It took Val some time, but by the end of January, she finally decided to speak her mind. When she had first been given the news that Paula was getting married, she’d been shocked, but happy for her at the same time. It was impossible not to share in Paula’s joy, to join in with the wedding plans, but it was also awful to see how Betty was struggling to put on a brave face.
When Val saw the happy couple together, she was pleased to see how relaxed Paula appeared when Keith threw an arm around her, but they were the only displays of affection shown in front of them. There had been other times when Val had seen tension on Paula’s face, and suspected she knew why.
One day, when she was alone with Paula in the sitting room, Val said, ‘Paula, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but have you told Keith?’
‘Told him what?’
‘About Ian Parker. What he did to you?’
‘Yeah, he knows.’
‘You may think it’s none of my business, but I’m worried about you. Are you going to be all right? You know, on your wedding night.’
‘Oh, Val, I’m glad you’ve brought it up. I admit it’s been worrying me and in all honesty, I don’t know. We…we haven’t, well, done it yet. Keith’s been wonderful, not pushing me or anything, but sometimes I wonder if I should let him go all the way. I mean, what if I can’t?’
‘Does he know how you feel?’
‘I think so. We have lots of snogs, and I’ve got no problem with that. Keith’s so gentle and I don’t go all tense or anything, so…so do you think I’ll be all right?’
‘Darling, if it’s worrying you that much, it’ll spoil your wedding day. Maybe it’s time, as you put it, to go all the way.’
‘Blimey, I never expected you to suggest that. If Betty could hear you she’d have a fit.’
‘Well she can’t hear me.’
‘Watcha, Betty,’ said Paula, laughing when Val spun round to see no one behind her. ‘Oh, you should see your face.’
‘I’m glad you think it’s funny. Seriously though, Paula, you should take my advice.’
‘Maybe I will.’
‘Yes, well, let me know how you get on.’
‘What! You want all the details?’
‘No, silly, just to know that it was…well…all right.’
‘I knew what you meant,’ Paula said as she rose to her feet, ‘I was just having you on. Anyway, I’d best get ready. Keith will be here soon.’
Though relieved that the conversation had been easier than expected, Val was also a bit worried. If Paula took her advice, but found that she couldn’t, that she froze, would Keith still want to marry her?
Paula was in Keith’s arms, nervous but determined now. She whispered in his ear.
He reared back, astonished. ‘What?’
‘Keith, what if I can’t? I…I need to find out, need to know before we get married. You want a proper wife, not someone who can’t…well, do it.’
‘So this is for my sake. No, Paula, I’d rather wait. Do it properly.’
‘But, Keith.’
‘Look, I know you’re going to be nervous, but I don’t want our first bit of slap and tickle to be in the back of a car.’
‘I bet it hasn’t stopped you before.’
‘Maybe not, but you ain’t some bird I’ve just taken out with nothing else in mind but getting into her knickers. I love you, Paula, you’re going to be my wife, and, once we’re married, if it doesn’t work the first time, so what? We’ll have all the time in the world.’
‘I…I might never be able to do it.’
‘What, with me so irresistible?’
Paula flung herself into his arms again. ‘Oh Keith, I love you.’
‘See, I told you, irresistible,’ Keith chuckled.
And it turned out to be true, because, in the back of the car or not, Paula gave herself to Keith. He resisted at first, but when it finally came down to it, it was she who proved to be irresistible.
Val was smiling as she sat in her office the next morning. When Paula came home last night she’d been so happy that one look at her face had been enough. Paula had thrown her a cheeky wink and Val had felt like applauding. She looked around her office now, brow creasing. Was it really less than a year since they’d all agreed to join Cheryl in this venture? It felt so much longer. First there’d been that dreadful Christmas, one they would never forget. They’d had a hard lesson, finding that, for Betty, revenge wasn’t sweet and only brought heartache. It had been followed by Betty’s breakdown, and then the months of hard work to get this place established. But they had done it, and now, hearing a ring on the doorbell, she went to answer it.
‘Hello, Doctor. Cheryl’s in with Mrs Wilson now. Go on up.’
‘Thanks, Val, and please, like Cheryl, call me Simon.’
‘All right, Simon it is.’
‘Good,’ he said, smiling at her before going upstairs.
Oh, he was a nice man, perfect for Cheryl, but so far nothing had come of what Val had hoped was a budding relationship. They were both shy, that was the problem, but with two of the residents coming down with colds, no doubt Cheryl would have to call him out more often this month.
Val returned to her office. With Paula getting married, and a chance of a relationship for Cheryl, she found herself thinking about her own future. Would she ever find love again? With her lack of a social life it seemed unlikely, but maybe it was time to make changes, to widen her circle. Perhaps she should try something new, take up a hobby, perhaps photography. She could join a night class, and there were sure to be men there with the same interest. Yes, she’d do that, and–who knows–maybe she’d find a chance of happiness too.
