Page 88 of Life After

Suzanne was waiting on the arrival of her own family, Tracy included, but for the time being, she would head back out into the garden. After all, the woman of her dreams was out there. As she started to close the door, the garden gate opened again and caught her attention. Ruby’s mum stood on the garden path, smiling back at her.

“Am I on time?”

“Absolutely.” Suzanne switched Toby from one arm to the other. The little guy was weighty, that was for sure. “Jen and Denise are out in the garden. Grace and her fiancé have just gone through, too.”

Lyn stepped inside the hallway and turned to Suzanne. “Thank you for inviting me over. I wasn’t sure what Jen had told you about me, so when Denise called about this surprise, I was shocked I’d been invited.”

“Jen told me that you’re another mum to her. It’s important that you’re here.” Suzanne did close the front door this time, guiding Lyn through into the kitchen. She watched Jen through the window, hugging Grace as though the world was about to end, and then their eyes locked on one another’s. The biggest smile Jen had ever worn settled on her face when Lyn stepped out into the garden, and they embraced. Suzanne sighed. “Just the reaction I hoped for.”

“Babe?” Jen let go of Lyn and rushed inside, tears in her eyes when she focused on Toby. “W-what the hell is going on here?”

“These are your people. They love and support you.” Suzanne handed Toby off to Jen and watched on as Jen squeezed him against her. “Your family. Those that matter.”

“You…didn’t create ‘some kind’ of vision board, did you?” Jen blinked away tears. “This was all planned, wasn’t it? For me?”

Suzanne nodded slowly. “Mmhmm.”

“You’re unbelievable. I love you.” Jen stepped closer, one arm wrapped around Suzanne’s waist, and leaned in to kiss her. “I don’t know what I did to deserve any of this but thank you. It’s amazing.”

“New start. New life. New love.” Suzanne touched her forehead to Jen’s. “This is what we have now, okay?”

“Okay.” Jen took Suzanne’s hand and guided her out into the garden. “Hey, everyone!”

They all turned around and focused on Jen and Suzanne.

“While this gorgeous woman is surprising me, I thought I’d surprise all of you and let you know that I have a new job. Well, I will soon. Today I handed in my notice at work.”

Denise gasped. “You’re doing it? That’s brilliant, my love.”

“Doing what?” Grace cut in.

“Joining Suzanne and her late husband’s company.” Jen beamed a smile that had Suzanne’s heart racing. “Architecture and interior design.”

Grace’s eyes widened. “Wow. That’s amazing, sis.”

Suzanne’s chest swelled. It meant so much that Jen had never once tried to erase John or Suzanne’s marriage to him. She wrapped an arm around Jen’s waist and dipped her head towards her ear. “If you make me cry, I swear to God!”

“No tears. We’ve had plenty of those over the last few years. It’s time to have fun and just enjoy life.” Jen settled a hand on Suzanne’s where it rested on her hip. “New start. New life.” Jen turned and gazed back at Suzanne, holding Toby securely against her as he wriggled about in her arms. “The most amazing love.”

Suzanne cleared her throat, aware that she was close to tears whether it was appropriate or not. “Right. Drinks. Who wants what?”

“Hey,” Jen said, her voice low. “I mean it. I’m so in love with you, babe.”

Suzanne touched Jen’s cheek lightly and smiled. “Then I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Jen stood backand watched life unfolding in front of her. Suzanne had really gone to some lengths today to make everything perfect for those she’d invited over. She wasn’t surprised, Suzanne was always making things beautiful around this place, but Jen was still appreciative. She was still in awe of the woman she loved. Nobody had ever done something like this for her before, and that only made it all the more special. In years when she looked back on this day, Jen knew it would be with fondness. Not only had her own family shown up for her, but Suzanne’s family had, too—andTracy.

God, you don’t know just how lucky you are.

“Hey, Jen?”

Jen didn’t mean to, but she still tensed at the sound of Dan’s voice. “Yeah?”

“Do you have a minute? I know we’ve all been invited over for a nice day together and stuff, but I wanted to just clear the air if you had a couple of minutes.”

Jen turned to Dan fully, her arms folded across her chest. “Sure.”

“Iamsorry. I know we haven’t really had the chance to speak much since we were all over at your mum’s place, but I am really sorry for the way I’ve treated you.”

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