Thanks for all the reviews once again. There will be an epilogue to follow this chapter, some time very soon.
They walked back into the hotel ballroom.
Graham held out his hand to Harry.
"Congratulations, dad"
"Thank you."
"I'm happy for you, really."
"I hope you find someone you love as much as I love Ruth," said Harry and squeezed her hand.
"As long as I don't end up with someone I love as much as you loved mum."
Harry felt the barb and looked away.
"It was a joke," said Graham, "really."
"Very funny," said Harry.
"So what gear have you been giving Ruth to make her say yes?'
"Pretty strong stuff," said Ruth.
Graham laughed.
"You don't strike me as the type, Ruth,"
"You'd be surprised, " she said.
"Trust me, son, never underestimate Ruth, or it'll come back to haunt you."
Graham smiled and walked away.
Ruth squeezed Harry's hand this time.
"Catherine, I don't know what to say," said Ruth and she turned to Jane, "Jane, thank you."
"Someone had to sort the silly old sod out," said Jane and departed after Graham.
"Charming" muttered Harry.
"Are you happy?" Catherine asked.
She didn't need an answer, in fact she didn't get one because the question caused her father and Ruth to look at one another and they never resurfaced for credible conversation.
"Right," said Catherine, "Off you go" and she propelled them towards the dance floor.
"He's happy," said Catherine as they watched Harry and Ruth standing in a corner whispering to each other.
"He's besotted," said Graham.
"You can't keep blaming him, you know."
"I don't."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Look at him. It's hard to want to hit someone that happy."
"I came here accepting that I'd lost you."
"And now you're leaving encumbered."
"Not a word I would have chosen, Harry."
"Then choose one, Ruth."
"Satiated," she said.
"Not yet, but you will be."
"Is that a promise, Harry."
"Oh yes, it's a promise, my love."