'Til I Kissed You

by Pam Howes

  Roy signalled to a waiter who walked over with a laden tray and handed round glasses of mulled wine.

  ‘That was a lovely ceremony and you look gorgeous, Sammy, just like a real bride,’ Jane said, clinking glass’s with her.

  ‘It was nice, short but sweet. You two should do it sometime.’

  ‘We might, one day. We have to sort out Jon and Jess first. They want to marry at some point, don’t you, my love?’

  Jess nodded. ‘Eventually, when I’ve given birth.’ She looked down at her swollen belly.

  Sammy smiled. ‘You’re enormous for your dates. Have you told your Mum and Dad yet, Jane?’

  ‘No. I’m dreading it to be honest. Ed and I are a right pair of wusses!’

  ‘Well what’s done is done. Once you explain the facts to them they’ll accept it, you know they will,’ Sammy said. ‘Think how hard it was for Jon and Jess to tell you and Ed. Get it in proportion.’

  ‘Are you looking forward to your baby, Sammy?’ Jess asked.

  ‘I am, very. The time will fly, what with Christmas and the group away recording and getting ready for the tour. Delivery day’s only ten weeks off.’

  ‘Well it doesn’t show,’ Eddie teased, playfully patting Sammy’s flat stomach.

  ‘What a bloody bizarre situation we’re all in,’ she laughed. ‘How did life ever get this complicated, Jane?’

  ‘We’ve Ed and Roy to thank for that. None of it’s our doing,’ Jane replied dryly.

  ‘Here come the mums,’ Roy muttered. ‘Talk about something normal, like the weather or the price of eggs.’ He greeted his mother, mother-in-law and Enid and handed them each a glass of mulled wine.

  Enid, clutching her handbag in one hand and her glass in the other, looked at her daughter and smiled. ‘That was a lovely little ceremony, wasn’t it, Jane?’

  ‘Yes, Mum, lovely,’ Jane agreed.

  ‘I hope they’ll both be very happy this time.’

  ‘Mum, they always were happy. It’s just this last year that’s been difficult for them. What with the accident and…’ Jane trailed off as her mum pursed her lips in time-honoured fashion.

  ‘They’ll be well rid of that little Madam! It’s very good of Sammy to offer to bring the baby up for Roy. Not many wives would do that.’

  Jane stared at her mother for a long moment. ‘I brought Jon up for Ed.’

  ‘Yes, dear, of course you did. I haven’t forgotten.’ Her mum glanced around as though to make sure no one was eavesdropping and lowered her voice. ‘I’ve been meaning to have a word with you about our Jess.’

  Jane stiffened slightly. ‘What about her?’

  Again, mum’s eyes darted from side to side and she whispered, ‘She’s putting on a fair bit of weight!’

  ‘So, she’s eating better,’ Jane replied.

  ‘No, I don’t mean that sort of weight. I mean - she’s putting weight on. You know!’

  Jane suppressed a giggle. ‘What do you mean, Mum?’

  ‘Jane, do I have to spell it out? I thought you of all people would have spotted it.’ Her mother was getting agitated now and her straw hat wobbled indignantly.

  ‘Spotted what?’ Jane teased.

  ‘I think our Jess is, well…’ Her eyes went down to her stomach and up again. ‘You know, in a bit of trouble!’

  ‘Ah - I see. You think Jess is pregnant?’

  ‘Shhhh. Don’t let Ed hear you. It’ll give him the shock of his life.’

  Mum, Jess is pregnant and Ed already knows. We’ve both known for a while.’

  ‘Well why hasn’t anyone had the decency to tell me and your father?’

  ‘Because it’s complicated, that’s why,’ Jane told her.

  ‘Is something wrong with the baby? Was it damaged during the accident?’

  ‘What? Oh, Mum, you think it’s Nick’s baby?’

  ‘Well of course I do.’

  Jane shook her head. ‘There’s nothing wrong with the baby, or Jess, but it’s not Nick’s. That’s where the complication comes in. I don’t think now is the time and place to be discussing this.’

  ‘Okay, Jane. But I have a very strange feeling that I know what you’re going to tell me.’

  ‘You do?’

  ‘I’m not daft. I’ve seen the way he looks at her. He worships her. Always has done.’ She inclined her head towards Jon and Jess who were talking animatedly, his hand on the small of her back. ‘So, how on earth will you cope with this little lot?’

