Page 17 of Saved By Love at Christmas
“Thanks.” She moved away and headed to her grandad’s car. “Let me know when you want me to walk my new best friend.” She indicated to Fred. “I can pick the house keys up, or you can drop them off.”
“Great. I’ll be in touch soon.”
As I watched her drive away, why the hell did my heart beat like crazy?
* * *
RUBY
After breakfast the following morning, Grandad and I went for a walk. It was a proper crisp, cold winter’s day, and I could see my breath like a wisp of mist as I breathed out. I watched the small boats moving on the river and several swans swam gracefully along. The seagulls were rather noisy and made me grin.
“What’s made you smile?” Grandad nudged my side.
I paused to close my eyes, listening to the mournful cry of the gulls. I opened them and turned to face him.
“Do you remember that time when we went to Felixstowe? Nan had made us a fantastic picnic. And.” I couldn’t say anymore as laughter bubbled up inside me.
Grandad’s eyes widened in recognition, and he joined in. The laughter rolled on and on. It was so good to feel carefree for a change. And as our laughter died down, we wiped the happy tears from our cheeks.
“Yes, I remember that day very well. Your poor nan.” He chuckled again. “She’d spent so much time preparing the cakes and sarnies, only to have the gulls divebomb our picnic.”
We began laughing again.
“Do you recall what she said?”
He nodded. “Bloody rats of the sky. Leave our feast alone.”
“That’s it. Nanneverswore. It was hilarious. Especially when she started waving her arms around like a crazy woman.”
Grandad was clutching his side now. “I… I think,” he stammered as he laughed harder, “your Nan was more incensed because we had to have fish and chips at the Regal instead of her food.”
For long minutes, we stood looking out over the calm river, with the beautiful white Tide Mill in the background. Regaining our breath, Grandad’s face turned serious, his brow furrowing.
“Hey, Ruby. You’re crying.”
“Am I?” I took one hand out of its glove and reached for my cheeks. “Oh, so I am. It’s only because I’m happy,” I assured him.
“As long as that’s the reason, then it’s okay. There’s one thing, Ruby.”
“What?”
“When you’re ready to tell me what that man did to you, you won’t keep anything from me, will you? I won’t let you bear that sort of hurt ever again.”
I kissed his cheek. “I won’t.”
We continued our walk in companionable silence. Each day I was feeling a little stronger, which was a blessing.
* * *
RUBY
That evening, after a light dinner, we sat in front of the open fire in the living room. I curled my feet underneath me and let out a contented sigh. This room had seen so many happy events. Birthdays, Christmases, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. I could almost hear the sound of happy laughter and voices. This year, I planned to make it the best Christmas ever.
This was also where we held Nan’s wake. It was her wish that it was in her home. A place she loved and where she entertained her small family and friends. Pictures still adorned the walls of our times at Felixstowe and along the Deben. Those were treasured days that I’d never forget. There were some photographs of my early years in interior design. Proud pictures of me in rooms that I’d help to decorate, allowing owners to have their dream homes. And one just after I’d received a diploma for my degree.
There were no photographs of me with Jamie, and I was grateful for that. I didn’t want any reminders of that man or how he’d almost ruined my life.
“I’m surprised you’re not glued to your phone, love. It was like a part of you at one time.”
