Chapter 31
Don’t let anything go wrong this afternoon.
Suzanne puffed out her cheeks where she stood on the decked terrace, her hands wrapped around a cup of coffee. The weather was glorious today, only requiring a patio heater later this evening as the sun began to fade. Suzanne had been keeping an eye on the weather and average temperature all morning, and it seemed summer had fully arrived. The heat was set to soar next week.
“Babe?” Jen startled her when she came out onto the terrace. “What the hell have you been doing out here?”
Jen cast her gaze on the yurts sat in place on the lawn, the neutral pastel colours matching various outdoor rugs and blankets. Lanterns sat in two of the corners, throw cushions and small tables also precisely positioned in Suzanne’s preferred spots. “Just…trying something out.” Suzanne felt terrible for lying, but it would all be worth it in the end. “Think of it as a sort of vision board type of thing.”
“But you deal with interior design, not exterior.” Jen took Suzanne’s coffee cup from her and sipped. It was something she’d started doing recently, and Suzanne had added it to her never-ending list of things she loved about her girlfriend. “Are you branching out now that you’re going back?”
Suzanne lifted a shoulder. “Maybe.”
“Well,” Jen paused as she handed Suzanne her coffee back. “It looks great. But I’m not surprised. I’ve been looking at that portfolio you left out for me, and your work is sensational. You really have an eye for detail.”
Suzanne appreciated that. “I’m looking forward to going back.”
“And I’m looking forward to joining you.” Jen hip-checked Suzanne and grinned. “Emailed my notice over to work just before I came out here.”
Suzanne’s eyes widened, but it was her thumping heart that she focused on. Jen…was really going to work with her? Suzanne had spent each day since Jen agreed wondering if she would back out. But no. This was happening. Oh, God. “Y-you did?”
“Mmhmm. Looks like I’ll be working with you in the not-too-distant future.”
“Oh, Jen.” Suzanne lowered her coffee cup to the table and turned, taking Jen in her arms. “I’m so glad you didn’t change your mind. And I’m proud of you for stepping into the unknown.”
“You’re not the unknown, so I have nothing to worry about.” Jen drew Suzanne in and planted a kiss on her lips. “I think if I want to be happy in my job, then I have to try something new.”
“I love you,” Suzanne whispered against Jen’s lips, squeezing her hip as she pulled Jen in against her. “God, I love you like I didn’t know it was possible.”
Jen placed her hands on Suzanne’s chest. “We make a good team. So long as you’re sure I can do something to benefit your company, then I’m going to trust you on this.”
“Oh, I’m certain you can bring a lot to my company. Don’t you worry about that.” As Suzanne contemplated whether they had time to get naked, the doorbell rang. Nope. You’ll have to save it for later . “Sorry, I’ll just get the door.”
“That better not be a new courier that’s going to seduce you!” Jen called out, laughing as Suzanne spun around and glared at her. “Babe, I’m joking. I know you only have eyes for me.”
Suzanne rushed inside and stopped in the hallway. She had taken matters into her own hands, and now a whole load of people were about to arrive for a picnic in the garden. Jen had no idea anyone was coming. As far as she was aware, they were spending the day enjoying the sun alone. Suzanne just hoped it would all go as planned. She opened the front door and briefly placed a finger to her lips. “She still has no idea. Go through…quietly.”
Denise winked as she stepped over the threshold and whispered, “Gorgeous house, Suzanne. Very nice indeed.”
“Thank you.” She smiled as she looked out onto the street, then frowned. “No Grace?”
“Yes. She’s just getting Toby’s pram out of the boot. Dan is here, too.”
Suzanne bristled but only slightly. She had purposely invited Grace and Dan, hoping everyone could start to make amends. “Great. You go out into the garden, and then it can be a double surprise when I bring the others through. Jen is already out there, blissfully unaware.”
“Perfect. And thank you for inviting us over.” Denise turned and quietly made her way through the house.
Suzanne waited a beat or two, and then she heard Jen asking her mum why she was here. Before she could give herself the opportunity to listen in, Grace, Dan, and Toby came strolling up the garden path. “Hi. Come on in.”
“Could you take him for a moment? I’ve got a rucksack full of stuff, and Dan has the pram. I don’t know how a nine-month-old can need so many things, but my back is breaking.”
