panicky grimace.
Amy nodded reluctantly and looked up from the island in the centre of the room, where she was making the tea. ‘Hear me out before you react, Steve.’
Steve gave her a puzzled look. ‘OK.’
‘I’ve decided that the time has come for me and the children to get a place of our own. To let you and Sophie reclaim this house for yourselves. ‘
Immediately Steve started to shake his head but Amy put her hand up to stop him.
‘I need to stand on my own two feet again, Steve. It’s been incredible being here but I always knew the day would come when we had to move on…’
Sophie watched Steve’s face. The emotion was written in every line and crease of his skin. His mouth was slightly open and she could see his lip quivering. She tried to catch his eye to give him a reassuring smile, but he was staring at Amy in shock.
‘So, I’ve found a house,’ Amy continued, her cheeks reddening as she spoke, all the while concentrating on making the cups of tea. ‘And I’ve put an offer in.’ She glanced up briefly.
Sophie felt Steve’s shoulders sag, as his whole body seemed to deflate. ‘Hear her out,’ Sophie urged, giving his hand a squeeze.
Amy smiled to herself. ‘We won’t be going far… in fact, I’d say we’ll probably see just as much of you as we do now.’
Steve frowned and shook his head. ‘I doubt that.’ He sounded utterly despondent.
‘That’s what I said. But she’s right…’ Sophie motioned to Amy to continue.
‘Because the house I’ve put in an offer for… is the house next door!’ Amy finished with a flourish.
There was a short pause before Steve burst out laughing. ‘Ah, well, maybe that’s not such a bad idea after all.’
Amy beamed proudly. ‘And I’m going to set up my own catering business and Melissa thinks Mark Bailey will be my first celebrity client… and I’m going to hire a nanny who can look after my kids and yours so that you can carry on working…’ Amy stopped. ‘I’m gabbling. Sorry. I’m just excited.’ She gave Sophie and Steve an apologetic look.
‘Don’t be sorry. It’s great. Really great.’ Steve walked over and gave Amy a hug. ‘I’m proud of you.’
‘So how was the weekend?’ Steve asked, as they finally got into bed that night.
Sophie wrapped her arms around his bare chest and kissed him. ‘It was good but I missed you.’
‘Liar!’ he laughed, kissing her back.
‘Actually, Emily had to dash off early this morning. Apparently Jack had some kind of accident and was in hospital.’
‘Really? Is he hurt?’
Sophie shook her head. ‘Not badly, thank God. He got knocked off his bike. Few bumps and bruises, I think.’
‘Phew.’ Steve visibly relaxed.
‘I love that you’re so concerned about him, Steve. You’re such a good man. Better than his real dad, that’s for sure.’
Steve looked at her quizzically. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Anton. Emily discovered that he was still married. It’s hit her very hard. Actually, I suspected it all along but didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong.’
Steve nodded. ‘I vaguely remember him from university. He seemed a bit of a creep back then. God knows why she got involved with him.’
‘Anyway, forget about him,’ Sophie began, snuggling into him. ‘Amy said something while we were away that’s made me think a lot about you and me.’
‘Really?’ Steve looked instantly nervous. ‘What did she say?’
Sophie looked up at him, wondering why they hadn’t had this conversation years ago. ‘She said we should get married.’
‘Oh, did she now?’ Steve matched her jokey tone. ‘And what did you say to that?’
‘I said that you’d never asked me.…’
Steve smiled his long, slow, sexy smile. ‘I’m sure I must have asked you.…’
‘Nope.’ Sophie shook her head. She was smiling but she could feel the tears welling up behind her eyes. She had never admitted it before, but she did feel a deeply buried sense of disappointment that he hadn’t ever asked her. To begin with, she was just grateful that they were together, when they could so easily have broken up. But as the years went by, the yearning to formalize their commitment grew, especially once the children were born.
‘Well, you’ve never asked me either.…’ Steve gave her a searching look.
Sophie shrugged. ‘I know, but maybe I’m a bit old-fashioned like that. Maybe I think it should be the man who proposes.’
‘Oh, really? You’re not exactly a typical little housewife, Soph. I’m the one at home with the kids while you go out to work and earn all the money. Why shouldn’t you be the one to ask me?’
There was a long pause as Sophie thought about it. ‘What would you say? If I did ask you?’
Steve smiled again, making her heart swell. ‘Why don’t you ask me and find out?’
Sophie let out a low squeal of excitement. ‘Do you want me to get down on one knee?’
He laughed. ‘Of course…’
Sophie rolled her eyes but climbed out of bed and walked around to his side. She dropped to one knee and took his hand in hers, trying not to giggle. ‘Will you, Steve Montgomery, marry me?’
Steve beamed at her in delight. ‘How could I possibly turn down a naked proposal from the woman I love?’
Sophie glanced down. She had completely forgotten she was naked. ‘Is that a yes?’
Steve lifted the duvet and climbed out of bed. He pushed her gently down onto the rug she was kneeling on and kissed her. ‘As Mark Bailey might say on his talent show, “It’s a great big yes from me.”’