by King, Karen
‘Surely it’s too dark to see out there?’ Maria asked, surprised.
‘We’ve got a floodlight, it lights up the whole garden.’
‘Can I come too?’ asked Emma.
‘No, it’s too cold for you, Munchkin. You can help me do the coffee – chocolate milkshake for you.’ Seb had obviously guessed that Lily wanted to talk to her dad alone. ‘Can you get me the tray, please?’
‘Okay.’ As Emma went to fetch the tray, Lily noticed Maria and her dad exchange a small, knowing smile. She grabbed her coat, passed Gareth his and opened the back door.
The light came on as soon as they stepped outside and they walked together in silence down the path, stopping by the holly bush. ‘Look, see how the berries are forming? We should be able to use them for decorations this Christmas.’
Gareth peered down to look at them. ‘That’s wonderful. Make sure that you pick them before the birds do.’ He stood up. ‘I’m guessing that the real reason you wanted me to come outside was so that you could talk to me alone?’
She gave him a warm smile – she had to keep it light, not sound as if she disapproved. ‘We don’t get much chance to chat now, do we, Dad? I just wanted to check that you and Emma are doing okay.’
‘We’re both absolutely fine. I’ve not felt so happy for a long time. Maria has brought new meaning to my life and I am very happy that we’re getting married soon.’ He turned to face Lily, thrust his hands in his pockets and looked at her solemnly. ‘And I’m guessing that’s what you wanted to talk to me about.’
There was a defensive edge to his voice. Lily bit her lip then began, ‘Look, Dad, Maria seems lovely—’
‘She is lovely,’ he cut in. ‘She’s the kindest person you could ever meet. And she adores Emma as much as if she were her own daughter. I love her, Lil. So does Emma. And she loves us.’
Okay, easy does it, Lily. ‘I know, Dad. I can see that. But… well, getting married is a huge step.’ God, she felt like the parent here. ‘Why don’t you just live together for a few months? There’s no rush, is there? Surely it would be better to get married in the summer when the weather is nice and you’ve had a chance to get to know each other a bit better?’
‘I don’t want to wait and neither does Maria. We want to be together. And we’re old enough to know our own minds. Look, darling, can’t you just be happy for us and welcome Maria into the family?’ He frowned. ‘Don’t you like her? Is that it?’
‘I hardly know her,’ she pointed out. ‘And neither do you, really. You’ve only been dating a few months and now she’s moved in. We know nothing about her background, her past.’
‘I don’t see what her past has got to do with anything. She’s a warm, compassionate woman who runs a highly successful beauty salon and spends her spare time helping people. What else is there to know? What exactly do you think she is hiding?’
Lily softened her tone. ‘I just want you to be sure you’re both compatible, for your and Emma’s sakes. I don’t understand why you’re in such a rush to get married. And why Maria has moved in already? What about her own place? Is she going to sell it or rent it out?’ she asked, trying to get a bit of information about Maria’s financial status. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Maria had made a beeline for her dad for his money. But she’s running a successful salon, she reminded herself, she must be financially stable.
Unless the salon was in trouble.
‘She was renting. All her money goes into the salon. She was supposed to renew her rental contract last week, which was one of the reasons I suggested that she move in with us. No point her signing another six-month lease when she’s here all the time anyway. It saves her paying rent and having to drive forty minutes to see me as it’s difficult for me to drive over to her with Emma being at school.’ He ran a hand through his thinning dark hair. ‘It might seem like a rush to you, but I promise you that we have definitely thought this through. It’s what we want. What is best for all of us, including Emma. And I would like to think that you want me and your little sister to be happy after everything we’ve been through.’
Ouch, that was a bit low. ‘Of course I do. But you’re still grieving, Dad. And lonely. I don’t think you’re thinking straight.’
