Chapter 35

As the plane taxied to a halt in the warm winter sunshine Meg felt strong pangs of nerves shot through her as she spotted the cars on the edge of the tarmac and with them were Robert's driver and her parents … at least they looked happy as they chatted. She looked across at Mandy hoping for support and all she got was a bright smile with a cheekily shaky voiced comment. "We are just two old dears on holiday."

Jack chuckled at his wife and Meg laughed remembering the gentle ribbing Jackie and Simon gave the couple as everyone sorted out their cover story for the trip.

It was simple really; change everything round Jackie and Simon were the hotel owners with Jack a retired cop who helped out with the horses. Mandy was a relief doctor in the local practice and both were taking advantage of empty seats on the plane and friendship that had been made on a previous visit.

While discussing the current situation on the plane Robert had decided it would be easy for him to introduce them as just plain Mandy and Jack no need for surnames or places to be mentioned. Also as they would be with him it would be assumed they were his guests rather than friends of Meg. If it became really necessary then they would tell her parents some of the truth as for Meg having to mention names for John's helpers Stephen and his wife's names were availably otherwise they would just be nameless helpers. Also John's condition would not as forward as it really was thereby giving no alarm over possible phone contact in the near future.

To break the ice and get things moving Robert went down the steps first with Jack and Mandy following and introduced them to her parents. … Sort of setting the scene that they were his friends not hers and it gave Meg valuable time to get her nerves back under control and she would some privacy when she finally met her parents. …Oh joy! … Of course Robert and the others would take their time in packing their things into Robert's car possibly give one look at the airport building … just in case things went pear-shaped and she needed help.

Unconsciously she shook her head as she remembered Robert's grin as he suggested the plan and now watching the meet and greet go well, she knew she really had to get moving or there would be trouble. She huffed quietly to herself … There was going to be trouble whatever she did! …Taking a breath she made her way down the steps and across to her parents. She knew they were watching her, so she smiled at her father, who was nearest to her and saw the straight look turn into a smile and then he opened his arms for a hug, which she walked into. … No choice there then.

Hugging her gently but firmly Hank said quietly with a lot of feeling. "Hoping to hide it from your old man then!"

"What?" Meg asked innocently as she pushed herself away from him so she could greet her mother, who answered for him "Your condition love its written all over you!" without a pause in her words, but with a hint of a smile in her face even though her eyes still convoyed the shock she was feeling she added. "Don't forget we were a farming family!"

"Mum!" Meg exclaimed totally shocked by the last remark, but was quietly pleased when her mother laugh was joined by her father's laugh. And she walked into her mother's gentle loving hug, realising neither of them would not push her away as she'd feared. They'd reacted as Robert had … with shock and happiness for her… she wasn't fooled it would not be the end of the matter.

Hank confirmed Joan's statement gently. "It is Sweetheart and you looked so happy as you walked down the steps I knew it was wanted not feared." he put a little firmness into his voice hoping for an answer. "Now that everyone will be asking, hadn't you better come clean and tell all."

Meg gave a sigh and ignored the last bit and said gently. "Obviously Sara's all right as you are both here."

She got two nods and two knowing smiles and felt her father's hand on her arm and they walked over to the car. It was nice to feel his touch was a reassuring one and not a threatening one, she also knew she would have to draw the line so they both knew how far she would go and said gently but firmly. "Okay yes I am expecting and you know most of it already; his name is John, he's been ill recently, is getting better slowly and is in business." Then she gently emphasised her thoughts. "This is meant to be Sara and Casey's time not mine."

"It's your time as well Meg." Joan said gently not wanting her daughter to feel she could not talk about things if she wanted to and then asked. "Are Mandy and Jack related to John and here to check us out?"

In one smooth sweeping glance in order to hide the shock that her mother should jump to 'that' conclusion Meg checked where her bags were; saw they had been put by the car's trunk, then casually looked over at Robert and gave a wave (so he'd know things were okay … well that she'd handle them) and watched him wave back and get in the car ready to drive off. Then she faced her mother with a genuine smile and said. "No mum, they are just as Robert said, friends who were able to take advantage of empty seats on the plane nothing more. So please don't pester them for answers they don't have."

