-1CHAPTER 19

The smell and taste of hot cinnamon fruit toast brought on memories of breakfasts back at the farm as Meg crunched into another slice. She eyed the solitary piece on the plate in the middle of the table wondering if she really had room for it and if it would look greedy if she swiped it before Paul did.

Paul paused in his chatter as he filled Meg's cup for a second time and pushed it back to her commenting half jokingly and half seriously. "You know this is like waiting to see the head teacher."

"More like a sleepy two year old." Jackie said as she came along the passageway from John's apartment. She smiled at their wide eyed expressions and carried on. "Mum always says she wants to pick him up and cuddle him when he's like this."

Paul chuckled as he voiced the picture that flew into his mind. "Oh yeah, long legs tucked round her waist and his head resting on her shoulder, she'd topple over!"

Meg giggled but stilled as a flash of Benjy snuggled sleepily to his father's shoulder who after a fun time out was walking him home and she walked beside them thinking they had finally …

Her thoughts were broken by Jackie still with a hint of her giggle came closer while explaining. "He's a bit more awake now and out in the garden wrapped up against the breeze … he might be a bit slow in thinking so don't confuse him with quick changes of conversations or subjects..

He thought you might like to go to church before the club opened … Simon's going to stay with him till we meet up again at lunch time, if it's warm enough we'll have it in the sunken garden. Mum and Dad will come back to the hotel as soon as the service is over. I'm going over as I need to see the Vicar and collect some things from Patrick and Tony, then I'll come back sort John out and get things ready for this afternoon. Most of the café staff will be at church so nothing is going to move till after the end of the service."

Reaching the table and still having their attention she quickly snagged and bit into the last piece of fruit toast and sort of apologised. "Umm sorry can't resist it. That's why they always put so many pieces on when it comes over here." Seeing Meg and Paul's flicker of a smile she knew that last piece had been eyed by both ... might even have caused a fight … and they'd pigged themselves on the extras … not that she really felt guilty anyway and continued. "I expect they told you yesterday that it is a coffee morning in aid of the hall fund" and smiled as she added. "Couldn't hold it in the hall as the hole is in the kitchen's roof."

Meg and Paul nodded yes and got up; they'd decided to go to church if everyone else did so as to get the feel of the town, and walked through to John's apartment. Jackie followed licking her fingers and remembered so called out. "Oh Meg, John wondered if you would check your mail just in case there's an answer."

Meg said quietly "And you said he was slow."

Jackie laughed and went over to finish sorting John's bed out.

Paul followed Meg to her laptop, which she switched on and waited for the download, she did not have long to wait and opened the email.

Hi to you both

Okay. To say we are curious would be an understatement!

Who do I pass the bill to?

Our wives are meeting (they wanted to suss each other out) in a town many miles away. (Not too many shops but enough to satisfy and less fall out if they come to blows)

I do have a prearranged meeting in this unnamed little town in the morning and know the people who run the airport.

So, we being male and strong will fly over to you by 7.30 pm your time Monday evening.

M will fly us says he needs the practice! Umm should I be worried I wonder?

After a suitable time we then pick up said wives (in two or more pieces) and fly to our respective homes very very broke!! But no doubt wiser in more ways than one.

Seriously … No matter what it is … we will standby you both and have covered tracks as asked … will explain and bring goodies with us. They are small so you don't need a truck!

You have my 24 emergency number use it if plans change or at anytime it is always open and untraceable.

Can we use your mobile to contact you or do we need another number?

Or do we wear red daisies in our hair?

R + M

Meg read it with some trepidation and Paul said gently "At least we'll not have to wait long." Then as they read the last bit they both giggled at the thought of red daisies.

Having just come in Jack joined them, read it and added first of all seriously but then finished with a grin. "Give them my special mobile number, Paul you can come with me to the airport … I'll use the police black out and scare them."

"That is so cruel but good especially if I stay in the car." Paul said with a laugh and watched Meg send back a message.

Hi both

Received with thanks look forward to seeing you.

No daisies needed, we thought of skirts instead but then decided a friend will meet you at the airport.

