“The fuck?” Dad stared at Boss like he had a screw loose - strike that, Boss DID have a screw loose.
“What,” Bulk snorted, gazing over Boss’ shoulder. “Bald and wrinkly with no teeth?”
“Hey!” Boss stared at Bulk, offended.
“Ignore them, babe,” Mum said to Boss as she kissed his cheek then took Jax Jnr from him, cradling her grandson in her arms.
“Least I’m not a grandad!” Boss smirked at Dad.
“Best feeling in the world, man,” my father smiled proudly, taking his grandson in his arms.
Harrison came up behind me, wrapping his arms around me. “He’s gorgeous, just like his mother.”
“Smooth talker,” I smirked at him over my shoulder.
“But a truthful smooth talker.”
My home was filled with a mass of cards, flowers and gifts from Quantum fans, and it was difficult to find a space to accommodate my family. Of course, Harrison had checked every parcel for bombs, and although I had laughed at him at the time, I secretly loved him even more for his fierce need to protect his family.
Alongside Harrison and Ann’s baby, Alexia, Philly was over for the weekend, and the house filled with the happy sound of her excited squeals as Romeo and his partner, Noel, chased her around.
All in all, life was nearly perfect. Nearly.
Knight smiled at me and held out his hand for me to take, “You ready, Lil?”
Taking a deep breath, I nodded and slipped my hand into his. “It’s time.”
“I love you,” Harrison whispered as he placed a tender kiss on my forehead. “and I’m so proud of you.”
“I haven’t done it yet,” I laughed.
“I know, but you will.”
“I will,” I promised him.
Trailing the tip of his nose down mine, he softly placed a kiss against my lips. “All clear, Lily?”
Framing my husband’s face in my hands, I looked into the swirl of blue that told me of his love every second of every day, “Aye, aye, Cap’n.”
Knight led me out, and I climbed into his car. He held my hand throughout the whole of the short journey, occasionally letting go to change gear, and chatted about insignificant things as the world sped by.
Pulling into a carpark, he came around and opened my door, making me laugh. “I’m okay, Knight.”
“Do you want me to come in?”
“Thank you, but no. This is something I have to do by myself.”
He nodded, completely understanding. “I’ll be right here when you’re done.”
I had no doubt that he would be right there for me for a very long time.
Taking the only seat left, I sat down and started to pick at my nails.
“Would you like to start?”
I looked up, and everyone sat patiently waiting for me.
Clearing my throat, I stood up and surveyed the circle of total strangers that would soon become my pillars of support.
“My name is Lily Cole, and it has been thirteen days since I last cut….”
THE END
D H Sidebottom’s links:
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Reviving Heaven Page 20