I pulled the chair out and slumped in it, not caring that I was probably putting creases in my dress.
‘Callie! Thank God it’s you. Thought we had an intruder.’
I looked up to see Odette standing over the desk, holding a mug of coffee in one hand and a yoghurt in the other.
‘Sorry, I needed to collect something before I commence with nail-painting duties.’
Odette grinned. ‘You should see Iris this morning. She’s glowing. It’s so adorable.’ She dumped her mug down on the desk, slopping coffee, and peeled the lid off her yoghurt, spattering that onto the desk too.
My hands twitched but I managed to resist the urge to grab the antiseptic wipes from the drawer. ‘I’d better go and see her, then.’
‘Promise me you’ll take lots of photos so I can experience it vicariously.’ Odette had only started at Bay View a couple of months ago so she didn’t know any of the residents that well yet, which was just as well because we could hardly all take the day off to attend the wedding.
‘I promise.’ I grabbed my dress and bags and left her to it. My stomach churned at the thought of the letter winging its way to Teddy but what could I do? Absolutely nothing. I’d already done the damage when I’d written it and I’d known the risks when I’d added the address and stamp and placed it by the mailing tray. Had I secretly hoped that this would happen, taking the decision to post it out of my hands? If I was honest, I probably had.
But that had been before last night.
I hung my dress up on one of the coat pegs in the staffroom and shoved my bag in my locker. With one last look at my mobile, I dropped it into my bag and closed the door. It was better out of sight than me checking every five minutes to see if Rhys had been in touch.
Ten minutes later, I was all set up in the residents’ lounge ready for my first makeover. Ruby and Iris appeared moments later and I hugged them both. Odette was right; Iris’s eyes shone and pink tinges in her cheeks transformed her.
‘Have you heard from William this morning?’ I asked.
‘Not directly, but he gave me a card and a gift with strict instructions that I wasn’t to open them until this morning.’ She thrust her hand out, showing me a silver bracelet with an oval setting containing a delicate purple iris. ‘Isn’t it beautiful? I’m going to wear it today.’
‘It’s lovely. The man has taste, although we already knew that because he chose you.’
‘Oh, bless you, my dear.’ Iris hugged me once more. ‘You’ll start me crying again.’
‘She was a wreck when I called for her this morning,’ Ruby said. ‘Although I admit that what he’d written in the card was quite touching. It even brought a tear to my eye.’
Iris nudged her. ‘It did more than that, you little liar.’
‘No, I told you, I had an eyelash irritating me.’
Iris rolled her eyes. ‘You cried and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.’
‘Piffle!’
The next few hours flew by with a steady flow of residents dropping by for a spot of beautifying. Just as well, as the constant chat kept my mind away from Rhys and last night. Odette appeared mid-morning holding a silver gift bag. I expected her to hand it to Iris but she came straight to me. ‘This was dropped off at reception for you.’
‘Who by?’
‘I didn’t ask.’
I continued painting Maggie Dennison’s nails, even though I was dying to dive in and see if it was from Rhys.
‘Aren’t you going to open it?’ Odette asked.
‘I’m busy.’
‘Nonsense,’ Maggie said, retracting her hands. ‘Get it opened.’
I screwed the brush back into the bottle, rolling my eyes at them both. There was a card and a gift wrapped in lilac tissue paper. I unwrapped the tissue and took out a framed picture of the most adorable and sorry-looking Pug underneath the caption: I’m sorry. I pugged up.
‘That is so cute,’ Odette said. ‘What did he do?’
I glanced across the room but Ruby wasn’t there. Even so, I lowered my voice, ‘He found out that I knew something that he thought I should have told him even though it wasn’t my information to tell.’
Maggie and Odette both stared at me, eyebrows raised. ‘Well, I’m glad we cleared that up,’ Odette said, shaking her head. ‘I’d best get back to it. See you later.’
I turned to Maggie. ‘Sorry, Maggie, but I can’t—’
‘I understand.’ She placed her hands flat on the table again. ‘Consider the subject dropped.’
