Chapter 46

As soon as Meg entered the Hardware shop she smiled that everything was okay and put her fingers to her lips to say she wanted to surprise John and handed Jim a note before walking through the shop to the office at the rear.

Jim took the note with a nod.

Meg reckoned the second part would be harder than the first because of Shep so she walked on silently, and when she came to the open doorway to John's office she stopped and leant against the framework. As there was no welcoming bark she wondered if Shep was getting telepathic and knew she wanted to surprise John or perhaps he was just sleeping, been out chasing rabbits or whatever. With that thought she looked round the office understanding why John felt more relaxed here.

Although the one at the computer club was big enough for two people to work in and had a large window as well as a roof-light it never really felt open, possibly because it looked out onto a walled yard where the children could play basketball. Here he could feel the space all around him as it was large enough for several people to work in and still move around. Granted there was the usual office clutter including filing cabinets along one wall and several tables, which had computers etc as well as a couple of easy chairs. His own chair was in the corner as he was still using the wheelchair, which she knew would eventually be put in the corner once he felt safe enough to use the crutches. Then hopefully as at home he would walk with a stick or on good days without, although walking and talking was till a problem so he might not go so far here as he would need to talk and think about business.

She smiled as her thoughts drifted into the future and how he might cope with their child running around. But then a movement across the room brought her attention back and she let her gaze drift round the room taking in the view from the large windows at the side and end of the room giving a panoramic view of a passageway which led to the stable complex and the paddock with the backdrop of the forest and pathways up into the mountains all giving the room its lovely quiet atmosphere.

As her gaze settled on him, she enjoyed that special joy of watching him unnoticed as he was looking out at a group of horses, which included Sandy whinnying as they cantered round the paddock in the early evening light. She half heartedly pondered whether to call out or knock on the open door not really wanting to disturb him as he looked as though he was miles away with the horses or just in thought of nothing much.

His gentle voice solved the problem for her. "It's okay the wall will stay up if you come in Meg."

There was a gentle laugh in her voice as she replied. "I thought you were miles away and had not heard me."

He turned towards her; his smile of welcome was mainly in his eyes which she could read so well these days, as he said. "Jim buzzed my phone as soon as he saw you, probably before you came into the shop. The light flashes rather than a ringing tone so I saw it's reflection in the window and then Shep's tail started wagging way too fast for anyone else so I shushed him and waited. … The man flew in and repaired the carriage and a few other things as word got around he was coming. So it's still here if you want a lift back home. He muttered about making a working base here as the building has a built-in ramp and is easier for his back." He paused and looked at her then smiled with love as he asked gently what was really on his mind. "How did you get on? "

In response to his smile hers grew deeper as she knew it must have been very difficult for him to sit and wait, she knew he read in her smile that everything was okay. Staying silent she moved quickly across the room to his side and then said lovingly, "We are fine … and I'd love a lift if that's all right."

She held out the photo, loving that gentle touch he gave her as he took the photo and watched as he silently looked at it gently fingering the very small fuzzy lighter shape against the dark spotted background of the scan picture of their baby.

"I know so small." She said softly gently resting her hand on his shoulder and then with a catch in her voice remembering her feelings as she saw the fuzzy image that was their baby for the first time and heard it's heart beat. "Everything is fine, the heart beat sounded so fast but that was normal. We've got a short video for later."

She took a breath, knowing she was using emotional blackmail hitting him while he was venerable, but she really wanted to go out and celebrate with him then added. "But first I'd love to go to that restaurant round the corner." She knew if she had to she would accept a 'no' lovingly and went on to reassure him gently. "I've looked round the ground floor it's got large windows with a view into the garden so you should be all right and Shep can stay with us. They will treat him as a guide/alert dog and its early so it will not get crowded. Mandy says the Chef is good, she knows the family, and Jackie would love a meal out with Simon." She ended with a gentle tease knowing he would be stuck here if Simon or Jackie decided to stay.

She watched him turn away from the photo and look at her, saw his eyes were bright but there was no other emotion as he said quietly to her. "You've been after this for a while and using Jackie and Simon is a bit unfair."

She gave a chuckle accepting his tease and said. "Well its the end of February, we've the scan to celebrate as well as you managing a couple shops though we know you can't go into the main part of town." She hesitated wondering how wise it was of her to bring up their recent setback.

