2 chapters left, this and an epilogue. So picking up where we left off with irate Ruth.
"You're angry" says Harry, it's not a question.
"Angry, I'm furious."
If the term is stoney faced, then right now Ruth's face is more akin to concrete, lead lined with granite trim.
Harry's head hangs. Once more round on the merry go round.
"I'm sorry," is all he can say.
"I can't believe it,"
"I didn't think,"
"Clearly."
"Ruth, I am sorry."
"You could have at least let me see the look on their faces, Harry. Couldn't you have waited for me?"
"You're not angry," he says, stunned.
"Yes, I am. Bloody angry. Years, it's been, years of us to-ing and fro-ing, well me mainly, but now…now.. here I am finally ready to be all open and carefree about the whole bloody thing and you go and blow the moment."
And now Harry starts laughing and his relief is palpable and overwhelming. But she is still not too happy.
"Ok, Ruth, you want your moment in the sun," and he grabs her hand and pulls her towards the grid.
"Now what are you doing…Harry….Harry?"
They burst onto the grid and four faces look up at them. Four faces still coming to terms with the fact that everything has changed. And the faces wonder whether all is about to change back again as the merry go round goes round once more.
Harry stands there, still clutching Ruth's wrist.
They all look at each other.
Harry lets go of her hand.
Ruth looks at Harry.
Harry looks at the team.
"I'm in love with, Ruth. No surprise to most of you there then."
Everyone looks at him.
"But, the thing is that Ruth's in love with me."
Harry looks at Ruth. Ruth smiles.
"And in case you missed it the first time…." Harry hooks his hand around the back of her neck and pulls her sharply towards him and kisses her.
Four faces look at them and their jaws fall gently and irretrievably open.
Harry and Ruth break from each other unwillingly.
"That do you?" asks Harry of Ruth.
She nods.
"Good," and with that he walks back to his office, as he disappears within they think they hear him whistling.
Ruth is left looking at the four faces.
Their mouths are still open.
She smiles serenely and walks to her desk.