‘Sam’s more a dog person, but we won’t hold that against her,’ Mary said, putting her arm around Sam.
‘So, please, fill your glasses and get your arms limbered up ready for the art auction while my wonderful husband Bart finishes warming up his voice. We won’t be long. Again, thank you all for coming, for your support, and – in advance – for digging deep. That’s all from me for now, folks.’ Mary bowed as loud cheering and clapping ensued.
‘Thanks for coming up and joining me. I hope that wasn’t too traumatic,’ Mary said to Hannah, Sam and Jasmine.
‘Not at all,’ Sam said.
‘Thank you so much for the plug, Mary – I really appreciate it,’ Jasmine said.
‘Well deserved and my absolute pleasure,’ Mary said, hugging her.
Chapter Thirty-five
‘Good morning again, gorgeous,’ Brad said, rolling towards Hannah and then kissing her.
‘Good morning, handsome man,’ Hannah said, wrapping an arm and a leg around him. Her body hummed and glowed in the aftermath of wonderful lovemaking. After arriving home late, Brad had carefully peeled Hannah’s dress off and then her underwear. He’d proceeded to massage her sore feet, which were unaccustomed to being in high heels. He’d then worked his way slowly and gently along her body until she’d practically begged him to make love to her. While the first time had been beautiful, the second and the third time had both exceeded all expectations. That was a few hours ago, then they’d drifted off to sleep again. What a perfect way to wake on a Saturday morning, Hannah thought.
‘How lovely was last night?’ Brad said. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed an event so much.’
‘I loved it. It helped that everyone could be there.’
Just as Hannah was about to say something more, Brad put a finger to her lips and said, ‘Don’t you dare say how lucky you are to have such good friends in your life. Because I don’t think luck has anything to do with it. You deserve them and they’re just as fortunate to have you. As am I. And to show my appreciation …’
‘I think you already have, Mr Thomas, several times in fact,’ Hannah said, seductively. She began frowning quizzically as she watched him get up and go to the gift bags they’d left on the upholstered chair in the corner.
‘And I will again, later. But first, I have something for you,’ he said, riffling through. ‘Close your eyes.’
Hannah did as she was told and listened while Brad came back to the bed.
‘Okay, you can open them now.’
Hannah looked up. Brad was sitting on the bed with something hidden in his hand.
‘When I saw this I thought of you and wanted to get it for you. You’re the epitome of community, you bring people together. You’re the kindest, most generous person I’ve ever met – always thinking of others, putting their needs before your own. Anyway, I wanted you to have this,’ he said. ‘Open your hand and hold it out flat.’
Hannah gasped. ‘Oh, Brad, it’s beautiful,’ she said, staring at the exquisite piece of marcasite and yellow and black enamel jewellery in the shape of a bee. She bit her lip to stop the gathering tears from flowing.
‘It’s been said that one of the most remarkable things about the bee is the fact that it can fly when aerodynamically speaking it really shouldn’t be able to,’ Brad continued. ‘And that’s you, Hannah, you haven’t let what happened to you dull your spirit. Despite your grief, you’ve soared.’
‘Oh, Brad. I love it and I’ll treasure it always.’
‘I know it’s a brooch, and you probably don’t even wear them, but I so badly wanted you to have it.’
‘It’s perfect. And when I’m not wearing it, I’m going to keep it on my desk or beside the bed to remind me of you and the wonderful event we had together. I love that you bought it as part of the silent auction to raise money for the cats – that means so much too.’
‘Speaking of silent. It was you who gave the anonymous fifteen-thousand dollar donation, wasn’t it?’
‘Yes. Do you mind?’
‘Why would I mind? Your money is yours to do with as you wish, and always will be, regardless of me.’
‘I also think I’d like to volunteer a day a week to work with Mary, perhaps in admin. Maybe that’s the reason for my job with Craig only being part-time.’