  ‘Same way I always cope. With Ed’s help,’ Jane replied. ‘It’s not as bad as you think. I’ll tell you everything tomorrow, I promise.’

  ‘Okay, love.’ Mum smiled, patted her on the shoulder and signalled to Molly, who came to stand beside her.

  ‘Problems?’ Molly whispered.

  Jane stifled another giggle as she overheard her mother mutter, ‘Isn’t there always with this lot?’

  ***

  The wedding planner made his presence known and invited the guests to take their places at the tables.

  Roy waited until everyone was seated and then clapped his hands to gain their attention. ‘Welcome. This little speech is out of the normal order of things, but before we begin our meal, I want to thank you all for your love and support over the trying times of the last few months. If you’ve all got a glass of champagne, I’m going to ask you to raise a toast to my darling wife for standing by me. To Sammy, the most understanding woman in the world.’

  ‘To Sammy!’ Everyone in the room took up the toast as Sammy smiled at Roy with adoring eyes.

  ***

  Leaving their guests still celebrating, Sammy and Roy left the hotel in a taxi and headed home.

  ‘Are you sure you’re okay to drive to the airport, Roy,’ Sammy asked anxiously as he dragged the suitcases onto the landing.

  ‘I’m fine. I only had a couple of glasses of champagne and the mulled wine.’

  ‘Well you can relax on the flight to Paris and have as much to drink as you like,’ she said.

  He pulled her back into the bedroom and took her hand. ‘Actually, Sam, I don’t quite know how to tell you this, but there’s been a slight change of plan. I forgot to pay the balance of the flights and the travel agent cancelled the booking.’

  She stared at him. ‘Oh, Roy, how could you forget? Why on earth didn’t you just pay for the flights in full when you booked?’

  ‘I booked on impulse and didn’t have my cards or chequebook with me. I only had enough cash for the deposit and I completely forgot about the balance. I’m sorry, sweetheart, really I am. But they offered us an alternative to make up for the disappointment.’ He threw a packet down on the bed.

  She sighed and picked it up. ‘So where are we off to then, Blackpool?’ She opened the envelope, pulled out the contents and squealed. ‘Oh my God! Two weeks in Mauritius. Roy Cantello, you sneaky, lying bastard!’

  ‘That’s no way to speak to your husband when he’s just given you the trip of your dreams.’

  She flung her arms around him. ‘I love you, Roy.’

  ‘I know you do,’ he grinned, ‘and I can’t say I blame you!’

  She giggled and punched him playfully on the chest. ‘What about clothes? I’ve only packed warm things for Paris.’

  ‘All sorted. Your case is in the car boot, courtesy of Jane and Pat. They’ve packed bikinis, sarongs and shorts. What you haven’t got you can buy when you get there. Mauritius here we come!’

  ***

  ‘Didn’t I always say Jon could be the milkman’s?’ Enid said as Eddie and Jane finished telling her and Ben their tale.

  ‘You did.’ Eddie smiled and helped himself to a bacon roll. ‘Well he was the head stylist’s actually!’

  ‘You poor lad, and what a way for our Jon to find out. Bless him. The shock must have been awful, and for Jess, too.’

  Eddie nodded. ‘He’s taken it far better than I ever thought he would do and I wish now we’d told him years ago.’

  ‘Well, with what’s going on betwee
n him and Jess, it’s a bloody good job he isn’t your natural son!’ Enid said.

  ‘Isn’t it just,’ Ben nodded, offering Eddie a cigarette. ‘So, what do they want to do?’

  ‘Ed’s having the barn at the back of our place converted to a bungalow like yours,’ Jane replied. ‘The plans are drawn up and we’re waiting to hear if they’ve been accepted. Then we’ll get the builders in and Jess and Jon will make it their home. They want to get married, but we’re not sure how that can be arranged. Both birth certificates state that Ed’s their father. That in itself will cause complications. I’m not even sure where to start making enquiries.’

  ‘The Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths, I suppose,’ Enid suggested.

  ‘Probably,’ Jane agreed. ‘Anyway, we’ll see. They’ve all the time in the world. Jess needs to relax and rest properly. Her nerves are shot to pieces and her ankle keeps giving way with the extra weight she’s carrying.’

  ‘How are you going to explain things to Katie and Dom?’ Enid asked.

  ‘As truthfully and simply as we can,’ Eddie replied. ‘There’ll never be secrets again in our household. If we’d been completely honest with Jon, he and Jess wouldn’t have had all that worry.’

