Page 188 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

Chapter Sixty-Two

Liv

The whiny cry of anewborn baby cuts through Michael Bublé’s version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Everyone’s gaze shifts to the travel basinet in the corner beneath an impressive pine tree adorned with red baubles and bows.

The family is together for Christmas Eve nibbles and drinks, even though we’re back here at Banridge for lunch tomorrow. Jay and Pirate have been reunited. And having Aunt Jean here has been such a lift. Christmas is hard without Mum, Nan and Pop.

“I can get her,” Bernie says and directs Daynah to sit. Skye is still tiny, having just reached her full-term gestational age. She’s as cute as a button and will go happily to anyone in the family... except Penny. She wails until she’s passed on to someone else.It’s as if she knows.

As for our little one, he or she refuses to budge. I’m post forty weeks and completely over it. The doctor will induce me in two days if there is no movement. As hot as our sex life usually is, this morning’s quick romp was about moving things along. Everything feels stretched and worn and far from sexy, but Jerry still tries to convince me otherwise.

Penny places a tray of mince tarts and chocolate covered strawberries on the coffee table in the centre of the room then turns to Jerry and me. At first, it’s as if she’s struggling to maintain eye contact. She opens her mouth to speak then closes it, but eventually says, “Um, would you two like to take a walk with me?”

“Now?” Jerry’s brows jump.

She tucks her grey hair behind her ear and nods. “Please.”

Jerry turns to me expectantly.

She seriously wants me to go for a walk? Does she not see how ginormous and uncomfortable I am?

I nod.

As I rise from the couch with Jerry’s help, a deep ache radiates in my lower belly around to my back. My thighs and lower spine have been aching all day, and these fake contractions are getting too much.

In silence, Jerry and I follow Penny outside, past the wrought iron park bench. She stops at a clearing surrounded by raised garden beds filled with blooming purple and pink hydrangeas. Sweat beads on my brow as the afternoon sun beats down on us.

“I don’t have a way with words,” Penny says on an exhale. “So I wrote it down. I want to do this right.” She hands me a white envelope.

Is this her second attempt at an apology? Am I supposed to open this now so she can gauge my reaction? “Oh, I...”

Jerry wraps his arm around my shoulders and focuses on the paper. “It’s okay, you can open it.”

I blow out a heavy breath and remove the letter.

Dear Liv

There is no excuse for what I said and how I’ve treated you. It was wrong of me to act that way. I judged you unfairly. I am sorry.

I am protective of Jerry, and I’ve held onto this fear since the moment we held him, terrified that someone would take him away. I’ve always tried to keep my kids’ names off people’s lips. Having people talk about him and your situation, I wasn’t ready for how that would make me feel.

Jerry is a grown man but it’s hard to let go. Mick and I did our best to raise him right. Although he’s had his troubles, you bring out the best in him. I see the content in his soul and the sparkle of hope in his eyes since he met you. Moreso since he announced he was going to be a father.

I know your forgiveness may not come after reading this letter, but when you’re ready I hope it does.

Despite the way I treated you, Jerry came to our aid when we needed him most. With the baby coming any day now and harvest not far away, I want to offer help. Having a child is new and exciting and stressful enough without all the responsibilities of the land, so I’ve asked Red and some of the guys to work with you in the new year when it’s time to harvest. All you have to do is say when.

Penny

Tears blur my vision as I glance up at Penny. Her chin quivers. Whilst I can’t refuse her apology, I’m not ready to forgive just yet.

“Thank you, Penny.” A sudden dampness in my underwear sends my head into a spin.Jesus. Is that sweat or did I wet myself? Any bladder control I once had has left the building. “I accept your apology.”

Jerry hugs her. “Thanks, Ma.”

“My apology extends to you, too, Jerry. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

He releases her and nods.

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