Alison Roberts - A Mother for His Family

Sarah’s smile softened and she glanced up, wondering if the man was aware of his small companion’s shyness. The instant answer she found in a pair of very dark eyes was disconcerting. The way he swung the child up into his arms and kissed her cheek gently as he gave her a cuddle was utterly charming. He settled her onto one hip and there was a slight scuffle as the other children raced to claim his free hand.

‘Better go,’ he said. ‘Have a great holiday.’

‘Thanks, we will,’ Sarah said politely.

‘You, too!’ Tori called after him.

He laughed. ‘Some of us are here to work, not play.’ He turned his head a few steps later and he was still smiling. ‘Tough job,’ he said sternly, ‘but, hey! Someone’s gotta do it.’

* * *

Water slid over her skin like the touch of satin sheets on an overly hot summer’s night. Waves, too lazy to break until they reached the shore, rocked her gently and tiny, brightly coloured fish darted through the crystal clarity of the shallows like jewels.

‘This is bliss,’ Sarah sighed happily. ‘Seven whole days of absolute paradise. I’m so glad you talked me into this, Tori.’

‘We should go and get some lunch.’

‘It’s only eleven o’clock. The restaurant won’t be open yet.’

‘You can get snacks any time and I’m starving !’

‘Get one of the islanders to knock a coconut down for you. Look, there’s someone near our bure right now.’

Sarah waved towards the thatched hut, set amongst the coconut palms only a stone’s throw from the beach, aware of yet another contented smile pulling at her lips. While the hut looked primitive and totally in keeping with the setting from the outside, the interior could only be described as luxurious. Even the huge gecko attached to their ceiling by its sticky feet hadn’t distracted them from admiring the furnishings and bathroom facilities or enjoying the champagne and basket of tropical fruit awaiting their arrival.

Tori stood up, water flowing from the red bikini that covered her curves. She shook her head, releasing a spray of droplets from her curly blonde hair.

‘ He’d know, wouldn’t he?’

‘About coconuts? Sure.’

‘No, about that man. Who he is. He said he worked here, didn’t he?’

‘Well, he said he was here to work. I’m not sure that’s quite the same thing.’

‘Maybe he’s a film director checking out a new location.’

‘Or a novelist, trying to find a quiet spot to finish off his latest bestseller.’

‘Maybe he owns this resort!’ Tori’s eyes widened dramatically as she considered the fabulous possibilities. Then she made a decisive move towards the beach, swooping to collect her towel and sunglasses. ‘I’ll find out,’ she announced. ‘Watch this space!’

The space didn’t stay empty for long. Tori was back within minutes, splashing excitedly through the shallows and then wading in to where Sarah was floating on her back.

‘He’s a doctor !’ she reported breathlessly. ‘“Doctor Ben”, they call him. He’s come to see one of the women in the village. Sounds like she’s having a baby any day now.’

‘So that’s why that boy was carrying the kit. I thought it was a bit odd to have fishing tackle and no rod.’

‘I asked if there was a “Mrs Ben”, but I don’t think he understood.’ Tori was frowning. ‘That was when he started talking about the “missus” in the village who’s having a baby.’

‘Why don’t you sprain your ankle or something? Just in time for when he comes back along the beach.’

Tori appeared to give the tongue-in-cheek suggestion serious thought but then laughed.

‘I think going to the restaurant is a much better idea. We can see the boats from the deck by that pool. He might even have lunch there himself.’ Tori was off again. ‘I’m going to get changed and do something with my hair!’

* * *

It didn’t matter what route they chose to take. Paths that meandered beneath the palms, between accommodation and service bures, past a chapel and even a tiny fire station, eventually all led to the central complex that was the resort’s hub. Neither did it matter how long it took to get there. They were on island time now and Sarah had actually taken off her watch and dropped it into her suitcase when she’d gone inside to shower after her swim.

The sense of escaping more than just a timetable was heady. The atmosphere of this tropical playground offered the promise of finding whatever they might be searching for. They could choose the peace of simply soaking up the sunshine, lazing in water just cool enough to be refreshing or strolling along walkways shaded by exotic trees. Or they could go for the excitement of scuba-diving, windsurfing or parasailing. Right now, peace was something Sarah craved. Time out after a tough year.

The cry that interrupted their ambling progress past the turtle nursery was anything but peaceful.

‘What on earth was that?’

‘Sounds like someone’s been hurt.’

‘Where did it come from?’

‘Just over there.’ Sarah was already moving, heading away from the path and through a thick clump of hibiscus bushes. ‘I think it’s the miniature golf course.’

An elderly woman was lying on the ground. Her companion was holding her hand.

‘Marjorie! Are you all right, darling?’

‘Hi. My name’s Sarah. I’m a nurse. Can I help?’

‘She fell over. Marjorie?’

‘I’m fine, Stanley. Don’t fuss.’ The woman was struggling to sit up.

‘Does anything hurt?’

‘I don’t think so. Help me up, Stanley.’ Marjorie held up her hands but cried out as she tried to stand up. ‘My ankle! Ah-h! ’

‘Let’s sit her down,’ Sarah instructed. ‘On that turtle.’ She looked up to engage Tori’s assistance as she helped support the woman, but to her surprise she was alone with the elderly couple. Tori must have gone to find help, she decided. And suddenly her absence wasn’t so surprising. Sarah could guess precisely whose help she would be seeking.

The large concrete turtle crouching over one of the target holes for the golf course made an excellent seat. Sarah was pleased to see some colour returning to Marjorie’s cheeks.

‘Damn and blast!’ the woman exclaimed. ‘I knew these sandals were going to be trouble.’

‘Does anything else hurt?’ Sarah asked. ‘Did you hit your head when you fell?’

‘Would take more than concrete to knock Marj out,’ Stanley said.

Sarah smiled. ‘Can you remember what happened? Were you feeling unwell in any way before you fell?’

‘No, I’m as fit as a fiddle. It was these sandals. I came down that hill too fast and turned my foot.’

‘She was excited,’ Stanley explained. ‘She got a hole in one under that turtle.’

‘I did, didn’t I?’ Marjorie beamed at Stanley. ‘Not so dusty for an old girl, huh?’

Sarah’s smile widened. ‘How old are you, Marjorie?’

‘Seventy-seven.’ Marjorie leaned towards Sarah. ‘Stanley’s only sixty-eight. Take my advice, sweetie. Always go for a younger man.’

‘We’re on our honeymoon,’ Stanley added proudly. ‘We got married here, on the beach.’

‘Oh, how lovely! I’ve always thought that a tropical island wedding would be just perfect.’

‘It was.’ Marjorie nodded. ‘Until now.’ She groaned. ‘Do you think I’ve broken it?’

‘Let’s have a look.’ Sarah eased a sandal with a high cork sole from Marjorie’s foot.

Stanley was holding Marjorie’s hand again and looking very anxious. They both watched as Sarah carefully examined the foot and ankle.

‘Can you wiggle your toes?’

Brightly painted toenails waggled a little feebly.