Tears dripped from Hannah’s nose and landed with little plops on the print. She pulled a tissue from the box nearby and tried to wipe them away. Poor, poor Henry. She blinked her sight clear and forced her attention back to the story.
‘She told me she forgave me. She hugged me. She even shared her lunch with me. I don’t know how she made peace with it all, but I will be forever grateful to her. She’s an extraordinary woman – so brave, so kind. Seeing that she was okay – well, as much as she could be after all that – really helped me start to get my act together.’
And what does Hannah say to that?
‘I don’t see what’s special about showing someone some kindness and consideration,’ says Hannah Ainsley, who seems genuinely perplexed that I would suggest such a thing. It’s almost incomprehensible, but Hannah said,“There was really nothing to forgive. The poor man was in the wrong place at the wrong time …’ As Henry said, Hannah went several steps further.‘The man was in need of a hug, so I gave him one. Sometimes a hug can make a lot of pain go away – I know that all too well.’ But Hannah Ainsley went a step further, sharing her lunch with Henry. Again, she seemed genuinely surprised that I thought that act extraordinary. ‘Food can also be a great source of comfort. My parents were big on sharing food. It was just the way it was, so it’s part of who I am.’
‘Not only did Hannah save me,’ Henry Peace said, ‘but she’s opened up her heart to me and my wife, Louise, and son, Felix. We’ve actually become quite close friends. And that’s all thanks to Hannah’s truly generous nature. She’s a really beautiful person inside and out. She’s shown us that good things can come out of a terrible tragedy. We can’t thank her enough. And, you know, it’s also thanks to Hannah that I now have a full-time job. I only wish I could somehow repay her.’
And what does Hannah think of all this?
‘I’m just glad Henry and Louise and their son, Felix, weren’t three more victims to that tragic accident that day, and have found a way back to each other.’
Hannah insists she’s not special, but Henry and Louise and I disagree. Very few in this world today would have been so gracious. It’s heartening to see and something society needs a lot more of. I would have liked to have met Daphne and Daniel White, the parents who raised such an incredible young woman, a woman who has endured so much yet is still able to say,‘Good things can come out of tragedies if you’re only willing to look for them.’
It was very clear to me when interviewing Hannah that she’s not just survived, but she’s thrived. She has two exciting new part-time jobs, a renewed zest for life, and a love of cats, which she never had before the accident. But that’s a story I look forward to bringing you another day …
Hannah sat with the magazine in her lap. She felt a little shocked as the words soaked in. She wasn’t entirely comfortable with it being so much about her, but couldn’t deny Brad had done a good job. She let the tears she’d been holding in flow.
‘Hey, it wasn’t meant to make you cry,’ Brad said, putting a tray of food down on the tallboy and going to her.
‘It’s beautiful, Brad, just beautiful. You’re just beautiful,’ she said, looking up at him.
‘I’m so relieved you like it,’ he said, gently wiping away her tears with his thumb and kissing her on each cheek.
‘I love you, Brad,’ she said, gazing deeply into his eyes, ‘so, so much.’
‘I love you. I’ve loved you since that first night we met. I feel like I’ve been holding my breath since then and now I can breathe. Oh, darling,’ he said, holding her tight.
Epilogue
Christmas Day
Hannah stood at the glass door leading to the backyard. She’d come to call Felix, Oliver and Ethan in for Christmas lunch, which was on the table ready to be devoured. They were racing around the garden, stopping at various plants and then examining their leaves with the microscope Felix had received for Christmas.
‘Leave them be,’ Louise said, appearing beside Hannah and reading her mind. ‘They’ll come looking for food when they’re hungry. Or a drink when they’re thirsty. They know where we are.’
‘I feel like I could stand here and watch them forever. It’s lovely to see them playing so happily together,’ Hannah said.
‘It is. So, let’s enjoy the peace before they get over-tired and someone starts a fight!’
‘Ha-ha, yes, good idea,’ she said, turning away and linking arms with Louise.
‘Sorry about the delay, folks,’ Hannah announced and took her seat with everyone else. ‘Now, please, help yourselves before it gets cold.’