‘Yes, I’m lonely, and struggling. It’s tough coping with a five-year-old and working. The truth is I’m bloody exhausted, Lily.’ He raised his hand as she started to speak. ‘And yes, I know you help out, and you’re amazing, you really are. But most of the time it’s just me and Emma, and sometimes I just long for adult company, for someone to hug me, give me some comfort. And Maria, she provides all that. She’s kind, caring. She loves me and I love her.’
‘It’s too soon, Dad,’ Lily blurted out. ‘Mum has only been dead just over a year and you were together for so long and were so happy.’
Gareth flinched as if she had slapped him, and she wished she could take the words back but they had to be said.
‘You think I’m being disrespectful to your mother’s memory? To the love we had?’ She could see the pain in his yes. ‘Well, let me tell you, I loved your mother but she was no angel and our marriage wasn’t exactly a happy one.’
9
Lily
Lily stared at her father, who looked like he wished he could take back the words he had just said. Slowly, she found her voice. ‘What do you mean, Dad?’
He sighed. ‘I’m sorry, I never wanted to tell you this, but I’m sick of your mum being put on a pedestal and me made to look like a villain because I’m grabbing a chance of happiness at last. The truth is, six years ago your mum started to have an affair, and it had been going on for two and half years before I found out.’
Her father’s words left Lily reeling. Her mother would never have an affair. Never. She’d adored Gareth.
‘I can’t… Surely not…’ But her father’s expression said it all. Then Lily realised the significance of the dates. ‘Does this mean Emma…?’
Her father’s expression was pained. ‘No, Emma’s mine, I had a DNA test. But even if it’d gone the other way, I’d still be her dad. The truth is, though, the affair really rocked our marriage and your mum and I were about to split up when she discovered she had cancer.’
This revelation shocked Lily to the core. She had thought her parents were devoted to each other, and all the time her mum had been seeing someone else for years? She could hardly believe it. Would she have gone off with that other man if not for the cancer? Had her dad stayed with her out of pity not love? There were twenty years between Lily and her little sister; she remembered how surprised she’d been when her mother had said that she was expecting. And pleased too because she knew her parents had always wanted another child but it had never happened – then suddenly after all those years, a baby was on the way. Lily had moved out not long afterwards, to share a flat with friends, but whenever she’d gone home there had never been a hint of any tension. She wondered how her father had felt finding out her mother had had an affair and that his much-longed-for second child might not have even been his. She couldn’t believe neither of them had mentioned it to her. She knew that she didn’t come home that often but even so, she hadn’t picked up any strain in their relationship. How could she have been completely oblivious to all this?
‘For the last couple of years, I’ve practically been a single parent to Emma, trying to look after her and Ruth, and working to keep a roof over our heads too. And I know you’ve helped as much as you could, and I love you for that, but the bulk of the responsibility has been mine. Have you any idea how hard that’s been? And how devastated I felt when I discovered that your mother was having an affair? I loved your mother but I couldn’t get past her deceit; we’d decided to separate but then she became ill and I had to put all my feelings of anger and hurt aside so that I could look after her. I’ve been through the mill, Lily. So I think that I deserve a chance of happiness, don’t you?’
Lily nodded numbly, her mind still trying to absorb the things she had just
learnt.
‘Then please, honey, accept my decision and make Maria welcome.’
She could see the determined glint in his eyes. He was doing this whether she liked it or not, and in view of what he had told her, how could she object? He’d obviously been unhappy for many years. ‘I’m only looking out for you as you would look out for me. I still think that you’re rushing it. And there’s Emma to consider too. But if you’re sure.’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Then I’m happy for you both.’ Impulsively she gave her father a hug. His revelation about her mother had shaken and distressed her, and she felt awful that he had kept this to himself, stood by her mother and cared for her when he had been so badly betrayed. He was a good man and deserved to be happy.
‘I’m pleased to hear that.’ He hugged her back. ‘Now let’s go and join the others, it’s getting chilly out in the garden.’