Hope you will stay over night to recover from the shock of the flight. He has flown before so you should be all right.

Phone number for emergency is *************.

My friend says your wives; you pay … after all we would hate to come between your families.

P + M

Jack commented as Meg sent it. "Ease it into conversation with John, he might not like it at first but he'll be okay just needs time to get used to it. Jackie is there a cup in the pot?"

"Umm yes but I'm John's slave not yours."

"Okay sweetheart." Jack said with a smile and turned his attention away from her saying. "Oh Meg your phone, do you know if his brother has your phone number."

Understanding who he meant Meg answered. "No I dumped that one when I left Sunset after Dad's scene I didn't want him ringing me, and there's no reason why Vanessa or Sara would have given the new one to the twin. Not sure if Gabi has it as we've only emailed each other. What about email address."

"Should be all right for now lets see what goodies they bring. We can always re route your calls or mail. We'll pick you up at the top of the drive in about an hour." Jack said as he went over to the kitchen area and Paul and Meg got up to see John.

oxoxo

Just entering the garden Paul and Meg stopped and smiled at the sight.

"Hey! no comment from either of you." Came John's rebuke to the unspoken comment, he had a blanket wrapped round his shoulders and one draped over his legs. Shep was sat at his feet with his front paws and head resting on John's lap enjoying his master's attention.

"As if I'd make a comment … but pipe and slippers do come to mind though." Paul teased gently as he walked up to his friend and gently ruffled his hair.

John huffed as if in disgust, he was sat in a small alcove off one of the paths just inside the garden and looking towards Simon who was on his knees, bum in air, head and shoulders hidden amongst the bushes. Meg realised she had missed this corner when she had seen John before assuming it was dark because nothing there but hedge.

Simon's voice came out muffled "Okay try the switch now … not that we'll see much."

John said innocently "Can't, not allowed to move."

"Oh Damn!" Simon exclaimed as he eased himself from amongst the bushes and got up spitting out a leaf. Turning round he saw them standing beside John and exclaimed sharply. "Hey! You could have asked them."

"No would have had to turn to show them where the switch was." John replied innocently.

"And Jackie thought you were a slow sleepyhead this morning!" Simon muttered as he past them and pressed the switch near the entrance. He knew John was not doing it on purpose the drug was making him feeling muzzy and after Jackie's re issuing of restrictions this morning he was also frustrated. Not a good combination...

He gave a gentle sigh as the garden was immediately bathed in gentle light from the flowerbeds and pathways - the sun had ducked behind a cloud as if to prove him wrong. But then it popped out a moment later and the lights seemed to disappear proving him right as well, which made him feel better. He flicked the switch and muttered "That's okay then." and hoped the others would do the same for John otherwise they were in for a grumpy day.

Meg moved for a better look at the flowerbeds Simon had been working at and gasped. "Red and White roses! "

"Yes … you missed them as the lights had gone out. …Thought it was a bad omen, switched it on and bang whole corner went out … then you came and talked to me." John's tone softened as he added. "Go closer."

Smiling already guessing Meg approached the small rose bushes, she caught the scent as she got closer and knew the white ones were her favourites, handling them very gently breathed in the scent and the memories they brought. She looked back at him with a gentle nod.

Smiling John carried on. "The archway hedge should protect them … we hope to throw a tarpaulin over the top if we get heavy snow come winter. … Evergreen variegated shrubs, daffs and other bulbs and flowers for spring and early winter, as you can see lavender and lots more for summer and autumn … an all year garden in a small area."

Meg walked round looking at the different flowerbeds understanding the sections while Paul sat on the edge of a raised bed near John asking, "Who designed it?"

John stayed silent for a moment and Paul noticed he had to concentrate before answering and realised that must be the sleepiness Jackie referred to.

When John spoke his voice was a little slow to start but once he got going it was all right. "Jack and I did … … using the projector by my bed and screen on the ceiling, … he showed me pictures or drew sketches and I pressed yes or no … … it helped me get my mind working again … realised there is a yesterday, today and tomorrow … the paths and brick work for the beds were done as soon as the weather allowed. …… When I was stronger I sat and watched him, Simon and Jackie fill the beds. … They used larger plants rather than seedlings to get a good picture … …so I could see the thing complete if not actually flowering. … Make my mark … … you and Meg going with the others … … she heard yet?"