  ‘True, but you might have lost him ages ago,’ Enid said. ‘He may have wanted to trace his natural father’s family. You did the right thing. Don’t have doubts about that. He’s a smashing lad and a credit to you both.’

  ‘Thanks, Enid and you too, Ben, for being so understanding, I mean,’ Eddie said.

  ‘Very little shocks us these days,’ Enid smiled. ‘That’s what comes of being surrounded by you young Rock’n’Rollers!’

  Jane grinned and stood up. ‘Thanks for breakfast, Mum. We’ll go and tell Jon and Jess they can relax now. No doubt they’ll come and see you later.’

  Strolling back up the garden, Jane grabbed Eddie by the hand.

  ‘Come here, you young Rock’n’Roller!’ She kissed him.

  ‘Are you looking forward to being a Grandma?’ he asked.

  ‘Yeah. What about you, Grandpa?’

  He nodded. ‘It’s bloody ironic though. The Italian Stallion’s about to become a father again. I’m going to be a grandpa and he’s older than me.’

  ‘Ah, but he’ll have the sleepless nights and bags under his eyes, we won’t,’ Jane replied. ‘Mind you, two weeks in Mauritius should set him up nicely for all of that.’

  ***

  ‘You enjoyed yourselves, then?’ Jane asked as she and Sammy sat in the office with the first mug of coffee of the new-year.

  ‘It was the most wonderful, blissful time I’ve ever had,’ Sammy sighed dreamily. ‘You’ve got to get Ed to take you there, it’s so beautiful.’

  ‘When the tour finishes and I can be sure that Jess and the baby are okay, I think Ed and I will be ready for a holiday ourselves.’

  Sammy stretched out her slender tanned legs and grinned. ‘I feel really happy.’

  ‘After everything that’s happened it’s good to hear you saying that.’

  ‘I’m so excited about the baby, too,’ Sammy said. ‘I just can’t stop talking and thinking about it. I’m really hoping it’s a girl. I’m praying that Livvy won’t change her mind.’

  ‘Have you spoken to her since you came home?’

  ‘Roy has. He called her yesterday and she’s fine. She can’t wait to get it over with. She asked him to be at the birth.’

  ‘You’re joking! How do you feel about that?’ Jane frowned and took a sip of coffee.

  ‘I’m not too keen if I’m honest. But since he was at the conception, he might as well be at the finishing post.’

  ‘How does Roy feel, though? He missed Nick’s birth by minutes and passed out at Jason’s,’ Jane said. ‘He’s never actually seen a delivery.’

  ‘He’s not too keen, either. He’s very squeamish at the best of times and he’ll be more of a hindrance than a help. He’s actually suggested we both be there. Chances are he’ll be touring when she goes into labour. Unless the group is somewhere reasonably close it’ll be impossible for him to get home in time. Anyway, we said we’d play it by ear. Livvy told Roy that Sean and Tina have been marvellous with her, really looking after her, which we’re very grateful for.’

  Jane smiled and nodded. ‘They’re a smashing couple. I hope Livvy will be okay. I mean, giving your baby away is a very brave thing to do. I just hope it doesn’t send her over the edge.’

  ‘I’m sure she’s thought it all through. We’ve decided to stick with the names they’ve already chosen, but I’m going to add Nicholas or Nicola as a second name in memory of our Nick.’

  Jane blinked away sudden tears and put down her mug. ‘Sammy, that’s lovely. Oh, I’ve gone all goosy.’

  ‘Don’t start, Jane, please. I had Roy in tears when I suggested it and then I started bawling too. We were lying on a beautiful beach, sobbing our hearts out. People must have wondered what on earth was going on. Can you imagine having to explain all that to a stranger?’

  ‘Bit complicated,’ Jane agreed. ‘Was Roy recognised while you were away?’

  ‘Funnily enough he was. By people our own age, who must have been fans in the sixties. We had a meal one night with a lovely couple who live just outside London. Roy told them the band had reformed and were set to tour this year. They said they’d catch the show when it’s in their area. Roy took their phone number and he’s promised to call them and send them a backstage pass.’

  Jane rolled her eyes. ‘Well, they’re off to London next Wednesday to record the new album. Eddie said they’d be releasing a single from it to coincide with the start of the tour. He’s earmarked I’m Gonna Change the World as his favourite.’

  ‘Roy loves that one. He was singing it all the time we were away.’