When I’d finished Maggie’s nails, I apologised to my next ‘customer’ and headed to the staffroom with my card and picture. Opening the card, I smiled at the cartoon drawings of various cacti amongst the words, ‘I’ve been a prick’. Inside, he’d written:
Dear Callie
The front of the card says it all. I shouldn’t have reacted like that. It’s really Ruby I’m angry at. I’ve asked her so many times about my granddad and it hurt to know she confided in you instead of me, but you were right not to tell me because it wasn’t your secret to tell.
I was wrong to walk out. I’d probably have been fine if it hadn’t been for Dad’s digs and snide comments all night. The news about Ruby was a push too far.
For some reason, I’ve never been able to stand up to my dad and wish I’d been there when you gave him what-for. Mum thinks you’re amazing and I do too. I should have told you that last night. Please forgive me.
Rhys xxx
PS Please meet me by Reggie’s bench at noon
Noon was forty minutes away so I returned to my duties in the residents’ lounge, setting an alarm on my mobile for five to. There was no question of me not meeting him and I wasn’t going to play games by being late, but I wasn’t going to make it easy for him when I did see him. I wanted to know why he hadn’t phoned or texted and his excuse had better be a damn good one.
My breath hung in the air and I shivered, zipping my coat up to the top, as I made my way across the gardens shortly before noon. Fret had rolled in from the sea and hung in wide ribbons, giving the gardens an ethereal look.
Rhys turned round and stood up as I approached. ‘I wasn’t sure if you’d come. I’d have understood if you didn’t.’
‘Why didn’t you text me last night?’ I asked.
He handed me his mobile and I gasped. ‘Oh my God! What happened?’ The screen was badly smashed and the side of the phone was scratched and dented.
‘I ran after you. I was really worried about you but I couldn’t find you. I called you a couple of times but you didn’t answer then, as I was running, I managed to trip over something, drop my phone, then stand on it. As you can see, it didn’t survive. Completely dead.’
‘Were you hurt?’
Rhys shook his head. ‘No. I didn’t actually fall. My bank account’s hurt, though. I had to go into town this morning for this.’ He lifted a new phone out of his jeans pocket. ‘So I finally got your text. How’s your mum?’
‘In pain and very embarrassed, but she’s fine. I’ll give you a laugh by telling you how she did it later.’ I shrugged. ‘I thought you didn’t care.’
‘How could you think that? When I couldn’t find you on foot, I drove around in the van. Luckily enough, I ended up on Nick’s street in time to see you get into his car so I knew you were safe. I figured he was dropping you home so went to the flat to wait for you. I waited for two hours but you didn’t come home. I assumed you’d gone for a drink with Nick then stayed at his so I went home for some sleep. Obviously I now know that you were at the hospital. I’m so sorry, Cal. As that picture said, I pugged up.’
He opened his arms and I ran into his embrace. ‘I thought it was over.’
Rhys stroked my hair. ‘That’s the second time you’ve thought I was ending things with you. Do you want it to be over?’ he whispered.
I stepped back, shocked. ‘Of course not! I love you. I want to be with you forever.’
‘Good.’ He cupped my face in his hand and tilte
d it towards his, giving me the most tender, gentle kiss that took my breath away. Then he took hold of my hand. ‘Come with me. I’ve got something to show you.’
Hand in hand, we made our way across the cliff top, through the fret, and emerged at the water feature he’d been working on earlier in the week. The large three-tier pond feature was clearly still a work in progress but there was another stone water feature beside it with a small trickle of water dripping from its base onto the surrounding pebbles. The feature itself consisted of two contemporary figures curved towards each other, joining hands, their bodies and arms creating a heart shape.
‘Do you like it?’ Rhys asked.
‘I love it.’
‘The bench is my homage to Reggie and this is for you, in the gardens where we first met. A constant reminder of you and how much I love you.’
I squeezed his hand and leaned against him, a whirlpool of emotions preventing me from speaking.
