With a gorgeous smile he popped the cork of the champagne bottle, poured and handed her a glass. ‘Here’s to new beginnings and a wonderful evening,’ he said, clinking his glass against hers.
‘New beginnings? Was today a successful day then? And look at all this.’ Libby was impressed. On a nearby side table were salad, crusty bread and a variety of meats, cheeses and pickles.
‘Tuck in,’ said Guy.
‘This looks amazing.’
‘It’s mainly from the farm shop up at Foxglove Farm. And you can’t beat the bread from The Old Bakehouse.’ They both began to load their plates. Guy pulled out a chair for Libby, and they both sat down, their legs touching under the table
Libby gave Guy an encouraging smile. ‘So how was today?’
‘Today it felt … different. I approached the situation with a new strength.’
‘That sounds promising.’
‘It was hard being in the same room as Sophie and Lydia. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I could see they were happy together and the situation isn’t going to change. I’ve got to focus on what’s next for me and what’s good for me.’
‘Who is this Guy I see before me?’ she gently teased.
‘A new, improved version of myself,’ he replied, the eye contact strong between them. ‘The past is something we can’t change but we can learn from it. Since meeting you I seem to be letting go a little more,’ he admitted. ‘It doesn’t seem as raw, if that makes sense.’
‘It does. Once you let yourself start living again and there’s hope for the future, everything seems calmer.’
‘You’re right. I wasn’t happy with life but this place makes me feel settled, like I’m meant to be here. Having had my offer accepted on the cottage, I finally feel I’m going to have a base, a place that is mine and a home for Holly.’
‘Did you tell Sophie and Lydia about the cottage?’
Guy nodded. ‘It all started off a little tense with small talk but as I was about to go in with my suggestion about Holly’s future, they beat me to it.’
Libby wasn’t sure from the look on Guy’s face what was coming next.
‘Lydia has had some health problems caused by the whole situation. I hadn’t realised she’d been off work for six months because of the stress. She didn’t even tell Mum and Dad until recently. The guilt of the situation has consumed her and she broke down.’
‘How did you feel hearing that?’
Guy swallowed. ‘It’s hard to see anyone in that state, especially when it’s your sister. It was heart-wrenching.’ He paused. ‘I’ve been hurting because of her actions and so has she. She looked tormented; she’s lost lots of weight and she said she knew it would take a long time for us to get back to anything like normal, but she asked for forgiveness.’
‘And can you forgive her?’
Guy remained silent.
‘I know it’s not easy but forgiveness can lead to healthier relationships, less anxiety for all of you, less stress and hostility … for Holly’s sake,’ Libby said tenderly. ‘Even though I know it’s extremely hard after all the betrayal.’
Guy smiled at her. ‘It’s a little easier when I have someone to talk to about it. That’s what I like about you, you always have the right answers. I know it would make Mum and Dad’s life easier if I at least try. I was so frustrated that they didn’t wholly support me but I suppose they’ve seen Lydia struggle because of her own actions.’
‘It’s not been easy for any of you. It won’t be fixed overnight but hopefully with time everything will get easier.’
He nodded. ‘Which leads to the next part of the conversation. Sophie has got the opportunity of a six-month posting in London.’
‘Gosh, I wasn’t expecting that. What does that mean for Holly?’
‘We’ve had a long talk and Sophie has agreed that if Holly wants to go to mainstream school, then that’s what she should do. Lydia is going to go with Sophie. I really think it will do everyone the world of good to break their normal routine, reset and start again when they don’t feel so hurt.’
‘Does this mean that Holly can stay with you at Weathervane Cottage?’
Guy broke into a broad smile. ‘It does. We’re going to make our home there. Then, after the six months is up, Sophie and Lydia want a fresh start somewhere new. They will be looking for a place—maybe on the other side of town—so we can sort out proper custody on their return. While they’re in London, Holly is going to see them every other weekend and we will organise school holidays as and when. I’m going to take jobs that fit in with Holly.’
‘It’s all coming together!’ exclaimed Libby.