As the stopped by the car she looked at both her parents and added gently. "Mum, Dad I know this is not what you expected. …But I love John and he loves me and that's all that matters. You need to understand I still want to keep things separate from here." she shrugged her shoulders as she admitted feelings that were partly true. "I suppose … I still feel a bit jinxed by my past relationships… and I don't want things to go wrong especially now we are starting a family… When I feel the time is right I will tell you everything."

Hank nodded understanding her fears and seeing she didn't want to be pushed … backed off … he knew better now, and keeping his thoughts to himself put the cases in the car.

In the privacy this gave her, Joan could not help asking as she took in the situation. "How far along are you?"

Meg smiled and said "Mum, I would not have thought about the possibility till I got back home from this visit. I only know because I joined a new practice and the Doctor did a routine blood check and it showed up." She then gave her mother a look she knew she would understand and said gently. "So please can we leave it and concentrate on Sara and Casey. How are they?"

As they got in the car and started off, Joan said with a slight smile and a tone that said everything. "You know Sara is going to be just as bad, she hates unanswered questions especially where you are concerned. She's at home waiting with her bags packed ready and counting the hours, and Casey is trying hard not to fuss her. I thought we'd go over there now if that's all right with you."

Meg settled in the back seat and exclaimed. "That's great." then added a gentle "Thank you." knowing things would be left for now. As for her sister yeah her mother was right she would be worse … and those questions would not stop just change form … unless of course the twins came … now…

Her father's voice broke her thoughts "Yes … well you know what the old saying is …" Meg smiled guessing at the one her father was referring to as he carried on in a slightly serious tone. "Well, just make sure you are comfortable with it. But, if it's not you know where we are."

She quipped back gently. "Thanks Dad, the bed was very comfortable actually." and smiled as she caught his expression in the mirror and heard her mother's spluttering laugh, then she carried on seriously wanting to know. "So, how are you both … apart from being shocked at my news and waiting for the twins?"

"Fine I think." Her mother managed to answer having caught her husband's expression and also realising in that instance Meg was no longer their 'little daughter' she was more. She was an equal and needed to be treated as such and added truthfully. "We still have our differences but they don't build up anymore and your father is definitely more understanding… not that he wasn't before." seeing his expression she chuckled adding. "Perhaps we'll talk later."

To which Hank nodded as he needed to concentrate on the traffic and could not defend himself as he wanted too.

oxoxo

Meg felt strange as she knocked on the apartment door, this used to be hers and now she was the guest. But then all those thoughts went as Casey opened the door to them.

As they hugged Meg asked. "How are you holding up?"

She felt and heard Casey's laugh as he replied. "Fine thanks. John keeping well?"

She gave a gentle laugh as she replied, "He's fine and sends his regards and hopes all goes well with the twins."

Casey let her go, gave her a glance with a smile then they walked into the apartment together. Meg looked over at Sara who was resting on the sofa, and slowly walked over to her looking round the apartment knowing all ties were gone now. It was Sara and Casey's through and through.

Her parents followed Casey into the kitchen to get the drinks and food leaving the sisters together for a private chat.

Meg could see Sara had no intention of getting up and could not blame her so settled herself on the seat nearby and having seen her double look as they first looked at each other said quickly. "Thought they might have had you in overnight."

Sara still looked at her sister and sighed. "I was meant to go in this morning, but couldn't do it so a nurse came out to check me over and pronounced me okay and I could stay." With a smile that reached her eyes she carried quickly hoping her sister would not ask any more questions. "Guess the condition must be catching. Mum and Dad okay about it?"

Meg laughed knowing her sisters tactics and said. "Nice try sis. Yes they are just about okay, no big scenes at the airport, hugs and quiet words. And yes I'm happy it's happened but I suppose in a few months time might have been better. So, tell me why you did not go in this morning. Last time I heard, which was yesterday's email you liked the doctor and were looking forward to freedom … well of sorts."

