Page 95 of The Summer That Changed Us

Grace held up her hands. ‘Whatever comes next, I don’t want to hear it. Do you understand? Every word of this sick confession of yours chips away at my marriage. I’m not even sure what’s left of it now.’

Zoe flushed. ‘I understand. But I will say that he never felt anything for me, it meant nothing to either of us. He left immediately afterwards. I waited until I was sixteen weeks pregnant before letting anyone know. You were the first person I told.’

‘Is that supposed to make me feel better? You were carrying your brother-in-law’s baby, for heaven’s sake.’ Grace was scathing.

‘I hate what I’ve done to you.’ Zoe dropped her head into her hands. ‘You’ve got to believe that.’

Grace was too numb to know what she believed or even how she felt. She wanted Zoe out of her house, but that wasn’t a possibility, not at this time of day when she’d been drinking and had Ruby to look after.

Ruby. Her niece. And also, her stepdaughter.

This was all too much to absorb; she had a sudden desire to be on her own.

‘I’m going to bed,’ she announced. ‘And I’d like very much if you’d be gone when I get up in the morning.’

Zoe nodded. ‘Of course. Grace, I never meant for any of this to happen. I would never have asked Myles for anything; you have to believe me. It was enough for me to have a man like Myles in Ruby’s life, I’d never have told her he was her father. And I don’t expect your forgiveness.’

‘Good! Because you’re not getting it.’ Grace gaped at her sister. Could she not see what she’d done? She and Myles. Between them they had rewritten the story of her happy marriage. ‘None of this is Ruby’s fault, so I’m going to make sure she is looked after as Myles would wish. She’s entitled to a share of his estate. You’ll be hearing from my solicitor.’

‘Thank you,’ Zoe whispered under her breath. ‘That’s very generous.’

‘No,’ said Grace firmly. ‘It’s my legal obligation, that’s all.’

She looked at Ruby. Her little cheeks, peachy soft, her hands and arms stretched out in slumber. Her love for this little one had been unconditional and pure, now it would be forever tainted in betrayal and anger. Ruby was the fallout from this fiasco and Grace’s heart ached for her. She could never forgive Zoe for this. Never.

Chapter Thirty-Three

The Sea Glass Sisterhood WhatsApp Group

KATIE

Hi ladies. Grace, I hope you’re having fun with your sister and the baby? Robyn, I know it’s the christening today, hope it goes well and you have a lovely time with the family. I’ll be back from Nottingham later this afternoon. Anyone free for a catch-up on the beach? So much has happened and if I don’t tell someone soon, I’m going to BURST! xx

ROBYN

I’m free! Sort of dreading the christening because everyone will be doing their how-are-you-feeling pity faces. It should finish around five-ish, shall we say six?

GRACE

Girls, to be honest, am not doing great at the moment and didn’t sleep a wink last night. Thanks for the invitation but I’m not good company right now. Love G xxx

KATIE

So so sorry to hear this. Please don’t hide away, I miss you. Plus, we had a deal: a problem shared is a problem thirded, right? So, whatever is going on, we want to help. The Sea Glass Sisterhood rules. Be kind to yourself xxx

ROBYN

Katie’s right, please don’t shut us out, let us be there for you. Don’t be sad on your own. I’ll be there on the beach at six, I hope to see you both there. Sending love xoxox

Chapter Thirty-Four

As soon as the organist played the first few bars of the final hymn, the congregation stood and gathered bags and belongings, anxious to escape the stale air of Merle Bay’s sixteenth-century church. The temperature had risen again today, and everyone was itching to be outside in the sunshine. The children among them recognised the hymn and began competing with each other for who could shout ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’ loudest without getting told off by their parents. Robyn and Finn were in the front pew with Claudia, Callum and the children.

‘If I’d known it was going to be this hot,’ Claudia muttered to Robyn, trying to peel Betty’s hot cheek from her chest, ‘I’d have postponed the christening.’

‘I’m glad you didn’t.’ Robyn smiled in sympathy and fanned herself with the order of service. ‘It was such good fun.’

Finn leaned across. ‘Speak for yourself. I’m soaked.’