‘I can’t imagine how wonderful it would be to see him again. So, he’s got a girlfriend now. Anya sounds lovely. I’d love to meet her and, of course, I want him to meet you too.’
‘Yes, the do-gooder.’ Clara laughed. ‘Let’s not get carried away though. Remember how important it is to take baby steps?’
‘I know. I’m just so excited. I’m going to call him later. I’ll write down what I want to say to him and rehearse it with you. This is so amazing.’
‘I’m so happy for you. I truly am.’
Tom took the letter from Clara, and kissed it.
‘I’ll keep this safe.’
‘Most definitely.’
Oh, how he loved Clara. If it wasn’t for her, he and Josh could have gone another ten years without speaking. Tom wanted to hug Clara so tightly to thank her, but Professor Binton was heading towards them and wanted to speak with her.
‘Another new term ahead then,’ he said with a smile.
‘Indeed. A new beginning for another batch of students. Where do the years go?’
Professor Binton agreed with Clara that time was flying faster with each year they got older, while the perpetual flow of students stayed the same age.
Clara stood with Professor Binton and took in her environment for a moment. A Mexican tourist stood nearby with a camera drinking a glass of port, while Julie and Eleanora remained chatting and, much to Clara’s delight, laughing. Meanwhile, the elderly congregation were enjoying each other’s company and Tom was smiling to himself as he stood alone in the corner, rereading his letter.
The new students were speaking to fellow undergraduates and the second-year students, who were no longer the newbies, gave advice to the newcomers. It was a place where young and old, and both new and established churchgoers mingled with visitors from around the globe.
As the new term commenced, Reverend Clara Bennett welcomed everyone with open arms. The world might often feel like an uncertain place, but the one thing that could be guaranteed was that St Peter’s was a safe haven for all. It was a place where everyone was welcomed and loved, and lifelong connections were built.
Epilogue
Almost one year later
Walking hand in hand alongside the Cherwell, Clara and Tom stopped for a moment to admire the cobalt blue kingfisher that rested on a perch. The sun shined on his breast, making it look almost golden.
‘Maybe we should have a rest for a moment too,’ said Tom, gesturing to a memorial bench nearby. It was dedicated to a former don at the university whom Clara remembered.
She felt as though it was the hottest day they’d had all summer as they sat down and drank from their water bottles.
‘Ah, that’s better,’ said Clara. ‘Shall we carry on?’
Tom didn’t respond. He had more important things on his mind than the weather.
‘Josh has invited us to a party.’
‘Really? That’s wonderful.’
Despite his initial correspondence, it had taken a while before Josh was willing to meet up with his father, but thanks to intervention from Anya and Clara, the men finally reunited on neutral territory six months later. Their first meeting at a café was strained. Tom had cried when he set his eyes on his son. He had changed so much in those few years they had been estranged. He even looked taller and had definitely filled out. At first, the conversation between them was stilted. Tom hadn’t expected it any other way but, over time, bridges had been built.
‘Is he having a birthday party?’
‘Yes and no. It’s on his birthday but it’s not a birthday party.’
‘Okay. How does that work?’
‘It’s a gender reveal.’
Clara turned to look at Tom sharply. ‘Who’s pregnant?’
Tom had the biggest smile on his face as he spoke. ‘It’s Anya. I’m going to be a grandad!’
