by Sharon Booth
'Yes, I suppose it did all get a bit out of hand,' she mused. 'I certainly never expected to find myself in bed with any man — let alone Cain Carmichael.'
'And it was a big surprise for me,' he said immediately. 'I didn't plan it. It seemed natural, and — well, it was bleeding good, weren't it?'
'It was,' she confirmed. 'Bleeding great, in fact.'
He grinned at her, finding it most amusing to hear her swear with her posh accent. 'Well, yeah. But sex is one thing. Love and commitment's another.'
'Cain, I've never —'
He held up his hand. 'Let me finish, please, Debs. This is taking some courage so don't stop me now. I didn't want to get involved with anyone again. I swore I'd never be fleeced by any other woman. It was supposed to be casual. A fling. But you can't switch off your emotions, no matter how you try. You got to me, Debs.' He patted his jacket lapel dramatically, flattening the white rose he was wearing as a buttonhole. 'In here. In me heart. I've bin trying to tell meself it's just an affair and it will pass, but the truth is, I don't think it will. I think — I know — I love you, Debs. You're the woman I've bin looking for all me life. So, what I want to say is, it's okay that you've left David, and you don't have to be scared. Cos I'll look after you. You can come and live with me, and we'll be happy, and when your divorce comes through, I'll make an honest woman of you, and you'll never have to worry about anything again.'
He stopped, then took a deep breath as he waited for her response. Deborah took a sip of her coffee as she evidently considered his words. She put her mug on the bedside table beside his, then went to sit next to him on the sofa. Her arms went around him, and then they kissed — a gentle tender kiss.
'So, that's a yes then?' he said eventually, smiling at her.
Deborah looked at him fondly. 'That's a no.'
'Eh?' Cain felt crushed. 'But — but why?'
'At least,' she corrected herself, 'it's a no for now.'
'But, but Debs —'
'Cain, darling, I know how much it cost you to say all those things to me, and I so appreciate them. And yes, you're quite right. We are a good team, and I know you've changed. I trust you completely. You've been an absolute darling to me, and I do love you, so very much.'
'Then?'
'I've been with David since I was eighteen,' Deborah explained. 'All my adult life has revolved around the wants and needs of a man — a rather selfish, self-obsessed man at that. Now I've finally had the courage to break free, the last thing I want is to be tied to yet another man — however sweet and caring and terribly sexy he may be.'
'So, what are you gunna do?' Cain was dazed. It had barely registered when she'd called him sexy.
'I'm going to travel the world for a while. Take a year or so to do all the things I want to do. Have some fun. Please myself. Live life. I can't wait.'
'But, sweetheart, how are you gunna do that? It could take ages before your divorce is finalised, and David ain't gunna fund you while you're waiting.'
Deborah's eyes narrowed. 'Pardon?'
Cain took a deep breath. 'Okay, love. I get ya. This is something you need to do. So, here's what I'll do. I'll fund you for the year — or for however long you need to get yourself sorted. Go and do what you have to do. Travel first class. Take a world cruise — whatever you like. I'll pay. Just promise me, when you're done, you'll come back to me.'
Deborah's eyes filled with tears. 'You'd really do that? You'd really pay for me? You'd support me for a whole year or more?'
'Absolutely.' Cain rubbed his eyes wearily. 'You know what, Debs, that wasn't fair of me. I shouldn't have asked for a promise from you. It's like buying you. You don't have to promise me anything. No strings attached. I'll fund you anyway, and if, at the end of that year, you don't feel we've got a future together, well then, that's okay. You owe me nothing. But if you still want me — well, I'll be waiting.'
A tear rolled down Deborah's cheek. 'That's quite possibly the loveliest thing anyone's ever done for me,' she murmured, wrapping her arms around him and nuzzling against him. 'I love you, Cain.'
'Then what more can I ask for?' His heart was heavy with grief, but he held her to him, and inhaled the scent of her, realising that it might be the last time he was this close to her.
Gently, she pulled away from him and stroked his cheek with clear affection. 'You're a wonderful man, but there's absolutely no need for you to fund me. I don't want your money, Cain.'