John gave a gentle laugh, understanding her need and his, and said. "Okay we'll try it but you'd better warn them … I'm assuming Jackie's cleared it with Simon." Meg nodded with a gentle laugh as he carried on in a teasing huff. "Wouldn't have won if I'd said no then." Still smiling she shook her head, with a sigh he added seriously. "Well, I need to clear up a few things here so perhaps you could tell Jim that Simon will rig Sandy up later. That is assuming Sandy has enough energy he's been playing tag with a couple of new horses staying here.

She brushed her hand against his cheek and said brightly. "Already done Simon will be over in a while and I'm going to grab a decaf coffee over at the club with Jackie … ring when you are ready … I've booked for half six to seven they said we can have drinks if we are early."

As she spoke he lightly grabbed her hand and kissed then released it as she finished and said softly. "Toast the baby's first photo."

"Yes" she leant over and kissed him then said. "I'll leave you the picture, I've got another couple of hundred in my bag." She laughed at his expression and explained. "Mandy wanted one she said Jackie would as well, then there's Val and I'll scan one for Sara, you need one, the list is endless. … I hope Sara mails about Casey soon its killing me not to ask about the advert and she's not telling!

John chuckled as he watched her go, understanding her impatience and feeling remarkably happy and content now he knew everything was okay.

oxoxo

Later that evening Meg scanned her photo in, and the emails for anything from her sister but there was nothing. So she got her head round their wonderful evening and started to type her mail guessing it would provoke a response.

Hi Sis

First off - attaching first picture of baby. Too small to tell he or she so perhaps next time … bet you've already looked at the attachment.

Tell Mum Mandy came with me, as you can guess as soon as they recognised her, being relief doctor; they made sure they didn't make any mistakes. But being Mandy she soon put them at their ease, and me because the doctor looks very young … but he knows what he is doing. Of course it was a shame John could not be there with me and I missed him deeply but his expression when he saw the scan photo nearly brought tears to my eyes and he kept it with him all evening … more of that bit later. Can't tell you everything at once … can I.

Everything is fine with the baby and me and I'm starting to look at the next size up though not really showing … so tough if you thought you were going to get a picture.

I sheepishly have to admit I keep looking and buying toffees but as you know I hate the stuff … as soon as I put it in my mouth I feel sick and spit them out. So I give them to John and Jackie (not tasted ones I hasten to add but often unwrapped as I forget I don't like them) John is getting quick in substituting those other sweets … soon those two will have to go on diets. John has threatened to hang a notice round my neck "do not let her buy toffee!" Umm any ideas!! (no rude ones please)

I know you are taking count of our months regarding John's progress … well we are back to the beginning as we tried to go into a shop near the busier part of town (to state the obvious we are in the quiet end of town). He was in the chair and the shop doorway was too narrow for it. As we both wanted to look at something too large to be brought to the doorway, he thought he would try walking with crutches; we had our helpers with us as usual and he hadn't done much so we thought okay. The goods were near the entrance so it wasn't to far to walk … this was a big step for him … a strange shop and done on the spur of the moment. The shop didn't have very many customers in either. We looked and discussed and did not like it after all … typical … so went outside and knew we'd have to think again. Before the roadway had been quiet now there was a traffic jam - two lorries stuck trying to get through a small space so it was horns hooting, car engines as well as the lorries engines and unfortunately John blacked out as he got in his chair.

Luckily he collapsed into the chair … it was really scary and brought us back to reality … I think we were all thinking about all the improvements and forgot certain things will never go away. So we are having a rethink about what we can and cannot do, but the good thing was he only blacked out for a moment, though it seemed like years to me and he was back to his normal as soon as he came round which was good.

The shopkeeper was nice and offered to send us brochures and photos of anything we wanted or even deliver the goods and then collect if we decided against them. (He does not know what he's let himself in for … perhaps he does … because we would like to buy something, as he's been so nice.)

I suppose I/we fell into the trap of forgetting about the restrictions he's had to live with before I met him. When I first met him he'd only been out in the garden and very restricted journeys into town in his wheelchair, now I'm used to him moving with ease in the wheelchair and starting walk. So easy to forget that each journey he makes outside the apartment is a journey into the unknown for him and us. I guess we will be more careful and he's going to have his shadow with him a lot longer than we thought.

Needless to say we decided to leave that end of town alone and keep to our quieter old-fashioned end, which has a mixture of small shops, business and residential. Hey if you think it's a way for him to save money forget it we go on the net and of course friends and I can raid the other shops.

