Page 73 of Life After

“Get going before you have your pay docked.” Lyn waved Jen away, smiling as she closed the front door.

This could only be the greatest outcome for Jen, even if it hadn’t felt positive as she walked up the garden path a few minutes ago. But it was another second chance in Jen’s life, and it was one she wouldn’t let go of. No matter what.

As Suzanne filled the dishwasher,she paused, narrowing her eyes when she heard Jen whistling in the dining room. She couldn’t say she’d ever heard Jen whistling before, but she had noticed that Jen was very chipper this evening. She was usually quiet and tired when she came here straight from work, so something must have brought her mood up.

She slotted the last plate into the rack and put the dishwasher on. As Suzanne turned and rested back against the counter, drying her hands on a towel as she did so. She watched Jen through the archway and smiled. Yes, her girlfriend was definitely in a good mood this evening.

“Hey, babe?” Jen appeared in front of Suzanne with a gorgeous smile.

“Mm?”

“Have you spoken to Elsie lately? I was wondering when she’s going to be visiting again.” Jen wrapped her arms around Suzanne’s waist as she stepped nearer. “She’s such a lovely kid. It would be nice to see her again.”

“I’ll give my brother a call at the weekend and see what business plans he has coming up. Elsie usually only stays with me nowadays if they need someone to look after her.”

“You said they’re down south now, yeah?”

Suzanne nodded. “Yes. They moved there about two years ago now. It’s not ideal, I miss them terribly, but we try to see one another whenever we can.”

Jen lifted a shoulder. “Maybe we could drive down and spend the day with her one weekend. Then you’re not worrying about the next time you’ll see Elsie. We can go to them. Maybe…get a hotel room for the night.”

Suzanne loved that idea. She didn’t know why the suggestion had surprised her; Jen was always up for random plans. “I’d like that.”

“Yeah?” Jen’s eyes brightened. “It’s something we could do?”

“Of course. You just let me know which weekend is best for you, and I’ll make the rest happen. Elsie will be thrilled that we’re visiting. She’s always asking me when I’ll be there to see her, but I hate the thought of that long drive alone.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about driving long distance on your own anymore, babe. BecauseIwill be sitting right next to you.”

Suzanne’s insides ached as Jen gazed back at her. God, she wouldalwaysbe grateful for these moments. “Don’t take this the wrong way—I love our evenings together. But you seem particularly happy tonight. Has something happened?”

“Actually, yes.” Jen took Suzanne’s hand and dragged her away from the counter. Once they were sitting comfortably in the living room, she turned to Suzanne with the biggest smile on her face. “I had to deliver a parcel to Ruby’s mum this afternoon.”

“Oh.” Suzanne’s brows rose. She hoped this story had a good ending. “How was that?”

“It went far better than I thought it would,” Jen said, her eyes wide. “I think we could potentially repair our relationship.” The smile Jen wore had Suzanne’s heart pounding. God, she had a beautiful smile. “She’s invited me over for a brew tomorrow when I finish work.”

“Oh, Jen. This is brilliant news.”

“We don’t have any plans tomorrow evening, do we?” Jen chewed her lip as she pulled both of Suzanne’s hands into her lap and held on tight. “Ilovebeing here with you when I finish work, but I really need to do this.”

“Even if we did have plans, which we don’t, I would be happy to cancel them if it means you get this moment with Ruby’s mum. I see how important this relationship is to you, and I’d only encourage you to go over there.”

“You’re sure you don’t mind?”

Suzanne frowned. Why would Jen think for one second that she would mind? This was huge. Any sort of normal relationship was exactly what Jen needed. “How could I ever mind?”

“I don’t know. I just don’t want you to think I’m blowing you off. You know I love spending my evenings with you, and Iwillbe here as soon as I’ve been to see Lyn, but I wanted to check with you anyway.”

“Jen, Iwantyou to do this. And if that means I don’t see you at all tomorrow evening, then so be it.” Suzanne drew Jen in and kissed her slowly. “Your life is piecing itself back together. If you can have a relationship with Ruby’s mum, then I couldn’t ask for anything more. What’s important to you is important to me, too, baby.”

Jen nodded slowly. “Thank you. For understanding.”

“Hey,” Suzanne said, lifting Jen’s chin with two fingers. “I’m happy for you.”

“God, I can’t wait for you to meet one another. She already knows about you. I told her I was involved today. And that Ruby would approve of you.”

Suzanne’s heart burst as Jen admitted that. In the brief moment Jen had spent with Lyn today, she’d mentioned Suzanne? That meant so much. “I’m glad you think she would.”

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