Chapter 42

Hi Sis

New Year reflections from home.

The twins woke up around midnight, Casey and I were already awake wanting to watch the fireworks from the apartments … yep we slept earlier. Saw them … well you can just see the high ones from the bedroom … lots of those thank goodness. Some were just one colour, others were mixed and there were those amazing ones where one colour breaks through another and the number increased each time. … Nope didn't bother counting just loved them. Luckily not too many had really loud bangs.

Gave the twins their 'midnight' feasts (greedy monkeys) okay okay so we had one as well, (cakes and drinks) must keep my strength up. Casey said it was rude to eat alone so he joined in and of course we were drinking the New Year in.

As I fed the twins I thought of just how amazing it is to have them, be a month soon and they are changing … watching things, listening to voices, noises, music. Mark is the quieter one … unless you leave him too long then he really gets going, Sue wants attention straight away … yep no messing around. (Want earplugs or just remember what Mum says got good lungs so still alive so don't worry about it.) To think this time next year they will be up and around … possibly walking and they are ours for life … frightening thought in some ways.

By the way I think the plan of yours about clothes gifts is a good one I'll let you know how we can deal with it later.

Mum and Dad went round AJ and Bette's for a party needless to say hangovers followed so we talked quietly on the phone this morning. I was not cruel and rung early either … even so Dad complained about the phone being too loud … as if I could do anything about that! They enjoyed themselves though, caught up on all the gossip not that they miss much as they hear it from their customers … they also made a couple of new friends.

Thanks for info about that firm, have sent off for a brochure will let you know what ones we will order for the shop… and yes the one Mum has will be left off so it stays special.

You know I still can't get the picture of the snowball fight out of my head. lol

Well all our love for the New Year to both of you.

Sara.

Meg smiled as she started her mail ….

Hi

A belated Happy New Year to you all from the both of us … glad you had a good time.

Well … You did say I could leave it till I recovered.

So I've recovered … No not from a hangover … just a fantastic New Year party.

Words in this mail will not cover the feeling I have for that party or now come to that

She stopped she wanted to tell Sara everything but could not.

She put the mail on save and got up with a sigh, and as she walked passed John who was sitting in the lounge area reading, he looked up and gave a slight smile and a gentle. "Trouble?"

She stopped and looked at him and explained gently. "Not really … I want to spout off about last night/this morning to Sara but can't." She gave a gentle huff with a smile. "So I'm going to spout off to Robert and then give her a censored version later."

When John frowned she carried on. "You're behind in your recovery so you can't answer the phone etc."

John nodded his understanding and said softly "I can always be in the bathroom, at work or with the horses don't lie too much otherwise you will get tangled or stop writing about things, and I don't want that. The surprise will cover any jump they may think strange. There's no danger in me picking up the phone as your mobile is yours alone and the hotel still takes all my calls." He added with a smile. "I must have a word with Jack about that."

Meg nodded with a smile sensing the 'discussion' coming up between the two men as to just how much independence John could have regarding calls would be fairly heated as he was feeling trapped by the weather and Jackie's rules.

With his eyes still twinkling with mischief he added. "So, shall I get you some tea in about half an hour?"

"Yes please." She bit off the warning; because his chuckle told her he knew what she was just going to say so expected a comment and was surprised when he jumped subjects.

"By the way Jackie has caved in about the swimming. So instead of going daft once round the barn on Sandy I'm in the pool later, are you going to join me?"

That sounded good so she accepted. "Umm loved to." Then giggled knowing how Jackie felt about swimming and cold weather, which was why swimming g had stopped and added. "You're going to be wrapped in blankets."

He looked at her seriously as he answered. "Yes and must not sneeze or cough afterwards either." then smiled adding. "Give him my love; I'm going to check with the hotel to see if Paul and Val have surfaced yet. If you're wondering fairy godmother she lost her wand last night so it's back to normal."

Meg laughed as she went to the other apartment and as she past Jackie who was tiding up her lounge she smiled and said quietly "He won then."