She would accept his decision to marry Maria, she thought as they linked arms and walked down the path to the house, but she would be watching the woman closely. Emma was the innocent party in all this and Lily wanted to ensure her dad didn’t become so obsessed with Maria that he stopped putting Emma first. And that Maria was a good stepmother to her little sister. She owed that much to her mother.
10
Maria
‘Lily is still upset about us getting married, isn’t she? Do you think we should postpone the wedding for a while? Give her more time to get used to the idea of it?’ Maria asked after they’d returned home and Emma was tucked up in bed. Postponing the wedding was the last thing she wanted but she’d sensed the strained atmosphere between Lily and Gareth and could see that he was still upset.
‘No, I’m not changing our plans. Besides, I think Lily will stop objecting now. I’ve told her the truth, about Ruth being unfaithful.’ He rested his head on the back of the sofa and closed his eyes wearily.
Maria reached out and took his hand, holding it comfortingly in her own. She knew how hard it would have been for him to tell Lily about her mother’s betrayal. ‘I’m so sorry, that must have been really difficult for you. And a big shock for Lily. I don’t want to cause friction between you both or bring you any distress.’
He opened his eyes, his gaze holding hers, a warm smile creeping over his face. ‘You bring me nothing but love and peace.’ He clasped his other hand over hers. ‘I am so glad you came into my life, Maria. And none of this is your fault.’ His eyes held hers and she could see the love in them. ‘I didn’t want to tell Lily but she insists on putting Ruth on some kind of pedestal, on believing that ours was the perfect love story. That’s why she doesn’t want me to remarry – she feels that I’m betraying her mother.’
‘How did she take it?’ Maria asked softly.
‘Disbelief at first, then shock and hurt.’ A cloud swept over his face. ‘I told her that I forgave Ruth, we made our peace and I was happy to stay and look after her. Of course I was. Poor Ruth suffered so much, how could I walk away and leave her to cope alone?’
‘It’s been so hard for you. You’re a good man.’
Gareth’s expression darkened. ‘I was bloody angry when I found out about the affair; it had been going on for over two years, was still going on, and I hadn’t suspected a thing. I had my chances to stray too over the years, but I never took them. I valued my marriage too much. I thought Ruth did too. I couldn’t believe that she had betrayed me. And then when I thought that Emma might not be mine…’ He shook his head and she could imagine the pain that had caused him. ‘It was hard, coping with all that and looking after a toddler. I was lonely a lot, longed for someone to lean on. Lily helped as much as she could but I didn’t want to put too much on her, she had her own life.’ His eyes rested on Maria. ‘And then you came along, my angel.’
She shook her head. ‘I’m far from that.’
Gareth’s eyes softened as he gazed at her. ‘I could see how kind you were the first time I walked in and saw you giving Ruth a facial. You were so gentle with her, so warm and compassionate. Ruth considered you a friend, looked forward so much to you coming, and her spirits were always lifted up by the time you left. You brought a touch of hope and sunshine into our house, and I thought back then that whoever you were with was one lucky person. You’re beautiful inside and out, Maria.’
She had admired Gareth too; he had always been so caring and patient with both Ruth and Emma. She had thought how lucky Ruth was to have a husband like him, never dreaming that one day he would be her husband too.
‘It’s been hard for Lily, I know, but she has Seb and her own life. She has almost no idea how difficult it’s been for me, especially since Ruth died. And now I’ve found happiness again, so no, I’m not putting my life on hold to pacify Lily, much as I love her.’
It was what she wanted to hear. Ever since she had first met Lily, Maria had sensed that she would try to come between them. The worry kept her awake at night. She wanted this marriage so much. ‘If you’re sure that’s what you want?’
‘Positive. Nothing – and no one – is going to stop me marrying you.’ He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
11
Lily
‘You’ve been a bit quiet all evening. How did your chat with your dad go? You haven’t fallen out, have you?’ Seb asked when Gareth, Maria and Emma had gone home and they were both sitting on the sofa half-watching a film and finishing off a bottle of wine.
‘No, but Dad told me something awful.’ Lily burst into tears and Seb immediately took her into his arms.
