Marrying Simone

by Anna Jacobs

  ‘I haven’t been in contact with Russ since I left England.’

  ‘Hasn’t he even phoned you?’

  ‘He did at first. Every day. Till this week. He’s stopped phoning. Well, it’s no wonder. I didn’t answer any of his calls.’

  Deb looked at her in concern. ‘You’re still in love with him, aren’t you, Ma?’

  Simone shrugged, not risking trying to speak about her feelings.

  ‘Why don’t you try contacting him, talking things over at a time that suits you?’

  ‘Because the same problems will be there between us. His life is in England and I couldn’t bear to live so far away from you all – just couldn’t. Especially with Georgie added to the grandchildren. What a gorgeous little creature she is!’

  And she found herself on the receiving end of one of Deb’s rare hugs.

  ‘OK, Ma. I’ll let you distract me from asking about Russ.’

  Simone forced a smile. ‘I told you first about selling the house. How do you think Clo will take it?’

  ‘She’ll miss the house too. Has she said anything about this guy of yours?’

  ‘No. She says it’s my own business.’

  ‘She won’t talk about it to me, either, Ma. I don’t know what goes on in her head sometimes.’

  ‘Well, I don’t have a guy now, do I, so that’s all academic? Nothing to discuss. Now, about details of the party. I think it’ll have to be a daytime affair, given that there are four small children and a baby involved.’

  ‘You’re probably right. What can I bring?’

  ‘I shall enjoy sorting out the food myself, thanks.’ It would give her something to fill the time. She had trouble settling to anything lately.

  ‘You didn’t mean what you said the other night about driving round Australia like Pop and Gran?’

  ‘No. I was just a bit down. You need someone to drive with.’

  She’d have enjoyed doing it with Russ.

  She had to stop thinking about him. After all, he’d stopped phoning her, hadn’t he? Somehow, she hadn’t expected that.

  Russ answered the door to find Linda Ditton smiling at him. ‘Come in.’

  ‘I won’t, if you don’t mind. We’re just going out to our cousins’ golden wedding party. You said to let you know if there was anything going on in Australia and some news just came through.’

  He was instantly alert. ‘Oh? What?’

  ‘Simone is putting her house up for sale and she’s giving a farewell party next Sunday for her family and friends.’

  ‘Where is she moving to?’

  ‘No one knows. She keeps saying she hasn’t decided yet. She says she’s wondering whether to drive round Australia for a while, like her parents are doing, but maybe not for as long.’

  ‘That does it. I’m going to gatecrash the party and persuade her, talk to her. Well, I am if I can get a flight. I’ve made preliminary enquiries because I’m just about ready to leave but it’s impossible to book a seat in that timeframe in the normal way. I’ve also kept looking at that website where she found last-minute offers so easily but nothing’s come up going to Western Australia.’

  ‘Keep trying. Our daughter says Deb thinks Simone is missing you.’

  ‘Really? I do hope so. I’d have kept trying anyway, but now I desperately need to be there for her party. I can’t let her leave Perth without seeing me. I have to persuade her that we can work something out. Have to!’

  ‘I doubt she’ll have much trouble selling it. It’s a really nice little house, a bit old-fashioned but with a welcoming feel to it. We enjoyed living there. It’ll probably be bought quite quickly by some young couple looking for a fixer-upper that isn’t too expensive.’

  Bob sounded the car horn and she took a step away from the door. ‘Got to go now. Good luck, Russ.’

  Which left him feeling depressed. What the hell was he going to do if he couldn’t book a flight?

  Then his watch beeped and reminded him that he was taking tea with Henrietta, to hand over a special copy of the capture of the home invaders which was going to be shown on television soon. She had been delighted with the final version.

  As he was leaving Pennerton House, Henrietta said, ‘Let us know how you get on.’

  ‘I will.’

  ‘Don’t look so dubious. She’ll agree to marry you.’