Paul caught his need to change the subject and managed to grasp what was meant. "It is beautiful and yes to both your questions … Meg checked just now."

Meg made her way back to John having heard the conversation and she noticed Shep had not moved from John, and although John seemed awake she wondered if left totally alone he would nod off and Shep sensing that need stayed.

She spoke slowly giving John time to readjust. "They are willing to help to cover our tracks and are coming seven thirty tomorrow night and using a different plane, a meeting and wives meeting is a good cover story. Jack and Paul will pick them up. They will stay over night."

John was quiet for a moment and concentrated on Shep as it went into his muzzy brain then gave a sigh. "Not too long to wait … you go next Thursday … what about Sara?"

He looked at her, she smiled and confirmed. "Yes on Thursday. But I can stay with Robert on Wednesday night and come back either late Thursday evening or Friday morning. … Nothing from Sara but mail from a couple of other friends I'll read them later. … I don't expect anything from Sara till Wednesday and we'll have seen Robert by then so will know what to do."

While Meg and John were talking Paul was looking at the hedge, which formed a barrier to the rest of the hotel garden and stable area and then commented. "Val's got some roofing experts she could find out if there's a clear roof that can be folded back or slatted open when not wanted. Nothing too complicated."

"Umm" John was hesitant and Paul realised why so thought out loud, "Comes under the hotel name, the men could be around when you're at work … we've got a few months till winter sets in and the advantage is you can be outside in all weather. I could mention the Church roof as well if you like?"

John gave short laugh and Simon who came back to put his things away commented. "One hole, one Church hall … But! Two big donations … … neither want to share and both want recognition and the Vicar refuses to call the building anything but Church Hall. … … So the hole gets bigger and things get messy as we go down the long route of small donations and fund raising events … at least that way everyone owns a bit of the hall."

John added gently to Simon's comment. "Of course if I had keeled over in June it would have been settled. Instead the vicar and I have come to an agreement that I will donate something a little later and keep it quiet … being a newcomer I have to watch what I'm doing … also don't want to attract attention anyway. … … But you might be able to suggest a good temporary patch that will last a few years without treading on anyone's toes."

"Oh town politics remember it well. But the other roof?" Paul nudged the idea.

"Think about it." John yawned and shook his head then winced, knowing he should have known better and admitted. "It's no good Simon I need to go back … hibernate. Damn pills. See you lunch time Meg … Oh what about riding clothes."

She came over and took his hand giving it a squeezing she knew anything else would make him feel uncomfortable at the moment and explained. "Mandy's looked some out for both of us, we thought we might take a short walk before meeting the others for church so you go and play catch up."

Shep moved away from John as they'd talked and then barked wagging his tail as though he understood her words.

Simon came over and John let go of Meg's hand to allow him to be pushed back to the apartment and said. "Guess you've got a guide … Go on Shep show them. See you later."

Shep gave another bark and ran towards the stable area, Paul and Meg waved as they followed Shep. The dog led them down the path where John had thrown the sticks then cut across onto another wider one where horses hoof prints could be seen. The trees rustled in the breeze as they walked taking in the view and Shep enjoyed himself running to a fro with the occasional stop for a sniff before bounding off again.

Meg felt Paul's arm around her shoulders and his gentle words. "You okay."

She gave a sigh. "Umm will be … it is all so beautiful and we so nearly drove on by and missed it all. … … Do you believe in fate?"

Paul gave a soft laugh "Something's at work Meg whatever you call it. Don't think of the 'what ifs' … it's what is happening now which is important for both of you and he'll be better this afternoon."

As they walked separately as it was slightly rutted she sighed, "I know … but there are some many hidden memories which come back with everyone's words. … When Jackie mentioned about the 2 year old I saw Benjy and John, I know he's older … but they were so good together … … he's not his son … and he must miss him.

