Page 14 of Forgive Not Forget
“Without a doubt,” Anna smirked. “I’ll message you once I’ve spoken to Kat about a date. Perhaps after Easter.”
“Can I come too?” Abigail asked, her eyes wide and bright.
“Of course, and Tom.”
The glow in Abigail’s eyes dulled.
“I’ll see you on Sunday, Abi.”
The shine returned as her mouth curled into a smile.
Anna walked down the path to the gate, pleased to have potentially added three people to her wedding invite list; she was now up to six. Something niggled in the pit of her stomach and deflated her mood. Laura was right: She was going to need to have a difficult conversation with Katherine about children. Regardless of her own feelings, Anna needed to understand where she stood on the subject. It would be terrible if they each assumed the other didn’t want children only to find out ten years down the road that they both had and neither had bothered to mention it.
CHAPTER6
Anna stepped out of the car outside Baycroft, instantly regretting putting away her scarf after a single week of milder weather. Katherine, getting out the passenger side, looked perfectly cosy in hers, with matching gloves. Although Anna loved spring and autumn, she cursed the changeability of the weather during those seasons. You knew where you were with the winter; you were in a coat. In the summer you weren’t. In spring and autumn you could be in a coat or a jumper, even a coat and a jumper. The only thing you could rely on in spring and autumn was that whatever you were wearing wasn’t right.
There was no one at reception when they arrived, so they went straight to Harry’s room. Anna tapped lightly on the door and leaned her head around it. “You here, Dad?” It didn’t feel right to walk in. She didn’t want him to answer the door or shout, so it seemed the sensible answer. It wasn’t like he would be in a state of undress at the times they visited.
“Anna,” Harry called back. “That you?”
They entered to find Harry in his usual laid-back position in his recliner. He hurriedly tried to return the chair to its upright position as they approached.
“Here, let me help you, Dad.”
Anna pushed up the back of the chair, and Harry slowly returned to a vertical position.
“Thanks, love.”
“How are you feeling, Harry?” Katherine asked, taking her usual seat. “Any better?”
“Right as rain, doc,” Harry replied unconvincingly.
The door opened and a lady entered. Anna wondered if she was a member of staff or a resident. Though her face was certainly older, her dyed blonde hair was perfectly styled into a bouncy, layered bob, and her make-up was flawless.
“All right, my love,” she said as she closed the door. She tried to mask her surprise when she saw Anna and Katherine.
Harry’s face brightened. “Mabel!”
Mabel approached them. “Sorry, I didn’t realise you had company. Shall I pop back later?”
“Come,” Harry said. “I want you to meet my daughter.”
“Oh, is this Anna?” Mabel turned to Katherine. “Nice to meet you, love. I’ve heard so much about you. Harry never stops talking about you.”
Katherine’s mouth opened to answer.
“No, that’s Katherine, her fiancée. This is Anna.” Harry pointed at Anna in the chair opposite him.
“Oh, sorry, love,” Mabel said, approaching Anna before stopping suddenly to take her in. “Oh, yes, I can see the resemblance now. You’ve got his nose.”
Mabel turned to Harry and squeezed his nose, making him laugh like an infatuated teenager. Anna’s forehead puckered as her eyes met Katherine’s.
“You warm enough?” Mabel asked, tucking in the sides of Harry’s lap blanket. “I can fetch you another throw.”
“I’m all right, though I’ve got a bit of a sore throat coming on.”
Mabel nodded. “I’ll refill your cup with some fresh water.” She scooped up his lidded cup and disappeared into the bathroom.