  ‘Right, do you want to go through the diary now, see what we’ve got on this week?’ Jane said. ‘There’s not many appointments with it being early New Year, but I have got a confession to make.’

  ‘What have you done now?’ Sammy grinned, draining her coffee mug.

  ‘Stuart phoned while you were away. He’s got some new samples for you to look at. How do you feel about seeing him again?’

  ‘Oh God!’ Sammy blushed. ‘I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since I slept with him. I’ve only spoken to him the once to tell him Roy and I were back together. But I know I can’t avoid him forever.’

  ‘I’m sure he’s got over that night. He’s no doubt put it down to too much wine and the heat of the moment. It happens. Anyway, Ed saw him in the pub just before Christmas with a young blonde hanging off his arm. So I wouldn’t worry about him if I were you.’

  ‘Young blonde, eh? Another Livvy, maybe?’

  ‘Probably,’ Jane laughed.

  ‘Okay then,’ Sammy said. ‘Arrange an appointment, but promise me you’ll stay with me. Dare I tell Roy?’

  ‘We’ll arrange it for when the group’s in London and Roy will be none the wiser.’

  ‘That’s a good idea,’ Sammy replied. ‘Roy doesn’t hold Stuart a grudge or anything, but he would feel a bit insecure if he thought I was meeting him alone for whatever reason.’

  ‘That’s fair enough,’ Jane agreed. ‘You’re still building bridges. Right, I’ll call Jess, make sure she’s okay then I’ll get on with some work. Don’t forget I’m taking this afternoon off to go with her to ante-natal.’

  ***

  Jess yawned and stretched her arms and legs. ‘Come in,’ she called as someone knocked lightly on her bedroom door.

  Gran’s smiling face appeared. ‘Cup of tea and some toast, Jess?’

  ‘Oh, thanks, Gran. You shouldn’t be waiting on me hand and foot like this.’

  ‘Well somebody has to and with your Dad out and your Mum and Jon working, who else is there? Your Mum just called to ask if you’re okay.’ Gran sat down on the edge of Jess’s new double bed and smiled. ‘How are you feeling today?’

  ‘Fat!’ Jess groaned. ‘Look at the size of
me and I’m not even four months yet. Jon’s already complaining I take up all the bed.’

  ‘It’ll no doubt be a big baby, love. Jon’s a strapping lad and he weighed over nine pounds at birth.’

  ‘Thanks, Gran! Cheer me up, why don’t you? The very thought makes me cringe. I’m never having anymore.’

  ‘We all say that. I reckon we women are gluttons for punishment. Sammy’s doing it the right way this time, letting someone else have the baby for her.’

  ‘Grandma! What a thing to say. I bet Sammy wishes she was carrying it. Much as I hate being pregnant, I couldn’t bear the thought of Jon going with anyone else.’

  ‘No, I’m sure. I’m only joking, love,’ Gran replied, patting Jess’s arm. ‘Eat your breakfast now and then I’ll help you with your shower, unless you prefer to do it by yourself.’

  ‘I can manage on my own now, thanks all the same. But you could help me dry my hair if you will then I’ll be ready for Mum.’

  ‘Give me a shout when you’re ready.’

  ***

  As Enid hurried away, Jess sat back against the pillows and sipped her tea, reflecting over the last few weeks. After the revelations at Cathy’s house, she and Jon had mulled over how to tell his Grandma and Aunt Sally. Then Cathy had called and told them that Sally already knew, but had promised to keep it to herself.

  ‘We’ll have to go and visit Sally,’ Jon had suggested. ‘Tell her about the baby.’

  Their dad agreed. ‘She’s already in the picture about Richard. It shouldn’t be too difficult. Invite her to the wedding and christening. Perhaps she can think of an easy way to explain it to her mother.’

  Sally had welcomed them with open arms, telling Jess how much she looked like her dad with her big blue eyes. Jess warmed to Sally immediately and wondered if she in any way resembled how Angie might look now if she’d lived. But she couldn’t equate the picture of the youthful schoolgirl with the plump and motherly Sally.

  ‘Now then, Jon, how did the visit to my mother go?’ Sally asked. ‘I know you only stayed one night and guessed you’d had enough after that.’

  Jon blushed slightly and glanced sideways at Jess.

  ‘Sally, Jess and I know that Ed’s not my real dad,’ he said.

  Sally gasped, hand flying to her mouth. ‘Oh my goodness, who told you?’