'But I want you to have it,' he said, shocked. 'I want you to have a perfect year. I want you to travel in luxury, no skimping or worrying.'
'Oh, don't worry, I'll be going first class,' she assured him. 'Darling, you really don't know, do you?'
'Know what?' He was baffled. What was she on about now?
'The money. The entire fortune — it's not David's. It's mine. Even Thwaite Park is mine. Why do you think my family disapproved of him so much? They were convinced he was a gold-digger from the off, and they were probably right.'
Cain looked staggered. 'But — but you said your grandad lived in a two-up, two-down, with a tin bath!'
'So he did,' she admitted. 'That is, my grandad on my father's side. My maternal grandfather, on the other hand, lived at Thwaite Park. He was Alfred Bach of Bach's Biscuits? His family were already terribly wealthy, but then he built up his company and added even more to the family fortune before he died and passed it all to my mother. She, God love her, sold the company for a huge profit then left the lot to me — including the house. Grandad Bunting, I'm afraid, was as poor as a church mouse, but he was a proud man. He wouldn't take any handouts from my parents, and said he was quite happy where he was, thank you very much — tin bath or no tin bath. He was so lovely, and my parents were quite happy for me to spend my holidays with him — kept me grounded, in their opinion. They didn't want me to be a spoilt little rich girl, and I'm very glad they were so wise.
'Pity I didn't inherit their wisdom. David's father, you see, was my father's land agent, and David grew up at Thwaite Park. He was there more than I was, and he considered it his home. I suppose, one way or the other, he was determined to get it. I rather think that's why he set his cap at me. My sister, Kathryn, didn't trust him an inch, and she told my parents he was only after the money and properties. She also told me that he'd tried it on with her and she'd sent him packing. Of course, David denied it, and I believed him at the time, but it was probably true in hindsight, and my parents were certainly convinced. He's always hated my sister since. The thought that she or her son would inherit his beloved Thwaite Park was too much for him to bear.'
'I can't believe this.' Cain sank back onto the sofa. 'Bach's Biscuits! I've wolfed enough of them in me time. You're richer than I am, and there was I, offering to help you out financially. You must think I'm a proper clown.'
'Not at all,' she said firmly. 'I think you're an absolute gentleman, and I can never thank you enough for offering. I can't tell you how much it means to me.'
'But David,' Cain said, 'he'll not let you walk out of that marriage without giving him half.'
She smiled. 'My solicitors are already working on it,' she assured him. 'Luckily for me, my parents insisted on a pre-nuptial agreement, which may or may not be worth something, but if David wants to cause trouble about that I have plenty of evidence of his affairs, not to mention a certain lady in Barnes who would be only too happy to give evidence that he desperately tried to have an affair with her but failed dismally. David could never stand that. The humiliation would kill him.' She shrugged. 'I'll give him a fair settlement. I would never leave him penniless. But he's not getting more than that. He's had quite enough from me already, thank you very much.'
'You're one hell of a woman,' Cain said admiringly.
'Thank you, Cain. And you're one hell of a man.'
'So, when are you starting your adventure?'
'Tomorrow. I have the tickets booked. I'm flying to Miami to board the ship. A nice little Caribbean cruise to start things off, then we'
ll see.'
'Tomorrow? So soon?' His face fell. 'Gawd. I'll miss you so much, sweetheart.'
'And I'll miss you.' She held out a hand. 'But we still have the rest of the evening, and we have a lovely little hotel room, and this bed is terribly comfortable. Let's make it a long goodbye, shall we?'
Cain nodded as she began to loosen his tie. He knew she couldn't make any promises — to him, or to herself. Even so, as he pressed his lips to hers, he held within him the hope that, one day, she would seek him out again. When she was ready.
Chapter Forty-Three
'So, I guess this is it,' Beth said, her eyes filling with tears as she faced Eden and Eliot for what felt like the last time. 'This is goodbye.'
'We'll see you again, Beth,' Eden promised.
'Course you will,' Cain assured them. 'We'll pop back and visit sometimes, and you're always welcome at Upper Bourbury. We're going to be needing expert advice on our new farm, after all.'
