‘It’s been a good day, hasn’t it?’ Lily’s voice breaks the silence and for some reason her words bring a tear to my eye. I swallow hard, but before I can reply she continues.
‘I didn’t know spirits could go anywhere. I thought maybe they were stuck, you know, somewhere they’d been. Like Grandma would only ever be in her house.’
I try to keep a composed look on my face as I search for something to say. I knew that even if she accepted her mother not being here, that she would miss Grace’s presence.
‘Our loved ones are always with us in here, Lily.’ I place my hand over my heart and give her an encouraging smile.
‘Oh, I know that because Dad says the same thing. I just didn’t think Grandma Grace would be here, or my real grandma.’
‘Your real grandma?’ What does she mean?
‘You know, the one I never met. Dad’s mum.’
Despite the warmth of this wonderful summer’s day a chill runs up and down my arms, as if I’ve been blasted by a sudden waft of cold air.
‘Have you seen her before?’ Oh, I wish I hadn’t said the first thing that came into my head. I’m not even sure I should be encouraging this line of conversation. Maybe it would be better if we just headed back to the wedding party. I’ll mention it to Adam later, just in case he feels it’s something he should talk through with Lily.
However, Lily seems totally unconcerned and definitely isn’t upset in any way. She looks at me with a lovely smile and pure happiness reflected on her face.
‘It’s all because of you, Katie. They’re all here today because they are so happy.’
All? ‘Well, I’m glad of that, Lily. I wouldn’t want you to feel sad about anything today.’ Actually, I think it’s rather wonderful that Lily isn’t focusing on the fact that some of the people she loves can’t be here today. The imagination of a child can be so wonderfully comforting. Love is a strong emotion that never dies and it never goes away. How can anyone believe that life is only about the physical? Haven’t we all felt it at some time, or other? That moment when you simply know you aren’t alone, even though it appears you are.
‘And Grandma Grace is wearing a hat. It’s rather large and very pink. Pop is wearing his best bow tie, but only because Grandma made him.’
I laugh and the sound of my voice echoes around the little space contained within the boundary of the tall, neatly clipped hedges. That’s some imagination.
‘My other grandma told me that I’m a lucky girl to have two mums who love me so much. I’ve never spoken to her before, so it really has been a perfect day.’
I close my eyes for one moment, hoping to sense what Lily can see. One moment everything is as it was and then, without warning, it’s almost like being caught up in a whirlwind. I may not be able to see with her eyes, but I can feel it. My head is full of shooting stars of light and my body reacts to an embrace as if I’ve been wrapped in a blanket of love. A few seconds pass before I can find my voice again.
‘I’m truly honoured you decided to share your wonderful experience with me. It makes this day even more special. You know that I’ll always be here for you and we can talk about anything. That’s what friends are for.’ Lily nods and reaches across to put her little hand in mine. I hope that one day, soon, she’ll think of me as so much more than just a friend.
Her beaming smile confirms what can’t be put into words and I send out a silent ‘thank you’ to Grace, Jack and Elizabeth. The fact that they are here today to support, not only Lily, but Adam and me, means so much.
‘I’ll look after them both,’ I make a silent promise with all of the solemnity with which I repeated my wedding vows to Adam, earlier this afternoon. The air is still and there isn’t a sound to break the spell of this magical moment with my step-daughter.
For the first time I can see that the plan was in place from the very first moment Adam and I gazed into each other’s eyes; the only one who knew that, though, was Grace – until today.
About the Author
Bristol-born Linn B. Halton lives in the small village of Lydbrook, which nestles on the edge of the Forest of Dean, in the UK.
She’s a hopeless romantic, self-confessed chocaholic, and lover of coffee. For Linn, life is about family, friends, and writing. Oh, and the occasional glass of White Grenache…
Linn’s novels have been short-listed in the UK’s Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards. Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award. Linn has published seven novels; A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love is her debut with Choc Lit.
For more information follow Linn on:
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A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love: With cupcakes, coffee and karma Page 23