Mandy told me John thought Derek might have raped Maria in spite of her insistence on the boat that nothing happened … victim denial … hence his careful attitude around Benjy and Maria, … he was willing to look after Benjy if Maria remembered and could not cope. He never did trust Tess but kept her around for Benjy's sake. … … Then their DNA matched, he knew there was a slight chance he and his brother's could be the same … but of course he did not have his brother's to check against … he did not voice his doubts because of Benjy's feelings the child had been through enough.

It never occurred to me he was thinking that … I just thought he couldn't make up his mind or that he should be with his family; … all the time he was just trying to make Maria feel safe enough to remember the truth and move on so we could have a future."

"It's all right Meg; no one else would have thought that either." Paul said and looked at his watch knew it was time to head back and looked at her as he carried on. "He would have made good Dad still could given time. … …You love each other … he will get his independence back … those memories are in the past let them go to sleep think of the time ahead." Then he gave a dramatic sigh and with exaggerated wave of the hand added. "Computers! … Coffee morning! … Kids! … Adults! … All needing our fantastic attention!"

Meg laughed feeling better. "Yes … perhaps we should turn back. … I'm glad you're here I know you've not had much time with John."

Paul started to turn round and said gently. "My time will come … I thought I might bring Val up when you go to Sunset Beach … Mandy said she would put up with me any time."

Meg chuckled at his words adding, "That sounds a brilliant idea." then called out. "Come Shep! Home! and carried on their conversation, as they walked back guessing that if Shep didn't come then he'd make his own way back. "Are you going to tell her everything about John."

Shep barking ran full pelt passed them.

Paul laughing said "Not sure I'll talk to Jack about it at the moment all she knows is the car broke down and I met a friend I want to keep quiet about. But she's good at keeping clients secrets and this will fall into the same category. Watch out we are being round up again or he thinks we are not walking fast enough. That dog's going sleep like his master when he gets back."

oxoxo

The sun was shining as the group walked along the hotel garden path, Meg and John had greeted each other with just a smile as they were in public. She noticed that he looked more relaxed and was happy to let Simon push him allowing her to walk beside him. With half an ear on Paul and Simon's conversation her attention was caught by a bird hovering in the distance when it swooped to get its prey she realised how the atmosphere of the whole valley varied.

At the moment it was showing its glory as the sun set off the colours of the changing leaves of the trees and the different crops in the fields but if it ducked behind a cloud as it had earlier or twilight it became slightly broody. And last night it was a mystery – darkness hiding it - just the lights from the vehicles on the roads or the scattered farm buildings and the town across the valley showed anyone was around and the silence broken by the call of a night animal in the woods. She could understood how heartbroken Jack and his family must have been at the thought of losing such a home with it's wide sweeping lawn, the archways to the gardens partially edged by the woodland or hedgerows.

They were walking towards a low hedge, which seemed to edge the woodland and passed a temporary sign saying 'closed private' just before the path split into two. One path went across the grass to the hedge and archway to the barn and the side of the hotel; they followed the other which sloped gently downwards then disappearing into the low hedge. But as they walked towards it so she saw the gap, also it did not meet the woodland straight way. She realised this was the sunken garden, perfectly hidden from the rest … a quiet retreat. And she suddenly had a vision of John in the chair on the slope coming from the barn …

"So everything was fine at the 'do' then Meg?" John's voice broke into her thoughts but it was Paul who answered he could see Meg was not quite with them.

"Yes, not sure how much we made though, lots of people came, very friendly crowd. Not too pushy and all wish you luck of course. I can see you're better from this morning."

"He came out nearly human after his second sleep. So we're leaving him well alone tomorrow morning." Simon said quickly.

"Gee thanks boss." John said gently in a tone that said a lot as he could not face them.

Simon laughed and stopped for a moment as they took in the garden at the bottom of the gentle curved slope.

Having got rid of her vision Meg said softly. "It's beautiful John I can understand why you like it."

John knew her thoughts and said. "The steps were here and the slope is definitely manageable now at worst I would end up in a soft bush but big brother says no … so I can't race you to the bottom." and called out. "Eaten everything yet Jackie!"