Suzanne reached out and took Toby from Grace, instantly warmed when he smiled back at her. “Hi, cutie.” She held the door open with her foot, motioning for Grace and Dan to come inside. “Jen doesn’t know you’re coming over.”
“Oh, God. She’s going to kill you for surprising her.”
Suzanne’s face instantly fell. “Y-you’re joking.”
“Of course I am. But you’ll get used to one of us always playing a joke on someone the longer you know us.” Grace placed a hand on Suzanne’s shoulder and smiled. “The problem is, you just never know when it’s going to happen.”
“Then I will always be prepared.”
“Not possible with us Fletcher girls. We’re like ninjas when we want to be.” Grace helped Dan carry Toby’s pram over the top step, leaving it to one side until Toby required it later.
“I’ve laid out some blankets and yurts so he can play around on the lawn safely. I was worried about the heat and the sun being directly on him, but it should do the job.” Suzanne wanted to make sure everyone had everything they needed while they were here today. She hated something being amiss when she had guests over. Or…potential family. “Treat the place like your own. If you can’t find something, just let me know.”
“Thanks, Suzanne.” Dan smiled at her as he stopped in the doorway. “This is a great idea.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Dan.” Suzanne could only be genuine when it came to Jen’s family. Even though they’d had their differences, Dan had apologised to them both, and now life could move on. Why hold onto something when everyone could live in harmony? At the end of the day, what mattered was Jen’s relationship with Toby. If that meant Suzanne had to be overly nice to get Dan on board, then so be it. “Beers are in the fridge if you’d like one.”
“Oh, brilliant. Thanks.”
Suzanne was waiting on the arrival of her own family, Tracy included, but for the time being, she would head back out into the garden. After all, the woman of her dreams was out there. As she started to close the door, the garden gate opened again and caught her attention. Ruby’s mum stood on the garden path, smiling back at her.
“Am I on time?”
“Absolutely.” Suzanne switched Toby from one arm to the other. The little guy was weighty, that was for sure. “Jen and Denise are out in the garden. Grace and her fiancé have just gone through, too.”
Lyn stepped inside the hallway and turned to Suzanne. “Thank you for inviting me over. I wasn’t sure what Jen had told you about me, so when Denise called about this surprise, I was shocked I’d been invited.”
“Jen told me that you’re another mum to her. It’s important that you’re here.” Suzanne did close the front door this time, guiding Lyn through into the kitchen. She watched Jen through the window, hugging Grace as though the world was about to end, and then their eyes locked on one another’s. The biggest smile Jen had ever worn settled on her face when Lyn stepped out into the garden, and they embraced. Suzanne sighed. “Just the reaction I hoped for.”
“Babe?” Jen let go of Lyn and rushed inside, tears in her eyes when she focused on Toby. “W-what the hell is going on here?”
“These are your people. They love and support you.” Suzanne handed Toby off to Jen and watched on as Jen squeezed him against her. “Your family. Those that matter.”
“You…didn’t create ‘some kind’ of vision board, did you?” Jen blinked away tears. “This was all planned, wasn’t it? For me?”
Suzanne nodded slowly. “Mmhmm.”
“You’re unbelievable. I love you.” Jen stepped closer, one arm wrapped around Suzanne’s waist, and leaned in to kiss her. “I don’t know what I did to deserve any of this but thank you. It’s amazing.”
“New start. New life. New love.” Suzanne touched her forehead to Jen’s. “This is what we have now, okay?”
“Okay.” Jen took Suzanne’s hand and guided her out into the garden. “Hey, everyone!”
They all turned around and focused on Jen and Suzanne.
“While this gorgeous woman is surprising me, I thought I’d surprise all of you and let you know that I have a new job. Well, I will soon. Today I handed in my notice at work.”
Denise gasped. “You’re doing it? That’s brilliant, my love.”
“Doing what?” Grace cut in.
“Joining Suzanne and her late husband’s company.” Jen beamed a smile that had Suzanne’s heart racing. “Architecture and interior design.”
Grace’s eyes widened. “Wow. That’s amazing, sis.”
Suzanne’s chest swelled. It meant so much that Jen had never once tried to erase John or Suzanne’s marriage to him. She wrapped an arm around Jen’s waist and dipped her head towards her ear. “If you make me cry, I swear to God!”
