Page 87 of Life After

Suzanne lifted a shoulder. “Maybe.”

“Well,” Jen paused as she handed Suzanne her coffee back. “It looks great. But I’m not surprised. I’ve been looking at that portfolio you left out for me, and your work is sensational. You really have an eye for detail.”

Suzanne appreciated that. “I’m looking forward to going back.”

“And I’m looking forward to joining you.” Jen hip-checked Suzanne and grinned. “Emailed my notice over to work just before I came out here.”

Suzanne’s eyes widened, but it was her thumping heart that she focused on. Jen…was really going to work with her? Suzanne had spent each day since Jen agreed wondering if she would back out. But no. This was happening. Oh, God. “Y-you did?”

“Mmhmm. Looks like I’ll be working with you in the not-too-distant future.”

“Oh, Jen.” Suzanne lowered her coffee cup to the table and turned, taking Jen in her arms. “I’m so glad you didn’t change your mind. And I’m proud of you for stepping into the unknown.”

“You’re not the unknown, so I have nothing to worry about.” Jen drew Suzanne in and planted a kiss on her lips. “I think if I want to be happy in my job, then I have to try something new.”

“I love you,” Suzanne whispered against Jen’s lips, squeezing her hip as she pulled Jen in against her. “God, I love you like I didn’t know it was possible.”

Jen placed her hands on Suzanne’s chest. “We make a good team. So long as you’re sure I can dosomethingto benefit your company, then I’m going to trust you on this.”

“Oh, I’m certain you can bringa lotto my company. Don’t you worry about that.” As Suzanne contemplated whether they had time to get naked, the doorbell rang.Nope. You’ll have to save it for later. “Sorry, I’ll just get the door.”

“That better not be a new courier that’s going to seduce you!” Jen called out, laughing as Suzanne spun around and glared at her. “Babe, I’m joking. Iknowyou only have eyes for me.”

Suzanne rushed inside and stopped in the hallway. She had taken matters into her own hands, and now a whole load of people were about to arrive for a picnic in the garden. Jen had no idea anyone was coming. As far as she was aware, they were spending the day enjoying the sun alone. Suzanne just hoped it would all go as planned. She opened the front door and briefly placed a finger to her lips. “She still has no idea. Go through…quietly.”

Denise winked as she stepped over the threshold and whispered, “Gorgeous house, Suzanne. Very nice indeed.”

“Thank you.” She smiled as she looked out onto the street, then frowned. “No Grace?”

“Yes. She’s just getting Toby’s pram out of the boot. Dan is here, too.”

Suzanne bristled but only slightly. She had purposely invited Grace and Dan, hoping everyone could start to make amends. “Great. You go out into the garden, and then it can be a double surprise when I bring the others through. Jen is already out there, blissfully unaware.”

“Perfect. And thank you for inviting us over.” Denise turned and quietly made her way through the house.

Suzanne waited a beat or two, and then she heard Jen asking her mum why she was here. Before she could give herself the opportunity to listen in, Grace, Dan, and Toby came strolling up the garden path. “Hi. Come on in.”

“Could you take him for a moment? I’ve got a rucksack full of stuff, and Dan has the pram. I don’t know how a nine-month-old can need so many things, but my back is breaking.”

Suzanne reached out and took Toby from Grace, instantly warmed when he smiled back at her. “Hi, cutie.” She held the door open with her foot, motioning for Grace and Dan to come inside. “Jen doesn’t know you’re coming over.”

“Oh, God. She’s going to kill you for surprising her.”

Suzanne’s face instantly fell. “Y-you’re joking.”

“Of course I am. But you’ll get used to one of us always playing a joke on someone the longer you know us.” Grace placed a hand on Suzanne’s shoulder and smiled. “The problem is, you just never knowwhenit’s going to happen.”

“Then I will always be prepared.”

“Not possible with us Fletcher girls. We’re like ninjas when we want to be.” Grace helped Dan carry Toby’s pram over the top step, leaving it to one side until Toby required it later.

“I’ve laid out some blankets and yurts so he can play around on the lawn safely. I was worried about the heat and the sun being directly on him, but it should do the job.” Suzanne wanted to make sure everyone had everything they needed while they were here today. She hated something being amiss when she had guests over. Or…potential family. “Treat the place like your own. If you can’t find something, just let me know.”

“Thanks, Suzanne.” Dan smiled at her as he stopped in the doorway. “This is a great idea.”

“It’s nice to see you again, Dan.” Suzanne could only be genuine when it came to Jen’s family. Even though they’d had their differences, Dan had apologised to them both, and now life could move on. Why hold onto something when everyone could live in harmony? At the end of the day, what mattered was Jen’s relationship with Toby. If that meant Suzanne had to be overly nice to get Dan on board, then so be it. “Beers are in the fridge if you’d like one.”

“Oh, brilliant. Thanks.”

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