“We?” He questions.
“Yes. Tristan completely agrees. We both want you here, and it won’t just be you Bob, Edith is now living with us,” I say pointing to her in the kitchen. “She’s Tristan’s housekeeper from London, and Stuart’ – “I’ve met him,” he interrupts.
“Well, he’ll be here too, so there will be five of us,” I add, smiling broadly at him.
“You want me to move in here? With you?” he clarifies.I nod, grinning widely.“Well, I don’t know Coral…” He says staring out at the summer evening.
“Great view huh?” I say.
“It ain’t bad,” he agrees, turning to smile at me. “Let me think about it,” he says.
“Sure, take all the time you need. Are you back in your studio?” I ask.
“I want to be, but Gladys is insisting I stay with her a while longer.”
“That’s good,” I say patting his frail hand. “Are you having a roast with her tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure,” he says.
“Well I’d like to catch up with you. Want to come here tomorrow?”
“For dinner?”
“Yes,” I smile.
“Ok,” he smiles back.
“Good,” I say, then lean up and kiss his cheek. As usual his cheeks flame and his shy smile appears.“I better go find Debs,” I say. “It’s great to see you Bob.”
“You too darling,” he says gently patting my hand.I squeeze his hand once more then make my way over to Debs.
“We need to talk,” I say and gesture for her to follow me. I walk over to the utility room and open the door, I wait for Debs then shut the door behind her.
“What’s up?” She asks.
“Lily doesn’t want to leave,” I say.
“What?” Debs laughs.
“Debs, I’m serious.” Her face falls. “She just told me she doesn’t want to go, and she doesn’t want to tell you that. I’m letting you know so you can speak to Scott. It’s none of my business what happens, but she is one upset little girl, who wants to stay here, at home.”
Debs mouth pops open in shock.“I…she really said that to you?” I nod in reply. “Ok, thanks…I guess Scott and I have some talking to do,” she muses.
“I’m really sorry Debs,” I say. “I don’t want to seem like I’m interfering, but I thought you would want to know.” She nods distractedly at me. “I really am sorry,” I add.
“Don’t say that Coral. I’m really glad that you’ve told me,” she says.
“Sure?” I ask.
“Yeah…I just…we asked Lily about this? We sat her down, talked about it for ages, she said she was happy to go, excited even. I wonder why she hasn’t been truthful?” She says, staring at the floor.
“I don’t know? Maybe she’s just saying it because of what happened to me, maybe she’s just upset at the moment, she is only five after all.” I wince at the thought, remembering so clearly what happened to me at that age.
Debs nods again deep in thought, then taking me by surprise she hugs me.“I love you Coral, thank you.”
“I love you too Debs.” I whisper.
Taking hold of my hand, she squeezes it once, then we both head out the room. And I go searching for my Hubby….well hubby to be!
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WE ARE ALL SITTING ON THE LARGE U-SHAPED SOFA. Everyone has eaten Edith’s mammoth spread, and the party is in full swing. Tristan, Scott and Malcolm are having some deep discussion. Gladys is busy getting giggly with Rob, Phil and Carlos, I think they are getting a little tipsy – I’m jealous!George, Bob and Joyce are quietly chatting away, while Erin and Ellie are playing with Lily. Debs is sat next to me on the very end of the sofa, but she seems miles away; I hope I haven’t upset her.
“Debs,” I whisper. “You ok?”She shakes her head at me. Uh-oh!“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“If Lily doesn’t want to go, I don’t know what we’re going to do?”
“Are you worried about money?” I ask. Not that she should be, she’s got two hundred and fifty grand too, just like me!
“No, not really’ – “Time for presents!” Rob bellows, jumping to his feet, effectively putting a stop to that conversation, everyone cheers and starts shuffling around.
I shake my head at Rob’s behaviour. “Come see me?” I whisper.
“I will.” She smiles, squeezing my hand.
Rob marches over to me, helps me to my feet and walks me over to the centre of the sofa. “Well, sit down then,” he says, rolling his eyes at me.