‘Maybe it is. I think she would really appreciate the help,’ Brad said.
‘What do you think? Honestly,’ Hannah said.
‘I think you do whatever makes you feel whole and happy.’
‘You make me feel whole and happy.’
‘As you do me, but I’m not sure we could live permanently in this bubble and not eventually go mad. We both need stimulation. Er, of a different sort to earlier,’ Brad said.
Hannah leaned over and gave him a firm, lingering kiss.
‘You really are the most exquisite creature,’ Brad said, pushing back the hair framing her face and tucking it behind her ear. ‘I just can’t get enough of you or close enough to you. I want to climb inside your heart and soul and never leave.’
‘You’re already there,’ Hannah said, and pressed her lips to him again. She groaned with pleasure as he began kissing her back passionately.
‘You’re yummy. You even smell nice in the morning,’ she whispered when they paused for breath. He looked intently into her eyes for a moment before easing away.
‘I’m a little weary,’ he said with a laugh.
‘Me too. How about some breakfast? There’s bacon and eggs in the fridge. Or fruit bread for toasting and plenty of cereal, if you prefer.’
‘Allow me, my princess,’ he said. ‘If you don’t mind me taking over your kitchen.’
‘Not at all. I would love you to make me breakfast. But be warned, I might get used to being taken care of and become high maintenance.’
‘That would never happen. It would be my pleasure to cook for you,’ he said, leaning back to kiss her again. ‘I have a warning of my own. A bit of sustenance and I might just want to make love to you all over again.’
‘You’ll hear no complaints from me.’
‘A big breakfast it is, then! Would you like poached, boiled or fried eggs, my darling? Bacon soft or crispy? And toast or no toast? And please say you have a tin of baked beans lurking about.’
‘Yes, there’s a tin in the pantry. A big breakfast is not complete without baked beans. I’m so impressed you even take orders.’
‘Of course. And I can cook, you know.’
‘Okay, two soft poached eggs, please, on toast with plenty of butter. Bacon – however it comes – and, yes, a generous helping of baked beans, please. Are you sure you don’t want some help?’
‘Absolutely not. You are to stay here and look beautiful.’
‘Could I trouble you for coffee, too? Or am I pushing my luck?’
‘Not at all. Coffee is a need, not a want, so consider it already on order. Now, is there anything I can do for my lady before I leave?’
‘I’d love the papers to read, they should be on the lawn,’ Hannah said a little sheepishly. ‘Am I stretching the friendship now? Because I can at least go and do that.’
‘No, I’ll get them. Great. I love the idea of reading the actual physical papers in bed. It’s ages since I’ve done that. I’ve got so used to reading online. Okay, be back soon,’ he said, tying the belt of the plush charcoal coloured robe he’d pulled on and then blowing Hannah a kiss as he left the room.
She leaned back on the headboard. What a perfect time she was having – the evening before and now all this.
She brought her hands to her swelling heart and as she did her gold wedding ring caught her eye. She looked at it, turned it around, and then slowly eased the plain band from her finger. She opened the drawer in the cupboard beside her, took out the small jewellery box and opened it. Tris, I’ll always love you and remember you. She picked up the larger ring already there and kissed it. A few tears gathered in her eyes. But it’s time.
‘I’m very impress
ed you get both of the good ones,’ Brad cried as he strode into the room. ‘It’s like Christmas!’ he said, tossing the rolled-up, plastic-wrapped newspapers onto the bed. He stopped short at noticing Hannah’s expression. And then he saw what she was holding – the two wedding bands in the open box. He came around to her side of the bed, sat close and put his arm around her.
‘You don’t have to do that. I don’t want you to do anything that will upset you,’ he said, drawing her to him.
‘I’m fine. Really. I want to. It feels right. I’m just having a moment,’ she said, turning and kissing him.
‘I know how much you loved him, and still love him. Tristan was a truly fortunate man and I’m going to do all I can to have you feel that way about me.’
