Around them, the locals and tourists of Muskoka Shores continued, as if oblivious to Sarah’s emotional distress. Maybe the baby noticed Sarah’s anguish, for his whimpers increased. Or maybe that was simply because Jackie’s call had allowed enough time for Charlie to realize that the person holding him was not his mother, and for him to protest anew.
Sarah sucked back emotion and jiggled him. “Hey, it’s okay. Mummy is just over there. She can see you.”
She veered away, as a sharp pang of grief hit her. His mother could see him, but she’d never see her own child. And while she didn’t want to make this about her, she was struggling. But then, right now, Jackie needed her help, and it wasn’t her fault that Sarah was finding holding her baby so hard.
Jackie ended her call and put her phone in her bag. “Oh, thank you. That was Lincoln. He only gets a few moments break in his filming, and he always tries to call then. He’s supposed to be driving up here tonight, but it looks like he’s now delayed.”
Sarah pressed her lips together and nodded. She had to exit gracefully, without breaking down.
Jackie held out her hands.
Sarah handed her the child. She needed to get away. Needed to cry. Needed a moment to regain composure and pretend this didn’t hurt.
“Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome.” Not really. “I need to go—”
“Oh, before you do, Ange mentioned the other day that you’re here for a few months.”
God bless her aunt.
“If you are, and you’re looking for something to do, then I’m having a little gathering at my house this Friday, and would love for you to come.”
No. No, no. She couldn’t think of anything worse. “Thanks, but—”
“Before you say no,” Jackie smiled, “you’d be very welcome to join us. My friend Serena has been hosting soirees for several years, and it’s a great chance to just relax with good company, nice food, cocktails or mocktails, whatever floats your boat. No husbands, no kids, just us.”
No kids? That was a plus. She pointed to the baby. “Where—?”
“Oh, Linc will take him and probably hang out with Joel while Serena’s free.”
“Is this Serena who works at the resort?”
“You know her?”
“She planned our wedding.”
Jackie beamed. “Of course, I remember now. Oh, then in that case youhaveto come. And it wouldn’t even be that far for you, just a couple of houses down the lane.”
Hmm. With no kids and not far away, her defenses were dropping. “Is Ange going?”
Jackie’s head tilted. “She hasn’t in the past, but there’s no reason why we couldn’t invite her. These nights really are a lot of fun.”
Fun? That was a concept she wasn’t too familiar with these days. She and Dan might like the quiet life, but there was such a thing as maybetoomuch quiet, especially when their relationship still didn’t feel completely easy as it had before.
“What time?”
“Look, is it forward of me to get your number? Or I can ask Serena to send you a text with the details if you prefer.” Charlie started fussing. “I’ll do that, as this one doesn’t seem to want to hang around. But I really hope you can join us.”
“Thanks.” Non-committal. No promises. She backed away. Faked a smile. Then turned to see Dan watching her.
* * *
The reliefon Sarah’s face when she saw him would be comical, if it wasn’t so heartbreaking. He knew exactly why she looked that way. He’d no doubt look the same. Watching her hold the baby, his heart had clenched, imagining her as the mother of his own child. Something there was a fair chance would never be.
“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” she said, climbing into the Jeep.
“Sar.” He held out his hand.
