Happiness for Hazel

by Pearl A Gardner

  Hazel turned to him, frowning. “Why do you ask such a thing? I can’t imagine not loving you.”

  “I don’t want this to stop. I love you so much that I sometimes need to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming you’re here in my arms.”

  “Oh, Glenn.” She wanted to reassure him. “I love you too. I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “If you continue to make me feel as if I’m the luckiest woman on earth, I will love you forever,” she insisted and rested her head on his shoulder.

  “Do I make you feel like that?” Glenn nuzzled her throat.

  “You know you do.” She giggled and ran her hand along his naked thigh. “You always make sure I’m ready for you, and I always feel pleasure. How do you do it, Glenn? How do you seem to know my body better than I know it myself?”

  “I listen to you, Petal.”

  “But I don’t say anything.” She was puzzled.

  “Ah, but you do, sweetheart.” He kissed the top of her head. “You sigh, and you gasp, and you moan so prettily. Then your little panting breaths and movements tell me where to move my hand and how much pressure to use to make your pleasure more intense.”

  Hazel could feel her cheeks flushing with a warmth that had nothing to do with the flames in the tiny fire grate. “I didn’t realise.”

  “It doesn’t take much to please a woman if you know how to listen to her. My dad taught me that.”

  “Your dad!” Hazel was shocked. She had presumed he’d learned his lovemaking skills while making love to his previous girlfriends.

  “Yes, my dad. He said, ‘the secret to a long and happy marriage is to keep your woman happy.’ He said I should always put you and your needs first, and then he explained how to do that.”

  “When did he tell you?” Hazel thought back to the two urgent and clumsy attempts at lovemaking she had experienced with Glenn before they were married. She’d enjoyed the experiences, but had to admit that his technique had improved since their wedding.

  “The day before we got wed. He sat me down with a bottle of whisky and before we got two glasses down, I knew all I had to know about married life between the sheets and out of them.”

  “That was very good of your dad.” She chuckled.

  Glenn’s face grew serious. “I haven’t always been good to you, Hazel, and I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings in the past.”

  Hazel’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t always been sure about Glenn’s fluctuating moods and bad language. There were times when she didn’t think he cared about her at all. Was that what he was talking about? “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “Do you remember that first night when we met in town?” He closed his eyes and lowered his face.

  Hazel nodded. “How could I forget?” She smiled, but he couldn’t see it as he still had his eyes closed.

  “I left you to go off with my pals. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry. I could have kicked myself a hundred times for hurting you like that.”

  “Why did you leave me if you didn’t want to?” Hazel had suffered terribly that night after he’d left. She’d been full of remorse about what she’d done and was convinced he didn’t really love her.

  “I was ashamed of myself. I shouldn’t have forced myself on you in that way, and I couldn’t wait to get away. I thought you would hate me once you fully understood what I’d made you do.”

  Hazel smiled into his eyes. “But you didn’t force me, Glenn. I wanted you as much as you wanted me. I thought you knew that.”

  His smile was brief. “I hoped that was true, but I couldn’t believe a girl like you could want someone like me in that way.”

  Hazel was about to say something, but he put his fingers to her lips.

  He smiled wryly. “Let me finish.”

  She kissed his fingers.

  “Then, when I eventually plucked up the courage to come to see you at the café, I couldn’t believe my luck that you were pleased to see me.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” Hazel began to understand why Glenn had sometimes seemed moody. “You silly thing. I loved you then as much as I love you now. How could you doubt it?”

  “I treated you badly that night. I’m sorry.”

  Hazel didn’t know what to say, so she kissed him lightly.

  When she drew away, she said, “I’m sorry too.”

  “Why do you have to apologise?”

  “I blamed you for the assault on Ray. I thought you’d got your pals to attack him because he’d danced with me. I understand now that you could never have done such a thing.”

  “I can’t blame you for suspecting me. I was an idiot, wasn’t I?

  Hazel nodded. “Yes, I can’t deny it. You were!” She grinned. “Why did you want me to think you were involved in Ray’s attack?”

  Glenn shrugged. “It’s difficult to explain, but I’ve always had to appear tough. My brothers teased me for being too sensitive. They called me a pansy and thought I was a sissy, you know?”

  Hazel nodded her understanding. “You already told me about that. Is that why you felt you had to act the hard man with me, and with your pals?”

  “Something like that,” he admitted. “I thought my brothers and pals would have more respect for me if I talked tough and played the big man, you know? If they thought I had something to do with the assault on your friend, I would have gone up a few notches in their estimation.”

  Hazel frowned. His explanation didn’t cover why he’d wanted her to think he was responsible. “But you knew I would have thought less of you if that had been true.”

  “But your suspicion of me helped to convince my pals that I was the one to arrange for Raymond to be punished. Remember when you didn’t come to meet me that Saturday. Well, that just proved to my pals that I was responsible. They thought you’d ended it with me because of what I did. I had to pretend I didn’t care, but my heart was breaking.”

  “Oh, Glenn!” She couldn’t understand why he would continue with the ruse if it hurt him so badly to think they were finished. “But you didn’t have anything to do with it, did you?” Despite her belief in him, Hazel still wanted to hear him say the words.