Jackie laughed and stopped for a moment "Yeah but it will be every other day and heaven help him if he gets a cold."

Meg chuckled understanding her caution. "It's that or he'll erupt about the riding … we haven't had any fresh snow so the sheltered paths are clear and Sandy is very sure footed."

Jackie sighed. "I know that Meg but my hands are tied till we see the specialist … so swimming is the better thing to do and it will only be a short session, though I've not told him that. You upstairs for a while?"

"Yes to check emails and send one to Robert, then we're having a cup of tea so I assume the swim will be after that." Meg said as she started to go upstairs.

"Fine I'll get things sorted for the trip and warn Simon."

oxoxo

Once in the office Meg set up the machine and put the coding disk in ready for use then smiled, there was one from Robert. She had wondered how his New Year had gone and opened it watched it sort itself out then started to read.

Hi Meg

Just a quick note to say Happy New Year to you both, and to let you know how the party went.

As you can guess family are now back to full strength and I'll have to work hard to pay the bill. … Okay we had a lovely time, invited the whole street so no complaints, ended up with kids out front and the oldies out back so didn't have far to crawl when it ended. Yeah some of us oldies had to brave the front just to check on the kid but believe it or not the kids behaved though there were a few bodies in the garage. Luckily they got up when they found food was on the go later in the morning.

In case you are wondering the cars stayed round at friends and complained when they were driven back … guess it must have been a good garage … perhaps I should put carpet in ours too or just get them serviced.

Hope John's memories about Christmas past have settled now … and you've stopped having nightmares etc about them. Remember he was loved by his parents and is loved by you and his new family and he knows it. Now you can really start a fresh together. It says a lot that he managed to face company for the evening meal. And it certainly was a pity you didn't have a camera when Jan curled up on his lap after the meal to watch the fun and games. Well that's two year olds either full of energy or zapped and not fazed by anything.

So how was the party … if you went that is?

Have booked time off to come and see you will bring Sue with me, though she believes we are going to the same town we met Mat last time, which we are but then we will fly by other plane to you. Tell John I have a plan and part of it is being set up now. It's a big conference to be held in Sunset I know AJ will send Casey to it and from there ideas may flow.

Hear from you soon I hope.

Robert.

Meg pressed reply and put in heading. 'New Year with a bang'

Hi Robert.

Happy New Year back, glad all is well, we are fine, have already booked your rooms so you will not have to sleep in the snow. I think heading says it all so I will love you and leave you.

It's okay only kidding. I'm going to write a quieter version to Sara later at the moment I still feel the "wow"factor.

So to keep you hanging on I'll start at the beginning … sort of … because I doubt you want to hear about John's argument with Jackie as she made him have an afternoon nap … as in sleep not resting … Jackie won that one. I had the fun of watching him sleep … love it.

Fireworks were spectacular; they are set off before midnight and from a point near the waterfall so that the top two towns can see them. I think you know cousins in Mandy's family own/owned the other town and land. The towns further down have theirs of course but we get ours in first. Apparently across the valley did last year's display … just as well as Mandy didn't have any cash and I think they thought they were the best and would stay the best. A few months ago John and Jack put their heads together and quietly found a new supplier. Wicked of them not telling the other side I know, of course if things had gone wrong Jack's name would have been mud … but they didn't. I should add the rivalry is friendly and I expect names of firm will be exchanged.

The night was clear and not too cold so the okay for going was given. We could not make our minds up whether it was best for John to see them from the hotel then rush to the hall for the music and count down or see them from outside the hall and hope Sandy didn't mind the bangs, which were not too loud because of the distance. In the end we braved the cold (they supplied mugs of coffee and soup) and Sandy was good, (so was John) the new trap is warm so that was okay. Simon was not only wrapped up warm but had Jackie as well. Sandy had company in the church hall garage as some others rode in, apparently their car decided to hit a tree the day before … luckily no one was badly hurt as they were going slowly.

