Page 166 of Our Secrets and Lies

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The house was quiet. Sarah and Darren had taken Ollie home. Shannon was upstairs with Kelly. Dylan was in his bedroom on the phone to Taylor, and Billy had gone to the shed for a nightcap.

Lucy sat on the couch in front of the fire. Tom came into the room. ‘I’ve just loaded the dishwasher and that should be the last of it.’

‘Thanks for tidying up. I just have no energy left.’

‘Not surprisedafter the week you’ve had, and the fact that you cooked a feast for all of us today.’ He sat down beside her and picked up his wine glass. ‘It was a perfect day. Thanks for including me. It was the best Christmas I’ve ever had, by miles.’

‘It was lovely.’

‘I can’t wait for Dylan’s match. I’m so keen to see him play.’

Lucy wriggled her toes, feeling the warmth of the fire sink into her feet.‘He’s pretty amazing. You’re in for a treat.’

Tom sighed happily. ‘I still can’t believe it. I’m a dad.’

‘I still can’t believe you’re here.’

‘It’s all a bit surreal. Do you think Dylan liked his boots?’

‘He loved them. He’s just going to take a bit longer to warm to you. Give him space, Tom. Don’t rush him – you’ll only push him away.’

‘I just want to hug him so badly.’

‘Restrain yourself.’Lucy laughed. ‘He’ll run a mile if you do that.’

Tom smiled. ‘There’s something I really need to do this week.’

‘What? Run Melissa over with your car?’

They both laughed.

‘As tempting as that sounds, I’d rather not end up in prison after just finding my kids. No, I need to call up to my father and tell him face to face what a bastard he is.’

‘Can I come?’ Lucy asked.

‘You’d want to?’ Tomlooked at her in surprise.

‘Yes. I have a few things I’d like to say.’

‘No time like the present. Do you want to run over there now?’

‘What?’ Lucy said.

‘I’ve only had one glass today,’ Tom said. ‘I could drive us.’

Lucy sat up. ‘You’re on.’

Tom stood beside her before the imposing front door. Lucy was surprised at how calm she felt. She’d thought bad memories would rise up, but she feltno anger. Her mind was clear and she knew exactly what she wanted to say.

Tom rang the bell. They heard footsteps and then the door opened. Gabriel took a step back. ‘Tom?’

‘Hello, Dad.’

‘When did you get back? I had no idea.’ He looked at Lucy. ‘What on earth is she doing here?’

‘Lucy, the mother of my children and your grandchildren, is here because I invited her to come. We have a few thingsto say to you.’

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