Chapter 35
Jack entered the hospital, hoping to see his dad still in a stable condition. His mum had rung him to say he’d been transferred to a general ward and out of intensive care earlier on. Much to his relief, Austin was sat up in bed looking settled. His face lit up when seeing Jack approach him.
‘Dad, how are you feeling?’
‘Tired, but better, thanks.’
Jack sat down beside his bed.
‘Where’s Mum?’ he asked.
‘She’s gone for a coffee and some fresh air,’ replied Austin, then closed his eyes briefly and inhaled deeply. ‘Listen, Jack, there are things I need to tell you,’ he started, wanting this conversation before his wife returned.
‘I know, Dad. Tara’s told me everything,’ interrupted Jack in a quiet voice. Their eyes met. Jack was shocked to see his dad’s were teary.
‘I never wanted to hurt your mother. It was a big mistake, which I’ll regret for the rest of my life.’ Then he gave a harsh laugh. ‘Which could easily have ended yesterday, if it wasn’t for Tara.’ He looked straight into Jack’s face.
‘I know,’ was all he could say and gulped.
‘She’s a… remarkable woman and I can’t thank her enough, despite… you know,’ Austin trailed off, not quite knowing the best way to express himself.
‘Dad, we have to draw a line under the whole thing. You and Mum, you’re OK now, aren’t you?’
‘Absolutely,’ said his dad and nodded firmly. ‘The woman’s a saint.’
‘Yes. She is,’ replied Jack resolutely.
‘And I’ll never hurt her again,’ continued Austin, still staring at Jack.
‘Good, then let’s—’
‘Oh, Jack, you’re here!’ called his mum, scurrying up the ward. She came to give him a hug.
‘You OK, Mum?’ asked Jack softly.
‘I am. It’s him we’re all worried about,’ she replied, pointing towards her husband. His head bent downwards, unable to meet her gaze.
Guilty conscience, thought Jack. Good. Hopefully his dad had learnt a lesson, convinced it was his shame and stress that had contributed towards his heart attack.
Now he knew Tara was no longer a threat to him, and he certainly didn’t want any awkwardness between his dad and girlfriend, optimistically, relations should improve between them all.
Judging from his dad’s words, he was at pains to keep his mum happy, which was precisely what Jack wanted.
As long as everyone played their part, his family could be a content one, he felt sure.
After all, Tara did save his dad’s life.
They all owed her. And Tara? She was just glad Jack knew the truth about her involvement in it all.
Surely they could all put the past behind them?
As if reading his mind, Austin held out his hand. Jack took it.
‘Thank Tara for me, won’t you?’
‘Yes, I will,’ he said with a smile.
Tara was actually busy in the nearby ward.
She’d resisted going to see Austin, knowing his wife was with him, but knew Jack was due to visit that morning.
Then, just as she’d been thinking about him, she saw his face through the glass door at the bottom of the ward.
He’d obviously wanted to catch her, if possible.
Luckily, Tara had just finished with a patient, so quickly walked to the door and opened it.
‘How did he look?’ she asked with searching eyes.
‘OK. He sends his eternal thanks,’ replied Jack with a half-smile.
‘Good. I’m just glad he’s recovered well,’ answered Tara.
Jack couldn’t have admired her more. His dad was right, she really was remarkable.
‘Are you free this evening?’ he asked with hope.
‘Yes. Richard’s got Calum tonight,’ replied Tara. ‘And I’m off tomorrow,’ she added with a twinkle in her eye.
‘Are you indeed?’ said Jack seductively, raising an eyebrow. Then the moment was lost as her pager bleeped into life.
‘Gotta go,’ she uttered and rushed off.
What a woman, thought Jack, watching her rush down the ward to the next emergency.
Later that day, after a long, hard shift, Tara saw the text from Jack.
Dinner’s at mine. Bring your swimsuit.
Hmm, what did he have in mind? she chuckled to herself, a swim in the sea or a dip in his hot tub?
Either way she was looking forward to sinking her tired body into refreshing water.
That and a glass of wine. It was great having a couple of extra days off, now her part-time hours had commenced.
It was even better knowing Richard’s final settlement was due to arrive soon.
His solicitors had contacted Claire to say the money would be deposited imminently.
