Page 61 of Best Laid Plans

‘Actually, there is one thing about that time I’ve been meaning to ask you.’

‘What’s that, dear?’

‘Why didn’t you tell me that Will telephoned and tried to visit me after Josh died?’

A sigh shuddered down the phone line. ‘You were so distressed, Lucy, and I was upset, too. Your mother wasn’t around to advise, and I suppose I went into over protective mode.’

‘But Will was my friend.’

‘I know, dear. I’m sorry, but I did what I thought was right. But Mattie was there almost every day, and she was a huge help. And to be honest, Will wasn’t his normal self at the time. He was acting quite strangely. Extremely tense. Distraught, of course, but I didn’t see how he could do you any good.’

Lucy pressed two fingers to the bridge of her nose to hold back the threat of tears. She knew there was no point in getting upset about this. It wasn’t her father’s fault that Will had taken off again, without leaving her any hint that he’d wanted to keep in touch.

It wasn’t her father’s fault that her own feelings of guilt had driven her to silence, adding more strain to an already tense friendship.

‘Well, things are still complicated between Will and me,’ she admitted.

‘Is he planning to continue working overseas?’

‘Yes.’

‘How do you feel about that?’

‘It’s okay.’ Lucy forced a smile into her voice. ‘It’s what we planned.’

‘So this baby was planned?’

‘Yes. Will and I decided we’d like to have a baby together, but we’ll just remain friends.’

There was a significant pause. ‘Are you really happy with that arrangement, Lucy?’

She couldn’t give a direct answer. ‘Dad, I knew what Will was like when I got into this.’

There was another sigh on the other end of the line. Another pause. ‘My big concern is that you look after yourself.’

‘I will, Dad. I promise.’

‘I’m afraid I have to go now. Come and see me soon. Come for dinner.’

‘I will. Thanks. Love you, Dad.’

Lucy was about to disconnect, when her father spoke again.

‘Lucy.’

The tone of his voice made her grip the phone more tightly. ‘Yes?’

‘I’ve always thought that if two very good friends fall in love, they should grab their good luck with both hands.’

‘Yes.’ Lucy couldn’t think of anything else to say.

‘It’s the greatest happiness this life can offer,’ her father said.

And then he hung up.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

IT HAD been a long hot day and a summer storm broke late in the afternoon. By the time Lucy closed up the surgery, it was raining and thunder rumbled in the distance.

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