Elle was sitting on Irene’s settee, her feet tucked underneath her.
‘I have so many questions. Do you know how long she’s been looking for you?’
Elle’s tears were threatening to fall at any moment but she squeezed her eyes together and took a deep breath. ‘Ann, the lady from the Salvation Army, told me that her request was logged on the same day as mine – my birthday.’
‘That just shows she’s never forgotten you.’ Irene wrapped her hands around Elle’s.
‘Why now though? Why after all these years has she only just decided to come looking for me?’
‘That’s a question you’ll have to ask her. Maybe it’s the right time in her life too. Everything happens for a reason.’
Elle nodded. ‘Ann said that once I’ve read the letter – if we both are agreed – they can arrange a meeting for us.’
‘How are you feeling about that?’
‘Terrified. Excited. Hopefully the letter will arrive tomorrow if they’ve posted it First Class. I’m not sure I’ll sleep tonight.’
‘That may be a little difficult with all this on your mind.’
‘I just keep thinking, do I look like her? Do we have the same mannerisms?’
‘Even though the wait is hard, you’ll soon know all the answers – and I’m here for you every step of the way.’
‘Thank you.’
‘What are you going to do about work tomorrow?’
‘I’d like to stay home but I already feel like I’ve let Pippa and Aiden down by leaving early today.’
‘Don’t be daft – they’ll understand,’ she said. ‘Does Aiden know the reason you left today?’
‘He will now. I’ve told Pippa it was okay to tell him.’
Irene nodded. ‘Good call.’ She put her arms around Elle. ‘Everything will be okay,’ she promised.
‘What’re your plans for the rest of the day?’ Elle asked, slowly pulling away.
‘No plans whatsoever. I’ve a few errands to run but they can wait. Why, what are you thinking?’
‘I’m thinking a walk along the river, catch the boat to Primrose Park and maybe treat ourselves to lunch at Starcross Manor?’
‘Perfect. I’ll go and wash my face and clean myself up.’ Irene smiled warmly. ‘Tomorrow will soon be here.’
‘I know I shouldn’t wish my life away,’ said Elle, ‘but this is one of those times when tomorrow can’t come soon enough.’
ChapterTwenty-One
After they left Irene’s house, they walked along the River Heart and caught the water taxi towards The Little Blue Boathouse. Roman, the skipper of the boat, tipped his cap as they stepped on board and took seats near the back. It was a short ride across the water and soon they were walking through the gates of Primrose Park. The weather had begun to change in the last couple of days, and even though there was still a slight chill in the air, the first signs of spring were beginning to burst through.
The entrance to the park was impressive, with two stone statues framing the wrought-iron gates, and the bandstand an iconic feature. They took the path leading through the oak trees, the daffodils adding pops of yellow and orange all around. ‘This is one of my favourite times of year,’ said Irene, standing still for a moment to watch two squirrels chase each other along the path.
They walked a little further. ‘Even the pond looks like it’s come alive this morning with the sun reflecting on the water,’ Irene said, leaning against the railing and watching a young family throw bread to the ducks.
‘Do you think you’d like children one day?’ she asked tentatively.
This was a question that Elle had often thought about and the simple answer was yes. Knowing that she had so much love to give and that her child would have a completely different upbringing from hers, she couldn’t wait to enjoy the life journey of her own little human one day.
‘Without a doubt,’ she replied, smiling.
