Page 100 of Lipstick Kiss

“She’ll bounce back now you’re home,” Mrs Lions said with a wide smile.

Freddie matched her smile because he knew that to be true.

“Take care, and I’ll let you know when we’re expecting again,” Freddie joked.

He wasn’t sure if they should have any more children. Imelda said that her body struggled. They have four beautiful children. That should be enough for them. They were well ahead of their ancestors, and if he kept a close eye on them, he would ensure the Turner legacy lived on through Archer, Jason, Luke and Daisy. Freddie would make the next generation of Turners full of life and eager to give back.

“I hope I’ll be your first call. You can count on me to come and support you.”

Freddie nodded and left the room. He turned to his right and entered their suite of rooms. His duffle bag was already on the sofa, unpacked and ready for laundry. He’d forgotten he’d left that in the middle of the gravel front driveway of Turner Hall. He smiled at the efficiency of the staff and vowed he would take care of them like they took care of him and his family.

Freddie sauntered through to the bedroom, where he heard the squeals of his three sons who were dutifully rolling one way until Archer reached the edge of the bed. When he called out, they army rolled to the other side where Jason was a stop end. Little Luke was in the middle, getting bounced around like a pinball.

Jason spotted him first.

“Daddy!” he called out.

Archer and Luke froze and looked towards where Jason was looking, and they scrambled to get off the bed but got caught in the bedding.

“Stay where you are. I’m joining in on the fun,” Freddie said, toeing off his shoes.

He stripped down to his t-shirt and boxers and scrambled onto the bed with Luke and Jason on one side and Archer on the other. Once they were settled, he pulled up the covers and tucked them in.

“Now, tell me everything that has happened since I last saw you three.”

Jason took the lead, chattering about going to Grampa Pete and Granny Betty’s home above the butcher’s. Archer chimed in with school tales as he was the only one who went, and Luke looked to his brothers and father in wonderment. By the time they’d exhausted all the exciting things they’d done, Maggie and Melly escorted Imelda into the bedroom from their ensuite.

“Well, isn’t this a beautiful sight,” Imelda said, looking at Freddie.

His heart warmed that her pale face was now rosy, and she was smiling proudly at her three sons.

“Let’s make room for Mummy,” Archer said, shuffling up so there was space between Freddie and him.

Imelda clambered onto the bed and settled under the covers. Freddie immediately took her hand and entwined their fingers. He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“That’s never going to happen again,” he whispered into her ear.

“I was afraid you’d say something like that. Let’s talk later.”

Freddie had never heard her say she was open to talking about her father’s plan. But it was time. Freddie was left with no choice. He would cherish this scene for as long as he lived.

“Here she is,” Maggie said, coming into the bedroom with Daisy cuddled close in her arms.

Maggie reached over Luke and Jason and placed Daisy in Freddie’s arms.

“Let’s have a picture,” Melly said.

It was as if Melly sensed that this was the last time they would all be together in that bed.

They chatted while Melly went to get her Polaroid camera, and when she came back, they all smiled for their moment frozen in time.

Chapter Thirty-One

Cynthia

The summons to her father’s study scared her more than anything else in the world. Would she feel his cane? Had he found out about Benny? Did he know she was still seeing Jonathan? Had he found the tin? If he had, did he know of the contents?

All those questions were on a loop every time she was told to be in his study. Cynthia wasn’t allowed in unless invited. So at fifty-one, she had to wait outside a closed door until she was permitted to enter his private sanctuary.

---