Page 2 of In at the Deep End

“You’re safe with me, Mr. Squirrel,” he murmured. He couldn’t hear any birds singing, but only the other day he’d watched a nature programme on TV where someone had said that birds took a nap during the day. Which made sense, considering what time they were awake. Owen made a mental note to buy a bird feeder and supplies.

He smiled. Ben, you would have loved this.

The sweet ache that accompanied the thought had lessened a lot, but it was still there, a link to memories. They’d spent so much time in the garden that last year.

The house in Reading had come with an adequate-sized plot out back, and Ben had stocked it with every type of shrub and plant imaginable.

The only thing missing from this place is the sound of running water.

Maybe that was a future project.

Owen’s phone buzzed in his pocket, and he removed it and peered at the screen.

Phil: So when does Casa Owen open for business?

Owen chuckled, his thumbs sliding over the keys.

Not yet. Patience. When I do the whole housewarming thing, you’ll be one of the first to know. Except you won’t get an invite to *that* one. LMAO

[grin emoji] Your neighbours have no idea, do they?

Owen grinned. At least there was an empty piece of land between his house and the one next door. A buffer zone.

“Contemplating your new kingdom?” Callum joined him on the lawn, holding out a mug. “Hey, it feels warm out here.”

“It’s May.”

He snorted. “That means nothing. This is Britain, remember? Tomorrow it could drop back into single digits and we could be up to our armpits in frost. Or rusting because of the torrential rain.”

Owen sipped his tea. “Not bad. It’s not how I would make it, but it’s not bad.”

Callum let out another chuckle. “Your version is always strong enough to stand a spoon up in it.”

“Strong tea builds character.”

Laughter burst from him. “You mean like eating sprouts builds character? Doing my homework? Unpacking the shopping?”

“Well, obviously.” Owen rolled his eyes. “I mean, look at how you turned out.”

A damn fine example of a man.

Callum smirked. “That could almost be a compliment. Careful there, Dad. Don’t overdo it.”

That earned him a mock glare.

Callum glanced at the flower beds. “I have to say, this is the part that surprised me.”

Owen blinked. “Why?”

“Dad… It’s over an acre.”

“So I’m not allowed to have a big garden?”

“Of course you are, but your track record is pretty shit.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Callum’s lips twitched. “You could kill a plastic plant.”