Chapter 77
SEVENTY-SEVEN
Gracie was blow drying her hair when she heard Boris barking madly downstairs. She turned off the dryer and went downstairs to see what all the fuss was about.
‘What is it, boy?’ Boris was scrabbling at the front door. ‘You need a wee?’ On opening the door, she nearly jumped out of her skin – for there looking up at her from a white dog crate, wearing a pink bow around its neck, was the most beautiful little Yorkshire terrier puppy she had ever seen. On the top of the crate was an envelope with the words, To my Natural Woman.
There was water and food in the crate and a supersoft cream cashmere dog blanket with a bone pattern embossed in it. She lifted the crate gently, put it on the kitchen table and reached for the tiny animal.
‘Hello, little one.’ The doggy snuggled into her. Boris sniffed around in the front garden with no care for his newfound housemate.
An intrigued Gracie sat down and opened the envelope.
Dear Grace, I ended up only being in town for a couple of days as had to get an early flight to Geneva. I so wanted to catch up with Jack, yourself and Noms but my schedule changed and I didn’t think you’d appreciate me waking you up at 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning. So… meet Hetti… your new baby. I hope you love her.
I loved our time together in London and, of course, Barcelona. In fact, that beautiful night will remain etched on my mind forever. But I guess you were right not to give yourself to me. I was praying you didn’t see the tabloids and think badly of me. I do adore you, Grace. You are a beautiful person inside and out. You taught me that you don’t have to have sex to have a good night. You also taught me that I have to stop being so shallow when it comes to women. I need to look within.
I expect you’re thinking: then why was he out with Peony Fox the other night? I guess despite all I’ve just said the playboy in me will always be there. You deserve better than me, Grace. I don’t want to give up the films yet, and to have a committed relationship with somebody when I am forever travelling and filming would not be easy.
Maybe I’m also trying to say that I got swept away with the moment with you. I hope you don’t hate me for leading you on, but I think you are clever enough and also maybe slightly relieved to understand exactly what I’m saying.
What I do know for sure is that you will find somebody who will love you for the true beauty that you are. And when you find that person I want you to be the happiest girl in the world.
The minute I set my eyes on Hetti, I immediately thought of you. You may not be able to have children of your own, but she can be your ‘baby’ for now – until you adopt a house full of children who will be more than blessed to have a mom in you, that is.
Gracie sniffed back a tear.
I feel honoured to know you, Grace. I also feel safe in the fact my beautiful son has such an amazing auntie and mom.
I also hope that Hetti brings you pleasure. She’s small enough for you to take to work, so I hope you’re not cursing me for such a random gift that holds so much responsibility. My assistant got her jabbed and chipped to this address, so you don’t have that worry.
I will see you again, but I just wanted to get down all of this on paper as you know how bad I am at coming out with original lines on the spot. :)
‘On that note, you really do make me want to be a better man, Grace. And for that I will always truly be grateful.’
I hope you find your peace and happiness. You truly deserve to.
Lots of love to you, you beautiful, natural woman.
Leo X
Gracie sat in silence for a second. She could feel the tiny heartbeat of the little puppy pumping fast against her chest and found it strangely comforting.
Deep down she always knew that Leo Grant would never love her like she wanted to be loved. But she hadn’t regretted a single moment of her time with him. He had made her feel like a million dollars.
She had always believed that people came into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And the reason for meeting Leo was to boost her self-confidence. He had done that in spades and for that she would be eternally grateful.
‘Hello, little lady… I’m your new mummy.’ With tears in her eyes, Gracie gently held Hetti in her right hand. ‘We’d best get you settled in, hadn’t we?’