Paul and Val came, they would not have missed it for the world and of course there was 'the family' as well as friends meant to be about fifty but no one was turned away … well the hall is huge. After the fireworks we went into the hall, John was in the chair so we were near the glass doors to one side. This was good as it meant we did not feel too hemmed in and knew we could go out without causing too much fuss, it was also away from the loudspeakers. Everyone gave us room as well, there were tables and chairs scattered round the edge of the room leaving the main area for dancing and a DJ etc on the stage, needless to say there were drinks and nibbles.

So we all settled down for the countdown into the New Year there were a several dances first to warm everyone up. The local DJ had explained that they would have a 'quiet' hour of requests some had already been handed others were wanted. Also the spotlight would shine on the couples or groups as they danced if found. As you can imagine some of the requests and messages were wacky I danced with friends and a couple of strangers, I think John enjoyed flirting with the wives or female partners who chatted with him or any of the group left behind that is an overall view.

Now to the important bit … As luck would have it I was a little way away from the table as the countdown was announced so I turned round to get back to John and saw the chair was empty but felt a hand on my shoulder before the flash of fear could register. Yep the sneak had crept up on me! (okay he had help) Anyway, he put his arm around my shoulders and I snuggled close, not so close to tip him over but enough to give him the balance he would need, and we counted out the old and welcomed in the new year.

Did not stop there … our friends had made a protective circle around us and I thought we would make our way back to the chair and table and sit the next song out.

But I was oh so wrong.

The DJ announced that the first song for the New Year was a thank you from John to his adopted family and friends and the second was from him to me, he added with a laugh … he was pleased we were not on a ship for that one.

People looked around and moved back so we all had room when the first song started it sent a ripple down my spine as I know the significance it has for Jack and Mandy (as he is retiring this year and it is their favourite) there is of course John's special feelings for Simon and Jackie and his finding Paul and Val. The others listening believed it was just about John finding a special family and the town accepting him, which is also true. The song is from the Lion King about a warrior coming home and finding love it is called 'Can you feel the love tonight.' … and yes we could especially between Jack and Mandy.

So we danced together with the spotlight resting on the couples in turn. It was lovely because he danced so well … granted it was a cuddle dance and we didn't travel far … but there was not faulting his strength or steps.

The other song was 'My heart will go on' from Titanic … so I'm glad we weren't out at sea – yes we had a grin about that … just as well Sara and Casey were not here. The singer was male who had a voice that gave the song feeling and strength – I must find out who later.

The feeling I had as we danced together is really too much to put into words, to say it was warm and fuzzy is an understatement.

I know he was declaring his love for me (the love he has always had, which kept him alive in the dark days and now he is willing to show everyone, although everyone else believes it is a new found love). It was a most fantastic loving surprise for him to spring on us the others didn't know he was going to do it either, they thought he was just going to stand by me for the count down then go back while the others danced.

He must have felt incredibly safe amongst us to even try and do it; more so as he still cannot walk outside or in the computer club he tends to freeze up. It is amazing finding out how John and Ben are merging the surprise was so much like Ben used to be. As I listened to the words while dancing in his arms I know I will love him forever and our love is forever no matter what may come.

In the dying seconds of the song we stopped dancing and he kissed me …. I did not know then but we were the only ones on the dance floor all our friends had stopped dancing and watched … needless to say they clapped in the silence just after the song finished and as we broke our kiss … we looked at each other as we accepted the applause.

I wish in some ways I could have seen into his eyes but as usual he had his tinted glasses on but I reckon they must have been as dark and emotional as mine were. … Floating is one word I suppose I could use but I know I could feel our love ... our deep love.

While making our way back to the table with a little help from Simon and Jackie close by the DJ announced we would be expecting an addition to our family sometime later in the year. Yes of course, the hall came down with everybody cheering ... I know that most people knew as I am defiantly blooming so as I cannot hide it … but he wanted them to know officially which was nice and we accepted their best wishes that all goes well.