Sara looked back at her for a moment then sighed and admitted "I got worried about something going wrong in hospital."

Meg could understand the usual nerves, but this was obviously something more and she knew neither of them had had personal hospital scares in the past so prompted gently. "You've checked out okay, gone from strength to strength after the first worry. So it's not you, you are worried about."

Sara sighed; she knew it was going to bring up bad memories and explained. "There was a mum who had her baby snatched from the ward last week. It all turned out okay the baby was found after ten minutes and it never left the hospital. … I know it's silly … … but I keep remembering what happened to Ben while he was in there."

"Sarah?" Meg gently exclaimed horrified she should think of that.

Sara knew she was not the one really affected by that ordeal so she rushed on not wanting her sister to relive that episode. "I know it's daft because he recovered and he was your boyfriend not mine. You thought you lost him … and he looked so ill … and Derek snatched him. I know he's not around anymore and you're not likely to snatch the babies or me. But everything just got tangled up in my mind along with the hormones and things. So when I was called in I got there sat on the bed and bulked at the thought and demanded to come home."

Meg held her sisters hand and interrupted gently "Hey it's okay. You were the one who helped me through it … I didn't realise it all affected you so much. But you know the security has changed and with this other scare they will be really on their toes. So whom did you chat to apart from Casey of course?"

Sara smiled reassured by her sister's reaction and answered. "Casey was there, of course so was the doctor who was nice about it. He took us to a private day room and we talked, as he was new I explained about Ben, they didn't laugh at me which helped I suppose. He explained it was just a natural fear and I would have a personal nurse for the twins and they would be in the room with me if it all went okay if not they would be closely monitored. Also we could go home with a nurse as early as possible. He then had a chat with Casey and sent the nurse round to check things out and I go in late tomorrow morning or afternoon depending on her visit. Casey has a hotline number …as I say daft but I feel better now I've talked about it. So, tell me all about you and your condition especially why didn't you warn me by email I would not have told them." She smiled as she added. "Left that job up to you, kido."

The others came in with the food and seeing Sara didn't want her episode mentioned in front of her parents, Meg smiled and gave her sister's arm a gentle squeeze to tell her she understood. … She'd always thought she and Ben were the only ones who had nightmares after his kidnappings and stay in the Chapel of Rest.

She glanced at Casey then back at her sister and said. "Mainly because I only found out four days ago and I would not have any idea about it till I got back home from this trip. Before you get worried it was a normal blood check by my new doctor, who is very nice man, father of two teenagers. As I told Mum and Dad just now I still need privacy about John. Also contact will stay the same because he rests a lot after therapy, all calls are banked so he doesn't get disturbed, which means it's easier if I do the ringing. I will phone you Christmas Day and we can arrange times later." She eyed her sister and Casey and carried on. "So, now I need some ideas for your present re the babies and Christmas, though I've got Casey's and will give it to him tomorrow." and looked hopefully at them.

Casey smiled and put a hand on her shoulder and said warmly. "Something interesting and congratulations Joan told me, though I did think you looked well."

She smiled and said "Thank you."

Casey added. "We'll do a grab and eat rather than at the table." Then grinning at Sara carried on. "Tell me what you want and I'll get if for you so there be some left for us."

Sara huffed at him and exclaimed in a hurt voice but her eyes were smiling. "You know Sis he can be so unfair." Then deliberately ignoring her husband she asked Meg with a grin. "So what are you going to have for Christmas? I mean if you've thought of Casey's."

Meg laughed understanding her sister and got out the photo of Snow White. "John's I know what I want to give just got to find it. But mine from him arrived yesterday … her name is Snow White and I've only ridden her round the schooling barn."

"Wow she is beautiful but can you ride her now. … I mean..." Sara asked a she passed the photo round, which got sighs of appreciation especially from Hank.

"Yes for a while and then John's helper will ride her so she will not get bored."

Hank who had grabbed some food "She's from good stock … So he still needs what was it therapy rather than full care?"