Having said that, to celebrate the scan hence him keeping the photo close beside him we went out tonight. … Yep to a restaurant … heh

It's in our end of town and new so very quiet, ground floor with wide entrances, so we could swoop in together not the usual squeeze in narrow doorways. Loads of space between tables so no tangling wheelchair with other chairs, big windows and a door into the garden where the owner hopes to have tables in the summer … now of course it still has a covering of snow.

Hey! Spring is just around the corner… having said that snow is forecast again. But not a lot and apparently might not make it this far.

Okay, back to our meal, it was John and I and our two carers (shadows, friends whatever you like to call them … we call them all three) we all ordered different things and tasted each other's as you do, and we did not get looks from the waiters/waitress who were very good. All the dishes were Lovely !!!! (The food not the containers or waiters … though they were not too bad! Hey caught the men eyeing the waitresses so it was okay for us to eye the waiters … in a nice way of course).

Nope no menu takes too long, it was huge, cooked most things fresh so there was a bit of a wait but that was okay. Yes we did three course so will not need feeding for a week!! As for the puddings!!! Who needs the other courses!

John was in the chair, as I said loads of room for him and the lovely thing was they allowed Shep, in … treated him as a guide dog once we explained he was John's alert dog. Of course poor old Shep had to sit through the meal and not have any but the chef gave us a doggy bag for him so that was his treat when he got home. No it was not made of scraps John chose from the menu!

The price of the meal was not too bad but I was glad John was paying!!! (His treat but it was my suggestion in view of the scan.) The owner knows John slightly and made sure we were given space when other people came in for their meals, we also knew we could escape into the garden if John felt poorly … he did not and loved the meal so I'm looking for an excuse for the next one!!!

As you know John is walking round the apartment without a stick some of the time though he is still in the chair in his new office and outside … he will have to wait till all the snow is gone along with very cold mornings which hopefully will not be too long, before he tries outside. Snow's going in the lower valley and the lower safe riding paths are clear which is a good sign.

He is settled in his new office, which is spacious, on the ground floor and looks out onto stables and a paddock. ... It also looks out onto the passageway to them but it will never be crowded enough to bother him. It is nice to think of him being out and about and amazes me the way people help him and he manages to cope so well with the set backs.

For a while once a week he'd have shorter therapy session and his business friends would congregate at the apartment for a meeting as he could not go to them. That sounded like a huge meeting but it's rarely more than three and it never mattered even if it was just one. It usually started about three o'clock and I would often see them go when I got back after work about half five to six o'clock. Sometimes they would stay a little longer using my home coming as an excuse to carry on.

They had the cheek to say it was all business but if we Jackie and I do it … its gossiping!!!!!! Of course now he is in the office and there will be no Jackie to stop him so goodness knows how long they will chat for!! Having said that he's not there full time and is resting so I guess they will be restricted.

As for me transferring my work stuff from the other apartment's room to our upstairs … umm … the view is beautiful and we have a window seat made. … Guess that was not really a good idea … as I can sit and watch the horses leave the stables and go part way down the track … I know that's where I will be when John starts riding out properly … and of course I can see the riding paddock which is opposite our apartment. There was me thinking I would be working from home … perhaps I should have curtains made!

To John's delight he is out of the riding school barn and allowed round the paddock with a group of others who need carers to help them. It's a mixed group of abilities, men and women as well as children. Unfortunately I have been working while he's been doing it but guess it could be a noisy bunch, soon though I will be working fewer hours and eventually working from home so I will be able to watch.

Glad I've missed out on the morning sickness thing so far. Give big hugs to everyone.

Love you.

Meg.

A gentle impish laugh stopped her from pressing the send button and caused her to look round at John who was sitting on the sofa. She saw his understated smile but his eyes glowed with … well impishness and she wondered what thoughts caused that. She'd noticed the impishness ever since he saw the scan photo and it had grown into tenderness as he had watched the video with her. She thought she knew how he felt after all she had felt a different kind of bubbly as she realised there really was a little person inside her, before today everyone had told them but now she'd seen it for herself. But why now and asked softly. "What?"

"How about sending that tomorrow with a picture?" He replied seriously, but his eyes were bright and dancing. She frowned which brought a very devil smile from him as he carried on still in a serious but understanding voice. "You or Jackie goes down to that actors' shop and buy or hire one of those pillows things actress use to show they are expecting, though the never really look right and a large dress, then you wear them and we take a photo and send it to Sara along with the scan."

She laughed at the idea but was still puzzled and said. "But she knows I'm not showing yet and that scan shows only one very small baby!"

"You know you can do a lot of things to photos once they are in the computer." John said gently rubbing his finger over the picture he had in his hand and added gently "Make three of them and tell her you've beaten her!"