‘Hello, Cheryl, can I come in?’ Simon asked.
‘Of course, and I’m sorry to call you out. I thought it was just a cold at first, but now I think it might be turning into bronchitis.’
‘Hello, Mrs Wilson,’ Simon said as he approached the bed. ‘Do you mind if I listen to your chest?’
‘I keep telling Cheryl that I’m fine, but she won’t listen.’
‘She’s worried about you,’ Simon said as he gently placed his stethoscope on the elderly woman’s chest. He admired Cheryl–found her a good nurse, and her devotion to the residents was plain to see. In fact, she was so devoted he doubted she’d have any time for him, and the thought held him back from doing what he always wanted to do when he saw her, and that was to ask her out.
‘Yes, Mrs Wilson, you have got a touch of bronchitis,’ he said, ‘but it’s been caught early and a course of antibiotics will soon put you right.’
‘Oh, good, I can get up then.’
‘Not yet, Louise,’ Cheryl said. ‘You still need to rest.’
‘But I promised William a game of chess.’
‘I’m sure he’ll understand,’ Cheryl said as she firmly tucked the blankets around Louise. ‘I’ll be back to check on you soon.’
Louise looked petulant as they left the room, and out of earshot, Cheryl giggled. ‘Honestly, since our only male resident was admitted, things haven’t been the same. The women all vie for his attention and jealousy is rife.’
Simon laughed, ‘At their age, too, but it’s good to hear that it’s never too late.’
‘It’s certainly perked them all up.’
Simon looked across at Cheryl, saw flushed cheeks, her cameo–like skin, and the sprinkle of freckles across her nose. If he didn’t say something, this wonderful woman might be snapped up by someone else. Yet, as always, shyness held him back–until at last the question burst from his lips. ‘Cheryl, I wonder if you’d consider having dinner with me?’
Her eyes widened, and then with a brilliant smile she said, ‘Yes, I’d like that.’
‘How about Saturday night? I could pick you up at eight.’
‘That’s fine,’ but then hearing Louise’s petulant call, she said, ‘I must go.’
Simon was smiling as he walked downstairs. He’d done it and Saturday night couldn’t come round fast enough.
Cheryl had been in to see Louise, completed the rest of her rounds, but after the initial excitement of being asked out had passed, she now wondered if she had made a mistake. She loved the residential home, what she’d achieved, and it meant so much to her. In the hall she paused for a moment, but then on impulse went to the office.
‘Hello,’ Val said as Cheryl walked in. ‘What’s up?’
Cheryl sat in front of the desk. ‘Simon has asked me out to dinner.’
‘Good. I was beginning to think he’d never get round to it.’ Val’s head tipped to one side. ‘So why the long face?’
‘I shouldn’t have agreed.’
‘Why not? I know you like him and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.’
‘Val, I can’t give up running the home. It means too much to me.’
‘Cheryl, what on earth are you talking about? The man has asked you out to dinner, that’s all.’
‘Yes, I know, but what if…if we become serious? What if he eventually asks me to marry him?’
‘Goodness, don’t you think you’re jumping the gun? You haven’t been out to dinner yet, but you’re already talking about marriage.’
‘I know you think it’s silly, but I don’t want to lead him on.’
‘Just take one step at a time. See what happens. It might not work out between you.’
‘But what if it does?’
‘All right, let’s look ahead; imagine that one day Simon asks you to marry him. Now you know what sort of life he leads, how busy he is. He in turn knows you are equally busy, and, I’m sure, how much this place means to you.’
‘He’s still a man: he might expect me to give it up–to be a stay–at–home wife.’
‘You don’t know that, and to be honest I doubt it. There’s no reason why you can’t be a wife
and
run the home. You may want more time off, but can always take on extra staff.’
‘You make it sound so easy.’
‘And you’re making it sound impossible.’
‘What if he wants a family?’
Val sat back in her chair, shaking her head as she said, ‘You haven’t been out with him yet and I still can’t believe we’re having this conversation. All right, children, but you can always take on more staff, and don’t forget you’ve got us.’
‘Yes, I have, haven’t I?’ Cheryl said, her heart feeling lighter now. She smiled at Val, but then a thought crossed her mind. ‘Do you ever regret not getting your own back on Mike Freeman?’
‘I don’t know why you’re bringing this up again now, but no, I don’t. What happened to Betty brought me to my senses and I realised that, in reality, I only had myself to blame.’
‘Are you happy, Val? Do you like this job?’
‘Yes, I’m happy, and yes, I love my work.’
