Page 37 of Clara's Secret Garden
Rory looks at me quizzically as I end the call.
‘It’s Gran.’ I laugh in disbelief. ‘She’s coming home on Monday!’
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Walking into the hospital on Monday afternoon tocollect Gran and take her home, I still have that feeling that maybe I’mdreaming and that any moment now, I’m going to wake up. After all the weeks ofworry – wondering if she’d ever even get out of hospital – it’s like a miracle,even though I know the operation is still to come, once Gran is strong enough.
I’ve organised a small get together to welcome her home.
I checked with Gran first and she said she’d love to seeBertie and her two best friends from the village, Meggie and Pat. I asked ifshe’d mind if Lois came over, bringing Bertie with her, and she said that wasfine, just as long as she didn’t have to face Irene on her first day at home. Iassured her that I would never dream of inflicting that on her and we exchangeda knowing smile.
Gran doesn’t know we’ve been hard at work in the garden –I’m hoping it will be a lovely surprise when she sees it – so I haven’t toldher that I’ve invited Rory along. But it feels right that he should be there.I’m certain Gran will want to thank him for all the help he’s given me.
I’m looking forward to seeing him again.
The night of the barbecue shines like a glittering star inmy mind. It was so lovely, the way we were relaxed enough to reveal our dearestwishes to one another, and my heart races every time I think of That Kiss. Iknow it happened by accident, but isn’t there a school of thought that saysactuallynothinghappens by accident? I’m inclined to that way ofthinking now, and I can’t wait to see where it leads us...
I keep glancing over at Gran and smiling on the drive home,just checking that she’s really there. And I can tell she’s excited at thethought of going home at last.
‘Ooh, look. There’s Bertie waving.’ I point over to thecottage as I pull into her street, and she smiles and waves back at him. ‘AndMeggie and Pat. They were desperate to see you. They’ve made a special cake.’
Gran smiles. ‘I’m supposed to be watching my cholesterol.’
‘It’s a carrot cake and the fat in it is some kind ofhealthy oil, apparently, so I’m sure you’ll be fine with a small slice.’
‘Excellent. Who’s that man? Isn’t that Rory, who you used totravel on the bus with?’
‘Yes.’ I laugh. ‘Well remembered. He’s been...’But I don’t get any further because Gran has clearly set eyes on the frontgarden, her hands flying to her mouth in surprise.
‘I thought it would be a mess but it’s so beautiful. And whoplanted those gorgeous pink and purple flowers under my bedroom window?’
‘That was Bertie and his friend, Luke. They’re a specialsurprise to welcome you home.’
Gran’s eyes mist over at that. She grabs my hand and holdsit tightly as I help her out of the passenger seat and everyone standing at thegate cheers and claps. Even Lois looks pleased to see her, I guess because sheknows how excited Bertie is that his gran is finally coming home.
Bertie runs out and takes her hand, very gently, and guidesher in through the gate, and Gran, a stray tear sneaking down her cheek, sniffsand exclaims that he’s grown so much bigger since she last saw him and thatshe’s heard all about him being an expert juggler.
I exchange a warm smile with Rory and I can tell he’s reallypleased for me. There’s something else in that look – a lingering gaze that myfoolish heart decides to interpret as Rory laying eyes on me for the first timesince The Accidental Kiss, and remembering how it felt.
Nonsense, of course. But I can hope.
And it’s too happy a day for negative thoughts!
I feel Rory’s hand round my waist and when I turn to look upat him, he’s smiling. ‘She looks well, your gran. And delighted to be home.’
‘She does, doesn’t she?’
We walk inside and congregate in the kitchen, where Gran’sfavourite chair is waiting for her. She laughs to see it there and sinks downwith a happy sigh.
‘Thank you, everyone. Especially you, Bertie,’ she says,pulling him onto her knee and hugging him close.
‘Okay.’ I take a breath, not used to making speeches. ‘Justbefore we have tea and cake, I’d like to welcome you home Gran and say thatwe’ve missed you loads. And that’s all you’re getting, I’m afraid, because I’mhopeless at giving speeches. Just know that we love you very much.’
‘And that we’re dying for a piece of that cake,’ adds Patwith a smile, coming over to hug Gran.
Everyone laughs, and I move over to the worktop to slice upMeggie’s ‘healthy’ carrot cake.
‘Erm, just before we have cake,’ says Lois, ‘there’ssomethingI’dlike to say.’