Meg giggled helplessly and John looked at her and added, "You'd get your reply quickly enough!"

"You are hopeless you really are!" She said laughing and sent the mail then got up and went over to him and cuddled up beside him still giggling and feeling his warmth and laugh.

oxoxo

The next morning Meg could not resist checking her machine before they went to work the sensible voice within told her Sara would have only just have read it assuming the twins and Casey had co-operated. And then there was possibility she would be at the shop so she would not get an answer till this evening. She sighed frustrated as this was confirmed by email list of junk and nothing from Sara, though there were a couple from friends in Boston, which she would look forward to reading tonight. She looked up at John's gentle call that he was going; she closed down the machine and followed him out going to her car as he went to the trap Shep already ahead of him. Tonight it would have to be and she hated waiting.

The day was a good one all round and she got in early gave a gentle chuckle when she saw the machine was booted up, on line etc and John was sitting innocently on the sofa with a cup of tea and there was hers waiting on the table. She knew without a shadow of a doubt he was just as much on tender hooks as she was and hadn't wanted to admit it.

"Well are you coming over I don't want to have to yell it out." She said with a laugh and put her bag on the table and asked. "How was your day?"

"Fine, and yours?"

"Umm fine." She looked at the screen as the mail filled the page. "Even better she's written. I'll bring you cup over for you."

"It's okay only half full I think I can manage. You read."

Meg smile knowing he could manage half cups if he thought what he was doing, so she turned back to her mail and read silently.

Hi Sis

Just a quickie.

Wow the baby looks great brought back my first memories … jelly stuff was cold!!

Had to giggle. Sorry can't help about toffees … but like John's idea of label, though I know you will not wear it. Advert in the paper you know like the old wanted posters or could just give them to passing kids but mums might not like it either. Just had a thought what about caramel biscuits instead of toffees (think you used to like those) only don't expect them to eat lots or they will really need to go on a diet. Casey reminded me of a couple of things I made him eat (nope not going to tell) and the strange things I fancied, says John has his sympathy.

Wow … Glad to know meal went off well … pity you could not send sample down the line …. Um bit messy … Sounds as though John is doing well in spite of the set back regarding town. Still be good if he can keep to the quieter parts, who needs the heavy traffic and lots of people anyway. Umm I do … my customers. Yeah just don't spend too much on those spending sprees.

Would love to see him on horseback, Hey I know … but I can dream … oh yes I can dream and umm no more said about that … Casey's around and might peak.

BUT I CAN MATCH THAT MEAL. What's more it was out without twins, Bette and AJ were silly enough to offer not only to baby-sit but a meal as well! And yes they were still alive and smiling when we came back from said meal. Would you believe all four were fast asleep ... Yeah we were that quiet getting in. … No comment.

It's a new place on the edge of town … umm says a lot I know … umm go down the coastal road … just thought there are two its the old one … can't remember if the house near it was bright pink in your day it is now but it's four down from there … will take photo or send advert with next mail. Turned out Bette needed a second opinion on the place so we could not refuse could we, and yes it was bliss and the food was good as well so it got four star rating from us. Though Casey did try and explain he was not too sure and needed a second visit just to make sure but AJ saw through that one.

Thinking about meals how about celebrating all our birthdays and anniversaries tell John that's a family order and we need menus of each meal in the mail the day after the said day so we can enjoy it with you!!!!! See I do come up with good ideas sometimes.

Main news is - Mum and Dad have disappeared for the next few days (a week actually) so I'm working at the shop with babies in tow as well as a long list of helpers, which the twins will love no doubt … as well as an offer from the crèche in the apartment if all else fails.

You'd never believe it but the Prestons turned up out of the blue they were going to a national park in Canada for the week with their son and wife, said son had to call it off so they thought of Mum and Dad and turned up paid tickets for flight straight to Park. It has a fascinating river nearby called Milk River found info on the net and enclose attachment with details. They were thinking of driving back but as Mum and Dad said yes they will fly back to Sunset for a few days (Get warmed up I mean to say it's cold and snowy up there just thought you know how that feels as you mentioned snow.)

You've most probably guessed it but Yes Dad has had to pack that Christmas present of his I told Mum to get some photos of him and the countryside. (Can't stop giggling at the thought of Dad and that Jumper!!!) Park looks beautiful though even nicer in the summer green and sunny … Yes I do know people go there for the snow.

