The Goodmans

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The Goodmans Page 32

by Clare Ashton


  Maggie was sleeping when Jude arrived back at the hospital. The lights were on low but Jude could see colour had returned to Maggie’s cheeks.

  Jude sat beside the bed, overwhelmed by the day and turmoil of the last weeks. She lay her head on the mattress and closed her eyes. She reached out and held Maggie’s hand and let the full force of her anxieties wash over her while she held tight to her mother.

  She breathed fast as images of Bill, the force of Abby’s love, her mother’s heart attack, her father’s grief and her new family of Juliette and Selene swirled through her head in chaos. She screwed her eyes tight and all the while held Maggie’s hand.

  She must have slept awhile, because she had the heaviness of slumber when her eyes eased open. The hospital was quiet and Maggie slept on although she must have stirred in the night because it was now Maggie who held Jude’s hand.

  Jude stared at her mother, her impossibly complicated mother, who dozed on.

  “You’re right,” Jude whispered. “I didn’t need you beyond a teenager.” She stroked Maggie’s hair. “You raised an independent woman to stand on her own feet, and I would survive without you. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you.”

  She played with Maggie’s hair, sorting the tufts and tangles from her stay in hospital.

  “I love you, Mum, and I’m sorry I didn’t always show it. But believe me, I regard you so highly. I think the world of you. You,” Jude sighed, “the most infuriating, inspirational, cantankerous, loyal, ferocious,” Jude smiled as the tears ran, “irritating, nurturing, encouraging, unfathomable mother in the world.

  “And I owe you everything because you saved Abby.”

  Chapter 45.

  Maggie opened an eye and groaned. She’d been asleep, again. When was she going to stop dozing off at the drop of a… What was it? Bugger it. And when was this foggy brain going to clear? She’d been semi-coherent for a couple of days and was hoping to get her sorry arse back home.

  She opened the other eye and tried to focus on the room. It was as expected except for a blurred black shape beside the bed. She blinked. Then blinked again. And after several seconds the form sharpened into a short female figure, and after stretching her eyes wide and mouth low the clear vision of the vicar came into view.

  “Oh dear,” Maggie said. “Is it that bad? They’ve sent in the priest?”

  The vicar chuckled. “It is true then. You’re recovering well.”

  “Yes,” Maggie muttered, “although frankly, it’s humiliating to be here.”

  “Jude said you’d be annoyed.”

  “Jude?”

  The vicar nodded. “She’s rarely left your side, although she very kindly messaged to keep me informed about your health. Me and many other people. I imagine she’s been tapping out messages constantly.”

  Maggie was humbled at the complimentary connotation. “People have been very kind,” she said. And it hadn’t gone unnoticed that whenever Maggie woke it was Jude’s face she saw first. It was with a pleasure which could have filled her heart that Maggie noticed her daughter had softened towards her. Not that she did let it fill her heart, because she was terrified it would break again, the blasted ticker.

  Maggie munched her mouth fully awake then frowned. “What day is it?”

  “Saturday.”

  “Then?”

  “Yes, they’ve made a decision, which is why I’m here.” The vicar beamed.

  “And? Did they go for it?” Maggie said, leaning forward.

  “Well, I imagine they discussed the proposals at length.”

  “Yes?”

  “I don’t think you appreciate how colourful the meeting was. Some of the accusations about character concerned the bishop.”

  “But?”

  “Indeed, I too raised an eyebrow at one point.”

  “For the love of Christ!” Maggie said through gritted teeth.

  The vicar chuckled with satisfaction. “They chose your proposal.”

  “Oh thank God for that.”

  “We may have to thank many. The bishop was especially pleased with the proposal for a multi-faith centre.”

  Maggie sniggered. “But,” she started to get out of bed, “there must be so much to do.”

  “And not by you,” the vicar said, and she hastily restrained Maggie.

  “Oh come on,” Maggie shot out. “Is this what life’s going to be like – every bugger under the sun telling me to take it easy as if I’m one hundred and five?”

  “It’s not even a week since you had a heart attack. So yes. This is what it’ll be like.”

