Brighton Beckons

Chapter 1

Kate Wilding, resident Forensic Pathologist with the Causton CID, twirled the new engagement ring around her finger. The reality of her situation was still sinking in. Ben Jones had just asked her to be his wife. Only a fortnight ago, she had gone to the Barnaby's house with Charlie Nelson, in a muddled state of mind – especially when it came to the affairs of her heart. Now, she had a whole different future to look forward to. She couldn't help but replay in her mind, where it had all started, a little over two weeks ago…

Flashback…

Dr Kate Wilding and DS Charlie Nelson crunched along the snow-ladened driveway towards Kate's car. Glancing back to the front door, they heard John and Sarah Barnaby wishing them a 'Merry Christmas'. John was still wearing that ugly reindeer jumper which somehow managed to look fantastic on him.

Earlier, Kate had taken his picture. "There," she declared gleefully. "Another happy snap to add to the family album."

John didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he reached over to a nearby side table and tossed a small folder at her. Upon opening it, Kate couldn't help but smile. Most of the pictures featured the now, DI Ben Jones in various states of disarray.

Charlie glanced over her shoulder and commented with a grin, "It seems that...in the cause for justice...my predecessor was totally committed."

John took a gulp of his red wine before replying, "Yes, Nelson he certainly was." John then peered over Kate's other shoulder and smirked at the picture of Ben wearing a Nun's habit. He added, "However, I still think he would have made a great nun."

Both Sarah and Kate shot him an exasperated stare. "Oh, John," Sarah scolded, coming across the room to hit her husband playfully on the arm. Then, nestling her head against his shoulder, she added, "I just hope his Christmas in Brighton is going okay."

"I'm sure he'll be fine, Sarah," John replied, tenderly.

Charlie carefully watched this exchange between the older couple. He reasoned that they were sincerely trying to convince each other that Ben would indeed be having an okay time. Then, glancing over at Kate, he saw a flicker of emotion wash across her countenance. He studied her expression closely, as she stroked an image of Ben with her fingers. So far, Charlie had only heard Kate refer to Ben indirectly. However, he could sense that Kate had been wrestling with her feelings for the older detective for quite some time. Perhaps now that Kate had taken him on as her lodger, Charlie hoped that he would be able to discover more about their relationship.

Suddenly, hearing Sarah call his name, Charlie snapped out of his reverie and replied, "I'm sorry, Sarah...what was the question?"

"It's ok, Charlie," Sarah returned. "I was just wondering whether you would mind helping John in the kitchen?"

"Sure thing," Charlie replied with a smile.

Sarah then turned her attention to Kate who was still engrossed in the photo album. She gently took the younger woman's arm and guided her over to the couch. "Come on," Sarah coaxed. "Let's sit for a bit, while the boys finish getting dinner ready."

Kate agreed, scooting down onto the couch beside her obviously pregnant friend. Sarah gave her swollen stomach an instinctive rub. Turning to Kate, she explained, "I never thought I'd get the privilege of being a mum. You see, John and I have been trying for several years, but with no luck until now. It just feels so surreal."

"It's amazing," Kate replied, warmly. "You guys will make great parents."

Sarah smiled and observed that Kate was still clutching the photo album. She couldn't resist saying, "I guess that's one way to keep your man close."

Kate inhaled sharply, as it quickly dawned on her what Sarah had just said. The wine was definitely racing to her head tonight. "I miss him so much," she admitted. "I just wish this whole relationship business would be easier to navigate. I've spent most of my life dealing in science and facts - which have linear trajectories, leading to logical conclusions."

Sarah squeezed Kate's arm and replied, "The worthwhile things in life are always complicated. That's why they're worth fighting for."

Kate nodded and asked, "How did you know that John was the right man for you?"

Sarah smiled and her mind led her back to the moment when she knew for sure. She explained, "Well, Kate, it was no drumroll moment...rather a series of little things which laid the foundation for a lasting relationship. It certainly wasn't always easy, as I'm sure you can imagine...what with John being on call and having to drop everything for the next case. Then, there was me, wrapped up in my ambitious drive to be the best teacher I could. We had to make time for each other, making allowances for work commitments...but at the end of the day, we had to be real and vulnerable. We still do."

Kate listened quietly, mulling over what Sarah had shared with her. "Yes, you're so right," Kate replied. "Having this time, without Ben being around, has made me realise how much I long for our friendship to develop into something more, something lasting. I think he feels the same way about me...but he was so restless during those last few weeks. I guess he was just so determined to seize the opportunity in Brighton, that nothing was going to stand in his way or distract him from his goal."

"Yes, he was certainly very agitated, before he left," Sarah agreed. "Ambitious drive is a good thing...but one day, Ben will come to realise that nothing will ever supersede his yearning for human companionship and love."

"I hope he discovers that sooner, rather than later," Kate returned, with a sigh.

Sarah pulled her in for an warm embrace, then she replied, "For both your sakes, I hope so too."

"Dinners ready, Girls!" John bellowed from the kitchen.

….

Later that night, John and Sarah discovered that the Christmas card, which had been addressed to their dog, Sykes, was in fact, from Ben. Sarah took a screenshot of the letter and sent it off to Kate.

Across town, as she was stirring some hot chocolate on the stove, Kate heard her a ping from her mobile phone. Reaching across the bench, she picked it up and read the message from Sarah. Ben's heartfelt words made her smile wistfully. If only they had been more direct and honest with each other...things could have turned out so differently. As she poured the hot cocoa into a couple of mugs, Kate watched Charlie trudge into the kitchen. She passed her phone over to him, so that he too, could read the message. Afterwards, Charlie gazed over at Kate who he noticed was deep in thought. Even though he had only known Kate for a few days, Charlie knew what he needed to tell her. With a deep breath, he began, "Kate, you need to go to Brighton as soon as possible." Putting a brotherly arm around her shoulder, he added, "You need to know...Ben needs to know. After all...it's almost the New Year...the time for new beginnings. You'll never get a better chance than now."

Before she dozed off for the night, Kate acknowledged that Charlie was right. The timing was ideal, especially seeing as she had a fortnight's leave up her sleeve. All she needed now was the courage to go. Rolling over she uttered sleepily, "See you very soon, Benjamin Jones!"

5