“Rob’ – “Do it woman!” he warns.
I want to huff at him, but I don’t, instead I carefully sit down. All eyes are on me and the conversations have died down to a quiet hush – Oh god! This is not happening!
Tristan must be reading my discomfort, because within seconds he’s sat next to me, squeezing my hand.
“Right! Who’s first?” Rob says.
“Ooh me, me!” Phil says, jumping to his feet, walking over to the table, he picks up their present then walks over to me, grinning widely at George.“From George and I, happy birthday!” He says, handing me a small flat box.
“Thank you,” I say, smiling up at him. Reluctantly, I take the present off him and quickly demolish the wrapping paper – I need to get this over with, it’s too embarrassing!
Lifting the lid, I frown when I see a small white envelope. Taking it out of the box, I pull open the seal and take out the contents. Oh George! – I have two tickets to see the Lion King!
“No way!” I gasp, smiling broadly – It’s not until next year, but who cares! I’ve been dying to see it since it came out, but the tickets kept selling out on me!
Feeling completely overwhelmed, I swallow hard and look up at George. “I…I don’t know what to say...Thank you, so much.” I manage to squeak out.
“I know you’ve always wanted to see it.” George says, smiling fondly at me, then he walks over to me and we hug, I do the same with Phil – Wow! Maybe this won’t be so bad after all!
Rob proceeds to organise who goes next – he’s so bossy sometimes!Erin and Ellie have bought me two bottles of wine, not that I expected anything from them –I’m still shocked they’re here.
Bob – bless his cotton socks – has bought me a box of chocolates and another bottle of wine.Debs and Scott have bought me The Hairy Bikers Cookbook.Gladys and Malcolm – Bath bubbles, a box set of make-up and a bottle of my favourite perfume.I am being spoiled rotten!
“Come on Joyce!” Rob says excitedly.
Joyce comes and sits next to me, then opening her handbag, she takes out a small white envelope. “Happy birthday Coral,” she says handing me the envelope and kissing my cheek.
“Thank you,” I whisper.I look down at the present, lift the seal and pull out the contents.Two return tickets to Florida – Ok, I feel faint! – “Joyce!” I gasp. “You shouldn’t have!”
“Too late!” She smiles. I’m speechless!
Tears start to pool in my eyes. Without a word, I turn and pull Joyce into my arms. My shoulder is throbbing painfully at me, but I don’t care. I hold her to me for the longest time.
“What is it?” Rob asks.
“Two tickets to Florida.” Tristan says.
I finally release Joyce. “Thank you,” I say trying not to choke up.
“You are more than welcome,” she says, tears pooling in her eyes. I can't help the tears that start flowing down my cheeks, Joyce smiles at me, pulls her handkerchief out and dabs my cheeks dry.
“Thanks,” I squeak, smiling and sniffing loudly, we both start laughing at each other, then we hug again.
“Our turn!” Rob pipes up excitedly.
I pull out of Joyce’s arms and look up at Rob. Carlos stands, and walks over to the table, picking up a big shiny purple bag he walks over to me, then leans down and kisses my cheek.
“Happy birthday,” he says smiling warmly at me.
“Thanks,” I say, feeling embarrassed again.Opening the bag, I see two big presents wra
pped in shiny purple paper, and what looks like a birthday card.
“Open the card first!” Rob demands.
“Ok,” I laugh. Pulling the card out, I open it up and pull out the contents. Whoa! I have a voucher for Spa Tara. I know the place, it’s right on the Marina but I’ve never been.
“It’s a full package,” Rob explains, budging Joyce out of the way and sitting next to me. “Whatever you want, you can go on your own, or we can make a day of it,” he adds cheerfully.
I look across at my awesome best friend. “Thanks Rob, and you Carlos. It’s brilliant!” I add, kissing Rob on the cheek.
“Come on!” he says. “Open the next one.” He pulls out one of the boxes and passes it to me. I think he’s more excited than I am, I rip the paper off and smile up at him.
“Friends?” I have never seen any of the series, how cool!