  ‘Sometimes I wonder.’

  ‘Well, don’t. She loves you too much to say no, especially when you go all that way to ask her properly. Do you have a ring for her?’

  ‘Not yet. There hasn’t been time.’

  She went across to an elegant sideboard and opened a drawer. ‘I was going to leave her this, but it might make a rather nice engagement ring, don’t you think?’

  The ring was beautiful, a single sapphire framed by tiny diamonds. ‘It’s lovely.’

  ‘Take it to her then.’

  When he got home, he went on the last-minute flights website, but yet again there were no suitable special offers going to Perth. He flung himself down in his favourite chair staring into the distance, feeling very down about the whole situation. He’d been so sure it would all work out once he’d finished what he had to do here workwise, and Simone had been so lucky getting cancellations that he’d expected to get one as well.

  It was a good while before he noticed that the light was flashing to say someone had phoned and left a message. Should he answer it?

  No. He couldn’t be bothered.

  But curiosity won and a few minutes later he went to check who it was. Sally. His agent wouldn’t have left a message unless it was urgent, so he dialled her number.

  ‘About time, Russ Carden. I’ve been waiting ages for you to call me back. How dare you be out when I have some further good news for you?’

  He didn’t feel like being teased and even a new contract wouldn’t cheer him up if he couldn’t get to Simone. ‘I’ve been busy.’

  ‘Well, you’re about to un-busy yourself, if I remember correctly, and for a very good reason. Are you still intending to go to Australia if you can get a flight?’

  ‘You know I am. Only I haven’t been able to get one.’

  ‘Can you be ready to leave in two days’ time if I find you one?’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I have a friend who’s flying to Perth. I didn’t hesitate to beg a place on his private jet for you.’

  ‘Sally, you wonderful woman! Who is it?’

  ‘A very old friend. Hugo is a reclusive billionaire with a niece getting married in Perth. He’s happy to take you there, but you’ll have to make your own way back from Australia.’

  ‘Sally, if you were here, I’d give you the biggest kiss you’ve ever had from a client. That’s above and beyond the call of duty. Give me the details.’

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Russ hardly looked at Perth as the taxi drove him away from the airport. He was trying to work out what to say to Simone. He’d been trying to do that on and off during the flight. He didn’t want to put his foot in it!

  When the taxi stopped, he asked the driver to wait and looked at the house. He was feeling even more nervous now as well as exhausted after the long flight.

  The house door was open, the entrance barred only by a mesh flyscreen door. He rang the bell and waited.

  Footsteps sounded on a tiled floor and Simone appeared at the other end of the hall. Oh, thank goodness! She hadn’t left.

  He never said what he’d planned because all sense fled from his mind at the mere sight of her.

  She stopped dead and mouthed his name, then surprised him by opening the door and flinging herself into his arms.

  ‘Russ, Russ, is it really you?’

  She kissed him first because he was still standing there like an idiot.

  But he wasn’t too stupid to put his arms round her and kiss her back enthusiastically.

  ‘Don’t ever run away from me again,’ he growled, kissing her again – on the left ear this time, because it was the clo
sest part of her.

  She stared at him and he took a deep breath. Surely she wouldn’t refuse him after kissing him like that?

  But she spoke first. ‘I won’t run anywhere ever again. Oh, Russ, I’ve missed you so much.’

  So he had to kiss her some more. Which was far better than building a bridge of words.

  Their wonderful reunion was interrupted suddenly by someone chuckling nearby and when they broke apart, Russ realised it was the taxi driver.

  ‘Don’t mind me,’ the man said. ‘I’ve got all day to hang around.’

  ‘Sorry. I’ll, um, pay you now.’ Russ got out some of the Australian money he’d picked up at the airport and dumped a few notes into the man’s hand. Then he grabbed his suitcase and backpack, and followed her inside.

  He dumped his luggage in the hall and kissed her again before taking hold of her hand and letting her lead him through to the back of the house.