‘I’m worried I might have to send it back, though,’ he said.
‘Why?’
‘It’s not working properly. You see where the water is? It should be bubbling up between the figures instead of trickling like that. It was working properly earlier so hopefully it’s something blocking the water flow, like a leaf, rather than a fault with the whole thing.’
I bent down to look, poking my finger into the icy water. ‘Ooh! There is something in here but I don’t think it’s a leaf.’ I plucked the object out with my fingers and frowned at it. It was a sparkly silver child’s plastic heart-shaped ring. ‘How did that get in there?’ I turned round to show it to Rhys and nearly dropped it at the sight of him on one knee, holding a ring box towards me.
‘Fancy swapping it for the real thing?’
Mouth open, I stared at the heart-shaped diamond on a platinum band. Oh my God!
‘I hope the silence is surprise rather than a no. Some would say it’s too soon but, when you know, you know. I spoke to Nanna this morning. I know the story. She’s lived all these years without the love of her life. I don’t want to spend another moment without mine. Callie Derbyshire, will you marry me?’
I took a step closer to him and held out my shaking left hand. ‘Yes!’ I squealed.
Rhys slipped the ring on my finger, then stood up and kissed me. As we stood there enveloped in sea fret, the water feature bubbling beside us, all of our problems – Izzy, Tony, Ed – paled into insignificance. What was important was that we loved each other and Rhys had just proved to me that he’d always be by my side no matter what challenges the three of them threw at us.
38
‘I now pronounce you husband and wife.’ The vicar turned to William. ‘You may kiss your bride.’
Rhys squeezed my hand. I looked into his bright blue eyes and knew he was thinking the same as me: that would be us soon. We’d decided I wouldn’t wear the ring for the wedding or share our news because it didn’t seem right to take the attention away from Iris and William. I’d placed the plastic ring on my right hand instead and had the real one safely stored in the ring box in my bag.
Iris looked stunning in her cream lacy dress, as did Ruby in her pale green vintage-inspired frock. William had opted for a smart suit rather than a morning suit and looked very dapper and festive with his shiny shoes and Christmas-themed buttonhole.
When they took to the dance floor later that evening for their first dance as husband and wife, I looked at Ruby across the table. That faraway look was on her face again and I was convinced she was either remembering her past with Teddy or thinking about how life might be if she hadn’t pushed him away that final time.
I nudged Rhys and nodded towards his nanna. ‘You still think she isn’t lonely, now that you know about Teddy?’
He shook his head. ‘I see it now. You were right.’
‘I usually am.’
Rhys laughed. ‘Would you mind if I asked Nanna to dance?’
‘I think that’s a lovely idea.’
I smiled as Ruby shook her head, pointing to me, but Rhys led her to the dance floor to join the newlyweds and several other guests.
After a couple of dances, Ruby led Rhys over to me. ‘I need to catch my breath, so it’s your turn now.’
On the dance floor, Rhys made me giggle as he spun me around then pulled me close. ‘I know that Nanna’s refusing to make contact with my granddad, but do you think we should ignore her and do something?’ He laughed as I stiffened. ‘You’ve already made contact, haven’t you?’
‘Don’t be mad at me.’
‘I’m not mad. Have you spoken to him?’
‘Nothing like that.’ I explained what had happened.
‘That’s going to be an unexpected late Christmas present,’ Rhys said.
‘Looks like it. I didn’t give any details of how to find Ruby so he would have to ring me if he wants more information. Obviously Ruby doesn’t know I’ve made contact so she’ll never know if he decides to leave the past in the past.’
‘Did you give him your mobile number or your work one?’ Rhys asked.
‘Both. Why?’
‘Then it’s very possible he’ll find her himself. All he needs to do is Google your work number and he’ll find Bay View and likely assume she’s a resident.’
I pondered on that for a moment. ‘Would that be such a bad thing?’
‘Probably not.’ Rhys flung me into another twirl, making me giggle again.
‘When do you want to get married?’ he asked when he pulled me back to his side.
