‘As in donate one? Of course. I’d love to help raise money to help the cats.’
‘She said she’s happy to buy it and donate it herself. But she just wanted to check you didn’t mind because she’d also love it if you’d be present on the night.’
‘Oh, wow, really? Hannah, what do you think?’
‘Now that would be great exposure,’ Brad said.
‘Absolutely,’ Craig agreed.
‘I agree. Hang on. Since it’s the Comforting Cats, how about offering someone the chance of winning a commission piece of their own pet?’ Hannah said, the idea just coming to her. ‘Only if you’re okay with it, Sam.’
‘I don’t see why not,’ Sam said.
‘I think it’s an absolutely brilliant idea!’ Jasmine said.
‘See, that’s why she’s my marketing manager,’ Craig said, beaming proudly.
‘Yes, I knew she was a lot more than a pretty face the night I met her,’ Brad said.
Hannah blushed. ‘It’s just a thought.’
‘So, what was your news, Hannah, anyway? Sorry to take over. I got a little carried away,’ Jasmine said.
‘Well, you’re never going to believe this. But it was The Black and White Gallery in Sydney that rang – right when I’ve just stood looking at nothing but …’
‘Black and white pieces! That’s quite the crazy coincidence,’ Jasmine said.
‘Yes, no wonder you looked like you’d seen a ghost,’ Brad said.
‘There aren’t really any coincidences. It’s all the work of the universe,’ Sam said quietly.
And there’s my friend and her philosophies that I’ve been missing, Hannah thought, smiling to herself. Oh yay, she’s back. She felt the overwhelming urge to go over and hug Sam, but stayed put.
‘Okay. But it is a bit spooky,’ Brad said.
‘Yes, I’d agree with that,’ Craig said.
‘So, the point being,’ Hannah said, trying to regain their attention, ‘Annika from The Black and White Gallery in Sydney rang to ask if you’d be interested in a solo exhibition of around twenty to two dozen pieces early next year.’
‘Oh! Wow!’ Sam said. ‘Well, um, I’ll have to think about it – whether I could get them done in time.’
‘Of course you could,’ Pete said.
‘No pressure, but I need to let her know by Wednesday,’ Hannah said.
‘Just say yes, dearest, and deal with the details later, I reckon,’ Pete said.
‘Don’t decide right now. Sleep on it for a few nights,’ Hannah said.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound pushy,’ Pete said.
‘Oh, I wasn’t having a go at you,’ Hannah said. ‘It’s just …’
‘No worries. I’m trying to be supportive, but I’m probably coming off a bit strong. Again.’
‘I really appreciate it,’ Sam said, smiling at him and laying a hand on his arm.
‘What a day. I brought you around to look at art and confirm it was as good as I thought it was. And now look where we are,’ Pete said. ‘Who’s for quiche?’ He picked up the knife and began cutting into the pie.
‘I’ll go and get the boys in,’ Sam said.
‘Ah, yes, good idea,’ Pete said.
‘I didn’t have to go far to find two hungry boys,’ Sam said, returning moments later.
‘Hello, boys,’ Hannah said as the twins appeared either side of her.
‘Hello, Auntie Hannah,’ Oliver and Ethan said in unison.
‘I haven’t seen you guys for ages. You’ve got very big since you’ve been at school. You’re not too grown up for hugs, are you?’
‘I’m not,’ said Oliver, leaning in close to Hannah.
‘We’ll never be too grown up for hugs, will we, Mum?’ Ethan said.
‘That’s right,’ Sam said.
‘Goodie,’ Hannah said, enveloping them in her arms. ‘You do give very good hugs. Now, this is my friend, Brad,’ she said when she’d released them.
‘Hello, boys,’ Brad said, holding out his hand. ‘It’s lovely to meet you.’
‘It’s very nice to meet you, too,’ Oliver said, giving Brad’s hand a little shake.
‘Hello,’ Ethan said, copying his brother.
‘So, tell me about school. Are you still enjoying it?’ Hannah asked when the boys had settled themselves on chairs at the end of the table.
‘Yes, but Mrs Smith is a bit crabby sometimes,’ Ethan said.
‘Yes, quite often,’ Oliver said. ‘She almost shouted the other day. Not at us, we’re very good.’