‘What is it, babe?’ he asked worriedly.
Between sobs, Lily told him about her mother’s affair. ‘I can’t believe it. They seemed so happy. And to think neither of them ever mentioned it to me.’ She took a tissue out of her jeans pocket and wiped her tears away. ‘Okay, I’d moved out, got my own flat and didn’t go home very often. You know what it’s like. But I had absolutely no idea anything was wrong with their marriage. Whenever I visited, even if Dad was out at work, Mum seemed her usual self. She never said a thing.’ She looked up at him, tears springing to her eyes again. ‘I thought me and Mum were so close, Seb, yet she kept this huge secret from me.’
Seb looked as stunned as she was. ‘That’s a big shock, babe,’ he admitted. ‘I’d never have thought that of your mum.’ He paused, as if struggling to find the right words. ‘Marriage is complicated, Lil. I suppose they just managed to patch it up and didn’t want to talk about it.’
Lily shook her head. ‘They didn’t patch it up though. They were apparently about to split up when Mum was diagnosed with cancer. Dad only stayed with Mum to support her.’ A lump formed in her throat at the thought of how unhappy both her parents must have been. Was her mother desolate that her lover had left her? Were her final years filled with regret, trapped in a loveless marriage? And her father too, having to care for the woman he loved but who had betrayed him. It was horrible. She wished she had never found out about it.
‘Well, now you know the truth maybe it’s easier to understand how Gareth might want to grab a chance of happiness now,’ Seb mused. ‘It doesn’t make it easier on you though. It’s a horrible thing to find out.’ He kissed her gently.
‘I know. I do understand. I just hope Dad’s doing the right thing. I can’t shake the feeling that Maria’s taking advantage of him. If she really cared about him, she would give him more time to deal with his grief. He and Mum were married for twenty-eight years, and even if there was a… blip… they still cared for each other. I know they did.’ She had to believe that her parents’ marriage wasn’t a sham. ‘I can understand why Dad is in a rush – he’s probably felt alone and unloved for some years now. But why is Maria in such a rush? She’s forty and single with a successful business. Why doesn’t she own her flat? And why is she so eager to move in with a widower and his young daughter? You would think she would want to hang on to her independence.’
‘Maybe she’s lonely too?’ Seb replied soothingly, putting his arm around her
shoulder.
‘It just doesn’t add up, Seb,’ she snapped. She knew that Seb was only trying to reassure her but his attitude to the situation was driving her mad. She knew his parents had split up years ago and were now both happily remarried, but this wasn’t the same. Dad had a big house, a good job as a financial advisor, money in the bank. If Maria was living in rented property, did that mean her business was struggling? Did she have her eye on Dad’s house and money? She’d tried to accept Maria, knowing how much she meant to her dad after everything he’d gone through, but she just couldn’t shake off her initial instincts that something wasn’t right, and there was Emma to think about. She had to look out for her little sister, who had gone through enough. It was time she did a bit of checking up on Maria.
She wriggled out of Seb’s hug and stood up.
‘Where are you going?’
‘I’m getting my laptop to see what I can find out about Maria. She’s got a beauty salon so she should have an online profile, Facebook and probably LinkedIn. That should give us some information about her past.’
‘What sort of info are you looking for?’ Seb asked curiously.
‘I don’t know. Something about her background. Has she lived in Leamington Spa all her life? What she did before she opened her salon? What school she went to?’
Lily fetched the laptop and a notebook and pen from their bedroom and sat back on the sofa with the computer on her lap, firing it up and opening an internet search. Seb sat back to watch the film and left her to it. Lily typed ‘Maria Taylor, Beauty Specialist’ into the search bar. A few seconds later a list of results flashed up on the screen in front of her. She scanned them quickly. The top results were for Daisy’s Beauty Care – Maria’s salon. Some of the results were clearly for other Maria Taylors – there were quite a few of them. She clicked on the first link to open up the web page.