  “Great.”

  “Please take it easy, Mrs Goodman.” The vicar smiled. “I would like to visit you at home if I may.”

  “Of course.”

  “I’m very excited about this project. If people can work together across political boundaries and faiths it gives me hope. Now,” the vicar said, standing up, “I believe someone has come to take you home.”

  Maggie swung her legs over the side of the bed and readied herself to leave. Eli and Jude had both promised to pick her up, as had Richard and Caroline. Maggie had gone from feeling isolated to every bugger wanting to be there for her. She readied herself for whoever arrived and blinked in surprise when an immaculate and always beautiful Juliette entered the room.

  “Hi,” Maggie said. “I didn’t think you’d be able to get away.”

  “I called in a few favours,” Juliette said, that bewitching smile curling at her lips. She wandered nearer, and Maggie’s body awakened in ways that were medically unwise. Just that fluid step was enough for Maggie to desire her.

  Maggie groaned at being dressed in grey yoga trousers. Why, when Juliette sauntered into the room, did Maggie have to be wearing an elasticated waist. And heart attacks. They weren’t sexy.

  Juliette stopped in front of her. She even smelled good.

  “I was worried about you,” Juliette said, concern and affection in her features.

  “I’m fine,” Maggie snapped. “I’ll be up and running in no time.”

  “Actually.” Juliette grinned. “It sounds like you will from what the doctors say.” Her features pinched with concern again. “You really scared me. I stayed in Ludbury until after the operation, but had to return to Paris for the start of term. I think I’ve used up all of Jude’s goodwill, calling her every few hours.”

  “It’s nothing. Nothing to worry about,” Maggie said.

  “Good,” Juliette said. “Because I plan on enjoying you for many years to come.”

  Those medically unwise feelings. They were definitely surfacing again.

  “Do you mean that?” Maggie whispered.

  “Yes,” Juliette murmured. “If you want me.”

  “I do, very much.”

  “Times like this provide a lot of clarity I think,” Juliette said. “And I don’t want to waste another moment apart from you.”

  “How long can you stay?”

  “The weekend this time. But I will be back for the next too and I’m discussing shifting my classes to allow me to lecture part-time and spend more days in England.”

  Maggie pursed her lips, trying to keep her feelings inside. “I love you,” she said. “I never stopped.”

  Juliette came closer and stroked her cheek. “Hush now,” she said gently. “Let’s keep you calm.” And she wiped away a tear that escaped Maggie’s eye.

  “Oh when the hell have I ever kept calm,” Maggie tutted.

  Juliette laughed, her eyes glistening. “I love you too. And it sounds such a weak and pathetic declaration for everything I’ve felt for you over the years.”

  Juliette leant forward and delicately kissed her. Maggie could taste the saltiness of their tears that tickled down her cheeks to her lips. Sensations rose up her body. Not just arousal but that longing to get as close to Juliette as possible. It had always overpowered her.

  She held Juliette’s face when their lips had parted. “I did understand you know,” Maggie said, quietly. “Tha
t desire to have a child with the one you craved.”

  Juliette blinked back her emotions.

  “I thought you the most incredible person I’d ever met,” Maggie said. “And I thought it so unfair that I couldn’t make a child with you. I’m sorry I wasn’t patient. I should have showed you more understanding.”

  “No matter now,” Juliette said. “We have so many incredible things to share.”

  The sun was shining when they arrived home in Ludbury. Juliette held Maggie’s arm as they climbed the steps to the front door.

  “Everyone’s here,” Juliette said. “They wanted to surprise you, but I’ve warned them to be on their best behaviour.”

  Maggie shot her a look. “Really, handling me with kid gloves is going to make me very grumpy, very quickly.”

  “However will I tell?” Juliette shot back.

  Damn it. If this wasn’t motivation to get better then nothing was. She wasn’t going to have Juliette out-sparring her this easily.

  She stared at her, straining to come up with a riposte. “You win this time. But I will get better, and I will be back.”