Hannah heard Sam clear her throat.
‘I’m sure you are,’ Hannah said, trying to stifle a laugh. They were very cute when they became earnest and serious and sounded so grown-up. She wouldn’t mind betting they were at the heart of plenty of naughtiness at school.
‘Guess what, Auntie Hannah?’ Oliver said.
‘What, Ollie?’
‘Daddy’s coming home.’
‘He misses us far too much,’ Ethan said.
‘I bet he does,’ Hannah said, looking at Sam.
‘Boys, remember, it’s going to still be a little while. He’s trying to get moved back here by Christmas,’ Sam explained to the adults at the table. ‘I’ll tell you all about it later.’
‘That’s wonderful. I miss him too,’ Hannah said.
‘He’s bringing Uncle Nick with him,’ Oliver said.
‘Oh. Great,’ Hannah said.
‘We’ve met him on Skype. Loads of times,’ Oliver said.
‘He’s nice,’ Ethan said.
‘That’s wonderful. Then, I’m looking forward to meeting Uncle Nick too,’ Hannah said, not sure what else to say. Thankfully a plate of food was handed to her and soon they were all engrossed in eating and talking about Pete’s great cooking skills.
Chapter Thirty-four
‘Wow, Mr Thomas, you do look handsome in a tux.’ Quite breathtaking in fact. Hannah kissed Brad on the lips gently, being careful not to smudge her makeup.
‘Why, thank you very much, ma’am,’ Brad said, stepping inside and taking a bow. ‘You’re looking very fetching yourself. Absolutely beautiful.’
‘Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet.’ She was in her bathrobe with underwear on underneath. While they hadn’t yet slept together and explored each other’s naked bodies – maybe tonight would be the night – Hannah didn’t feel at all embarrassed or self-conscious.
‘I am very keen to see this dress that needs two to get you into,’ he said, rubbing his hands together.
‘I can get into it okay, just can’t tie the corset strings. Come in.’
‘Ooh-ah, I’m liking the sound of this more and more,’ he said, grinning.
‘Not that kind of corset.’
She’d found the perfect dress over a week ago. She’d never owned something so elegant, nor quite so revealing up top, but hadn’t been able to resist. Especially when it had been marked at over fifty percent off as an end-of-season bargain. She absolutely loved the purple shade, which was similar to what her bedroom walls were now painted.
Hannah couldn’t remember the last time she was so excited about getting dressed up and going out. A shot of nerves shot through her belly like lightning at noticing the duffle bag he carried, despite them having discussed him staying over.
‘Through here,’ she said, leading Brad to her bedroom, which she’d been careful to not let him see on the several times he’d been to visit. Now it was finished, she was keen to show him. She hoped he wouldn’t mind the purple. Jasmine had assured her it was a masculine enough colour.
When she’d explained she was having Jasmine re-do the room, and why, Brad had said not to do it on his account. But Hannah had said she wanted a change. And when Jasmine had turned up with her samples and portfolio of ideas, she was past the point of no return. The room hadn’t needed much – really just the walls done, new curtains and a few styling touches. Hannah had wanted to keep the lovely timber suite of bedroom furniture that had been her wedding g
ift from her father’s parents.
Behind the bed, which was covered in a pale grey, textured bedspread with embroidered details, was a feature of wallpaper in charcoal floral on white, matching the colours in the silk curtains. Jasmine had found someone to make pleated shades for the bedside lamps in fabric similar to the curtains.
In the few nights Hannah had been sleeping in her newly done room, she’d struggled to decide which parts she loved the most. She was absolutely thrilled with the result and still found herself gazing around with a big grin on her face and warm feeling inside. She really didn’t think she could have felt so much emotion about a room, but she did. In here now she felt incredibly happy and content, like she never had before. She knew it had something to do with Brad being in her life, but also thought it was a testament to Jasmine’s skills. The only fly in the ointment was having to carefully place the four pillows and six decorative cushions back each morning to complete the look. Hannah secretly wondered how long she’d be bothered doing that.
‘Ooh, the bedroom that’s always been off limits,’ Brad said, as Hannah pushed the door open and stepped inside. ‘Wow,’ he said, standing with his mouth open and looking around him. ‘It’s stunning. That purple is amazing.’