Eliot met Beth's anguished gaze with a surprising rush of emotion. 'I'll miss you,' he told her. They had, after all, been through the worst of times together, supported each other and come through the other side. He was happy that they were both having the best of times at last, but he would be sad to see her leave, no question.
'I'll miss you, too,' she whispered, then tutted as he hovered uncertainly. 'Oh, sod it. Give me a hug!'
They held each other tightly and Eliot murmured, 'Be happy, Beth.'
'I will be,' she whispered back. 'As will you. And God knows, Eliot, we both deserve it.'
He nodded, feeling too choked to reply, and released her.
'Where's Jed?' Eden said, sounding rather tearful herself.
'Just gone to get your wedding present,' Emerald said, smiling. 'He'll be here in a minute.'
'Wedding present! There were no need for that,' Eliot assured her. 'I reckon you've all done more than enough for us already.'
'Oh, but this is special,' she told him, a light of mischief in her eyes.
Eliot eyed her doubtfully, his suspicions aroused, but still pleased to see her looking so happy. She'd been even more thrilled when he and Eden had presented her with a goodbye present earlier that day. Bella was now safely stowed in a carrier in Cain's car, and would be living with Emerald in future. Bella had never really bonded with Eliot or his children, or Eden for that matter, having been Jemima's cat, so her obvious affection for Emerald had made it an easy decision, and Emerald had been delighted to accept her — though how pleased Cain was about it was anyone's guess.
'Have you told them about your own venture, Emerald?' Beth said, slipping her arm through that of her future sister-in-law.
'What's this?' Eliot said, interested. 'Thought the retreat were out of the picture for now?'
'It is,' Emerald confirmed. She shot a look of gratitude at her father, who beamed back at her. 'But Dad's been looking at college courses in Lowminster, and there's a business studies course starting in September. I'm going to enrol. Start at the bottom and work my way up.'
'Good idea,' Eden said approvingly. 'You'll be ready to run the retreat one day, Emerald. Good luck with it all.'
'Thanks, Eden,' Emerald said, 'and in the meantime, I'm going to be living with Dad at his house, and we're going to find Jed and Beth the perfect farm, as well as look into the city farm idea. We're all going to be very busy, especially with a new baby in the family to look forward to as well.'
'Oh, aye,' Eliot agreed. 'Nowt takes up more time than a new baby, trust me. Your lives are never going to be the same again.'
'But you wouldn't have it any other way, would you?' Eden said, nudging him.
'Never.' He glanced down at his children who were all standing solemnly beside him, having shed a few tears as Auntie Beth said goodbye to them all. 'There's nothing in this world brings more happiness than your kids. Nothing. They make life worth living.'
The children's heads spun round as they heard an unmistakable sound of hooves in the distance.
'I meant to say,' Eden murmured to him, 'this is such a wonderful area for riding, maybe we ought to offer stabling for pony trekkers, too? Those stables are going to waste and it's another money-making opportunity, after all.'
Eliot nodded. 'You might be right. We'll have a think and —' he broke off as Jed entered the farmyard, leading a rather handsome bay pony, who was having a good look around as he walked — or rather danced — towards them. 'What's this?'
'A pony!' Ophelia and Libby squealed in excitement. 'You've got a pony, Jed?'
Jed brought the attractive animal to a halt and smiled down at them. 'Not me, no.' He looked appealingly at Eliot and Eden. 'Don't take this the wrong way, okay? I know you said they had to wait, and they're your kids an' all, but I figured, what better way to say thank you for everything you've done for us than to give these great kids a gift? Is that okay?'
Everyone looked at Eliot, and he saw the plea in his daughters' eyes and smiled. 'It's right kind of you, Jed. I see no reason to refuse, providing he's a safe pony, of course?'
Jed beamed at him. 'I've been riding for most of my life, and I know a lot about horseflesh,' he said. 'Trust me, I was real thorough. I wouldn't risk your kids on a bad pony. This one's a real gent. Eight years old.' He winked at Libby and Ophelia. 'Won a whole load of rosettes, too, and a cup.'
'I knew it!' Libby squealed. 'That's Beau!'
'No way,' Ophelia gasped. 'Blimey, it is, too!'
'You know him?' Eden asked, surprised.
