“We’re so lucky that Cal works freelance now. He’s able to take care of Caleb and Lady while working from home. I honestly don’t know how he does it.” Steph’s smile reaches her eyes.
I shrug my shoulder and wink in her direction. “Best job I ever had.”
Caleb tugs on Mum’s long, floaty skirt. “Nan-nee.”
She bends over slightly and takes hold of his small hand. “You want to go for a walk? Shall we look at the pretty flowers?”
Steph follows Mum up the garden path with Caleb, and my sister appears at my side.
She tucks her straight black hair behind her ears. “It’s good to reconnect with Dad. Thanks for inviting him.”
“Sure.”
“I spoke to him on the phone recently. Did he tell you?” Her brown eyes look down towards the ground as she shuffles on her flat sandals. I know that look. The feeling guilty for wanting to forgive him after everything that’s past.
“No, how did it go?” I grab a beer from the cooler.
“He asked if I wanted to visit him in Oz, said he’d pay for the flights and everything.” Dad’s way of trying to make up for everything.
“You should go. You’d get on with Danni. She’s nice.” Visions of that night in the theatre pop into my head. I take another drink to douse out the acid threatening to rise. “If Mum can forgive him, I’m sure you can put the past behind us.” I place my hand on her shoulder, and she gives me a smile.
“You’re still playing happy families then? After everything that happened between you two.” She waves her hand towards Steph.
“I love her, sis.” I take a swig of beer.
“You said that twenty-odd years ago and look what happened. You’re insane.”
“Maybe.” She drives me insane, I know that.
“Cheryl, good to see you.” Dean throws an arm over my sister’s shoulders.
She rolls her eyes and wriggles from under him. “I see you haven’t changed.”
Dean chuckles as I hand him a beer from the cooler. Cheryl huffs and wanders towards Mum.
“Nice party.” He smirks.
I know what he means by nice. “Fuck off. What did you expect, a rave?”
“You’ve got a decent sized garden for it, anyhow.” His hand knocks my arm as he whistles. “Damn. Who’s that?”
My shoulders rock as I silently laugh. “That’s Steph’s friend, Claire.” I look around the party for Steph and see her holding our son, talking with my mother. She’s smiling as my mum plays peek-a-boo with Caleb. He's giggling with those cute dimples on display. She sees Claire, and they both hug.
Dean knocks back a mouthful of beer. “Fuck, mate. This party just got a lot hotter. Who’s that?”
I follow his gaze and smile as Amy approaches. Her heels dig into the grass as she walks, laden with bags.
“Callum.” She gives me an air kiss on the cheek. “Where is she?”
I point to Steph, surrounded by several guests. More have arrived, including Kelly and Ryan.
Steph turns to us and waves us over. She's glowing as if emitting her own ray of light. The hot weather makes her cheeks shine, and a dusting of freckles across her nose is more prominent in the outdoor summer sun.
Amy gives her a kiss on both cheeks. “Sweetie, I brought gifts.” She hands Steph a bottle of French champagne and a gift bag full of beauty products.
“You know he’s only one, right?” I chuckle before taking another swig of beer.
She glares at me. “I can take the champagne back if you like.”