‘So, not too girly?’
‘No, not at all. I really like it – and I’m not just saying that.’
‘Thanks. As much as I’d like to take credit, it’s pretty much all Jasmine.’
‘Well, you had final say. I’m sure she didn’t hold a gun to your head. So you’re allowed to take some credit.
‘Do you guys like your new room?’ he said to the three cats curled up against the cushions.
They opened their eyes, looked up and gave Hannah and Brad a cursory glance before returning to their snoozing.
‘Thrilled, as you can see,’ Hannah said with a laugh.
‘Where shall I put this?’ Brad asked, lifting up his overnight bag.
‘Just there in the corner,’ Hannah said, a flutter of butterflies causing a brief commotion in her stomach. She loved how respectful he was. While they both knew it was probably inevitable – well, she did – that they would share a bed for the first time tonight, Brad hadn’t mentioned it, let alone put pressure on her. They’d been together for around seven weeks and she felt so much for him her heart swelled to the point she became almost breathless and overwhelmed.
‘If you’re sure. You can always change your mind,’ he said, looking deep into her eyes.
‘Yes, I am. And, no I won’t.’
‘Gotta love a decisive woman,’ he said, hugging her to him. It was the closest he’d come to telling her he loved her.
‘And I love a man who’s always on time.’
They were still both dancing around using the ‘L’ word seriously. Hannah didn’t mind. She really did feel they had their whole lives together ahead of them, however long that might be.
She was very conscious of all the talk about people who had faced death or lost loved ones suddenly rolling out bucket lists and embarking on obsessive journeys to consciously make the most of life. She just wanted to be happy. She was someone who’d never been taught to swim in the pool of life but had been thrown suddenly into the deep end. She figured keeping her head above water for so long and not drowning was adequate proof of making the most of life. Now she felt lucky enough just to have survived.
‘Okay, I’m just going to step out while you put your dress on,’ Brad said.
‘You don’t have to. I’m sure you’ve seen a woman in underwear before,’ Hannah said, but he was already out in the hall and the door half-closed behind him.
‘Yes, I have. But, I do need to step out. If I don’t, we’ll be late. Very late,’ he called from out of sight.
Hannah smiled as she took the strapless dress out of the wardrobe and off its hanger, stepped into it and pulled it up.
‘Okay, it’s safe to come in now.’
‘Oh,’ he said breathlessly. ‘You look absolutely stunning.’ He stood staring at her.
‘Thanks, but I think you’ll find it’ll look much better when it’s done up.’
‘Right, yes, sorry,’ he said, and snapped back to attention. ‘The zip and then the strings, right?’
‘Yes, please. Nice and tight.’
Hannah couldn’t help staring at herself in the mirror. She looked and felt like a princess. And oh how she loved Brad so close to her, touching her ever so gently.
‘There you go. How’s that? Not too tight? Just check you can breathe okay.’
‘Perfect. Thanks.’ Hannah could breathe, but she wasn’t sure how she’d go with eating and drinking in the firm bodice. Oh, well.
‘I would hug you right now, but I don’t want to crease that gorgeous dress. You really do look incredible.’
‘As do you,’ Hannah said, putting a hand to his face. ‘Just one last layer of lipstick and final going-over with the lint roller and we’re good to go. Fingers crossed they stay right there,’ Hannah said, nodding at the cats.
‘Okay. Ready?’ Hannah asked less than a minute later.
‘I certainly am. And here’s our cab. Excellent. Right on time,’ Brad said as the doorbell rang.
Hannah grabbed her wrap, keys and evening bag from the hall table and did a quick inventory as she opened the front door.
‘I hope Sam’s excited and not too nervous this time around,’ Hannah said once they were settled in the taxi. ‘Jasmine said Mary has put her paintings on easels in full view. At least she won’t be expected to give a speech tonight.’
‘She’ll be fine with her support crew gathered around and taking care of her,’ Brad said.
‘Thank goodness there are no surprises, not like the opening. I can’t wait to meet Nick,’ Hannah said.
‘I love how non-judgemental and welcoming you ladies are and I feel so fortunate to have met you all,’ he said, turning towards her and gazing into her eyes.
Hannah beamed and her heart swelled for the umpteenth time that evening.
