Page 28 of Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall

‘Yes! I popped round to Abbey and Sam’s yesterday to drop off a card and present. Oh, my goodness, she’s so tiny, you forget how little they are at that stage, but she’s just adorable, and it’s wonderful to see Abbey and Sam looking so happy. Those first days with a newborn are so special, you exist in a hazy fug of wonder, dirty nappies and disbelief that you’re actually responsible for this little person. Honestly, it made me quite broody. Well, for half an hour at least! You must be a very proud godmother!’

‘I really am.’ Pia couldn’t help grinning every time she thought of Willow. She was a definite ray of sunshine in what had been a terrible time. ‘I was so thrilled that I could be there to witness her arrival in the world. It is something that will stay with me forever. It’s just a shame that the day then took on such a dark and unexpected turn. Once I know Jackson is okay and properly on the mend, I’m looking forward to spending lots more time with Willow, and watching her grow up. It’s such a privilege.’

‘It will be good practice,’ said Katy, with a sidelong glance and a wry smile, although Pia didn’t take the bait. ‘For when you have children of your own!’ she said, exasperatedly.

‘Ah… well, you never know. Maybe one day,’ said Pia, distractedly. She would be lying if she said her mind hadn’t drifted towards having her own family with Jackson, sharing that same wonderful experience that her friends had just been through, but she took nothing for granted, especially not now. All that mattered was that Jackson recovered and returned to Primrose Hall. Anything else would be a bonus. ‘It will be Ruby’s turn next. Their baby is due in a couple of months, and I can’t wait to be an auntie. I keep thinking about Mum and Dad, andhow excited they would be. I know Connor will make a great dad and it’s really lovely to see our family growing.’

‘Peeea?’ Rosie’s sing-song voice called out from the other side of the kitchen. ‘Mummy says that you’re going to marry Mr Jackson.’

‘Rosie!’ Katy gently chided her daughter and shook her head as an apology at Pia, who could only laugh.

‘Yes, that’s right. Aren’t I lucky?’ she said, giggling, knowing that Rosie was probably Jackson’s second biggest fan in the world.

‘When, when, when?’ The little girl was now overcome with excitement at the idea and had jumped down from the window seat and was bouncing around on the floor.

‘Once Jackson is back home and fully recovered then we’ll start to make plans. I think it will be a winter wedding so we’ll all have to wrap up warm.’ What Pia didn’t mention was which winter they had in mind. This year, next year? Who knew when? They’d pencilled in a date on the calendar, but they hadn’t factored in Jackson being out of action for several months. She would need to have a conversation with him about that.

‘I can just imagine how wonderful that will be.’ Katy swooned. ‘Primrose Hall is magnificent at any time of year, but in December, with all the Christmas decorations and lights, and with the backdrop of the trees from the woods, it’s simply magical.’

‘Will Father Christmas be there?’ Rosie piped up. Both Pia and Katy exchanged a glance and smiled. It was because of Rosie that Jackson had arranged a Santa’s grotto as part of the Christmas celebrations last year. ‘He will be definitely be at the Christmas fair, but not at our wedding. We’ve invited him, but it’s his busiest time of the year, making and packing the toys that he’ll be delivering to all the children around the world, so we don’t want to interfere with that, do we?’

‘No!’ Rosie was aghast at the very idea and Pia smiled to herself. Everything was so straightforward when you were five, but Rosie had given Pia an idea. One that she would keep to herself for the time being as she didn’t want Rosie to be overcome with excitement. Katy wouldn’t thank her for that. Still, it had made her attention turn to the wedding plans, and Pia couldn’t help but notice the swirl of excitement that built in her stomach.

19

‘Hello, you!’

Pia’s heart lifted, as it always did, seeing Jackson, now reclining on his hospital bed. His eyes had been closed, but he assured her that he hadn’t been sleeping, just thinking, and she couldn’t begin to imagine what he might be plotting this time. ‘How’s things?’

Jackson opened one eye and grimaced.

‘It’s sending me crazy being stuck here. The staff are great, but honestly, I’m sure I’d get on much better at home. I could take it easy and…’

‘Jackson, no! We have to trust in the doctors and what they’re telling us. Until they’ve given you the all-clear then you’re just going to have to put up with it.’ She sat down in the armchair beside his bed and took hold of his hand. It hurt her heart to see him so down and despondent, especially when there was nothing she could do to make him feel better. ‘This is the best place for you at the moment. You’re still in so much pain, Jackson, I see it in your features when you’re shifting in your bed. That’s much better managed here. I don’t think you would cope at home. The doctors will want to discharge you as soonas they can, but that’s not going to happen until they feel you’re ready. I know how frustrated you are, but it’s just going to take a little time.’

She leant forward and kissed him on his cheek, wishing she could wave a magic wand and make everything better. ‘There’s no one who wants you home more than I do. I miss you so much, the house just isn’t the same without you in it. Every time the dogs hear a noise outside, their ears prick up and they rush to the door, expecting it to be you.’ She pushed out her bottom lip. ‘I explain to them that Daddy will be back soon, but I’m not sure they quite understand. You’re going to get the biggest welcome when you do come home.’

Pia wasn’t sure if they were tears of emotion glistening in Jackson’s eyes or if it was the pain that was making his eyes water.

‘I’m no good to anyone here. I should be back at the hall making sure everything’s in place for the weekend.’

‘I’ve told you, there’s no need to worry. We had a meeting this morning with Tom, Stu, Mateo and Frank, and went through the schedule of events. I have to say, Tom has really stepped up and taken charge. Everyone knows what they should be doing now… well, fingers crossed, and it’s great to have Stu on board because he clearly knows his stuff. Really, it’s going to be absolutely fine, although I know so many people are going to be disappointed that you’re not there.’ She sighed and squeezed his hand tight. ‘It really won’t be the same without you, but we’re all determined to put on the show you would want it to be. I’ll be taking lots of photos and filming as much of the event as I can, so you won’t miss out entirely.’

Jackson raised his eyebrows, the despondence held within those dark brown eyes impossible to ignore.

‘I know it’s disappointing, Jackson, but there’ll be next year. And the year after that. You’ve said yourself that this is only thebeginning. We’ll look back in years to come and this upset, the inconvenience of this year will just be a faded memory.’

‘You reckon?’

She could tell by his demeanour, the set of his jaw, that there would be no getting through to him. He was fed up, frustrated and truculent, but she supposed it was understandable. Jackson was used to doing exactly what he wanted when he wanted, and he didn’t like to be thwarted in his plans at all.

‘Oh, we had visitors this morning.’ She was keen to move the subject on to something cheerier. ‘Katy popped in with the children and Rosie wanted me to give you this.’ She pulled out the card from her rucksack and handed it over. Jackson took the piece of paper and held it up in one direction before turning it round the other way, but he was none the wiser. He shrugged and raised a smile.

‘Is this supposed to be me?’ he asked, his brow furrowing as he examined the paper more closely.

‘No,’ Pia laughed, glad of the opportunity to lighten the mood. ‘I think that’s Pip and Rosie, and they’re the animals. Twinkle, Little Star, Bertie and Teddy,’ she said, pointing them out individually.

‘Of course they are. Silly me.’

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