The table erupted into a melody of clinking of silverware on crockery, murmurs of delight, and requests to pass this or that. Before too long each person had a piled-up plate of food in front of them – stuffed roast turkey, lamb, pork and four different types of baked vegetables and four steamed. Large jugs of gravy and pots of various condiments were strategically placed around the table.
Hannah tapped her glass gently to get everyone’s attention.
‘I’ll make this quick. Thank you all for being here. It’s wonderful to have old friends and new friends come together to celebrate what’s been and the good things we have ahead of us. I for one feel very blessed to be surrounded by a group of such wonderful, caring people. Thank you for being my dear friends and for all the support. And, to absent friends and family,’ she said, raising her glass and swallowing hard, ‘know you are in our hearts and thought of every day. So, please raise your glasses. To friends, old, new, and absent,’ she said.
There was a rumble of agreement, the words being repeated around the table and the clinking of glasses.
‘That was just beautiful, sweetheart,’ Brad said, leaning close, putting his hand on her leg and kissing her on the cheek.
There was another round of agreement.
‘Thanks, everyone. Now, tuck in. And while we do and the children are out of hearing, I want everyone to share their latest news since life seems to be getting busier by the day and it’s getting harder and harder to catch up. I have no idea where the last six months disappeared to.’
‘Well, at the risk of talking with my mouth full, because I can’t hold this in any longer,’ Craig said, ‘I’d like to announce that Jas and I are nearly four months pregnant. Please don’t anyone be offended, but we’ve kept it to ourselves because of the trouble we’ve had previously. So far all is well – fingers crossed it stays that way.’
Everyone cheered.
‘Oh, my god. That’s wonderful. Congratulations,’ Hannah said. ‘As if we’d be offended. I’m just surprised you could keep a secret that long when you and I speak or email every day! Oh, I’m so excited for you both.’ Glasses were raised and clinked again.
‘I knew it!’ Sam said. ‘Well, I didn’t know – I guessed. Ages ago.’
‘Okay, well, we’ll be next cab off the rank,’ Rob said. ‘After a trial run these past few months, Nick and I are staying permanently with Sam. This gorgeous, incredibly generous girl has agreed to us being an unconventional family – as in, all living under the same roof.’
‘It’s going to be tight, because I’m moving in in the New Year too,’ Pete said cheerfully.
‘I’m not sure there is any such thing as conventional anymore,’ Beth said. ‘I say, good for you for being yourselves and putting your boys first. You’ll make it work. Of that I have no doubt. Cheers,’ she said, raising her glass. ‘I actually have a little news of my own, too. I’ve struck up a friendship with a very nice man at Comforting Cats while volunteering. So, after several decades of being alone, and at the ripe old age of seventy-five, I might just have myself a boyfriend,’ she said with a laugh, blushing slightly.
Hannah smiled and patted Beth’s hand. She’d met Geoff several times and had enjoyed watching their acquaintance blossom into full-blown romance.
‘I’m just disappointed he couldn’t be here with us,’ Hannah said.
‘Maybe next year,’ Beth said.
‘Speaking of next year,’ Raelene said. ‘We’d like to know what you think about coming to the farm for Christmas – all of you. Adrian and I have decided to set down roots again, at least for the year.’
‘Ooh, yes. How about we start a new tradition and rotate every year?’ Sam said.
‘Great idea. We’d love to have you all sometime, too,’ Louise said, ‘wouldn’t we, Henry? Not that we have to wait until Christmas Day, of course.’
‘Exactly. And we have a bit of news, too. No, we’re not pregnant – we’re happy just the three of us,’ Henry said with a laugh. ‘But we’ve finally settled with my former employer. The terms are confidential, but let’s just say we’re very happy with how it’s all turned out. And we have Hannah and Brad to thank – for turning everything around for us.’
‘What about your other announcement?’ Joanne prompted. ‘Henry has been promoted to head groundsman and not just for our village, but he’s also going to be consulting to the rest of the group.’
‘Oh, wow,’ Hannah said, ‘that’s fantastic. I’m so happy for you.’
‘Yes, I’m really excited,’ Henry said, looking a little bashful.