‘You’re such a beautiful man,’ she said, and squeezed his hand.
They lapsed into easy silence, both seemingly content to watch the evening traffic pass outside the taxi windows.
‘The house is even more impressive at night. Look, on the wall, lights in the shape of a sitting cat and kitten,’ Hannah said, gazing over at the large display of white fairy lights.
‘Now that is quite something,’ Brad said.
‘Ooh, and a red carpet,’ Hannah said as the taxi stopped at the foot of the steps, where the carpet ended. ‘Goodness me, I feel like royalty,’ she said as she tucked her arm through Brad’s and they made their way up the red-carpeted steps to the house.
‘Or a celebrity,’ Brad whispered.
‘Perfect. And there’s the talent herself. Oh, and that must be Nick because there’s Rob,’ Hannah said, waving.
‘There’s Beth, Joanne, Louise and Henry, and Craig,’ Brad said, also waving.
‘Jasmine must be off helping Mary somewhere,’ Hannah said, as they headed over to where their friends stood.
They mingled and had a few drinks and tried the delicious food, and then silence was called for. Hannah was enjoying herself immensely. Jasmine introduced her and Brad to Mary and her husband Bart, and then in turn Hannah met many other people. She took note of how well Mary networked and introduced strangers to each other. She liked that Brad was comfortable to work the room too, though he and Craig seemed to be spending a lot of time talking business – their heads close together and both looking very serious. She loved that Brad fitted in so well with every one of her friends. It was as if he’d been there all along.
Somewhere a bell rang and gradually the rabble of voices died down.
‘Don’t worry, everyone, there’s still plenty of food and drink, thanks to our wonderful sponsors Belly Up Wines and Feast Catering, and I won’t keep you for long. I want to thank you all so much for coming, and for your ongoing support. I’m so proud of what Comforting
Cats is achieving with our limited resources, which have gained a significant boost thanks to you all tonight and your generous donations. I’m particularly thrilled to have been given a cheque for fifteen thousand dollars from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. Thank you, and bless you.
‘You can rest assured all your donations will be put to good use as we strive to rid this city of its unloved homeless cat population and educate the public about the importance of responsible pet ownership and loving care and the wonderful benefits cats provide in return. For those of you who’d like to help at a practical level, we’re always on the lookout for more dedicated foster carers, and of course assistance all the way around. My dream is to not have any cats in a kennel situation.
‘Please remember to check out the silent auction list and put in a bid – there’s a wonderful array of goods on offer this year. Truly something for everyone. Huge thanks to those who have donated items. There are too many contributors for me to name now, but I’ve included a list in your gift bags. Please support these very kind and generous businesses as much as you can.
‘And, last but not least, I’d like to tell you about these gorgeous paintings,’ she said, indicating the artworks displayed on easels standing on either side of her. ‘Hannah and Sam, please come up here for a moment – it’s okay, you’re amongst friends and I promise I won’t make you give a speech,’ she said, smiling warmly and holding out her hand in a welcoming gesture. Hannah grabbed Sam’s hand and urged her forward.
‘This is Sam Barrow, the artist responsible for these exquisite works of art.’ Hannah gave Sam the gentlest of nudges and Sam stepped forward and raised her hand and gave a little self-conscious wave. Applause erupted. ‘And her agent, Hannah Ainsley.
‘I was lucky enough to meet these lovely ladies through my interior designer – oh, what the heck, come on up here too, Jasmine. You should be celebrated as well for your amazing talent and getting the house together in time.’
Jasmine made her way to the front and also raised her hand in acknowledgement. Again there was enthusiastic clapping. When the noise had died down for the second time, Mary continued. ‘Jasmine is responsible for the transformation of the interior of this entire house, which was tired and very much in need of tender loving care, as those of you who’ve been here before will be all too aware. So, for anyone needing a superstar of an interior designer, Jasmine Pearson is your girl,’ she said. ‘Now, sorry, I got side tracked. Where was I? Ah, yes, the magnificent art – donated by the very lovely Samantha. Some lucky person will soon own the painting on my left – the incredible still-life in white pastel on black – and another lucky person will win a commissioned portrait of their pet – or pets. This example on my right is of Sam’s lovely dogs.
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