She smiled and shook her head; she was sat on the grassy bank with the lunch spread out ready for them. Tucked into one side of the bank was a seating area part of which had been taken away so John could sit and be closer to the others when they sat on the bank. A natural rock waterfall set off the garden, the small river meandered though the mixed bushes, flowers and the woodland archway on its way into the valley.

When they got down into the garden Simon and John playful argued as to how to get the chair in the vacant seating area without trapping Simon in the process. Jackie laughingly conceded the point and let John manoeuvre himself in. Shep took up his position at his Master's feet keeping an eye on Jackie and the food though.

The others sat on the bank and looked at the garden, enjoying its beauty, scent and the peace with the gentle sound of the water on the rocks in the back ground. Meg sat beside John enjoying the view through the archway across the top of the lower trees making window out into everyday life and yet keeping the peace and safety of the garden and understood why he took the chance and came there 'that' day.

Shep's bark gently brought everyone back to the reason they were there.

Food.

"Okay Shep!" Jackie called and he rushed over to her and sat while she put his down for him, everyone else realised how hungry they were and the chatter started again with orders for plates and food.

Meg looked across at Paul and gave a delightful giggle, which brought a questioning look from John as Jackie handed him a plate of food and put his drink on the seat.

Between mouthfuls of food Meg explained. "Oh just that … Paul has found a reason for me to be here three days a week. … He has this habit of finding interesting people." She huffed adding. "And they say women talk. One of the people at the 'do' this morning wants a research assistant. What firm was it?"

Paul looked at her knowing she knew it and said. "Mason, Mick and Mason."

She giggled again. "I so love the way you say it. … They are in the new part of town so I can say I'm staying at the hotel and they know I work with Paul." She eyed him as she carried on in a tone. "Don't know whether I should feel insulted or not but he reckons they can do without me in the office all the time."

Paul chimed in quickly with a look. "You are worth it and we can work through Emails etc."

Meg decided to ignore his silent plea to take the right one and continued. "They reckon the work will run out mid October, if earlier I can be passed on to someone else." She added with a smile "Guess I'm getting quite used to that or I can go back to Paul if it does not work out."

John smiled and said softly with a tease looking at Paul. "Oh yes Paul's habit!" Paul smiled and stayed silent as John carried on. "Umm sounds okay, I suppose you can always say you've fallen for my charm when asked."

"Ohhh" groaned Meg with a smile the others laughed.

Jackie shook her head and said quietly but so they could hear. "Lost that ages ago."

"Hey pay cut for you young woman!" John teased back.

Jackie gave him a look adding sweetly. "Umm heard that one before as well." then adding. "Another helping?"

She got a nod so put some more food on a plate and came across to John and gave it to him with a mock bow. As the others got seconds, laughter and chatter over the morning carried on.

Up by the hedge a couple stopped, to watch the happy group noting how Meg and John were separated from the others not enough to be obvious or outcasts but enough not to be crowded. They looked at each other wondering whether to break up the happy group and they silently agreed just to watch till noticed, which was unlikely as the group were all looking the wrong way and the 'lookout' was fast asleep at his master's feet.

After a while the chatter died down again and in the quiet Meg felt John's hand rest gently against her head. She knelt up leaning against the side of his chair her hands on the arm rest as she looked into his eyes realising he had taken off his tinted glasses. He put his hand on hers and smiled and she realised he was totally at peace with himself and her, his eyes were bright and dark and she lost herself completely.

The garden disappeared and she was back at the Alter hand in hand with her husband to be, both lost in their own world, in that soft, warm, secure loving place only more so this time. This time she could almost feel his heart beating, feel him breathing and she wanted to stay in here forever, leave the world behind them, nothing mattered they were together and soon they would be totally together.

Somewhere in the distance she saw his mouth move and heard his voice say her name. She stayed where she was but she knew and understood his words they were so loving and with a gentle smile and very loving voice she answered his question with the words "I do." Then she repeated his words back to him knowing what his answer would be and why they were said here and now, and got the loving words "I do" back with a very gentle sigh and an added "That's all right then." which flung her mind back to Antonio's sigh of relief as they finished the wedding service. She gave a sigh coming back earth and carefully leaning over they kissed, each knowing exactly what this meant and revelling in it.