  Glenn shook his head. “Of course not, but I’m ashamed to say I laughed about it with them. They didn’t know who’d done it, but they thought I did know.”

  “But you didn’t, did you?” Hazel’s heart was beating faster. She hoped he was telling her the truth.

  “When I admitted that I thought it might have been them, they all laughed and denied it. I think I said something along the lines of, well at least someone gave Simpson what he deserved.” He glanced at her quickly before lowering his eyes again. “I’m sorry. I was still playing the tough guy, you see. I still wanted to look good in their eyes.”

  “So that’s why you warned me not to dance with anyone else that day, in the first place. You wanted to look good in front of your pals.”

  He nodded. “And that’s why I went off to the pub. If I hadn’t gone, my pals would have thought less of me for putting my girl before them.”

  “I see.” Hazel did begin to understand the pressure Glenn had been under. “You didn’t want them to see you as a soft touch.”

  “I was stupid to think their opinion counted. They mean nothing to me compared with what I feel for you.”

  “You must have been so confused.” Hazel stroked his arm.

  “I didn’t have a clue how to treat a girl. I’m glad my dad gave me a good talking to before the wedding. I’ll do better from now on, my love.”

  “You are doing just fine, Glenn.”

  “No, I’m not. I got you pregnant, and that put paid to any plans you might have had to be a model. I’ll never forgive myself for that.”

  “But I don’t want to be a model!” she protested. “I never did!”

  “But you were so good at it.”

  “It was hard work, and if I had been asked by the agents to go to London, I
don’t think I’d have wanted to go away like Ally.” She smiled into his deep-green eyes. “I wouldn’t have wanted to leave you, my love.”

  “Really?” He reached up to kiss her briefly. “When I watched you parading on that stage, my heart was in knots. I was convinced I would lose you. You looked so glamorous and sexy. I just knew you belonged in a different world and…”

  “Wait a minute!” Hazel lifted from his side and rested on her elbow. “You watched me! Are you telling me you bought a ticket and came to the show?”

  Glenn nodded. “I did. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and I felt so proud when you came on stage looking like a film star.”

  “Oh, my love. Why didn’t you tell me you were there?”

  “A big tough man doesn’t attend fashion shows, now does he?” Glenn looked sheepish. “He doesn’t hang around the streets where his sweetheart lives, just to be close to her.”

  “So that’s why you were there the night Raymond was attacked.”

  “I did tell you why I was there. It was the truth, but it sounded daft, even to me, and I couldn’t blame you for not believing me.”

  “Oh, Glenn. You are such a contradiction. I’m glad I know the real you that you try to keep hidden under all that bravado.”

  “No more hiding, Petal. I don’t want to be the big man anymore. I don’t care about anybody else’s opinion but yours.”

  “What about your pals? You’ll have to work with them and see them and go to the pub with them sometimes. Won’t they think it strange that you’ve changed your tune?”

  “I’m a married man now. My dad explained that pals come and go through life, but a wife will always be there at my side.” He touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “If we become friends, as well as lovers, we won’t need anything or anyone else to make us feel good about ourselves.”

  “Then I’ll have to thank your dad when next I see him. If he’s responsible for you being nice and considerate, he deserves to know.” She smirked and stroked his thigh again.

  “Don’t you dare, Hazel Bradshaw!” He pulled her close. “He’d never get over the shock of a woman talking to him about such a thing.”

  “No wonder your mam loves the bones of him. If he makes your mam feel the way you make me feel, I can see why she’s always got a lot to smile about.”

  “I never thought of it like that, but I suppose you must be right. Most folks see my dad as a rough-and-ready rogue, but he has the soul of a gentleman.”

  “Just like his son. I love you, Glenn Bradshaw.”

  “I’m glad you do, Petal, because I love you too.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Famished! But not for food. I’m hungry for you.” He kissed her shoulder. “How about you, Petal.”

  “Oh, I think I could wait for my supper if you have other appetites to satisfy first, my love.”

  The days rolled on, and Hazel didn’t want to think about returning to reality. The honeymoon was turning out to be everything a honeymoon should be and her love for her husband was growing daily.

  Glenn walked into the village each morning, giving her time to wash and dress and he usually returned with some groceries to keep them nourished through the day. They were sipping tea at a tiny table set on a cobbled path beside the house. The sun was shining down on them, and Hazel was feeling content.

  “Isn’t this lovely!” She smiled at Glenn. “I’m so glad you organised this holiday for us. You’re full of surprises, Glenn Bradshaw.”

  “Glad you approve, Mrs Bradshaw.” He raised his teacup and took a sip. “What would you like to do today?”

  “Could we take a picnic and climb to that little lake again? It’s so peaceful up there. The air is so clean and fresh, and you can see for miles.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Hazel packed some sandwiches and filled a flask with cold tea. Glenn carried the meal in his knapsack, and they strolled, arm in arm through the steep countryside heading for the secluded little lake they’d found nestled in a nook between some higher hills a couple of days ago.

  “I wish we could stay here forever.” She sighed as she walked, and looked at the wide blue sky above them. “It’s really lovely here, Glenn.”

