Page 265 of This Woman Forever

I frown, looking out the window across the skyline. I was in talks with someone who wants to buy my manor? Surely not. But then... new eyes. It all comes back to me. The insulting meeting, my walks around the grounds, the odd and jarring thoughts I had. “Is it a serious offer this time?”

“That I don’t know. I stalled him, obviously. But given your reaction in our last meeting, I can’t imagine he’ll willingly put himself up for another dressing-down.”

I inhale, reaching for my stomach and holding it.

Take the money, Daddy.

I stare out of the window, my eyes burning, the words coming from nowhere. “Take the money,” I whisper.

“You don’t know how much they’re offering yet.” John laughs.

“Then let’s find out.” I look at him so he can see the resolution in my eyes.

“I’ll call him.”

I nod, smiling mildly. “Thanks.”

The door of the apartment opens, and Kate and Sam stroll in, weighed down with Waitrose bags. Then Drew. “You going to close the door?” I call when he leaves it open.

“No.”

Elizabeth follows in behind, clocks me on the couch, and slaps her hand on her heart. I brace myself for a strong dose of my mother-in-law. “Jesse Ward, my wonderful son-in-law.” She comes at me, making me want to shield myself. “Look at you.” Her hand meets my forehead. “How do you feel?”

“Harassed.”

She tsks and goes to the kitchen as Joseph puts himself on the other chair near John. “I tried to tell her to back off.”

“It’s fine,” I breathe, smiling. After everything they’ve learned about me, it’s a relief they’re even here. Accepting me. And I’m wonderful.

Amalie bowls in, a man I’ve never met with her. This must be the groom. She’s being tactical. I’m in no fit state to dish out warnings. “Afternoon,” I say as she comes at me too, dropping a kiss on my forehead. I reach for her hand, giving it a little squeeze. Mum, Dad, and Amalie have been at the hospital every day. Just a few minutes here and there, breaking us all in slowly, but they haven’t missed one visit. “Are Mum and Dad here?” I ask as she drags her fiancé over.

“Yes, on their way up. This is Dr. David.”

I lift a hand. “Should I call you Dr. David?”

“David will do,” he says on a laugh. “Pleasure to meet you, Jesse.”

I smile, feeling overwhelmed, my home becoming more and more full. “Make yourself at home,” I mumble. “Everyone else has.” My eyes are getting heavy, but when Mum walks in with Dad, I forget all tiredness. Life.

Dad does what Dad’s done every day since I came round and comes to me, dipping to hug me. And I find the energy to hug him right back. Always. “You all right?” I ask.

“I just came from the cardiologist.”

“Why, what’s up?”

“Nothing’s up, son,” he says, perching on the arm on the couch next to me. He just can’t be any farther than a few feet away when we’re together. “I missed a checkup back home, so they referred me to a colleague here. I’m fine.” He taps his chest. “The ticker is fine.”

“Hello, darling,” Mum says, her turn to have a fuss. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? Had your meds? The dressing, it’s clean, isn’t it?”

“I’m fine,” I assure her. “Ava’s in the kitchen with Elizabeth.”

Off she goes, knowing exactly where the kitchen is. And then Dad excuses himself to use the bathroom, and he heads off in the right direction too. They’ve been here while I’ve been in hospital? I peek up when Ava appears in front of me with a glass of water, bending to place it on the table.

I reach out and place my hand over hers on the glass before she can remove it, and she flicks her eyes to mine. She doesn’t snatch her hand away. She doesn’t retract. I smile mildly, hoping she sees my deep appreciation. I take her hand and push my lips to the back of it.

“I’ll be leaving then,” John says, excusing himself, giving me a nod. I nod back, and Ava looks between us, curious.

“What was that?” she asks.

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