The others had sensed the moment and heard his soft very loving words "Do you love me with your heart and soul?" and her loving "I do." And her question back as well as his answer and as they kissed Jackie asked softly. "Is the bride just kissing the groom?"

Simon and Paul gave a gentle laugh and replied together "Yes." And Paul carried on "That makes you the bridesmaid and one of us the best man but I'll not fight over it or make the speech."

"Good, otherwise I would have to arrest you." Jack said as he and Mandy started to walk down the path to reach them.

Jackie, Simon and Paul turned to greet them with smiles, and laughter as Jack brought something from behind his back with the gentle exclamation. "Guess we should open the bottle then." At their looks he admitted. "No, I had no idea he would do this just thought the drink might be nice."

Mandy was carrying a box of glasses.

Meg and John had finished their kiss and smiled, Jack uncorked the bottle poured the drinks handed them round then said "To you both … be happy."

They drank and started to pack up when John had a quick word with Jack who produced an instant camera. Then Meg found herself being gently shooed not towards John but the archway along with Jackie, Simon and Paul she looked back at John hoping he would join them but he stayed where he was and shook his head. Reality slipped in … there would be no photos of him. She smiled brightly with the others as it was taken knowing it would stand by their bedside table to replace the old paper one in the draw. It could be passed off as their first meeting; she watched it being developed and then looked at them and then at Jack with a silent heartfelt plea.

Unable to resist he chuckled "Go on just the one and it must be kept here when you travel. Just one more rule down the drain." He gathered them around John with her beside him and took it. She knew that one would be kept safe here when she travelled.

Afterwards they made their way over to the apartments Jackie talking in her excited way to her parents and Simon gently teased them about the ride, while John quietly listened savouring it all.

oxoxo

Some of the group sat on the bars of the fence to the paddock while Jack waited outside with John. Simon rode across on Sandy and gave a mock bow then Stephen led in two others and presented them to Meg and Paul. With gentle comments some complimentary others teasing they got up on their horses first trotting and then cantering around the paddock to prove they could ride and get used to them. Stephen then went back to the stables and the others followed he joined them on his horse and leading two others, who brought smiles to everyone's faces.

Stephen handed one lead reign over to Simon and Meg laughing with delight asked "Which ones Thor they are both black."

John answered, "The one with the small white blaze it looks like a hammer and when those two canter or gallop it sounds like thunder. … You realise of course they were full size when they left home they just lost a bit of height on the way over here."

Paul laughed "Oh! Come on John even I recognise Shetland Ponies … who's going to ride them."

"Some of the kids are hoping to ride them British style round poles etc. even Meg could if she wanted to. They are gentle so some of the kids who are afraid of the bigger ones can ride them. He smiled at their expressions. "Well they are nearer the ground as well ... just don't trip over them … Go on go and enjoy … of course if you are sore when you get back Jackie will help."

"Promises, promises!" Paul said then looked at Simon's scowl and added "Perhaps not." They both laughed and Jackie gave a teasing exclamation "Men!"

With a wave Simon led them onto the track Meg had walked with Shep that morning. Riding beside Paul, Meg smiled and gave John a mock salute, which he returned, Stephen brought up the rear.

John watched them till they were out of sight then Jack said casually guessing the mixed feelings he was having, "Well my lad lets get you sorted. You've got the two bosses today." and started to push him towards the apartment.

"Yes Sir! … Does that mean I have to salute you sir!" John teased.

"Jackie where can I dump him!"

Jackie giggled "Don't ask Dad because you'll have to do the investigation!"

"Mandy you heard that!" John called,

Mandy waited and smiled as she replied. "Yes and I'll come over and check later with muffins and tea … how's that."

"Best offer I've had all day."

"Keep that up and I'll put you on a diet." Jack said teasingly. "Hi Shep got bored with the horses then." Shep came bounding past them having followed the group at a safe distance.

"Decided they were going too far more like it." With that Jackie opened the door and they went into the apartment. "See you later Mum. Dad if you could deal with John. Shep! out of the way!"