Page 36 of In at the Deep End

Matt’s mind jolted to the obvious, his chest tightening in a heartbeat.

“Granddad… Is he…”

Dad raised his head, his face drawn. “No, he’s still with us.” He swallowed. “But the carers called this morning. I think it’s time.”

Matt’s stomach roiled. “I see.”

“We’ll visit the hospice after breakfast.” Mum’s voice sounded so far away. “Just to make sure everything’s in place.” She sighed. “It’s always the way, isn’t it? One person leaving… another getting ready to arrive.”

He blinked. “Has there been news? Am I an uncle again?”

“Not yet. There’s still a month to go. But Jamie was early, so I guess they’re preparing themselves for any eventuality. And they’re still coming this weekend.”

Which meant Uncle Matt would be called upon to give rides to Jamie, play in the garden, and give his parents a break. Not that Matt minded that—he loved his little nephew—but he’d been hoping to spend the weekend making real progress on his dissertation.

That can wait.

“How long will they be here for?”

“A week, maybe longer.” Mum shook her head. “I want Beth to put her feet up. You know what she’s like. She can’t walk from one room to another without finding something to do. I want her to take it easy. Zach says he’s got to go into work a few times, but at least when he isn’t working, he can chill too.”

“I’m going to see your granddad later.” Dad peered at him. “Do you want to come with me?”

That sent a pang lancing through him.

He wanted to say yes. He knew he should.

He just couldn’t.

Matt’s phone buzzed, and he pulled it from the pocket of his shorts.

Owen: No rush this morning if you’ve got things to do. I’m around all day.

It wasn’t exactly saved by the bell, but as near as damn it. Matt hated himself for even thinking that way. His throat was tight, his chest tighter.

He managed a cough. “You give Granddad my love, okay?”

The look in Dad’s eyes spoke volumes. “Yeah, I will.” His voice was gentle.

Matt took a moment to breathe. “I think Owen has my whole day mapped out, so I’d better get over there.”

“It’s working out, then?”

“Really well. He’s easy to spend time with. I can see why you all got along so well.” He glanced at Mum. “To watch Owen and Cyn together, it’s difficult to believe they’re divorced. They seem such a good fit.”

“I’m glad you got to meet her. I can’t wait to get her over here for dinner.”

“She’ll be visiting Owen’s place when it’s finally sorted. Maybe that would be a good time.”

Mum picked up her mug. “You’d better go. It sounds as if you have a full day ahead of you.”

Matt chuckled. “My day started while you were both still asleep. Again.”

Dad frowned. “No burning the candle at both ends, all right? Your dissertation is the priority.”

He smiled. “It’s fine. Everything is on track.”

And spending the day with Owen would be a welcome break.