Page 3 of In at the Deep End

“Cite your source.”

He cackled again. “Mum. She said she planted a load of lavender once, ’cause they thrive in poor soil. You killed them. Then there was the time you pruned a holly bush and it died. No one in the history of the world has ever killed a holly bush.”

“Your mother’s memory is far too good.”

“Except she’s not my only source. Ben wouldn’t let you near a pair of pruning shears. He told me as much.”

Owen gave a wistful smile. “Okay, I can’t argue with that.”

Callum sipped his tea. “This is beautiful, though.”

“And it’ll be the last garden I ever own. Because the only way I’m leaving this house is feet first in a pine box.”

He snickered. “I was looking at those prepaid cremation plans they keep advertising. I thought we might turn you into kitty litter.”

Owen pointed his mug in Callum’s direction. “Remarks like that will get you crossed out of my will. One day, this could all be yours.”

Callum didn’t smile, and the sight sent a shiver through Owen.

“What if you have a partner to leave it to?”

Owen suppressed his sigh. “We’ve talked about this.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“I’m perfectly happy as I am.”

“I know that too.”

“And I have no plans to change anything.”

Callum cocked his head to one side. “Never say never, Dad. None of us know what’s waiting right around the corner.”

Owen drank some of his tea. “Lightning doesn’t strike twice, kid. And neither does true love, not in my book at any rate. I’ve had my moment in the sun. And it was a damn good moment too.” The words didn’t upset him, not anymore. He’d healed a lot in six years.

But there were moments when he recalled a look, a touch, a kiss…

He straightened. “So… what do you think of the neighbourhood?”

“That’s Dad-speak for ‘Change the subject.’” Callum took a breath to drink more tea. “And you can’t tell a thing from the lane. All the houses are hidden behind hedges.” He chuckled. “And that lane is narrow. The moving van only just made it through. I thought it was going to take out a few hedges turning into the driveway.”

Owen hadn’t seen any of his new neighbours yet. Research on Google Maps had shown large houses of between three and five bedrooms. The only other house with a pool was next door.

“How’s the saving up for a deposit going?”

Callum’s groan tightened Owen’s chest. “I’m hoarding very bloody penny I get. Mum’s been great about it. She won’t accept any money for food, and she takes a tiny amount of rent.” He chuckled. “Anyone would think she wanted me out from under her feet.”

“Gee, imagine that.”

“By the way, I looked for biscuits in the kitchen, but I couldn’t find any.”

Owen smiled. “Then you didn’t look hard enough.”

Callum narrowed his gaze. “You bought good stuff, right? Not the crap Mum buys.” He shuddered. “I mean, who likes Rich Tea? They’re boring as fuck.” He froze. “Oops. Sorry, Dad.”

He laughed. “I’ve heard worse. And you’re not a kid anymore. I bought stem ginger cookies. Good enough, Oh Picky One?”

“Well, if I have to slum it…” Callum grinned. “Your packing skills are really shit, you know. It took me forever to find the mugs.”