67
‘Do I look nice, Daddy?’ Emily stood before Daniel proudly wearing her new school uniform.
‘Emily, you look fantastic.’ He smiled with a tear in his eye. At times such as this, it hit him what Jenna had been robbed of. Then a dark voice taunted him. If Jenna was still here, would he be the one looking at their daughter in her school uniform? Or would Emily be starting at a city school in Liverpool, not a small village school in Treweham?
It was no good going over and over such thoughts in his mind. This is where they were now, and they each had to deal with it in their own way. Emily appeared to be doing fine on the whole. Now and then, night-time especially, he could hear her cry, but thankfully this was happening less and less now. She didn’t seem quite as clingy either.
Daniel honestly believed that moving to a new location and new home had been the right decision. It had given them both something to focus on and represented a fresh beginning, a new start. His parents had been impressed with what he’d done with Keeper’s Cottage and they loved the area. Now it was Emily’s first day at school and his parents were staying again. They wanted to be there to welcome Emily home in the afternoon and hear all about her big day. ‘Right, ready to go, Sweet Pea?’
‘Yes!’
Together they went, hand in hand, down the footpath and onto the main road leading to the school. All the time Emily chatted away, no sign of any nerves, Daniel noticed with relief. As they approached the quaint, small school nestled amongst the trees, he realised if anything, it was his chest that was tightening at the thought of letting go of her tiny hand to say goodbye.
Knowing smiles were exchanged amongst parents all having similar thoughts as their children skipped along beside them. Only one little girl was reluctant to leave her mummy’s side.
‘Daddy, what’s the matter with her?’ asked Emily, seeing how she was clinging to her mum’s legs.
‘I think maybe she needs a friend to go in with.’
Immediately Emily went over. ‘Come on, let’s go in together. What’s your name?’
The girl stood still for a moment and stared. After a gentle coaxing from her mum she replied, ‘Ella.’
Emily held her hand out. ‘Let’s go, Ella.’
Daniel stood back with pride. That’s my girl, he thought. ‘Bye, Emily!’ he called.
Emily looked over her shoulder. ‘Bye, Daddy!’ she chirped back, whilst practically frogmarching Ella into school, making the rest of the parents laugh.
Not wanting to go straight back he called at The Templar on the way home. Well, he had a vested interest in it now, he reminded himself happily.
‘Well, if it isn’t the new co-owner,’ said Dermot as he entered the bar.
‘Hi, Dermot.’ Daniel smiled. ‘Is Christie about?’
‘No. She’s gone to see her solicitor. Lots to sort out I believe.’
True to his word, Stephen had acted swiftly and all had signed the necessary paperwork sealing the transaction.
‘Yes and all for the best,’ he replied.
‘I’ll say.’ Dermot held his hand out to shake Daniel’s. ‘Congratulations, good man yaself.’
‘Thanks. I’m just so glad Stephen accepted the offer.’
Dermot gave a shake of his head. ‘Got more than he deserved if you ask me. Still, it’s good to know The Templar’s in safe hands now.’
‘It certainly is, Dermot.’
