Chapter 28
Vinnie made sure that Archie and Grace got into the house safely. He told Grace that he knew they needed to talk, but that tonight she should be with her son, so he kissed Grace on the forehead and said he would call her tomorrow. She was totally exhausted.
Grace took Archie straight up to his room, then hesitated and thought that just for tonight, he could stay in her bed with her. She needed to feel him close to her, to know that he was under her protection.
After letting Becks out in the garden, she went upstairs, kicked off her shoes and, fully clothed, tucked herself into bed next to her beautiful boy. Within seconds, she was sleeping like a baby.
* * *
Grace often dreamt about her mum, but this time she knew it was different. It didn’t feel like a dream at all.
She woke with a start in the middle of the night and as her eyes adjusted to the moonlight streaming through the curtains, she felt the bed dip and saw her mum sitting on the bed beside her.
She looked radiant and healthier than she had looked for years, dressed in a beautiful pair of white trousers and a white loose shirt. She looked stunning.
Grace couldn’t believe her eyes. She stared at her mum’s face as her mum moved closer and took her hands.
Darling girl, you need to listen to me and listen carefully. Do not interrupt, just listen.
I am, and always will be, your mother whether I am on earth, or in heaven. We have a bond between us that even death will never break. I will always love you and lead the way for you.
I have left you to your own devices over the last few years. However, where your love life is concerned, you’ve made such an appalling mess of things that I’m taking matters into my own hands now and taking over. It is now time for you to enjoy your true love and this is the second gift which I give to you. The gift of love.
The first gift I gave you is that gorgeous little boy that I am so very proud to call my grandson. My only regret is that I never knew him while it was my time on earth. I wish I’d physically been there to hold your hand through the early stages of motherhood and to give you support when you needed it most.
But I want you to know that I watched him come into the world. I watched you hold him up to the sky to show him to me. I love that you never closed the curtains in your hospital room because you wanted me to see everything. I saw it all, my love, and I’m still seeing it all. I’ve never missed a thing!
I’ve watched you and I’m so very proud of how you throw yourself into being his mum. I’ve wiped away your tears and I know how sad you are that I’m not there by your side, but I promise you faithfully, my darling, I am around you all the time in spirit. I’m just a breath and a heartbeat away.
I know that Archie sees me, and we talk. And I catch every one of those kisses he blows me each night. I will always watch over him for you and will ensure that he is always safe and loved. And no matter what happens in his life, he will always love you more than anyone and I will never let Mark take him away from you. I make that solemn promise to you.
The third gift I give to you is that of abundance. In all things. Finances, so you never have to worry about money and are able to do what you love in life. Health, so that you will always be physically able to do the things you want to do. Happiness, in your job that you love so it won’t feel like work. And finally, love, that you will be loved and cherished by a man who truly deserves you and who you will love back.
And now, let’s get back to gift number two. That of love. I’m really rather proud of myself for finding someone who is so utterly perfect for you. I have watched him now for a long time and feel strongly that he is the one that you should spend the rest of your life with. He is kind, generous, loving and understanding – all the things you should ask for in a partner. I am very happy to leave you in his capable hands. My darling, Vinnie is your soul mate, your partner for life. Grab that love with both hands and never let him go.
I’ve met someone while I’m here in heaven. A very special lady. Her name is Meredith. She’s been looking to find someone that she knows is worthy of her big brother. And she’d been watching you. I was trying to work out why this beautiful young lady was watching my daughter and I couldn’t fathom it, so I just asked her. You know subtlety has never been my strong point. She told me that she had a big brother and she just wanted to see him happy in his life. She felt that the lady she was watching was very special and was perfect for him. We talked for ages and we decided that you would both complete each other. We congratulated ourselves on creating a match made in heaven. No pun intended!
I hope that you now take notice of what I am saying, and yes, I know that this will be a first!
I will always love you and watch over you. Never stop talking to me; I hear you all the time! I will continue to visit you in your dreams but you have to start to let me go. Go and be happy with Vinnie. You no longer need me in the forefront of your life but I will always be around you and I promise that I will never, ever leave your side.
‘Mum, is it really you? Am I dreaming? Are you real? Don’t go. Don’t leave me again! I need you!’ Grace sobbed so hard, gasping for breath.
Grace’s mum wiped the tears away from her daughter’s eyes for the last time. She placed her hand upon Grace’s stomach and she felt a warm glow radiate through her body.
I do have to go now, darling, I’m sorry, but you really don’t need me any more. Go and be happy with Vinnie and Archie. I love you, my darling, my angel, my world! But now it’s time for me to go. Goodnight, sweetheart! I love you with all my heart.
With that, she held her daughter’s head in her hands, kissed her lingeringly on the forehead, then faded slowly into the distance.
And Grace felt a sense of peace wash over her and radiate within her that she’d never felt before. She laid her head back on the pillow and drifted back to sleep.