Now It's Just Us (Wrong Girl 2)

Prologue

Prologue

"Mama, Mama, wake up! When is Daddy coming home?"

An anxious and excited little voice gradually wakes me from my slumber. I open one eye, taking a look at the alarm clock beside my bed which says it's just gone five am. God, it's far too early for this.

"Jamie, it's too early for you to be awake yet, baby. Try and go back to sleep for a little while, ok?"

"But when is Daddy coming home? Is it soon? Is he on his plane already? Has he set off yet?"

My high-spirited son is beyond exuberant at the thought of Zack coming home. He's been abroad for the past two weeks because of work but it feels more like two years. I understand all too well how much our four year old is missing him. Zack has made sure to call us both every single day since he's been gone but that still doesn't make up for his prolonged absence. We both want him home and the fact that he is due back at some point today makes the wait just that little bit more agonising.

"I don't know, Sweetie. His plane was delayed, remember? He'll be home as soon as he can be. He promised you that when you spoke to him on the phone."

"But will it be today?" He asks, lowering his head as his lips start to pout.

"Yes, sweetie. Daddy will be back at some point today."

"So we should get ready for him!" Jamie exclaims loudly, jumping up onto his feet as he starts to bounce on the bed.

He's started sneaking into our room every night for the past two weeks, wanting to climb into bed with me and cuddle. He's been really unsettled since Zack has been away and I honestly can't wait for him to come home and things can go back to normal.

"Shh, Jamie. It's only five o'clock. Why don't you get into bed with me for a cuddle? Time will go so much quicker if we're fast asleep."

I take hold of his wrist, gently guiding him underneath the covers. I can only imagine how long this day is going to feel if we both get up so early. Plus, we're both exhausted. I took Jamie to the beach yesterday, spending the afternoon on the sands before we enjoyed tea at a nice restaurant. We were there for hours before the sea air eventually wore him out. He was practically falling asleep when I gave him his bath, complaining about me washing him the whole time. He finally collapsed on his bed at half past seven and I wasn't too far behind him.

"Really? Time disappears if you're asleep?" He asks so innocently, his eyes wide and his little mouth open in awe and amazement.

"Well, it doesn't disappear." I explain patiently, tucking him in beside me. "Time still exists, it just feels like it goes by quickly. It's like Christmas Eve. Remember when you're so excited and you always want to catch a glimpse of Santa? I always tell you that he will only deliver your presents if you're fast asleep, don't I?"

"Uh-huh." He nods his head and waits for me to continue, gazing at me in admiration.

My son truly believes that I know everything. Sometimes this frightens me because I'm so terrified that I will somehow get it wrong and tell him something that will confuse him or have a negative impact. His little mind is like a sponge, it absorbs every single word I say.

"Do you remember how fast the night seems to go once you're sleeping at Christmas?"

"So Daddy will only come home if I'm asleep?" His green eyes start to fill with unnecessary tears, no doubt worrying that his father will never come if he fails to fall fast asleep.