The next song was from Paul to Val and they danced under the spot light and then there were the other etc. So the new year started really really well.

As Mandy said with a smile afterwards John has told everyone I'm his and he is mine and through her laughter she added he was also telling all the ladies not to fall at his feet. Yes there were a few who had that look about them especially as they realised he was now walking and not stuck in the wheelchair. Jack of course being Jack quietly mentioned that if John is able to ride full time along the bridle path then our stables will suddenly become popular.

Of course now he's shown us what he can do so there is no going back, though we've all got to bear in mind he might not be able to do it all. If you're wondering about reports and photos appearing in the paper Jack has that covered, and the DJ mentioned at the beginning that photos and the strobe lighting would come later.

As you know from the last photo he does look good on a horse but as he said he's got to get out of first gear and out of that damn barn first. He was looking straight at Jackie at the time, who needless to say just smiled and shook her head.

Back to the dance … he did not dance again I danced with Paul as Simon and Jackie had their request and as I finished a dance with Jack the fairy godmother insisted that we go home or Sandy would freeze. Umm bit difficult in a heated garage but never mind I think John was ready anyway … so Jack drove us home allowing as John said to the fairy godmother "the babes could dance the morning away" which they did all four of them. Mandy was driven home by a police officer who just happened to be available at the time. (There's influence for you.)

So after that wonderful night – morning … it is back to reality of walking with crutches around the apartment with possibly a very short time with a shoulder but strictly no talking while doing any of it and the chair when outside or 'resting' time inside.

As for the tussle regarding riding it's just been resolved into swimming every other day providing he does not sneeze or cough. I have this funny feeling that John is feeling very frustrated as he can do so much in his mind but is still very restricted in reality. Yes … we get a few little volcanoes nothing as bad as the earlier ones though, sort of like puffs of smoke and ashes. Opps have I just tempted fate I wonder?

The trip to the specialist is just before your visit I just hope the answer will be yes regarding the rides … I suppose he feels more mobile or in control when riding … walking is slow for him because he gets tired and his mind does tend to shut down if he gets tense or tries to do too much. As Simon say thinking and talking while walking is not a good idea so it's a case of stop and talk then start again. Does lead to some funny situations though ... no I'm not going to tell.

We are expecting another snow fall in the next few days but I don't think it will stop your visit as the roads should have been cleared by then … come to think of it after the above I doubt if anything will stop you.

As you know our horses are rescue horses as are the riders so we had the fun of a snow search and rescue in the mountains behind us a couple of days ago … everyone including Jackie and Simon went. Luckily the group of kids were found before it got too dark and cold and the helicopter, which landed on the flat area of the hotel garden, was not needed. So, Snow White has had her first adventure and according to Jackie coped very well of course that led to John asking why he could not go down the safe paths etc.

Well, I will love you and leave you … we are going for a swim and no doubt John will be well wrapped up for the short push to and from to and from it. I can't blame either of them really just hope it will only be words that fly and he resists the temptation to dunk her.

No doubt you will some how use your trip to us as an excuse to get your top up of Mum's cookies if you do don't forget to leave some for us … or give her a hint that we would like some cherry ones. … There was an odd number last time so we fought over the last one … Shep got it in the end.

Still feeling fine … found one of my skirts is a bit tight … though that could be all the food eaten over Christmas … Stuffed was not the word for it.

Don't work too hard to pay the bill regarding the party, glad to know the kids are back to normal … were they ever normal? Love to Sue.

Goes without saying but I will … New Year wishes and regards from John as well.

Meg.

She was not surprised to find Shep sitting watching her though she had not heard him come up, her half an hour had long gone.

She sent the mail and closed down after rechecking Robert's so she could pass the information on to John later. She got up and started to follow Shep and smiled she was looking forward to the session in the pool especially if Val and Paul joined them before going back home. And if they did ... well Jackie's hope for a short one or quiet one would definitely be lost.