  “Yes, you will,” Juliette said. “Because you are going to put these yoga pants to use. We will be speed walking around the hills of Ludbury and I’ll force feed you lettuce.”

  “This is not how I envisaged the rest of our lives together,” Maggie grumbled.

  “Well if you do those, we can indulge in more pleasurable activities too,” Juliette insinuated.

  Shit. Heart palpitations. “OK,” Maggie conceded. “Deal.”

  They opened the door and shuffled into the lounge before a small crowd leapt up from behind the sofa and theatrically whispered, “Surprise!”

  Maggie laughed. It was all her favourite people in the world. Celia limped to meet her and held her tighter than a nutcracker. Jude hugged them both from her great height, and Abby piled in too. From beneath the cosy pile of family she noticed Richard smiling and Caroline at his side. And it filled Maggie with no little happiness that Caroline felt she could be there. Only Eli and Selene hung back a little.

  Maggie blew out a lungful of air to keep her composure as the family released her from their huddle. Juliette took her hand and gave her a concerned look.

  “I’m surviving,” Maggie said.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Eli declared to the room.

  Maggie rolled her eyes. Bloody Eli. Would he ever stop stealing the limelight?

  “Now you are all gathered,” he said, raising a mug of tea, “and we welcome our dearest mater back into the home, there is something I would like to say.”

  He let the shuffling die down and everyone turned to face him. He grinned from ear to ear, thriving in the attention.

  “We have known for a little while, but I think it’s about time we were all honest and open. So it gives me great pleasure to announce that my wife-to-be and I are also parents-to-be.”

  Everyone stared.

  “We are expecting our first baby,” he shouted with his teacup aloft.

  “What?” Maggie gasped.

  “Yes, my dear mother. And yes, dear Juliette. You are to be grandmothers.”

  Juliette’s sharp intake of breath was the first reaction. And now that Maggie regarded Selene, she did have that soft glow of pregnancy about her. Eli’s attentive behaviour made sense now. How silly that she’d overlooked it.

  “This is wonderful news,” Juliette cried out. “I am so happy for you both. And of course for all of us.”

  Then, at the exact same moment as Maggie, she must have realised. Trembling fingers sought Maggie’s and Juliette slowly turned towards her. Their faces must have been a picture.

  “We’re going to have a grandchild,” Juliette said.

  Maggie covered her mouth. She needn’t have bothered. Her ecstatic smile must have been obvious to the whole world.

  “A child together,” Maggie said, beaming. “A little child together.”

  And as the pile of bodies embraced Eli and Selene, unreserved joy and congratulations pouring in from every member of the family, Maggie clung to Juliette’s hand and didn’t let go.

  Epilogue

  It was some months later, with the summer sun high in the sky, that Jude Goodman found herself on a train, returning to Ludbury across the Shropshire plains, then walking once again through the town square. It was Friday and she had finished for the day at a clinic in a town not far away. She was due at a party at her parents’ home, to celebrate the recent election of town councillor Maggie Goodman. How life had changed, and so much for the better.

  She knocked on the front door and was greeted by her father, whose cheerful face seemed to be defying time and reversing the ageing process.

  “Come in, love,” he said, beckoning her in. “Everyone’s here.”

  She left her bag by the front door and followed him in.

  “Such a beautiful day. We’re all out in the garden, except your mother and Juliette who are getting more drinks.”

  They poked their heads around the kitchen doorway. The two women were setting out glasses and bottles.

  “Prosecco?” Juliette said, holding a bottle toward Maggie in accusation. “You celebrate your election with Prosecco?”

  Maggie put her hands on her hips and glared.

  “Clearly,” Juliette pronounced, not without a smirk, “the position means nothing to you if you celebrate it with this ‘pop’ and not a Champagne.”

  “It gets better,” Maggie said with a challenge in her narrowed eyes. She drew out another bottle from the fridge. “We also have English sparkling wine.”

  “Mon dieu. I suppose you have slices of hot dog for your canapes?”

  Jude shook her head at their bickering then noticed a smile on her father’s lips as he watched them.