‘See why we have to all get together – there’s so much news everyone is holding onto,’ Hannah said. ‘What a day!’
‘I hope you’ve all got your tickets booked for Sydney,’ Sam said. ‘I’m going to need my whole cheer squad at my opening on Friday February second.’
‘You don’t need us, but we will all be there, won’t we, gang?’ Hannah said. Unbeknown to Sam, she’d been planning their interstate trip for months.
‘Certainly will. The accommodation is booked,’ Brad said, ‘all within walking distance to the event. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend.’
‘I can’t wait!’ Beth said. Everyone agreed.
‘Thanks guys,’ Sam said, beaming. ‘I really appreciate the support. So, so much.’
‘While we’re all here, and before we’re all drunk and disorderly, I have something I’d like to say …’ Brad began.
‘I don’t know, I think I’ve already had three champagnes,’ Sam interrupted. ‘Sorry, carry on.’
‘Normally I wouldn’t do this in such a public manner, but well, I think this gathering is different. I feel like we’re a family who has chosen each other or been chosen by powers beyond us to be together …’
Hannah looked at Brad and nodded with agreement. Her brain was a little fuzzy from the wine, too, and she wondered where he was going with his speech. She looked at Sam who was smiling, and then at Raelene who was too. And Adrian. Looking around the table there seemed to be something going on that everyone was in on, except her. She frowned slightly as she tried to focus on Brad as he continued speaking.
What’s going on?
‘I’m particularly grateful for everyone giving me their blessing, especially Raelene and Adrian.’
Blessing? For what?
‘Hannah,’ he said, turning towards her, ‘it took me nearly a year to find you again. We’ve been together a little over six months now and from my point of view it’s been perfect. I hope you feel the same …’
Oh! Are you …?
‘If so, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’ Oh my god, you are! He held out an open jewellery box with the largest, most beautiful sparkling round diamond solitaire ring she’d ever seen. Oh my, that’s gorgeous. Yes, yes, YES! Oh, Brad, of course I will.
‘Hann?’ he prompted.
Didn’t you hear me shout yes, several times?
‘Please say something – preferably yes,’ he said with a nervous laugh.
‘Shit. Sorry. Here I am sitting here with my mouth gaping like a fish. I’m a little stunned. I wasn’t expecting this.’
‘And …?’
‘Yes! Yes, yes, YES! Of course, Brad, I can’t wait to be your wife. I love you so much,’ she said, throwing her arms around his neck.
‘Well, thank goodness for that!’ he said with obvious relief. ‘Can I put the ring on your finger, then?’ he added as he gently extracted himself from her clutches.
Hannah held out her hand and watched as Brad took the ring out of the box and then slid it on to her finger.
‘It’s perfect, absolutely stunning. Thank you,’ she said.
‘Thank you,’ he said, looking deep into her eyes, cupping her face with his large gentle hands, and kissing her passionately.
Applause, cheering and whistling erupted around the table followed by congratulations. Hannah felt she was glowing with happiness.
A few moments later the excited chatter and oohing and ahhing over the news and ring was suddenly shattered by the thunder of small feet and chorus of voices as Oliver, Ethan and Felix ran into the dining room and up to their mothers, crying in unison, ‘Muuum, I’m hungry!’
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to:
James Kellow, Sue Brockhoff, Annabel Blay, Adam van Rooijen and everyone at Harlequin Australia and HarperCollins Australia for turning my manuscripts into beautiful books and for continuing to make my dreams come true.
Editor Bernadette Foley for her kindness, valuable insights and guiding hand to bring out the best in my writing and Hannah’s story.
Amy Milne at AM Publicity for getting the word out, and the media outlets, bloggers, reviewers, librarians, booksellers and readers for all the amazing support. It really does mean so much to me to hear of people enjoying my stories and connecting with my characters.
And, finally, to my dear friends who provide so much love, support, and encouragement – especially Mel Sabeeney, NEL and WTC. I am truly blessed to have you in my life.
ISBN: 9781489246875
TITLE: MAKING PEACE
First Australian Publication 2018
Copyright © 2018 Fiona McCallum
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