Page 47 of Welcome to the Cornish Country Hospital

‘It did and he said he didn’t want to have any regrets.’ Charlie let out such a loud sigh that even Brenda opened her eyes and looked up at him, before dropping her head back down on to one of Danni’s feet.

‘It sounds like you might be pondering some regrets of your own?’ One of the most attractive things about Charlie was his ready smile and, even when he wasn’t smiling, he always looked like he might be about to. But not this time.

‘More a case of what else Richard might live to regret that he hasn’t realised yet.’ Charlie shook his head. ‘He’s still saying he wants nothing to do with Connie after what she did.’

‘I guess that’s his choice, but maybe he’ll come round about that too, eventually.’ Danni crossed the index and middle fingers on her right hand over one another almost unconsciously. She had to believe that even if people reacted one way in the moment, there was always a chance they’d change their minds. In fact, she was banking on it, otherwise telling Esther about Lucas was an even bigger risk. But this wasn’t about her. ‘Are you going to tell Connie that he’s changed his mind about seeing you?’

‘I’ve got to. The secrets between Connie and Richard are what have caused so many of the problems we’re facing now. I don’t want to add to that, but I don’t want to hurt her, or make her feel like she’s being left out either.’

‘She’ll be sad in some ways, but I think most of all she’ll be happy that you’re getting this chance. Connie loves you and this is what she wanted for you.’

‘That’s what love is, I suppose, isn’t it? Being happy when things are going right for someone you love, even if you can’t have the thing you want for yourself.’ Charlie looked thoughtful for a moment, and Danni nodded.

‘I know some people think you shouldn’t have to sacrifice what you want for other people’s happiness, but if you really love someone I don’t think you can be happy unless they are.’ Danni would never be happy unless Esther was, and marrying Lucas was going to make her friend desperately unhappy in the long run. ‘Do you think just coming out with what you need to say is always the best way?’

‘Maybe not always, but in this case there’s no way to dress it up. Of course I’m still hoping Richard might change his mind about talking to Connie, like he changed his mind with me, and that’s something I can emphasise when I speak to her. But I’m not going to lie. The truth always has a way of coming out and I’d rather she heard it from me, the way I want to say it.’ Charlie glanced at his watch. ‘I’m just going to check on the roast potatoes; can I get you anything else to drink?’

‘No, thank you. The wine is great.’

‘I’d like to pretend I’m a connoisseur, but it was the wine of the month in the supermarket in Port Tremellien.’ Charlie grinned and went back into the kitchen. The wine really was good, but Danni took a huge slug, like she might have done if she was trying to get through a vinegary glass of red, just to be polite. She needed the Dutch courage if she was going to do what she needed to. Taking a deep breath, she typed a message to Esther.

Can we meet? There’s something I need to tell you xx

A response pinged back almost immediately.

Everything okay? Do you want to ring me now? We’re on our way to the reception venue, to have dinner so we can finalise the menu, but I can meet you straight after. You’re worrying me now! Xx

Danni stared at her phone for a few seconds. She didn’t want to do this over the phone and she didn’t want Esther coming straight from the reception venue to have this conversation; she’d be too caught up in the plans of the wedding to hear what Danni had to say. She hated the thought of making Esther worry, and there was always the risk she’d mention those worries to Lucas. So she needed to word her next message carefully.

Don’t worry, I’m fine, but I just need to talk to you about something when we can get a quiet moment, so not at work! Let me know when suits you, but no hurry xx

Esther had clearly been watching her phone, ready to reply to Danni’s response, because the next message pinged through almost instantly again.

Thank goodness for that! Well, now I’m hoping what you’ve got to tell me is going to be Charlie related ?? Can you do lunchtime tomorrow? I need to get my excitement vicariously because, after nearly eight years, me and Lucas are like an old married couple already. I’ve almost forgotten what those early days are like. Maybe I need to make more effort with the lingerie for the honeymoon and, as chief bridesmaid, it’s your job to help me pick something out! xx

You know I’d do anything for you and lunchtime tomorrow is perfect. Shall we meet at 1 p.m. at The Jolly Sailor? xx

See you then and I want ALL the details! xx

It wasn’t the first time that Esther had hinted that her relationship with Lucas wasn’t as physical as it used to be, which wasn’t that unusual after being together so long. But the fact that Lucas was clearly getting his kicks elsewhere wouldn’t be helping, and now Esther was starting to question whether she needed to make more effort. That kind of gradual erosion of her best friend’s confidence was something Danni wasn’t prepared to wait around to witness. Esther had always been the light in every room, upbeat and cheerful, and someone everyone wanted around. Danni wasn’t going to let Lucas take those things from her, even if she had to be the one to break Esther’s heart.

* * *

Connie looked forward to her regular visits from Gwen and Danni. They brightened the day and lifted some of the monotony of a long-term stay in hospital. But most of all she loved getting visits from Charlie. Every time she saw him, it was like the empty space that had taken residence in her chest was suddenly filled again. This man – her boy – always came with something to tell her. Whether it was the latest mischief Maggie and Brenda had got themselves into, or an idea he had for the story he was working on, she loved it all. Sharing anything with her son felt like a gift she thought she’d given away for good. But today, she was the one with the news, and she was itching to tell him.

‘Oh I’m so glad you’ve come in – it’s been such a great morning!’ Connie couldn’t keep the smile off her face and she couldn’t even wait for Charlie to sit down. ‘I’ve got two amazing pieces of news.’

‘You look like you’ve won the lottery.’ Charlie smiled, but she couldn’t help noticing a change in his demeanour. He looked tired, but he’d probably been working late on the illustrations for his latest book. He’d told her before that when he was caught up in working on them, the hours could just disappear and sometimes it was only when the sun came up that he realised he’d worked all through the night. Still, she was certain the first piece of news she had to share would perk him up.

‘I feel like I have won the lottery! First I get you back in my life and now I’m a great-aunt. Darcy gave birth to a little boy this morning and guess what his name is?’ Connie hadn’t felt this much like she might burst with excitement since the last Christmas Eve she’d believed in Santa Claus.

‘Now do I start with Rumpelstiltskin, or work my way up there from something more traditional like James?’ Charlie raised his eyebrows and Connie laughed.

‘No, neither of those. It’s Augustus Charlie William Clark.’ Connie clapped her hands together. ‘One of his middle names is in honour of his granddad. But Darcy was so over the moon about finally having a cousin, she wanted the baby to have that link to you from the start.’

‘Wow.’ Charlie sat down in the chair by the bed with a thud. ‘That’s really nice of her, especially considering we haven’t even met.’

‘She wants to put that right. She couldn’t come before, but she’s keen to bring Auggie, as she calls him, down to visit as soon as possible.’ Connie was smiling so much it made her face ache. ‘Which brings me to my second bit of news. The doctors are finally certain that I won’t need any more surgery, so they’re moving me to the rehab centre for a few days’ intensive physio and to make sure I can cope. Then I’ll finally be discharged from hospital!’

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