down and back. ‘I wouldn’t want him staying overnight, though. At least not until he’s older and…’
‘Cassie’s behaving more rationally,’ Adam finished. ‘I get it.’ He nodded understandingly. ‘I suspect she realised she’d overstepped the mark when you didn’t return her calls. Hopefully she’ll be more restrained in future.’
Dropping her gaze to Samuel, Kim eased his shawl from his little face. ‘Sorry about that,’ she said contritely. ‘I know you were both worried about him, but he was perfectly all right. It was me panicking. I was only really ringing to let you know I was staying over a couple of extra nights. To be honest, I was a bit upset by her reaction. I felt as if she was… Well, it didn’t make me want to rush back, if you can understand.’
‘I do. Perfectly,’ Adam said, pressing a reassuring hand to her arm. ‘I can’t say I blame you. I’m going to try to get her to see someone. I think she needs—’
Kim noted his gaze flick to the door and gathered Cassie was looming.
‘I think it’s the right temperature.’ Cassie duly appeared, bottle and bib in hand. ‘You’ll need to test it, though, Kim. We wouldn’t want to burn his little mouth, would we?’
‘Thanks, Cassie.’ Exchanging glances with Adam, Kim tried not to roll her eyes.
‘My pleasure,’ Cassie said, coming across to stroke Samuel’s cheek. ‘Isn’t he just adorable?’ she sighed longingly. ‘He looks so much like his father…’ She swallowed hard.
‘Would you like to feed him?’ Kim asked kindly.
‘I’d love to,’ Cassie said, looking delighted.
‘Here we go then.’ Samuel was beginning to fret for his feed. ‘Keep an eye on him,’ she warned. ‘He’s a little guzzler.’
‘I will. There’s no need to worry, Kim. I have done this before, haven’t I, darling, hmm?’ Cassie gazed adoringly down at Samuel as she walked across to the sofa.
Catching Adam’s eye again, Kim gave him a smile, indicating that she was okay with it.
‘He’ll probably need a nap once he’s had his feed,’ Cassie said, once she’d encouraged Samuel to take the bottle. ‘You too, Kim. You must be tired after your journey. Why don’t you have a lie-down in the spare room and I’ll sit in the nursery with Samuel for a while.’
‘Um…’ Kim glanced at her watch, a knot of panic taking root. She was happy to allow Cassie some time with Samuel, but she couldn’t stay for the rest of the day. She had to get him home.
Clearly understanding her dilemma, Adam came to the rescue. ‘I think Kim wants to get back home.’ Crossing to the sofa, he glanced smilingly down at the baby and then leant to kiss the top of Cassie’s head. ‘She probably needs to sort herself out and settle Samuel back into his routine, don’t you, Kim?’
‘I do.’ Kim nodded, relieved. ‘I have Jack staying over too. My mum’s taken him for a dental appointment but we’re meeting up later, so I really should get off fairly soon.’
Cassie nodded, but she was clearly disappointed. ‘I could come with you, put your washing on and keep an eye on Samuel while you and Jack—’
‘No, Cassie,’ Adam intervened, before Kim had a chance to answer. ‘Kim needs her space, remember? Some time to herself.’
‘To be honest, I do, Cassie,’ Kim agreed, as Cassie gazed between them, her look a mixture of bewildered and crestfallen. ‘You could come over in a few days, though. Maybe pop around for an hour or so. You could take him out for a walk if you wanted to, which would give me a break. What do you think?’
Cassie glanced at her thoughtfully. Then, offering a small, forced smile, she concentrated her attention back on Samuel.
Half an hour later, Adam walked Kim to the front door while Cassie went to wash her hands after changing Samuel’s nappy. ‘Thanks,’ he said emotionally, giving her shoulders a squeeze.
‘Thank you,’ Kim said in turn, settling Samuel in the pushchair. ‘I know you’ve been through a lot, and that you’re still going through it. I just wanted you to know I really appreciate all you’ve done for me. You’re a very special, caring man. Cassie’s lucky to have you. Don’t run yourself ragged, though,’ she warned him, frowning. ‘You’ll be no use to yourself or anyone else if you do that. You have to look after yourself too.’
Adam smiled. It suited him much better than the confused look he seemed to wear around Cassie. ‘I’ll do my best,’ he assured her.