“It’s the complete box set,” he says. “Something funny to watch while you’re recovering, or being miserable,” he adds teasingly.
“Hey!” I smile up at him and bump his shoulder – Shouldn’t have done that, it hurt! – “That’s so cool,” I gasp, trying to control the pain. “Thanks you two!”Breathe Coral, breathe!
Carlos winks and smiles at me, while Rob passes me the next present, grinning excitedly at me.I cock one eyebrow up at him, feels heavy. I smile and rip of the paper – Whoa!
I have a set of three Global Chef’s knives. I have wanted a set of these for ages, but they’re really expensive! These must have cost at least three hundred pounds, if not more!
My face falls. I turn and gaze at Rob who’s grinning widely at me.“Tristan told us,” he says. “About the cooking classes you’re going to take.”
I turn and gape at Tristan, he grins widely at me. I shake my head; I am in awe of all of this!
“Rob!” I choke, pulling him into my arms. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome!” He chuckles. Pulling out of his arms, I turn and blow a kiss to Carlos, who blows one back. Rob then jumps to his feet. “Your turn Tristan!”
“I’ve already had my present from Tristan,” I say.
“You have?” He questions, all eyes are on me.
I reach down inside my t-shirt, and carefully pull out my necklace. “Antique locket,” I say.
“Oh Coral!” Joyce gasps, budging Rob out of the way and taking it between her manicured fingernails. “It’s beautiful,” she says, turning it over and inspecting it.
“I know.” I choke up again.
“Actually,” Tristan says turning to face me, his chocolate eyes capturing me. “That’s one of your presents,” he adds, leaning in to me. I think he’s about to kiss me, but instead he whispers right in my ear. “And there’s many more.” What!
My mouth drops open as I stare back at him. He looks so intense, so sexy. The room is silent as we sit staring at one another, and begins to charge with that familiar electricity that flows between the two of us.
Someone clears their throat, pulling me out of the little bubble that surrounds us, and several of our guests start chattering away with one another. I think we are making them feel uncomfortable.
Tristan breaks eye contact with a nervous chuckle, leans in, and kisses me lightly on the cheek. Then he stands, smiles his breathtaking smile at me and wonders off into his office.
The moment he’s gone Gladys, Debs, Erin and Ellie are straight over to me, each taking a turn to inspect my locket, each agreeing how beautiful it is.Tristan swiftly returns and sits next to me. I cannot take my eyes off him.
The conversation in the room quiets to a low rumble.
“More presents?” I whisper to him.
“Yes.” He smiles, handing me a small white envelope.
I tentatively take it off him, and ripping it open, I pull out the contents. I swallow hard, and fight against the tears again. I have a £1000 gift voucher for Ashdown Manna Cookery School. Wow!
“What is it?” Rob pipes up excitedly.
“Um…” I clear my throat. “Cooking classes,” I whisper. Everyone oohs and ahhs!
“You can choose,” Tristan says. “Whatever you want to do. There’s Italian, Spanish, Indian, Thai, Fish & Seafood, Middle Eastern, Bread and Baking, and if they don’t do the course you want, just let me know and we can book somewhere else.”
“Thank you Tristan, I love it.” I say.
“I have another present for you,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. It makes my heart pound and my breathing stop when he’s that close to me.
“Another?” I squeak breathlessly, I turn and stare wide eyed at him.
“Yes.” He smiles his enigmatic smile at me.
“Tristan’ – “You can't have it yet, so don’t worry. When you’re better and you’ve taken the cookery courses you want, then you can have it,” he says grinning from ear to ear.
“Another surprise?” I question.
“Yes.” His grin widens.
“You are over the top!” I lightly scold.
“Suck it up!” He teases. I can't help shaking my head and smiling at him.I wonder what he has in store for me?
“Oh…and you might not like this,” he whispers.
“Like what?” I whisper back, frowning at him.
Tristan suddenly stands, and turns the music down a little – which kind of annoys me because Rihanna just started singingYou Da One; and I really love that song.