  The kitchen was full of delicious smells, but the best thing about it was her. ‘I’d have come sooner but I had to finish the series off so that I could stay once I got here. If you want me to stay, that is?’

  ‘Of course I do. I thought I could cope with living without you, but it didn’t get any easier. And when you stopped phoning I didn’t know what to do.’

  He took her hand then and raised it to her lips. ‘But you never answered my calls.’

  ‘I didn’t dare.’

  ‘Well, I can tell you what to do. Marry me.’

  ‘Yes, please.’

  ‘Cross your heart and hope to die?’

  She made the gesture. ‘Yes, darling, of course I will.’

  ‘How soon can we do it in Australia? I don’t want you second-thinking this.’

  She gave him one of her steady looks. ‘I won’t change my mind. I seem to have become utterly addicted to you.’

  ‘Then perhaps you could look at this.’ He pulled the little box containing the ring out of his pocket. ‘Henrietta sent it. She thought it might make a nice engagement ring. It’s an old family piece that she was going to leave you.’

  She stared at the ring, open-mouthed. ‘It’s exquisite.’

  ‘Let’s try it on.’

  It fitted perfectly and he waited as she turned her hand to and fro, admiring it.

  ‘It’s perfect,’ she said at last.

  ‘Then we’re properly engaged.’

  When he waltzed her round the ground floor of the house, she followed his lead, laughing and crying at the same time.

  So he had to stop and hold her. ‘You’re the most precious creature I’ve ever encountered, my dearest girl. We’re going to be very happy.’

  As they went back into the kitchen, his attention was caught suddenly by a tray of biscuits newly out of the oven. ‘Those look wonderful.’

  She laughed. ‘Abandoning romance for food? Rather an abrupt change.’

  ‘I didn’t eat much on the plane. I was too nervous.’

  ‘You? Nervous?’

  ‘Yes, darling. I was about to face the most important interview of my whole life.’ He frowned. ‘But you looked sad for a moment there. What’s wrong?’

  ‘Leaving my family. And you coming and going for your work.’

  ‘I’ve thought it all out. We can spend half the year here and half in England. And since you’re going to be helping me present the films from now on, we’ll be together even when I’m filming, so I won’t be the only one coming and going. Will half the year and the occasional special visit be enough?’

  ‘Oh, yes, yes, yes!’

  He watched light and joy come back into her face, then they were kissing again, making up for lost time.

  It wasn’t until later that he thought of the precious DVD he was carrying in his backpack and she remembered her family.

  When he turned round, she was on the phone. ‘No, I’m not telling you what we’re celebrating, Clo. Just come round, bring the kids and we’ll get a takeaway meal for tea. I know you’re coming here on Sunday but I want you here tonight as well.’

  She ended that call, held up one finger to stop him interrupting and phoned Deb, insisting on the same conditions. It was to be a surprise. No, she wasn’t giving any clues.

  ‘Can I grab a shower before they come?’ he asked.

  ‘I think you’ll just have time if you’re quick.’

  She went out to the little old fridge she used for wine and oddments and put in an extra bottle of champagne as she took one out. Then she got out the glasses and lined them up, plus a non-alcoholic drink for Clo, who was breastfeeding, and for the four grandchildren who were into lemonade and bitters as their latest craze, she’d found.

  Then Russ came downstairs again, damp and smelling of shampoo. ‘We can live in this house or you can sell it and we’ll buy another. Houses aren’t important. You are.’

  ‘We’ll sell it and start afresh.’

  ‘No quibbles about details?’

  ‘No quibbles about anything, Russ. I’ve learnt my lesson. I was only half-alive without you.’

  A car drew up outside and he plonked a quick kiss on her cheek. ‘Don’t let them eat me.’

  ‘They won’t. Not when they see how happy I am.’

  It was Clo and family, and while Bob brought in the paraphernalia needed for young Miss Georgie, Clo stared suspiciously at Russ.