  “We can come again next year if you like.”

  “We’ll have the baby by then.” She touched her tummy. “He or she will be about seven months old this time next year.”

  “What will we call the little rascal? Have you any names in mind?” Glenn placed his hand on the hollow of her back as they walked.

  “I haven’t thought that far ahead,” she admitted. “Everything seems to have happened too fast, and I sometimes wake up wondering whether I’m still asleep and dreaming.”

  “Are you regretting getting pregnant?” Glenn asked, frowning. “Or regretting marrying me?”

  “Goodness, no!” Hazel was quick to reassure him. “I’m glad I’m having your baby, and I couldn’t wish for a better husband. You’re thoughtful and kind, and I know you love me very much. Why would you think I’d have any regrets?”

  “As you said, Petal. It’s all happened so fast.” He halted and pulled her around to face him. “I knew you were the one for me from the first moment I saw you in the café, but I didn’t dare hope you’d be interested in a lad like me.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “Because you are perfect and I’m just a rough miner with no class.”

  “I’m not perfect, Glenn. Please don’t put me on a pedestal. You’ll soon become disappointed in me if you do that.”

  “No, I won’t. You are beautiful. No one could compare to you.” He touched her hair. “Your hair is like spun gold and those eyes… Well… They are like dark pools of fire. I love your eyes.” He kissed each of her eyes in turn. “When you’re calm, they are like amber jewels, but when you’re angry or passionate, they blaze with glory.”

  “Oh, Glenn.” She smiled and kissed his cheek. “I love it when you talk to me like that. How can you say you have no class when your words are like poetry?”

  “I always got teased for talking daft.” He shrugged and took her hand to continue walking. “My brothers thought I was a sissy when I tried to describe the beauty I saw around me. I stopped talking like that because I didn’t like being different.”

  “I love your difference, Glenn. I love that you have hidden depths. I love your sensitive side. In fact, I love you very much, and if I haven’t told you lately, I’m having the time of my life here with you.”

  “Me too.” Glenn grinned. “I’m glad you’re enjoying this treat. We should do it again next year for our anniversary and bring the little one with us.”

  Hazel started to climb the narrow path they’d found to reach the higher ground. “Our little one.” She glanced behind as Glenn fell into step behind her. “What would you like to call the baby?”

  He took a few seconds to answer. “I’d like Henry for a boy. It’s a good solid British name, don’t you think?”

  Hazel thought about it as she started to climb the steep path. “Henry. I like it. But would you mind if we have Donald for a middle name?”

  “Was that your dad’s name?”

  Hazel nodded.

  “Then Henry Donald Bradshaw it is.”

  “It has a certain ring to it. He could grow up to be a very important person with a name like that, couldn’t he?”

  “What if he is a she?”

  Hazel turned to look at her husband, and he wiggled his eyebrows making her laugh.

  “Oh, I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Do you have any ideas?”

  “Hazel. It’s a pretty name. I wouldn’t mind having two of you around.”

  “Could get confusing, though, don’t you think?”

  “Not if I keep calling you Petal. You’ll always be my precious Petal.”

  As the path widened onto a high meadow, he came to walk beside her and leant to kiss her cheek.

  Hazel smiled and had an idea. “Perhaps we
could call her Petal. It’s a lovely name, and it would be unusual, wouldn’t it?”

  Glenn shrugged. “What about Nancy, or Helen, or Elizabeth, or Thelma.”

  “Thelma!” Hazel chuckled. “Where did you pluck that one from?”

  “I don’t know. I was just thinking of all the names of the girls I went to school with. Thelma was a pretty little thing but a bit shy.”

  “I think we should give it some more thought, don’t you?” She lifted her face to kiss his chin. “We’ve plenty of time, haven’t we?”

  “It’ll be a boy anyway.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “I have a feeling about it.” He placed his hand gently on her tummy. “That’s our little Henry in there. I just get this feeling.”

  “Do you now?” She reached to tickle his side. “Where are you getting this feeling, then? Here?” She moved her hand to tickle his tummy, and he squirmed and laughed. “Or here?” She tickled his chin.

  “Give over, woman.” Glenn was laughing and trying to wriggle away from her when he tripped and fell to the ground.

  “Oh, no!” Hazel crouched beside him. “Are you hurt?”

  Glenn moaned, but when he looked up, he was grinning mischievously. “This grass is soft as a feather bed. Why don’t you join me down here?” He grabbed her arm and tugged gently.

  Hazel fell into his arms giggling. “I can see what you have in mind, Mr Bradshaw, but we can’t do it here!”

  “Why not, wife? There’s nobody around, but a few sheep and they won’t be complaining or gossiping about us.”

  “What if there are other people around on these hills? We can’t be the only tourists to be out walking in this lovely place.”

  He rolled her over to her back and gazed down into her eyes. “I feel as if we’re the only two people on earth when I’m with you.”

  “Do you?” She smiled. “I love it when we’re alone like this.”

  “Me too.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “The troubles of the world seem far away, and the only important thing to think about is you and me.”

  “And little Thelma,” Hazel pointed out, chuckling.