Ophelia and Libby were practically hopping up and down in excitement. 'He belonged to Peter Robbins. They won all sorts at the shows round here. Everyone knows Beau.'
'That's right,' Jed confirmed. 'Peter's going to university after summer, so they needed a new home for this guy. Peter's dad's bringing the paperwork over this afternoon, but I wanted to see the girls' faces before I left. I reckon he'll fit Libby nicely.'
'We can go riding together!' Ophelia squealed. 'It's going to be great!'
'Thanks ever so much, Uncle Jed,' Libby said, giving him a hug.
'Aye.' Eliot held out his hand and Jed shook it. 'Thank you. For everything.'
The two men exchanged understanding smiles. 'I'll take care of Beth,' Jed promised. 'And when the baby arrives, you'll be the first to know.'
'We'd better be,' Eden said.
'Time to go,' Cain told them, looking suspiciously damp-eyed himself. He hooked an arm over Emerald's shoulders and began to steer her towards the car, but she broke free suddenly and ran over to the Harlands. Throwing her arms around them both she whispered, 'Thank you. Thank you so much.'
Without waiting for a reply, she rushed to the Rolls Royce and clambered into the back seat. Cain winked at Eden and Eliot. 'Reckon my life's changed for good now, you know.'
'Happen it has,' Eliot agreed.
'But I think,' Eden added, 'that it's all going to be for the best.'
****
'Reckon we'll be getting on with the mowing early this year,' Eliot said, nodding at the hay meadows as he and Eden leaned against the fence.
The evening sun daubed rays of faded gold upon the landscape, and a light breeze gently stroked the leaves on the trees and hedgerows. In the lower fields, they heard the distant bleating of ewes and lambs, safe and secure on Fleetsthorpe land, like so many had been before them.
Eden heaved a sigh. 'It will be all hands on deck again before we know it,' she said. 'It never stops, does it?'
'Never.' Eliot shook his head then turned to her with a smile. 'But that's all right, isn't it? It's what we want, after all.'
'It is,' she told him, glad that he'd finally accepted that this was the life she had chosen.
He took her hand in his and she rested her head on his shoulder, worn out after the events of the last couple of days.
'It's been a funny old few months, hasn't it?' she murmured.
Eliot laughed. 'Aye, you could say that. I feel like we've run a marathon, what with all the building work and them barns opening,
and the house full of Carmichaels, and — and Georgie.' He shook his head. 'Can't believe it's over, Eden. We beat him. We beat Fuller.'
'Thanks to Deborah. Who'd have thought she'd have turned out to be so nice?'
'Cain obviously saw that side of her before we did,' he said, his voice mischievous.
'I know! What a dark horse.'
'I'd love to have been a fly on the wall when James bloody Fuller and his dad got what was coming to them,' Eliot admitted. 'Thank God for Jed.'
'Thank God for Emerald,' Eden pointed out. 'She had the guts to stand her ground and tell the truth after all. She's a better person than I ever imagined. You were right, Eliot. I should have given her the benefit of the doubt like you did.'
'She made it a lot easier for me than she did for you,' he told her. 'Any road, it's over and done with now. Life can go back to normal. Although —'
'Although what?'
He looked troubled for a moment. 'Although, we're going to have to tell the truth to the kids one day, aren't we? George is going to have to know that I'm not his real father. The girls are going to find out about their mother.'
'That's all for the future,' she replied. 'No need to worry about it now, and when the time comes, we'll tell them together. You're not alone in this now, Eliot. You're never going to be alone in anything.'
He squeezed her hand. 'You're right. Time enough for worrying when it happens. Right now, life's grand, and I'm grateful for it.'
'I think the kids will sleep well tonight,' she said, stifling a yawn. 'They've had a busy few days, after all.'
'Fancy Jed getting them that pony,' Eliot said.
'You didn't really mind?'
'Nah. Not at all. Let's face it, they deserve it, and it were kind of him to do it. Mind, as wedding presents go, it's not exactly what I were expecting. Better than that bloody awful painting from Honey and Teddy, though.'
'You don't like impressionist art?' she teased. 'It's probably worth a fortune.'