‘I’d love to say next year, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to afford to.’
‘Maybe the year after?’ he suggested. ‘Just think, next time I twirl you round a dance floor, it could be at our wedding.’
‘Or it could be at Ruby and Teddy’s. That’s my Christmas wish.’
Rhys held me close. ‘I would love that, but please don’t pin your hopes on it. So much has happened since then. If they do meet up, which is a very big if, they might not even like each other anymore.’
‘Or they might still love each other and the years will simply melt away.’
A crowd gathered in the hotel lobby to wave the newlyweds goodbye. They were spending two nights in York then catching a train to Edinburgh, returning in time for Bay View’s annual New Year’s Eve party.
Iris looked like a movie star in a pale blue winter coat over her dress, and a soft cream scarf. ‘Thank you so much for celebrating with us today,’ she said to the guests. ‘We’ve loved every single moment. Who’s next? Are you ready to catch the bouquet?’ Iris caught my eye and gave me a wink as I moved towards the front of the group, as we’d planned.
Ruby, who’d been standing beside me, shuffled off to the side. Iris caught my eye again and smiled, then turned and tossed the bouquet in Ruby’s direction. Everyone clapped and laughed at Ruby’s astonished expression as she stared at the flowers in her hands.
With shouts of ‘Merry Christmas,’ Iris and William headed out for their lift and everyone else moved back into the function room.
‘You can have this,’ Ruby muttered, thrusting the bridal bouquet into my hands. ‘I should have known that stupid woman would try a trick like that. As if I’ll be the next to get married. She’d better come back with the best Scottish shortbread or I will never forgive her for this.’ With a humph, she stormed off towards the toilets.
‘Stranger things have happened,’ I whispered, inhaling the faint scent of pine from the bouquet. ‘Especially at Christmas when wishes can come true.’
‘You do realise that you’ve had most of your Christmas presents already, don’t you?’ Rhys asked as I slipped my gorgeous new engagement ring onto my finger after everyone was safely back at Bay View and we were on our way back to my flat.
‘I’m slightly embarrassed by the box of Maltesers and pair of socks I’ve got for you.’
Rhys laughed. ‘Maltesers, good. Socks, essential. I’ve already got the best Christmas present ever. I’ve got you.’
; ‘When did you become so mushy? Not that I’m complaining.’
‘It’s Nanna’s fault. She’s hidden her true feelings for most of her life and, whilst the circumstances were completely different, it made me realise that I don’t tell you enough how much you mean to me. With the problems Izzy and Tony have caused, I should have been reassuring you more than ever.’
My heart sank at the mention of their names. ‘What time’s she expecting you?’ Although I didn’t like it, I knew it made sense for Rhys to stay at Izzy’s again so that he was there when Megan awoke. If he didn’t, Izzy was likely to awaken her early and open the gifts without Rhys, just to spite him.
‘I told her that the wedding finished at one rather than midnight and that I had to see the residents back safely so I’d be there at about two. She refused to give me a spare key, insisting on waiting up.’
‘That’s a bit daft.’
‘I think it’s her way of making sure I’m no later than that.’
I pushed down my evil thoughts and focused on my ring, glinting as we drove under each streetlight. ‘So I have you for at least an hour and a half. Hmm. Wonder what we can possibly do during that time.’
Rhys pressed his foot down on the accelerator a little harder.
39
‘I’m so sorry about posting that letter,’ Pete said as soon as I poked my head round the team leaders’ office door on Christmas morning. ‘I wasn’t meant to, was I?’
‘No, but please don’t worry. I think it might have been serendipitous.’
‘So, how was the wedding?’
I grinned. ‘Lovely. I have photos if you have time.’
‘Always.’
I handed over my phone so he could scroll through them, ooh-ing and aah-ing at each shot. ‘They look so happy,’ he said.
‘They were. They are.’ I reached for my phone with my left hand then leapt when Pete released a high-pitched shriek.
Making Wishes at Bay View Page 20