Hannah closed the box, gave it a kiss, placed it out of sight and closed the drawer.
‘Weren’t you cooking breakfast so you can rebuild your stamina, Mr Thomas,’ she said seductively.
‘Yes, ma’am,’ he said, gave a mock salute, and made a show of turning on his heels.
Hannah smiled as she unwrapped the newspapers and laid them out. She’d only just started reading them again fully since meeting Henry. Before then she hadn’t been able to bear looking at them in case they contained something about the accident or the subsequent court cases.
She’d considered cancelling the subscriptions not long after Tristan and her parents’ deaths, but she hadn’t wanted to make that change. Newspapers had been delivered to her family at this address for nearly forty years. It had seemed disloyal to end the tradition. Also, she still preferred the hard copy to reading online. And she’d discovered newspaper was very useful to cat owners for bundling up the bits taken out of litter trays, and general clean-up.
At that moment Holly sauntered in, followed by Lucky and Squeak. She loved how they wiggled their fluffy little butts and looked about as if they owned the place, which of course they pretty much did. Hannah knew her place. She’d been smart enough to feed them when they’d come in late last night in the hope she and Brad would get a couple of hours of time alone.
‘Good morning. Did you have a little sleep in?’ she said, patting their heads and stroking them when they presented themselves on her lap. ‘Nice of you to respect our privacy. Thank you.’ As she hugged each of them to her in turn, the glow in Hannah’s heart went up a notch. I’m like a cat having landed on my feet after falling from a great height, she thought, as she enjoyed the drone of their purring. After a few moments they wriggled free and began looking for somewhere to get comfy. Hannah was pleased to see them curl up together at the end of the bed near her toes rather than the warm spot Brad had left.
‘Good kitties,’ she told them.
Hannah balled up the plastic wrapping and tossed it on the floor. She then separated the main papers from the magazines and glossy advertising supplements, which she liked to save until last. She’d just started flicking through the financial paper, which was her least favourite, when her phone let out a series of beeps in quick succession. No doubt everyone was texting to ask how her first night with Brad had gone. Perfect. Just perfect, she’d say. And I’m not about to elaborate on just how perfect, she thought, smiling, as she picked up the phone. The first message was from Sam and wasn’t what she was expecting at all.
OMG!! Have you seen the magazine in the paper? Read it now!! Xxx
Hannah quickly scrolled through the other messages, which were similar. She frowned, put her phone down and looked at the covers of the two glossy magazines. And there it was. Making Peace – the story of one woman’s extraordinary capacity to forgive. By Brad Thomas.
She hoped the title of the article – a clever play on words – was his doing. She knew having his by-line on the cover of this particular magazine was something he’d been working towards for a long time. She was really excited for him. Why hadn’t he said anything?
She opened up to the article. There, taking up the top half of the first page, was the photo of her and Henry embracing – her face with her eyes closed resting on his shoulder. She turned over to the next page where there were three smaller photos. Up the top of the page was the group shot of them at Sam’s launch party, and was captioned Firm new friends. It was a good photo, but Hannah found her eyes being drawn to the two images at the bottom of the page of Henry alone, which were captioned Henry Peace before … under the first and then … And after meeting Hannah Ainsley underneath the second.
If he wasn’t wearing the same distinctive pinstriped suit in both she’d have sworn the images were of a different person entirely. The change was remarkable. So much of the tension seemed to have gone from his face in the time between the shots were taken. Hannah still felt discombobulated about that being her doing – that something that came so naturally to her could make such a profound difference to someone. Actually, more than just one person. Louise had said over and over that Hannah had saved her family, made the Peace family whole again.
Hannah turned back to the beginning of the article and started to read.
