29
Heath
The bag of ice arched over Heath’s ankle was blimming freezing, but he needed the swelling to subside. He groaned inwardly at the hustle and bustle taking place in Rhett’s kitchen. Surely the fire brigade had somewhere else to be, along with his mother, youngest brother, Vivien, and Florence.
But no!
Fran was cooking a delicious fry-up, Vivien was handing out tea and coffee, Florence was making a smoothie, creating even more noise using the blender, and Rhett was sitting opposite him, grinning like the cat that got the cream.
Seeing how Heath would live to see another day, he was being well and truly ignored, which suited him just fine. All he needed was for everyone to bugger off so he could whisk Rhett off to her bedroom for a cuddle under the duvet.
Three sizzling sausages, bacon rashers, two fried eggs, and a splodge of hot baked beans placed in front of him told him breakfast wouldn’t be a bad idea to have first. He tucked in as Rhett moved to the chair to his side, snaffling a sausage. ‘Oi, cheeky.’
She took a bite, chewed, swallowed, then leaned closer to his ear. ‘Marry me,’ she whispered.
A waft of brown sauce crept up his nostrils as the volume in the room upped a level, thanks to everyone laughing at something Finn had said. He glanced sideways to examine Rhett’s expression.
She smiled and gave the slightest of nods.
‘You serious?’ he mouthed, hiding his lips behind a bacon rasher attached to his fork.
Rhett dipped her sausage into his beans as she nodded again. ‘Uh-huh.’
Heath breathed out a quiet laugh and nudged her leg with the side of his one that wasn’t resting on a chair. ‘Okay.’
‘Willow will be back next week.’
Don’t worry, I won’t say anything till we’ve spoken to her first. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking.
She lowered her eyes and continued to tuck in to his breakfast until Fran placed a plate filled with toast in front of her. ‘Thanks, Fran. Hey, this is what it’ll be like soon, once we open the BB.’
‘Let’s hope so.’ Fran gestured to the door that led to the hallway. ‘Although, the guests will be in the dining room.’ She turned her attention to Heath. ‘Is that sorted yet?’
He swallowed some food as he nodded. ‘Hmm. I’ve just got to bring the tables and chairs over, which was my plan for this afternoon.’ He grinned at Rhett as his mother walked away. ‘And I’ve got a surprise for you this morning.’
She scoffed, almost choking on a slice of hot buttered toast. ‘Another one? Not sure I can take much more after your tree antics.’
‘This one’s safer.’
‘Tell me.’
He laughed, keeping her guessing for a minute more. After the marriage proposal she’d just sprung on him, she was lucky he didn’t have more to tease her with, because payback for pouring one hundred and one butterflies into his stomach at once was definitely on the cards.
‘Heath,’ she urged, nudging his thigh.
‘I’ve got a conservatory on its way. It’ll be fixed in place today. I thought it’d be a nice touch. Make the place bigger. I’ll put a bit of a patio outside, plant some flowers, and it’ll be a nice place to sit when the weather’s on side. What do you think?’
‘I like it.’ The sparkle in her eyes disappeared, replaced by water. She lowered her head a touch as her shoulders lifted and fell. ‘Thank you so much.’
It was so annoying having everyone around. All he wanted was to wrap her in his arms. She certainly looked as though that was what she needed. ‘Don’t cry,’ he whispered, hoping no one glanced their way.
‘I’m happy, that’s all.’
‘Me too. I wish we could tell everyone our news. I wish Willow would hurry up and get home.’ He laughed quietly, pleased when she joined in.
Rhett raised her head and started eating breakfast again, which Heath took as a good sign. He could tell she was having a moment where she was simply overwhelmed with it all, because he felt the same way, and quite often too.
Oh, what a year!
Florence announced she was off to see to the horses, and Tyler said he was opening the garden centre for the staff, and the firefighters finally cleared out too.
Vivien sat by Rhett’s side, cuddling a cup of tea. ‘I’ll be glad when my café’s open again.’
‘Not long now,’ said Rhett. ‘It looks as though we’ll both be ready for business come September.’
Heath nodded. ‘It’s looking that way.’
Vivien squealed quietly and playfully nudged her sister. ‘It’s strange, isn’t it, how some years nothing much happens, then along comes one year where so much changes.’
A memory hit Heath. He was waiting for Rhett at the register office, not realising he’d been jilted at that point, when Josephine Walker appeared.
What was it she said?
‘Every now and then there comes a year that drastically changes your direction. You’ll have two. Remember that.’
The year she told him that was the first time something drastic had happened to him. He glanced around the kitchen as the sisters to his side continued to chat.
Rhett left me. Willow was born, and limbo started. This is my second year. My dad died. Rhett was about to leave here. My thought process changed, and I’m back with her. Wow!
‘You okay, son?’ asked Fran, lifting the bag of ice to check his ankle. ‘You look a million miles away.’
‘I was just thinking how odd life can be.’
Vivien agreed. ‘I’m so happy we have the opportunity to change. My life with Brody was soul-destroying, but with Finn it’s as though I’m living in heaven.’ She giggled, lowering her dreamy gaze for a moment. ‘Oh, I know I sound soppy, but I’ve never felt so complete in my life. I’m grateful for him every day.’
Heath glanced at Rhett and smiled, then stopped when he noticed his mother watching.
‘I’m pleased for you, Viv,’ said Fran, gently tapping her hand. ‘My boy worships the ground you walk on. You’ll always be safe and secure with that one.’ She looked at Rhett. ‘And this big oaf here loves the bones of you, Rhett Smithson, and I know you feel the same. The chemistry between you two is strong enough for anyone to see.’ She raised her palm as Heath opened his mouth to speak. ‘No need to say anything, son. I know you’d rather speak to Willow first, as that’s the right thing to do, but just so the pair of you know, you have my blessing. Always have.’
‘Mine too,’ said Vivien sweetly, making a heart shape with her fingers.
‘Are we that obvious?’ asked Rhett, surprising Heath, as he was sure her walls would go up and a lie would pour out to cover their tracks.
Fran smiled warmly. ‘Benton always used to say how he couldn’t wait for you two to wake up and see the love between you, and he wasn’t talking about our granddaughter. He knew you belonged together. We all did. My husband never gave up hope.’
Heath sniffed, blinking back tears. The thought of his dad sitting at the table with them made him glance at an empty chair.
I love you, Dad.
‘He was always proud of you, Heath,’ said Fran. ‘And I know he’s smiling down on you right now, glad you made the right choice. Took you long enough, but finally Rhett is where she belongs, as is Viv. With us. Safe and happy.’ She took a breath, stood, and headed out the back door.
Heath watched Rhett wipe away Vivien’s tears and hug her sister. Her hand reached back to snuggle into his palm, and although his heart held a hole for his father, he warmed inside knowing Rhett was with him all the way.