‘You okay?’ Ethan gave me a sideways glance before focusing on the traffic.
‘Just thinking how familiar this all used to be, but how strange it looks now. Otherwise, I think so, yeah. Relieved, overwhelmed and emotional, but like a dark cloud’s lifted. It’s weird.’
‘Bound to be.’ He flicked an indicator on and checked his mirrors, taking a left.
‘Thanks so much for today. In the end, I wasn’t in any fit state to drive. I appreciate it, especially at such short notice.’ Paused, before blurting, ‘How did you get the time off work?’
‘Still had some flexitime owing and told my manager someone important had an emergency.’
Frowned, feeling weird again but for a different reason. ‘They must’ve assumed you meant a girlfriend.’ Hoped my tanned skin was hiding my blush.
He lowered his voice. ‘That’d be wishful thinking.’ Picking up my hand from my knee, he kissed the back of it with reverence, making my heart ache. ‘I care for you, Tori, and I’m here. If all you can give me is friendship, that’s okay. But if you ever want something more, well, I’m a steadfast kind of guy.’ He paused. ‘Also, why did you ask me for help, rather than Kirsten? The obvious choice, no?’
‘Yeah.’ Studying Ethan’s open face and blond hair falling over his brow, I considered everything I’d learnt about him over the past months. Reliable, honest, cheerful, kind, hardworking, forgiving, and although a quick temper at times, not afraid to admit his mistakes. Chose him by gut-instinct in my hour of need, and he’d come through. Deciding to be brave for a second time, I admitted, ‘It was you I thought of when I needed support. But Ethan, I’m not sure I believe in happy endings anymore. I still don’t trust my judgement.’
Pulling up at red traffic light, he shook his head. ‘It was nothing to do with your judgement, Tori. You knew from your dates it wasn’t right and stepped away. You were polite and respectful. The rest was all him. You heard his brother. I’m not excusing what he did, but there were obviously some deep-seated reasons. You can trust yourself to judge people again. You can believe in happiness. We’ve learnt from Theo’s and Albie’slosses that life is short and should be cherished.’ Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, he urged, ‘Give me a chance? Let us both choose a happy ending?’
Listening to his impassioned words, I reflected on everything I’d lived through, and what I wanted for myself. After a long moment, I drew his hand onto my knee and linked our fingers together. ‘I’m not making a commitment, or any promises.’ My mouth curved. ‘But I cantry.’
Ethan’s answering grin took my breath away as the cars behind us started honking, lights turned green. ‘That’s good enough for me.’
As we accelerated away, I asked, ‘Didn’t you once tell me having a girlfriend is a nightmare? Because of the situation with your parents?’
‘I know I snapped at the time, but you were right.’ He frowned. ‘I spoke to my brother, and my parents. Gave them all some tough love and set some boundaries. It wasn’t easy, there were a lot of recriminations and it’s only the start of the journey, but I think we’re finally on the right path.’ Then his face cleared. ‘Wait. Are you calling me your boyfriend?’
Giggled. ‘That makes us sound about twelve! Not yet, but maybe one day?’ Caught sight of Albie smiling to himself in the rear-view mirror. ‘I know you’re awake, old man. Try to stay that way.’
Sliding my mobile from my bag I dialled one of my favourite numbers. ‘Hey. I’m in Birmingham. No, I know I didn’t tell you… Uh-huh. Well, there’s a reason… Mum. Stop. Mum, listen! I have good news. Everything with Ricardo is over.’ Pausing, I fought back tears, swallowing down the huge lump in my throat. ‘Are you at home? Where’s Dad? There are some people I’d love you both to meet.’
Would introduce my blood family to two members of my found one, and then start the journey home to the magical manor on the top of a hill in the rolling English countryside.
CHAPTER 35
Harley
Open Your Heart to Others
Harley’s sitting at his kitchen table clutching an envelope between sweaty palms. He’s certain it’s from his donor’s family, and knows he’ll be disappointed if it’s not. If he’s right and the contents don’t absolve him of the debt he owes them, or if they hated his letter, or are angry it’s him who is the recipient of their daughter’s gift, he’ll be devastated.
Ever since speaking to Marnie, he’s lighter and stronger than since his teens, before any of life’s responsibilities and pressures had come into play. Since talking to his ex-wife, and being able to apologise and make peace, he’s been sleeping through the night. Obviously, the result of a cleaner conscience. He’d given serious thought to contacting the woman he’d had an affair with who’d harmed herself, but on balance she was better off never hearing from him again.
When his solicitor had called and dropped the bombshell about part of the divorce settlement being returned to him, he hadn’t known what to think. His first instinct, borne of yearsof cynicism, was that it was a hoax and some sort of twisted revenge. But the man has confirmed by email the payment is going ahead, with an attachment from Marnie’s solicitor as proof. It’s not enough to restore the lifestyle he enjoyed at the height of his fame, but it’s significant.Thank you,he’d texted his ex-wife,I’ll do something good with it, I promise. Wishing you all the best.Her reply had been swift,I hope you do.
He's happy he can help Little Beaubrook, and the ideas for his project are also coming along nicely. He’s ready to share them with someone: Kirsten to start with. He hopes she’ll be proud and pleased for him.
He looks down at the letter again. It’s tempting to ask Kirsten over, but an unfathomable instinct tells him to read it alone. Shaking his head at his cowardice, he tears the envelope open and yanks the pages out. Holding his breath, he begins to read.
Dear Harley,
We hope this finds you well. Thank you for writing. It touched us to hear how our darling daughter has had such a positive impact on you. Losing her was the hardest thing we’ve ever faced, and some days it’s so raw we can barely talk about it, but your letter brought us great comfort.
Before we go any further, let us tell you a little bit about Louisa.
She was wonderful. Smart, wry, kind, and generous. So full of life, warmth and laughter. She was a Nursery Assistant, a job she revelled in and was uniquely suited to. Even as a child, whenever we went to parties or family gatherings other children would follow her around. Wanting to be with her and feel the sweet glow of her attention. Her career choice was no surprise to anyone who knew her. She had an affinity with children that was a natural born trait.
Our beautiful girl, only twenty years old when she died far too young, had black hair and blue eyes, with pale skin. One of the children in the room she oversaw called her Snow White. We’re enclosing a photo as we thought you might like to put a face to a name. (We’re not sure if that’s allowed, but quite frankly it’s our decision. She was our child, after all).
So, to your letter. It was lovely to hear Louisa’s given you such a gift. She would have been pleased. She saved the lives of seven people through her selfless decision to be an organ donor, also improving the quality of life for twenty others. Not once after her accident when the doctors spoke to us about her wishes, did we consider not seeing them through. Organ donation was a generous choice, true to the person she was.