  “Look at them,” he sighed. “They’re happy.”

  Jude laughed. He was right. The newly invigorated Maggie with enviable biceps and iron thighs, and a flush of rose gracing her cheeks, could never be content without something to irk her. And Jude couldn’t help grow fonder of Juliette, the woman who could have once been her mother and had been a constant source of support during her voyage into Sapphic waters.

  “I’ll help them bring the drinks out. Abby’s outside,” he said, nodding towards the garden.

  The garden was in full bloom and alive with the sound of everything from children to Desmond’s deep chuckle. He and Celia reclined on a rattan sofa and Eli, Selene and six-month-old Alicia lay on a blanket, the baby lying on her father’s chest picking at his face, fascinated by his nostrils.

  Caroline sat by the river chatting with Maggie’s sister, and Maggie’s two nephews, Liam and Mathew, scampered around so fast they seemed to occupy the whole garden simultaneously. The vicar, Dean, several of Maggie’s new colleagues and several of old were happily scattered around the garden enjoying the summer sun and an earlier round of sparkling wine, apparently none the wiser as to whether it was Champagne or otherwise.

  And sitting on the grass at the back, her eyes closed to the sun and her beautiful face basking in its glow, was Abby. Jude crept up and, careful not to let her shadow fall across her face, leant down to kiss Abby. A fraction away, her warm breath on Abby’s lips betrayed her. Her lover’s eyes shot open and Abby’s face burst into a satisfied smile.

  “Hello,” Abby said, putting her arms around Jude’s neck. “I’ve missed you.” And she closed the gap between them.

  The sensation of Abby’s lips on hers had an instant effect on Jude. She melted inside and without thinking knelt down and stroked her hands around Abby.

  “Mmm,” Abby moaned, and the sound only seduced Jude further, her kiss beginning to deepen.

  She felt Abby’s fingertips gently push at her chest. “Don’t.” Abby grinned up at Jude. “I will not be held responsible for my actions if you keep kissing me like that.”

  Jude laughed and sat down beside her, having to content herself with an arm around her lover and a breast nestled agai
nst her warmth.

  “Later,” Jude whispered, and it was almost torture when Abby’s face flushed and her eyes darkened at the suggestion.

  “You know,” Abby said quietly. “I never imagined you’d be like this.”

  “How?”

  “So keen and hungry.”

  “And do you have a complaint about that?”

  “No, no, no,” Abby gasped. “I just sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

  Jude kissed her cheek, luxuriating in the sensation of Abby’s tender skin. Definitely torture.

  “When did you know?” Abby asked.

  “What’s that?”

  “When did you know that you wanted to go to bed with me?”

  “Oh.”

  Jude knew exactly when. She would never forget that vivid moment. In fact, it was still most affecting to this day, as the rush of blood proved. Jude had tried not to dwell on it over the months, feeling ever more guilty for having witnessed it, but it wasn’t something she could easily wipe from her mind.

  “Jude?”

  “Yes?”

  “You’re blushing.”

  “Am I?” She was. Her cheeks were burning. Between the erotic memory and her embarrassment her face was on fire.

  “You never blush.” Abby’s lips twitched, amused and incredulous. “When was it? What happened?”

  “Oh, nothing.” It was so not nothing. That wasn’t fooling anyone.

  “OK,” Abby said, a naughty smile on her lips. “You’re allowed some secrets. But I’m intrigued.”

  “It’s… But… Oh God.” Jude was still aflame. “It was the night of the engagement party,” she blurted out.

  “I did wonder. You were rotten.” Abby laughed. “Have you any idea how much that dancing turned me on?”

  “Um. Yes,” Jude said, still a shade of scarlet.

  “I mean, it drove me insane.”

  “Hmm,” Jude mumbled. “Me too.” So not convincing.

  “What’s up?” Abby said, wrinkling her nose.

  Jude could never resist that confused look of hers. She melted inside again. Hadn’t there been enough secrets, although Jude had planned on taking this one to the grave. Perhaps after everything that had happened, honesty was best. She took a deep breath.

 

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