  ‘I have such wonderful news for you,’ Simone began. ‘This is Russ and he’s just proposed to me. See!’ She brandished the ring at them, then turned to him. ‘Russ, will you open the bottle of champagne? I’m sure Deb and her lot will arrive any time.’

  Clo was still looking from Russ to her mother and back again, and as he dealt with the bottle, he began to worry that she’d not accept him.

  Then she held out her hand to him and said quietly. ‘Ma’s come to life again. I’m glad you’re here, Russ. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.’

  He gave her a hug, got a mock scolding for squashing the baby, and damned if a tear of happiness didn’t escape his control because he’d expected Clo to be harder to win over.

  She dabbed it away with the baby’s bib. ‘I like that you care so much.’

  It was going to be all right, he thought, relief spearing through him.

  Bob shook his hand next, then Deb and her family arrived, and they went through the introductions again.

  It was Clo who raised her glass and gave the toast. ‘Here’s to you and Russ, Ma. I hope you two will be very happy together.’

  Glasses clinked, some eyes were bright with tears and the ring was much admired.

  Eventually the four children went out to play in the garden, while the baby ignored the noisy adults and took a nap.

  ‘I’m going to miss you,’ Deb told her mother.

  Russ smiled at Simone, then turned back to her family and said, ‘We haven’t worked out the details yet but I reckon we can manage about half the year in each country, give or take. I know better than to separate your mother from you for too long.’

  That brought loud cheers and a lot more kissy-kissy.

  ‘That’s so wonderful.’ It was Clo’s turn to dab her eyes.

  Russ snapped his finger suddenly. ‘I forgot something important. Do you have a DVD player, darling?’

  ‘Yes, why?’

  ‘I’ve got something to show you and your family.’

  He put the DVD in the machine and held up one hand. ‘May I introduce the newest small-screen star – Ms Simone Ramsay, or whatever she chooses to call herself in her public persona.’

  He moved to put his arm round Simone as they all watched it, her daughters open-mouthed as she appeared in more of the shots.

  ‘She comes up well on screen, doesn’t she?’

  Dead silence, then Clo and Deb grabbed their mother and danced her round the room.

  ‘Ma, you’re a star!’

  That had set the seal on it all, he thought. They approved.

  He and Simone were going to have a grand life together.

  Aft
er the family had gone, Simone came to sit quietly with him on the couch. ‘I can’t believe it all: you here, us getting married, me appearing on TV. I just – can’t believe it’s all real.’

  ‘Oh, it is. But the best part of it is you and me. I asked you before and you didn’t answer me. How quickly can we get married here?’

  ‘I don’t know. But we’ll find out tomorrow. I’m not waiting a minute longer than I have to.’

  A yawn escaped him then. ‘Sorry. It’s jet lag not boredom.’

  ‘I know how it feels. Let’s go to bed and hang any clearing up that’s left.’

  ‘I promised Henrietta I’d phone and let them know how things went.’

  ‘Do it tomorrow,’ she said firmly. ‘Tonight is our time.’

  ‘Yes. Time I got you to bed, my love.’ He waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively and she chuckled.

  ‘That’s not the way to turn me on, you idiot. I’ll just have a quick shower then show you how.’

  By the time she joined him in bed, however, he was sound asleep. But that was all right. If they were lucky, they’d have many years to love each other in.

  She sighed blissfully and snuggled up to him, starting to fall asleep almost as quickly as he had. They were home together now and that felt so right.

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  By Anna Jacobs

  The Penny Lake Series

  Changing Lara • Finding Cassie

  Marrying Simone

  The Peppercorn Series

  Peppercorn Street • Cinnamon Gardens

  Saffron Lane • Bay Tree Cottage

  Christmas in Peppercorn Street

  The Honeyfield Series

  The Honeyfield Bequest • A Stranger in Honeyfield