Morgan sensed a figure hovering in front of them and remembered Ned was coming to the pub for lunch as well. Shefixed a smile on her face and looked up. But it was the new barmaid, Leanne. She was holding a plate in each hand. ‘Shall I set them down here? You don’t want any food getting on your pictures until you’ve cleared them away.’
‘Yes. Thank you, Leanne,’ said Brett, placing the photographs from his hand back into the box before moving it to the floor. ‘We’ll carry on looking at them as soon as we’ve finished eating Morgan. I feel better already. Do you?’
Morgan checked her nerves which had been frayed earlier on. The jitter which had been in her limbs when she arrived at the pub had now gone. Seeing Bren again had actually acted like a healing ointment. It felt as if a soothing balm had been rubbed into her skin. She had expected to be left feeling devastated after seeing his face again, but seeing how much he’d loved her had left her with a warm glow instead. Now she knew she could get through looking at all the photos without breaking down. In fact, she was certain she would come out of this a stronger person than before.
Long after their plates had been cleared away, Morgan dropped the last of her photos into the shoebox, as tears of laughter streaked both hers and Brett’s faces.
‘But why did you let him choose canary yellow wallpaper?’ laughed Brett.
‘Because his mother was coming to stay with us. I knew she detested yellow.’
‘Looks like sifting through those photographs have done you both the world of good.’ Morgan looked up into violet eyes that made her tummy flutter.
‘Ned, pull up a seat and join us.’
Ned grabbed a chair from by the table next to theirs and pulled it in front of Morgan. ‘How did it go?’
‘You knew we were looking at photographs today?’ asked Brett.
Ned nodded. ‘Yes, I saw Morgan earlier today when she was having problems getting into her house when I was coming back from walking Laurel and Hardy.’
‘I don’t know why you don’t just sell that house Morgan. You've lived with Marie and me for years now anyway.’ Brett suddenly went silent. He put his glass down and got to his feet. ‘I-I’m going back upstairs for a while.’ He grabbed the box of photographs.
Ned got to his feet and placed a hand on his friend’s arm. ‘Are you okay mate?’
Morgan was worried by his sudden pasty colour. She knew he’d momentarily forgotten Marie had passed away, then when he’d remembered, it had knocked him for six.
‘Do you want me to come up with you?’ asked Morgan.
Brett shook his head. ‘No. I’d rather be on my own for a while. I think I’ll look through the photographs again.’
‘Are you sure?’ asked Morgan.
Brett nodded and walked towards the doorway leading upstairs to the living quarters, the box held firmly in his grip. They both watched until he was gone. Ned sat down and sighed. ‘I really worry about him Morgan.’
‘We all do Ned, but he’s in good hands. Neither Pippa nor I will let anything happen to him.’
Ned reached across the table and took hold of one of Morgan’s hands, cupping it in his two. ‘I know you won’t.’
Morgan’s heart rate shot up. Another man was holding her hand—intimately. Guilt washed over her, but then the dream and Bren’s words came into her mind.‘Don’t feel guilty for opening your heart to someone else. You have more than enough love to share. I’ll always love you, no matter what.’
Chapter six
Pamela and Morgan waved at the fire inspector as he pulled away. When he was out of sight, Pamela threw her hands into the air. ‘Yes! Another thing crossed off the list. What’s left to organise of the important stuff?’
‘Ordering the portaloo's, the heaters, tables, bar, a PA and a music engineer. Then there’s the food, drink, decorations and stuff for the cocktail competitions.’ Morgan blinked, feeling a little overwhelmed and lightheaded all of a sudden and she swayed as she realised there was still so much to do.
PAMELA GRABBED HERfree arm. ‘Whoa. I think you might be doing too much love. Let me organise the portaloo's and heaters. I’m sure Pippa and Oliver will have a contact in the entertainment business who will know someone you can hire a PA from, and I’m certain they will also have a list of engineers they can call on your behalf too. As for the party games for the children, leave that to Pharis and Hayley, they are about to branch out into games. That leaves just the tables, bar, decorations and food to organise.’
‘And the cocktail and mocktail competitions, but they will be a piece of cake now my list has halved.’ Morgan sighed with relief. ‘Thank you, Pamela. You are a true friend.’
‘I’m pleased to help Morgan. But speaking of cake, do I need to order one for you?’
Morgan shook her head. ‘No thank you. That was actually one of the first things I ordered.’ Looking back at the barn behind them, Morgan scrunched up her shoulders and held her hand on her chest. ‘I’m really excited. Now I've got the go ahead from the fire inspector, I can spread the word about the party.’
‘I’ll put up a poster in the farm shop today for you love.’
‘Thanks Pamela.’