‘You don’t regret leaving your flat?’
‘Of course I don’t. I might have been silly to seek revenge, but thankfully look what I’ve gained. I’ve three wonderful friends and who could ask for better ones. Now tell me, what’s brought this on?’
‘Oh, I don’t know. The thought of change, I suppose.’
‘Change is inevitable. For a start, Paula’s getting married, but are we talking about Simon again?’
‘Yes, I suppose we are, and he is rather cute isn’t he?’ Cheryl said as she rose to her feet.
‘He’s a dish and you’d be silly to let him go,’ Val warned.
‘Don’t worry. I won’t,’ Cheryl replied. Val was right, she was being silly. She would take her advice, take one step at a time, and now found herself again looking forward to Saturday evening.
John looked at his baby daughter and felt a surge of love that almost took his breath away. He placed a finger on her palm, tiny fingers curling to hold on. God, she was beautiful, perfect, all his fears gone from the moment she’d been born. The doctors had told them there was nothing to worry about, that all tests had shown that the baby was fine, but still he worried, still unable to believe that his father had put Mel’s lies before the welfare of their unborn baby.
Ulrika picked up a laden bag. ‘I’m ready.’ ‘I’ll take that,’ John said. ‘You carry the baby.’ He placed the bag in the boot and opened the passenger door for Ulrika, taking the baby while she climbed in. With infinite gentleness, John then placed their daughter in her arms again before going round to the driver’s side. As he got behind the wheel, he turned to look at his wife and daughter. ‘All set?’ ‘Yes, I am all set. We both are,’ Ulrika said, smiling lovingly at the baby.
John gunned the engine to life, careful to look behind him before pulling away. He drove steadily, slowly, so aware of the precious cargo beside him. He thanked his lucky stars for the day he’d met Ulrika, for her wisdom, her way of gently making him see another point of view. He’d been ready to cut his father from his life, just as he had his mother, but Ulrika had talked him round, as she always did. Her power to forgive never ceased to amaze him and showed the beauty of her soul. Ulrika had managed to talk Anne round too, and she’d be making this same journey tomorrow. He was glad, thankful that his wife had made them both see sense at last.
Val rose from her desk to answer the doorbell. She saw the young couple, but it took a moment before she recognised them.
Oh my God
, her mind screamed.
‘Good afternoon. I understand my mother lives here, Elizabeth Grayson. Would it be possible to see her?’
Betty’s son hadn’t recognised her, yet Val remained frozen in shock, aware that he was holding a baby.
Don’t just stand there! Say something
.
She then sensed someone behind her, Cheryl asking, ‘Is there a problem, Val?’
‘This…this is Betty’s son and his wife. They…they want to see her.’
Cheryl too looked shocked, but maintained her equilibrium enough to say, ‘In that case, don’t leave them on the doorstep,’ and, pushing Val to one side, she smiled at the young couple. ‘Please, do come in.’
Still Val found herself unable to speak as she stood back, unable to believe it, part wonder and part fear constricting her throat. Why had they come? Was it going to cause more pain for Betty? Oh, please, please, no.
As they stepped inside, Cheryl said, ‘How lovely, you have a baby.’
‘Yes, a girl.’
‘Val, take them through to your office. I’ll find Betty.’
With that Cheryl hurried away, whilst Val, still with a feeling of dread, led the couple to her office. The last time Betty had seen her son it had almost destroyed her, and at last the tightness in her throat eased. ‘Why have you come?’
‘I told you, to see my mother.’
‘You…you’re not going to—’
Val’s words were cut off as the door opened and she spun round to see Betty walking into the room.
‘John,’ Betty gasped.
He moved towards her, a soft smile on his face. ‘Hello, Mum. I thought you might like to meet your granddaughter. Her name is Elizabeth, Beth, and she’s named after you,’ he said, placing the baby in Betty’s arms.
There was a sob, and then the tears fell, rolling down Betty’s cheeks as she looked down at the baby. ‘I…I don’t deserve it.’
‘Yes, you do. We all make mistakes, need forgiveness, and I realise that now. You were a wonderful mother, and I know you’ll be the perfect grandmother too.’
‘Oh son,’ Betty gasped, her eyes now swimming with happiness. ‘Look, Val, look, Cheryl, isn’t she lovely?’
Val realised that tears of emotion were streaming down her cheeks too. It had weighed so heavily on her that she had led Betty into gaining revenge, that it had driven her children away. She raised her eyes heavenward, thanking God that it could all be left behind them now, for this wonderful moment. ‘She’s gorgeous, Betty.’
With a soft smile, Betty kissed the baby’s cheek. ‘Hello, darling. Hello, Beth–my beautiful granddaughter.’