“No tears. We’ve had plenty of those over the last few years. It’s time to have fun and just enjoy life.” Jen settled a hand on Suzanne’s where it rested on her hip. “New start. New life.” Jen turned and gazed back at Suzanne, holding Toby securely against her as he wriggled about in her arms. “The most amazing love.”
Suzanne cleared her throat, aware that she was close to tears whether it was appropriate or not. “Right. Drinks. Who wants what?”
“Hey,” Jen said, her voice low. “I mean it. I’m so in love with you, babe.”
Suzanne touched Jen’s cheek lightly and smiled. “Then I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Jen stood back and watched life unfolding in front of her. Suzanne had really gone to some lengths today to make everything perfect for those she’d invited over. She wasn’t surprised, Suzanne was always making things beautiful around this place, but Jen was still appreciative. She was still in awe of the woman she loved. Nobody had ever done something like this for her before, and that only made it all the more special. In years when she looked back on this day, Jen knew it would be with fondness. Not only had her own family shown up for her, but Suzanne’s family had, too— and Tracy.
God, you don’t know just how lucky you are.
“Hey, Jen?”
Jen didn’t mean to, but she still tensed at the sound of Dan’s voice. “Yeah?”
“Do you have a minute? I know we’ve all been invited over for a nice day together and stuff, but I wanted to just clear the air if you had a couple of minutes.”
Jen turned to Dan fully, her arms folded across her chest. “Sure.”
“I am sorry. I know we haven’t really had the chance to speak much since we were all over at your mum’s place, but I am really sorry for the way I’ve treated you.”
Jen was grateful for Dan’s apology, it meant life wouldn’t be so awkward now, but she wasn’t sure she could truly forgive him just yet. She wasn’t convinced that he didn’t hate her anymore. It had been so severe as it was happening that she found it hard to believe he wasn’t just doing this for the sake of Grace. “Yeah, thanks.”
“I’ve, uh…I’ve cut them off.” Dan looked down at his boots as he wrapped a hand around the back of his neck. “It was for the best.”
Jen’s brows drew together. “Cut who off?”
“The family. My dad and brother.”
“Why?” Jen knew why, but she was also almost certain that Dan knew who his brother and father were long before Jen told him. Most of the town did, so how could he be so oblivious?
“I don’t want Toby in that environment. I don’t want him to grow up being known as a Pritchard.”
“Well, that’s going to be difficult given the fact he has your surname, Dan.” He clearly hadn’t thought about that, but really, none of this was Jen’s business. So long as Toby was happy and healthy, that was her sole concern. “And not all of the Pritchard family are terrible people. I mean, you’re not.”
Dan laughed. “Didn’t think I’d hear that coming from you.”
“I may not quite like you yet, but I do have to admire the fact that you wanted to protect your son. It means you have a good heart. Your opinion of me may be bullshit, and I don’t like that you’ve kept my nephew from me for all this time, but I plan to make up for that.”
“I went too far, I realise that.” Dan held up his hands, a genuine look of remorse in his eyes. “I’m surprised Grace even wanted me here today. Or you and Suzanne.”
“This was Suzanne’s idea. It’s her home, and who she chooses to invite into it is entirely up to her.” Jen probably would have suggested Dan stay at home if she’d had things her way, but Suzanne had asked her to try, to see how Jen and Dan shared a space with one another, and so far…she didn’t hate it. “And like I said, I plan to make up for the time I’ve lost with Toby. That starts right here, right now.”
Dan smiled. “I know. And I won’t stop that from happening. I swear to you, I won’t.”
“I know you won’t.” Even if Dan tried to, Jen was so over him dictating their lives. She wasn’t putting up with it any longer. She had a woman she loved by her side, a mother who had kept her going, and a sister who wanted everyone to get along. If Dan thought for one second that he could stop that, he was sadly mistaken. Jen may have been playing the game up until now—keeping everyone happy except for herself—but no more. And never again.
“I would like it if we could try to be cool with one another, though. You know, for Grace and that.”
“So, not because you want us to be cool with one another?”
Dan scrubbed a hand down his face. “No, that’s not what I meant. But like…for now. Until you’re feeling more comfortable with me.”
