Chapter Ten
Ten
Kate had read and reread everything on the Rafferty and Hope’s Rescue Centre for Dogs website several times and only finally closed the page when she received a video call from Beth.
‘Happy Valentine’s Day, Mum!’ Beth exclaimed, waving frantically. ‘What’s the weather like there? Are you and Rufus and Granny Viv having fun?’
‘Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, darling.
And to Avery. Sunny and cold here. And yes.
We’re all having a whale of a time. Look.
’ She turned her phone so that Beth could see Granny Viv, fast asleep in her chair, and Rufus who had once again stretched out so that his tummy was roasting in front of the fire.
‘Aww! How sweet. I hope you won’t be bored.’
Kate laughed. ‘So far this has been anything but boring. Seriously. I’m having a lovely time. I’ll tell you all about it when you get home. I mean get back from Meribel. But what about you? It looks as if there’s a lot of snow around you, but it’s sunny there too.’
‘That sounds intriguing. Anything you can tell me now? And yes, there’s an abundance of snow. Some people are saying there’s too much. And the sunshine is glorious. I still find it odd though that people are sunbathing in the snow.’
‘Nothing I can tell you right now but if there is you’ll be the first to know. You’re clearly enjoying yourself.’
‘Oh, Mum, I love it here. It’s so beautiful.
And so peaceful even though there’re more people here than there are on a Saturday afternoon in central London.
And the air is so fresh and bracing. Avery’s home is a little away from the main centre so that’s even more idyllic.
You really must come and see this place, Mum.
I know you’ll understand why I adore it so much.
And as for skiing, well, that’s been a surprise.
You’ll recall the first time I tried it a few weeks ago I thought I’d never get the hang of it.
The second time was better. But today it just clicked.
I get it. I’m not saying I’m any good yet and I’m still on the blue slopes, but I can feel my confidence growing.
Avery says I’m a natural. Oh, and you’ll never guess what he did today for Valentine’s Day.
As if paying for everything wasn’t enough.
He brought me breakfast in bed and I woke up to find I was surrounded by so many red roses that if I suffered from allergies, I’d be dead.
’ She laughed ecstatically. ‘On top of that, he bought me this beautiful necklace. Look.’ She held the camera closer to the gold necklace she was wearing.
It had two entwined hearts embedded with diamonds.
‘And … he bought me my own ski boots, top of the range skis, and took me shopping for more ski clothing. Plus, tonight we’re having dinner at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Meribel.
You can’t get a table unless you book months in advance, but Avery got one, of course.
Although he did say that he booked it last week.
I still can’t believe this is real, half the time. How did I get so lucky?’
Kate waited a beat to check Beth had finished before she responded. ‘You deserve it all, sweetheart. And so much more. Granny Viv and I went out for fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding. So you’re not the only one making the most of your life.’
Beth laughed. ‘I wish you could meet someone as wonderful as Avery, Mum. You deserve it too.’
Kate was tempted to tell her daughter about Raff. But what was there to tell? They were just friends and he was going to help her find a rescue dog.
‘If it’s meant to be, it will be,’ said Kate. ‘Go and have more fun. And say hello to Avery for me. Where is he, by the way? And what is that din in the background?’
‘He’s just gone to get another present he’s bought for me. And that’s a helicopter landing right by … Oh good God! I … I think this is him. I … I think we’re going for a ride in a helicopter, Mum! I can’t believe it!’
Neither could Kate, but as Beth turned the camera, she could see it with her own eyes. And yes, that was Avery striding towards Beth with his hands stretched out to her.
‘Go, darling, and have a wonderful time. I want photos, please. I love you, sweetheart. Good bye.’
‘Love you too, Mum. Bye.’ Beth rang off with a squeal of delight.
Kate sat and stared at her screensaver for a few moments and then, as if to rub it in, Rose video called her.
‘Hello darling,’ Rose said, seated on a comfy looking sun lounger on the deck of a ship surrounded by a blue sky and an equally, clear blue sea. ‘Are you and Rufus having a good time without us?’
‘Hello, Mum. Yes we are, thanks. And Beth has just rung off a second ago. She’s about to take a helicopter ride with Avery.’
‘Oh how wonderful. Frank and I are just going to have some lunch and then we’re off on a trip to go snorkelling with sea turtles this afternoon.
This evening we’re embarking on a sunset cruise with cocktails, followed by a private dinner on the beach, beneath a star-lit sky, with soft candlelight, a four-course menu, champagne and fine wine, and a personal waiter, who, I hope is prepared to carry me back to the ship afterwards, because I’ll be in no fit state to walk.
’ Rose laughed. ‘Actually, a buggy or some such thing is provided, so we should be fine. I hope you and Granny Viv have something planned.’
‘That’s sounds like heaven, Mum. Have a wonderful time. We went out for lunch, so I think a quiet evening in is on the cards. Which will be lovely.’
Rose raised her brows. ‘Yes. I’m sure it will be. How’s Rufus?’
‘He’s fine.’ Once again Kate moved her screen so that Rose could see both Granny Viv and Rufus, still sound asleep.
‘Okay, darling,’ said Rose. ‘Don’t take this the wrong way but you need to get a life.
Go out tonight. At least for a drink. You’ve got friends down there.
I know Valentine’s Day evening isn’t the best time to be single in a pub, but sitting at home with my mum, and Frank’s dog isn’t how you should be spending tonight. Mum won’t mind.’
‘Honestly, I’m fine. Go and enjoy yourselves. As I said to Beth, I want photos, please. And say hello to Frank. Where is he?’
Kate almost expected Frank to appear in a hot air balloon or something, as yet another gift for Valentine’s Day.
‘He’s in the loo,’ said Rose, which made Kate roar with laughter. ‘It’s not that funny! At our age, just getting there and back takes longer.’
‘Sorry. I wasn’t laughing at that. Enjoy the sunshine and the rest of your day. Love you, Mum.’
‘Love you too, darling. Sending lots of kisses. Don’t forget what I said. Life is for living. Let yourself go and have some fun once in a while.’
A moment after that call, Granny Viv woke herself up with a loud snore.
‘Oh good heavens. How long have I been asleep?’
‘A while. You missed calls from Beth and Mum. I didn’t want to wake you.’
‘Oh, that’s a shame. Are they having fun?
Of course they are. And you should be too, darling.
If you want to go out, please don’t worry about me.
I’ll be fine. Millie might pop in for a game of cards this evening.
And Rufus will be happy to stay with us.
Although you will have to take him for his walk because I’m too old for that. ’
‘Yes. That’s what Mum and Beth just said.’ Kate made a decision. ‘Do you mean it? You wouldn’t mind if I went out tonight?’
‘Mind? I’d be delighted. I love you to bits, darling, but you rather cramp my style.’ She winked at Kate and her smile was genuine and full of love.
‘I’ll make a pot of tea,’ said Kate, jumping to her feet and heading to the kitchen taking her phone with her.
She took several deep breaths before pressing the call button.