I told you about Casey having to go to a conference early in the month well it tweaked his curiosity button. Just as well he was just there as a watcher as according to him everyone seemed to know lots more than he did, anyway he has seen something interesting in the paper and the firm was given a mention at the conference. It is a huge organisation with little off shoots so he's written off asking for more information as well as sending CV will let you know what happens.

It will mean we will have to move to the state of Montana and not a drop of sea in sight though they do have rivers that lead to lakes and they do have winters. Just realised that it's to the south of where Mum and Dad are but we will check things out once Casey's had an answer. Did not know this but Casey can ride and said it was about time he did something different … Yeah how different can you get mountains instead of beaches. Mind you we came from inland to coastal and liked it especially the sun.

Now don't take this the wrong way but I was thinking we might be able to travel to you wherever you are as we would be over the Rocky Mountains and away from Sunset and its history. I do know and understand it will be entirely up to you and John, we certainly do not want to endanger John's progress with the thought of a family suddenly turning up on the doorstep. Just thought you might ponder the fact.

Okay let's go back to you and your baby and that scan … I know he/she looks so tiny but hopefully next time we will be able to see boy or girl I trust you want to know if you don't then remember to say before they do the scan. (We can discuss baby clothes near the time but I have two lots here don't forget) Now the next stage is photo for me to prove you have a bump, no getting away from the fact there will be one fairly soon, which means a trip to the shops including shoe shops and of course a mid afternoon or evening naps … all those radio programmes where you start to listen and never finish.

Sometimes I used to wake up to find Casey watching me (that was usually at weekends when he could cadge a few hours off so we could go shopping only we didn't as I was sleeping!) it was a wonderful feeling till I found out he had drunk both cups of tea … his excuse was he had to stop the other one from getting cold!! Mind you he always got me one after I had woken up.

To think my little angels are nearly three months all I can say is at the rate they are growing glad they came when they did! They are showing their personalities now and grabbing anything that comes close, as well as raiding the milk bar and sleeping through the nights but early mornings still stay. Oh yes we have introduced them to the swings, when it was quiet one day I had Mark in the baby sling and tried it he's not too sure Susan loves it so I guess she's going to be the high flyer of the family.

Have given Robert a video for you to watch and told him he could have a look as well before he sends it. Guess we have an extra uncle and a good friend especially as I could not bribe him with mum's cookies.

In case you are wondering Casey sends love but is tied up with the twins.

Did I really say 'just a quickie' at the beginning well at least it has not taken me all day this time so I guess it was. No doubt others have kept you informed of gossip Casey is calling for help.

So very harassed but loving it will sign off.

Take care looking forward to the next news don't worry about gaps.

Love to both of you. (or should that be three of you)

Sara

Meg looked across at John who was reading the email with her and could not suppress a shiver knowing the significance of the National Park and her parents' closeness if they decided to drive back all it would have needed was a wrong turn or her parents wanting to check out Casey's possibly new workplace and they could have been found out.

John saw her shiver and reached across and took her hand saying gently. "They are flying back so there is no worry about being seen, they would have checked out the other town not us. It never happened Meg, and what did is history so they will not come across." With a smile he added. "See Sara's back to being a little pushy though it's good that Casey's seen the advertisement you should tell the others. … Hey don't worry it will be fine."

Meg smiled and gave a gentle laugh and admitted "Thought that was my line to you. But you know how things happen around us and it's been so good recently."

He smiled and reassured her. "Yes I know. … It will stay good, but for now you can take your sister's advice and rest I'll deal with the meal. … Its okay I call when it's ready. Jackie wanted to know if Sally could join the girls' night out on Tuesday."

With his words she felt herself relax taking the warmth of his voice to give her the reassurance she needed and said. "Yes we'd love to have her, we have the choice of the club or if it snows again the hotel conservatory or bar. Glad Jancy's getting on all right she's a right spark and keeps Jackie on her toes." Meg got up and stretched watching a slow grin across John's face, he laughed gently and answered her quizzical look. "Sara would love a picture of the bump."

She stopped stretching, understanding him and pretended to swipe him before walking over to the sofa to rest … promising herself it would only be a short one, just read a magazine then help get the meal. She picked up a magazine and snuggled against the cushions tucking her legs up on the sofa and in a moment was a sleep missing the gentle music John put on in the background as he sorted out the meal. She missed him gently take the magazine away and cover her legs with a light blanket to give her that extra warmth that would keep her asleep till she was ready to wake up. But she didn't miss that special feeling she felt when she woke because he sat on the sofa opposite her happy to watch and wait.