Meg grabbed her food and sat beside Sara knowing Casey would not mind. "He still needs full care though he's finding he can do more himself. We are not sure he'll be able to walk yet if not they hope he'll be able to ride. Of course we would have ridden together but now I guess we will carry on using the trap, we have a driver as John can't drive and I've got my car for my own use of course." She stopped then seeing Casey had got her sister some food and got a plate of her own favourites seeing her mother must have prepared them earlier.

Joan had noticed the change in her daughter's tone and knew they'd got as much as they were going to get and as she got her own food she started off the ideas for presents, knowing the others would follow her lead.

oxoxo

Later that night back at her parent's house Meg sat quietly in the lounge pondering the evening which had gone very well, her parents had gone up to bed leaving her space to check her emails. Sensing they were settled she set the laptop and checked her mail, there were the usual junk mail and a couple that could wait till she got home nothing from John to say it had snowed so she decided to write to him.

Hi Sweetheart

Everything is fine and yes Mum and Dad as well as Robert and Sara saw my 'condition' so I guess the sign is still there. They are pleased now they've got over the shock, been good about questions so far … time will tell … But they have accepted my feelings so far.

Sara is well a bit nervous and will go in late tomorrow morning; Casey is a bit like a cat on hot bricks but otherwise a very proud dad to be. Doctor has arranged a nurse to be with them if Sara wants to come home early. Given Casey your regards he sends his back as well as congratulations and is looking forward to the passing on as he puts it 'informative emails' should I be worried I wonder.

So far they have all accepted you are recovering from illness etc and understand that phone silence will continue. They loved the picture of Snow White and it helped to show them you care.

I expect you know we saw our friends on the way over hope they are over the shock and have not made too much of a mess yet. Also you are being kind to everyone as promised.

I will email with the news as soon as I can. … miss you, and love you always.

Meg

"Meg!"

She jumped at her mother's voice and sent the e-mail then deleted her copy and closed her laptop down quickly, then faced her mother.

Joan watched her daughter's reaction puzzled and said as a comment rather than a question. "You really don't like any one knowing about John do you?"

For a moment Meg reverted to a daughter desperately needing her mother's understanding as she said "Mum please, he's my life and I want him kept separate from Sunset Beach that is all."

Joan came over to her daughter her voice told her daughter she was not moving till she had the answers. "No, sweetheart that is not all … I saw fear in you eyes just now … the same flash of fear I saw at the hospital when Ben was attacked. … … It was aimed at me this time but you know I will not tell a soul not even your Dad."

She gently put her hand on her daughters shoulder; she needed the answer to a question that had been going through her mind all evening. She had not broached it while the others were round in case Meg thought she had to lie to protect the man she loved. Now there were just the two of them she'd need not lie but if she did, she as her mother would back off but be ready to give her support when she needed it and said gently. "Your protecting him from us … this isn't a dying man's wish is it?"

Meg knew her mother could read her like a book most of the time and would need to know she was not lying. She also saw trust in her mother's eyes and understood her fears, she wanted to protect her from pain and smiled and said truthfully. "No Mum, this is not a dying man's wish. He's been very very ill and is recovering but we know how much he will be able to do. He is kind, loving and a gentle person, I'm sorry you can't meet him he can't travel. To be honest I don't like carrying on about illness never have done as you know. I am very happy and I promise when the time is right you will meet him and our child, but I don't know when that will be so I'll not pretend I do."

Her mother looked at her for a moment then smiled and Meg knew she understood her wish and accepted it.

Joan leant over and kissed her daughter then stepped back and said gently. "All right I will trust that smile of yours and hold you to seeing our grandchild sometime in the future."

"Mum I will bring him or her to visit if I can."

"Not the other way round."

"No Mum."

"All right I will not pry any more nor will your Dad. Goodnight Sweetheart and thank you for being honest."

As Meg watched her mother go back upstairs she realised that she might never be able to bring their child here if he or she took after John. She sighed and waited a moment then picked up her laptop and went to her room, in there her memories and future possibilities swamped her mind.

By the time she was curled up in bed her mind was back to her real home and drifting into sleep became a dream of snow across the valley and they were all in the apartment sat round the fire talking and laughing as a family.