Authors: Jillian Brookes-Ward
At two o'clock the next afternoon, Mr and Mrs Nathaniel Mackie departed Struan Lodge for a three week honeymoon cruise in the Caribbean, leaving the final packing and clearing up to Rebecca and Paul.
The holiday revealed a new man in Nathaniel, much to Megan's delight.
Almost at once his whole disposition changed as the strain of his failing business, the loneliness of Struan, and his awful memories of the deaths of Joanna and his baby were stripped away and discarded. Buried deep within the metaphorical onion layers could be found the real Nat, and he soon came to the fore.
He relaxed completely and she saw for the first time how truly contented he was with his new lease of life.
He drank very little, no longer having the need to seek solace in a bottle, and he exchanged scowls and frowns for deep, infectious laughter that made her heart light.
Laconic, irreverent humour replaced foul-mouthed temper tantrums and there were no more fits of selfish pique or periods of dark sulkiness. He was a different man - confident, funny, caring and considerate. He was a passionate lover and a wonderful companion and she adored this new Nat even more than she had the old one. She knew in her heart he was the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life in idyllic contentment.
They returned home, tanned, healthy and happy, and within a fortnight had completely moved into the cottage they had bought on the outskirts of the city. It was small, having only two bedrooms compared to the seven at Struan, but it had everything they needed.
They were surrounded by dense mixed woodland and it shielded them from the noise of the nearby main road. Its quiet and peaceful location encouraged much wildlife and birds to visit. The cottage also boasted a sizeable garden with a greenhouse, and Megan laughed out loud when Nat declared his intention to keep chickens and grow vegetables.
'You can't even boil an egg,' she tittered. 'What are you going to do with the whole bird?'
She was happy with her rustic kitchen, complete with its Aga range and large pine table, and he made himself at home in the cosy sitting room with its deep inglenook fireplace. His old armchair and footstool had been replaced by new ones, and they took pride of place by the hearth.
He put his portfolio of land up for sale, along with his business, and relinquished his shotguns to a dealer for a substantial amount. They had been an investment indeed. But the car stayed...for a while.
A month later, on her birthday, Megan had a surprise. Nat covered her eyes with his hands and led her outside. When he took them away, her vision fell on a brand new Range Rover in his favourite metallic green. He had chosen the latest upgraded model - very sophisticated and very, very expensive. The new personalised plate now read MEG4N
She squealed with joy and circled the vehicle, running her fingers over every surface. He stood back and allowed her to do it. He would enjoy cleaning it later. 'I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful in my life,' she declared.
'Open the glove box,' he said.
'Why?'
'You'll see.'
She opened it and from it pulled out a neat square box. She flipped open the lid to see the velvet pad inside. It cradled the most exquisite pendant in the shape of a pair of intertwined golden hearts, one yellow, one rose, together with a fine gold chain. 'Oh, Nat...' she gasped, delighted and awed.
'Happy birthday, darling.' He took the chain from the box and fastened it around her neck.
She pressed the pendant to her chest. 'It's beautiful. Thank you so much.'
'My pleasure.'
She hugged and kissed him and when she withdrew he saw a small, sly smile sitting on her lips.
'You do know there's only one thing we can do now, don't you?' she said, opening the rear door of the car.
'What?'
She climbed onto the ivory leather seat and sat expectantly. His face remained blank. She curled her finger suggestively and he feigned coy innocence. She grabbed him by his belt and tugged on it until he was on the seat beside her. She then reached across him and pulled the door closed with a satisfying
thud
.
END
About the Author
Author Jillian Brookes-Ward hails originally from the North of England but now lives in a pretty village on Royal Deeside in Scotland where she draws inspiration for her books from the dramatic yet romantic locale and the people around her.
A former medical secretary, she quit the nine to five to concentrate on writing. Now a full time author she has four other published novels,
Find out more at:
Jillywrites...
or
Writers-Unlimited
Connect with Jillian on Twitter at @jillywrites
Contact Jillian direct at mailto: [email protected]
From the Author:
Thank you for reading Saving Nathaniel. If you have enjoyed it even half as much as I enjoyed writing it, then my labours have not been in vain. I hope you will consider reading my other works.
Kindest regards
Jillian Brookes-Ward