by Carrie Stone
“So can I have that coffee now or shall I just make it myself?” Steve asked cheekily.
Zara thought of how many times Fee had used the same phrase and grinned. In that moment she realised that just because her friend wasn’t going to be physically near didn’t mean she wouldn’t be there in her heart and thoughts.
It wasn’t such a bad life after all.
Felicity carefully wrapped the photo album she’d painstakingly spent the last three days putting together. Scanning thirty years, the photo’s she’d chosen were the ones of the happiest moments. The captions and small knick-knacks she’d included on each page, served as a reminder of times otherwise forgotten. She knew her mother would be touched. It was a house warming gift that no money could buy.
“Are you nearly done? You told your mum that you’d pick her up in twenty minutes – you’re cutting it a bit fine.” Owen popped his head around the living room door.
Felicity smiled. She couldn’t help it – it was the effect he had on her whenever she was reminded he was in her life. December had passed in a happy blur, a whirlwind of big decisions, greater intimacy and a sharing of fears and hopes. She’d learned so much about Owen that she hadn’t known and was thrilled to find that she felt even more of a connection to him. She hadn’t realised this is what true love felt like.
“Yes, I’m just wrapping this and then I’ll get going.”
She couldn’t believe her mother’s moving date had come around so fast. In one sense she was sad to be saying goodbye to the end of an era – for both her and her mother were leaving a part of themselves behind and beginning new lives apart. But on the other, she’d never felt so optimistic and excited about what the future might hold.
The first week of Owen’s surprise visit had been an endless time of introductions, social calls and enjoying one another. It had only been once the novelty of his holiday had worn off and reality had kicked in, that they’d talked about how the future could progress.
Felicity had noted how taken aback Owen had been at finding out her decision to quit her career with Maurice. The pride in his eyes and his enthusiasm in helping her think of ways to promote her new PR company had been both supportive and heartwarming. It was his suggestion of using her services for the new charity in Melbourne that he was involved with that had been the first indicator of wanting her to return to Australia with him. She immediately dismissed the idea. Her life was in the UK, her family, her friends. What possibly could convince her to move to Australia?
Only as the days passed and Owen had shared his privileged life story did she begin to realise his true passion for his country and charity work. He was involved with so many projects that it would be impossible for him not to return to his commitments – at the very least on a temporary basis. She, on the other hand, was as free as a bird by comparison. What did she have that stopped her from being with the man she was in love with?
Her mother’s decision to stand by Bill and progress with her move to Cambridge had been an influencing factor. With Glenda going and knowing that Bill would be taking care of her, Felicity felt a great sense of relief. Finally her mother was doing something for herself, making herself happy. It was a big step. She realised that even if she’d decided to stay in the UK, Glenda would no longer be just around the corner; she’d be a couple of hours away. Undoubtedly the majority of their communication would be taking place by telephone - therefore what difference would it make with her being in Australia?
Zara had been another influencing factor. It had been a real shock to find that her friend had played a role in Owen’s surprise visit. He’d told her that Zara had been his first point of contact to find out her situation. It was enlightening to hear of the picture Zara had painted on her behalf.
Owen had said that she had been more than complimentary, encouraging him to make the trip and – the part that amused Felicity the most – offering him the use of her sofa as a place to stay. He had assured her that Zara really was a friend that she was lucky to have.
She’d often wondered intriguingly exactly what Zara had said about her, but Owen always smiled and told her it wasn’t important. Regardless of what had been mentioned, she knew that her best friend only wanted what was best for her. Although it wouldn’t be easy leaving Zara behind - especially now Thomas had been born - she felt better knowing that her relationship with Steve was back on track. He had proved that he was a worthy husband and would do anything for her. Zara was in safe hands.
She finished putting the finishing ribbon around the wrapped photo album and placed it carefully in the padded box she’d bought. “Perfect.” She placed the lid on top. It was time to get going. She was looking forward to helping her mother move and the journey was a good chance to share her feelings about everything.
She glanced around her living room, making a mental note that she too would have to begin packing away some of her belongings in the coming week. It was nice knowing that in her absence the house would be well looked after.
Her Christmas lunch with Sylvia had proved to be beneficial in more ways than one – she hadn’t known that her friend was thinking of moving out of London for the sake of the baby. It was only when she’d told her of the decision to accompany Owen back to Australia and mentioned her concerns of her house remaining vacant, that Sylvia had asked if she’d considered renting it to her. The idea was more than welcomed. They’d agreed a modest amount, enough to cover her small mortgage and Sylvia had been thrilled at that arrangement. She was pleased she could help a friend in need. It was the least she could do after everything Sylvia had been through.
“Done?” Owen asked coming up behind her and kissing her on the cheek.
“Yes all done. I’m going now. Don’t want to be late.” Felicity closed her eyes, feeling his kiss with every nerve-ending in her body. She reluctantly moved away, picking up the gift box and collecting her handbag from the dining table.
“I probably won’t be back until late. The roads are quite icy so I won’t rush and anyway it’s a long drive to Cambridge.” She put her handbag on her shoulder as Owen leaned forward to kiss her forehead.
“Just be careful.” He carefully brushed her hair away from her face. “I’ll be right here waiting for you to get back.”
Felicity happily returned his kiss. She’d finally found someone who loved her and would be eagerly waiting for her to return. She pulled her coat tightly around her.
It was funny how she hadn’t been looking for it. Yet love had found her anyway and it was with someone who was more of a paradox than she could have ever imagined.
She smiled at the irony.
THE END
Visit the author at: www.carriestone.co.uk