I met Hannah Ainsley quite by accident almost a year ago. She’d retreated to a city hotel to escape media interest after the tragic accidental death of her husband and both parents one Christmas Day. She told me she didn’t have a story to tell and wasn’t a victim. Of course she’s a victim in the true meaning of the word, but from the moment I met her I thought her one of the strongest, bravest women I’d ever met …
Hannah paused. Her eyes were filling with tears and she was having trouble keeping track of the print in front of her.
On Christmas Day before last, Hannah Ainsley’s world collided with Henry and Louise Peace’s when the truck Henry was driving failed to stop at the intersection of Victoria Parade and Hoddle Street, killing Hannah’s husband,Tristan, and parents Daniel and Daphne White. Henry has been absolved of any wrongdoing and the trucking company he worked for as a driver has been held culpable.
Henry and Louise Peace were victims of this catastrophe as well, though not to the same tragic extent as Hannah. ‘Henry took it really hard,’ Louise Peace said.‘He’s a very good driver and had never even had so much as a scrape in the more than twenty years he’d been driving professionally.’ But to be responsible for the deaths of three people saw Henry fall apart mentally and emotionally. ‘He withdrew,’ Louise said, ‘he left me and our son, Felix. It was the shame, the guilt … The company wasn’t at all supportive. They essentially wiped their hands of him, pushed him out into the cold.’
For over twelve months the now unemployed Henry followed the court proceedings, sitting there day after day, week after week.‘I think he saw it as his penance,’ Louise explained. ‘He wanted to go to jail, be made to pay for what he saw as his fault. It didn’t matter to Henry that the brakes were faulty because the truck had been poorly maintained – none of which was in his control. He was behind the wheel that day. Henry’s a responsible, decent man, so he found it really hard. The only thing that has helped him has been meeting Hannah. I just wish it had happened sooner.’
While Henry spent his days in the court and his nights in a dingy bedsit, Hannah Ainsley was doing her best to piece her life back together. She refuses to see herself as strong or brave and instead credits others with getting her through – her close-knit group of friends. ‘Sometimes I thought I’d never stop crying. And I think I only got through it because of my wonderful friends. Thankfully I have some really special people who knew what I needed when I needed it. I’m so lucky there,’ she said.
Rather than feeling sorry for herself or wallowing in her grief, Hannah says she is trying to make the most of her life and appreciate it.‘I could have easily been in that car that day too,’ she said. While she admits there are still some days she is so sad she struggles to get out of bed, she pushes herself on.
Not only is Hannah optimistic, she seems to genuinely have one of the biggest, most forgiving hearts of anyone I’ve ever met.
Hannah was leaving her office for lunch one day early
this year when the lift was broken. While waiting she found herself watching the news and upon seeing the court case was on felt compelled to attend. She can’t explain why after not being interested in the proceedings at all from the beginning, except to say, ‘I was clearly meant to be at court that day and to meet Henry.’
Hannah paused to let her words soak in. She was a little embarrassed at what she’d said, but there was no misquoting, no twisting of words. And her thoughts were her own, and hadn’t changed.
When Hannah arrived, the court had been emptied and was on a lunchbreak. She found herself sitting down beside Henry on a bench – a further coincidence. They got talking and that’s when Hannah changed the course of Henry’s life, which was spiralling out of control.
‘I’d decided I was going to kill myself that night,’ Henry said.
‘Oh no,’ Hannah said aloud, and brought her hands to her face. She took a deep breath and forced herself to read on. It really was a gripping read, even if she did know almost all of what the article contained.
‘I had bought some tape and hose and was going to gas myself with the car. I just couldn’t bear my life. I’d killed three people. I’d ruined Hannah Ainsley’s life. How do you live with that? I couldn’t look my wife and child in the eye, I didn’t have a job and despite applying for dozens couldn’t get a look-in because my name was known. I was a marked man. I got a couple of interviews but all they asked was about the accident – just being nosey – not interested in employing me at all. I was a mess and couldn’t support my family financially. I’m not sure if I could have really gone through with it or not, but Hannah definitely saved me that day. I know that.’
Making Peace Page 29