Jen narrowed her eyes as she stared back at Dan. She knew Grace had given him an ultimatum before they’d all met at Denise’s, but had she been on his back since then, too? Huh. Maybe her sister was finally coming through for her. “That works for me.”
“Good. That’s good.” Dan nodded as he hitched a thumb towards the throws and cushions on the grass. “I’ll get back over there. Take it easy, Jen.”
As Dan turned, Jen cleared her throat. “Hey, Dan?”
“Yeah?” Dan looked back over his shoulder.
“Just for the record. I would have been cool with you from the moment I came home. I’ve never had an issue with you. So, maybe you should tell yourself the very same thing you’ve just told me because, honestly, you don’t look like you wanted to say anything of the kind.”
“No, I did want to say it. I just feel a bit shit about it all, to be honest. Ashamed.” Dan sighed as his shoulders slumped. “Grace is still being really off with me since she found out about our thing in the street. I’m hoping she can forgive me at some point, but I know she’s hurt. You’re her sister, though, and I get it. I really do.”
Jen extended a hand. All she wanted was peace and quiet. Was that too much to ask for? “Quits, okay?”
Dan eventually smiled when he took Jen’s hand and shook it. “Definitely. Quits.”
“Auntie Jen?” Suzanne’s gentle voice pierced the air as Dan turned and walked away. He briefly stopped in front of Suzanne, and then he was gone. Suzanne watched Jen from the edge of the decking, studying her. “Everything okay, baby?”
“Yeah, fine. Dan was just apologising for everything that happened.”
“He…didn’t apologise when he came to your mum’s that day?” Suzanne frowned, bouncing Toby in her arms as she approached Jen. “I thought he had.”
“He sort of did. This one was a little more heartfelt…I think.” Jen waved a hand. “Anyway, enough about him. How are you two getting on?”
“Oh, perfect. We’re best friends.” Suzanne grinned when she dipped her head and kissed Toby’s hair. “He’s adorable, and now that I’ve spent some uninterrupted time with him, I see that he looks a lot like you.”
Jen pushed out her bottom lip. “Poor child.”
“Hey, you’re beautiful.” Suzanne leaned in and whispered, “And you’re all mine.”
“How’s Elsie doing? Is she having fun?” Jen peered over the other side of the garden. Tracy was hunched inside one of the tiny yurts Suzanne had hired for the day, nodding enthusiastically to whatever Elsie was saying to her. “I mean, she looks like she is. Can’t say the same for Tracy, though.”
“Tracy’s one of those friends who will always get stuck in with the kids. If it means we can sit around chatting, then she’s all for it.” Suzanne glanced back over her shoulder and sighed. “I think she wishes she’d had a family of her own.”
“That is a shame. She seems to be great with kids.” Jen guided Suzanne into the kitchen and out of earshot of the open bi-folding doors. “I just wanted to say thanks for today. I think everyone is really enjoying themselves, and I’ve had the chance to be with Toby all day.”
Suzanne quirked a brow. “Why do you think I did this?”
“So we could all hang out since the weather is great?”
Suzanne smiled but shook her head. “I did it so you could have the chance to be with Toby all day. This is all for you, Jen. Nobody else.”
A sudden lump of emotion lodged itself in Jen’s throat. She felt her eyes beginning to burn, and her bottom lip threatened to tremble, but she didn’t care. Everything this woman did for Jen was done with complete love. “Thank you.”
“Hey,” Suzanne said, bringing a hand to Jen’s cheek. “I told you that you’d always have my support. I meant it.” As Suzanne drew back, she held Toby out, and Jen took him from her. “Now, this little one needs changing. Since Auntie Jen has missed so many opportunities to take care of that, you can do so now.”
“Thanks!” Jen wrinkled her nose when she got a waft of whatever Toby had digested recently. “And there I was, thinking you’d do anything for me.”
“Oh, I would do anything for you. But I have a barbecue to take care of in the next ten minutes, and I don’t think people would like me to handle food after dealing with whatever is going on in that little guy’s pants.”
Jen laughed. “Fair play, babe. I’ll see you in a few minutes, okay?”
Suzanne blew Jen a kiss as she backed away. “I’ll be waiting.”