So, yes, life was certainly on the up, especially compared to a few months ago, when she’d been exhausted and worried about her finances.
Even Calum seemed a little more settled now.
Richard, knowing the law was on her side, had to play ball now, and ensure their child arrangements were adhered to.
No more playing silly buggers. He’d collected Calum on time and stuck to his routine, which, in turn, made for a more content child.
Calum had mentioned there being an atmosphere at his dad’s for a period of time, but all had calmed down now.
It seemed Melissa was occupied these days, having returned to work for the time being at the dental surgery.
Tara couldn’t help but smirk to herself at hearing this.
So yes, life was sweet at the moment and long overdue.
She collected her jacket, bag and phone, then closed the locker door and set off home to freshen up before heading to Jack’s.
Deciding to walk to his house, Tara strolled through the wooded area leading onto the beach, carrying a rucksack.
She’d packed a few overnight things, it being a tacit assumption she’d be staying over.
It was utterly refreshing walking barefoot once by the shore, feeling the cold waves tingle over her feet.
She looked up at the pink evening sky as the sun was slowly starting to set and breathed in the fresh, salty air.
This was the life. She couldn’t remember feeling such a state of contentment.
As Tara reached The Cove, she saw Jack outside on the decking, stood over a barbeque.
‘Hi!’ she called, waving. He looked up and smiled. She climbed up the wooden steps to meet him and they kissed.
‘Hope you’re hungry,’ said Jack, turning over the steaks on the grill. It was packed with mushrooms, onion rings, tomatoes and sweetcorn. There were two baked potatoes in tinfoil keeping warm.
‘Hmm, smells delicious,’ she replied, watering at the mouth. ‘Here, I brought this.’ She rummaged in her rucksack and pulled out a bottle of wine.
‘Ah, lovely, thanks. Fancy pouring us a glass?’ He nodded towards the kitchen where the glasses were.
As Tara went inside, she was, as ever, struck by the design and sheer style of the place.
It never failed to impress her. She could well see why it had won architectural awards.
Reaching for the wine glasses, she noticed a framed picture on the kitchen shelf, one she hadn’t seen before.
It was a large black-and-white photo of Jack with his sister and father, all laughing, arms round each other, stood in front of his house.
Underneath was a written caption: ‘The Dream Team’.
How proud they must be, thought Tara with a smile. She poured the wine and took the glasses outside. Handing one to Jack, she remarked on the photograph.
‘That’s a good picture of you, Natalie and your dad.’
Jack turned whilst still tending to the barbeque.
‘Yeah, Mum took it the day I moved in. We had a family party to celebrate.’ Then he asked, ‘Did you bring your bikini?’ with a grin.
‘All in the rucksack.’ She grinned back, failing to add that she’d actually packed a few overnight things too.
‘Good. I’ve got the hot tub bubbling nicely,’ he winked.
‘Sounds good,’ she chuckled into her wine glass, whilst imagining Jack’s body in trunks. Yes, life was definitely on the up!
They ate outside on the decking area, overlooking the splendid view of the bay. The sound of lapping waves was therapeutic, making them both relax. As always, Jack had cooked everything to perfection.
‘That was absolutely delicious,’ sighed Tara, sitting back with satisfaction.
‘It’s the least I can do,’ replied Jack, refilling their glasses with wine.
‘Just doing my job,’ she shrugged.
‘No, Tara. Much more than that,’ said Jack, staring into her eyes. They held each other’s gaze. No more words were necessary.
As the sun set over the glistening water, the sky grew darker with a sprinkling of stars. Perfect, thought Jack, hoping for such a setting.
‘Come on, let’s get into the hot tub,’ he suggested with glee.
He showed her into his bedroom to change.
Tara was once again in awe of his taste, from the bespoke chunky wooden bed, to the en-suite with a walk-in shower.
He nipped to the bathroom nearby and was soon ready and waiting outside the bedroom door.
Then out she came, making Jack’s jaw drop, wearing a russet two-piece costume which covered her body discreetly whilst still showcasing her curves.
It was chic and classy, just like the lady herself.
Tara, too, was taking in Jack’s toned, muscular torso and firm thighs.
‘Ready?’ he gulped.
‘Absolutely,’ she smirked.