I frown up at Tristan who nods to Edith. She wobbles over to us with a large Champagne bottle in her hand and tops up everyone’s glasses; then Tristan walks to the centre of the room.
“Ladies and Gentleman,” he says, gaining everyone’s attention. “Coral,” he softly says, his hand held out. “Please join me.”
Oh Crap! Haven’t I been embarrassed enough?
Joyce helps me to my feet. I walk over to Tristan and take his outstretched hand. He pulls me gently to his side and wraps his arm around my waist so we are facing everyone.
“A toast. Coral, happy birthday darling!” He says raising his glass in the air.
Everyone follows suit, shouting happy birthday, Rob whoops and cheers with Phil, I can't help giggling at them both.
Tristan, to my horror, continues. “Also, I think I can speak freely for everyone in this room, when I say how lucky we all feel to have you home, safe and sound.”
I hear Gladys stifle back a sob. Mom! Don’t cry!
“To coming home safely,” Tristan says raising his glass in the air again.
“Here, here!” Rob pipes up as everyone else echoes Tristan sentiments, and raises their glasses one more time. I am dying here!
Tristan smiles down at me, his shy boyish smile, then leans in and softly kisses me. I can tell he looks nervous, but I can't work out why?
“What’s wrong?” I whisper.
He shakes his head slightly, smiles nervously, then he takes a deep breath and raises his glass again – Huh?
“Ladies and Gentleman, I have something else I would like to share with everyone here…and my parents,” he says, nodding to the picture of them that’s up on the wall. “As some of you may know, I lost both my parents last year…it’s been…difficult to say the least, and I would have loved…” He stops and swallows hard. Oh no Tristan!
Turning to look at me he takes a deep breath and slowly blows it out, I suddenly realise he needs reassurance.
“It’s ok Tristan,” I whisper. “I’m right here.” I add, wrapping my arms around him, he leans down and pecks my forehead, then continues.
“I wish my parents could be here today, to share our happy news, but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. As you all know, Coral and I have only know each other a short while, but I love her, and I will spend the rest of my life cherishing her.” I cannot take my eyes of him.
“So I would like you all to be the first to know that Miss Coral Stevens, the beautiful, captivating soul that she is, has consented to be my wife,” he proudly says.
My mouth pops open – Oh…he did not just say tha
t...without telling me?
Edith drops something in the kitchen, making a loud banging noise, and apart from Debs spitting her drink all over Scott, the room is completely silent. Uh-oh!
“And we would like to get married here, in this house, in two weeks time and you’re all invited.” Tristan then turns, places his glass down and takes my ring out of his pocket. He takes my left hand, and slowly slides my engagement ring down my finger.
“You could have told me you were going to say that!” I whisper to him. “But I do,” I add, trying to take the sting out of my words, because what he just did was sweet and brave!
His face almost splits in two. I can't help grinning back at him. He leans down and we give each other a peck on the lips – I want to French kiss him, but I don’t think my family and friends would appreciate that.
I turn and look around the room. Gladys and Malcolm are quietly smiling up at us both. Joyce and Phil, who of course don’t know, look like they’re going to expire. Rob and Carlos beam at one another, George blows me a kiss and Erin and Ellie are quietly smiling up at me, holding each other’s hand. Bob, is smiling, but looks a little upset.
Lily startles us all by jumping up from her seat.“Yay!” She screams, jumping up and down. “Can I be a bridesmaid?” she asks running over to me.
“Yes,” I whisper, she screams in delight.
“I knew you loved Aunty Coral,” she says jumping up and down in front of Tristan.
We both look at each other and burst out laughing.
“Married?” Debs chokes standing to her feet, then whips her head round to Gladys. “You knew!” she says.
“We only found out yesterday,” Gladys says all innocently. Guess the tables have turned!
“Oh!” Debs seems to calm a little. “Seriously, you’re getting married?” She adds in disbelief.
“Um…yeah,” I say. “Whatever you do Deb’s, don’t congratulate us,” I add sarcastically.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 101