Chapter 46
Hannah hoped the evening would last forever.
The thought that the Ballygowan might become far more than a holiday for her was fizzing its way through her body.
But it wasn’t alone. Other thoughts and sensations were also buzzing around her system, caused by having Louis so close and completely focused on her.
She’d missed this so much – only realised how much now she was moving against his body, breathing him in, giving him her total attention, too.
When the countdown to midnight began, everyone stilled to join in, party poppers firing and party blowers sounding all around the ballroom, intensifying as the DJ welcomed in the New Year and fired up the music again.
Louis didn’t move. Instead, he held her fast, glancing up. Her gaze followed his and she grinned. They were directly below a spray of mistletoe. They kissed, long and slow, ignoring the revellers spinning around them, the disco music intensifying, the lights colourful and twisting around the space.
Eventually he broke away. ‘I’ve missed you so much,’ he said.
She nodded, and they were kissing some more, until someone bumped into Louis, apologising and laughing and moving away as Louis took her hand and they began to dance again.
But Hannah had lost interest in dancing, and by the expression on Louis’ face, so had he. Wordlessly, Hannah tugged him across to his jacket, which he grabbed as they threaded their way through the throng of passengers and slipped away.
Ruth saw them disappear. Didn’t think she’d win any prizes for guessing where they were going.
If she was being honest, she could have done with heading for her own cabin – to sleep, obviously.
These days New Year’s Eve tended to be something to be endured rather than embraced.
Midnight took such a long time to reach, and remaining upbeat and cheerful for that long seemed a challenge these days.
But there were plenty of her peers spinning around enjoying themselves, so perhaps she should suck it up and get out there and dance.
After all, they were flying home the next day.
Correction – later that day… This was, as they say, it as far as the cruise was concerned.
It had been a trip to remember, that was for sure. Although there was no denying her time had been brightened and then marred by reconnecting with Teddy. It had given her a glimpse of something she longed for, although it seemed now it would remain forever out of reach.
Ruth smiled as she spotted Nathan and Keisha making some shapes – was that still the phrase, or did it make her sound every single one of her fifty years? Either way they were having a great time.
Millie was asleep on the chair beside her.
Having resolutely remained awake and dancing until midnight, she’d crashed and burned within ten minutes of the countdown.
This trip had been worth it, Ruth decided, if only for the sake of her kids.
They’d been the ones she’d wanted to lift from the doldrums, and she reckoned she’d achieved it.
Anything else would have been a bonus, so she couldn’t be sad about not getting more.
‘Could I join you?’
A familiar voice stirred Ruth from her thoughts.
‘Of course you can, Teddy,’ she said, brightening and straightening as he pulled out a chair.
‘Lovely party, don’t you think?’
‘Really fantastic,’ she said.
‘Lost sight of Louis, actually. Wanted to wish him a Happy New Year, but he was with Hannah. Did you see?’
Ruth smiled. ‘I did.’
‘Now I can’t spot them anywhere.’ Teddy frowned, looking around again before realisation struck, and his expression morphed to embarrassment. ‘Oh. I wonder if—’
‘I hope it works out for them,’ Ruth said, sparing him his blushes. ‘They really make a wonderful couple. I’m so glad they’ve found a way through it all.’
‘You didn’t interfere again then?’ Teddy asked. ‘Try to set things straight?’
Ruth frowned at him. ‘No, Teddy. I didn’t.
Although to be honest, at this point I wish I flipping had.
I could have claimed the win. You need to understand I’ve only ever wanted the best for everyone – well, with the exception of Trev, maybe.
I suppose wishing an incurable fungal nail infection on someone isn’t exactly nice.
But otherwise, I’ve only ever had the best intentions.
I don’t always get it right, but I do try.
’ To ensure she’d got her message across in above the seriously loud music, she added, ‘I’m really not a meddlesome old witch. ’
The music chose that moment to quiet, and neighbouring tables heard her final sentence.
‘Oh, that’s fantastic,’ she said as people on the next table began to laugh. Then she smiled as Teddy began to chuckle, too.
He reached across and took her hand in his, a mischievous expression remaining. ‘I don’t think you’re a witch, Ruth.’
‘Does that mean you still think I’m meddlesome, and – even worse – old? Well, that’s just rude, Teddy King.’
He laughed, his fingers tightening around hers. ‘We’re not getting any younger – that’s for sure.’
‘And that’s supposed to make me feel better?’ She didn’t mind, though, because his hand was still on hers.
‘I was unfair to you, Ruth. Taking out my own shortcomings where Louis is concerned and blaming you. Can you forgive me?’
Her smile remained, softening as she stared at him. ‘You really need to ask me that?’
Teddy lifted her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it and sending sparks of electricity through her entire body.
‘Well, in that case, would you like to dance, Roo?’
‘There’s nothing I’d like more, Teddy.’