A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds by Lucy Coleman

Author:Lucy Coleman [Coleman, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

18

Life Lessons

One thing I’ve always loved about Gray is that, even though there are times when he’s all wrapped up in his head, if something important crops up he’s instantly there for me. I wonder if all artistic people are the same, living a part of their life in a world of their own.

Last night we both spoke our truth about the situation with Tollie and, whilst it wasn’t easy for me to listen to his opinion, I understood that he was only trying to be neutral. My version, because I’m only human after all, comes straight from the heart, but he succeeded in convincing me that I should think carefully about how I handle the situation from here on in. He reminded me that going into hospital is a scary thing for anyone and Tollie will, naturally, be anxious. The question Gray asked me was: ‘Are you making things better for him, or worse, by adding to his anxiety?’

I mulled it over for a while, but I know Gray is right. It’s selfish of me to put my feelings first, when all that matters is Tollie’s well-being. Maybe what I’m experiencing is similar to how a parent feels when their child grows up and becomes independent. Things I used to discuss with Tollie, I now discuss with Gray. And if my suspicions are correct and Daphne is going to play an increasing role in Tollie’s life, I need to step back. What I didn’t tell Gray was that when we walked into The Retreat the other night, for a split second before Daphne turned around, I thought it was Grandma Nell standing there. It made my heart ache and what Daphne saw on my face would have been a look of total disappointment. She didn’t deserve that.

Switching off, I begin clearing the breakfast plates but Gray indicates for me to stop. He finishes off the last of his croissant, waggling a finger in the air.

‘Leave it to me. You head off and have that chat with Val.’

‘Are you trying to get rid of me?’ I accuse, sounding miffed.

Gray shakes his head, laughing. ‘No… but I suspect you will be gone a while, so I might as well get a little work done. And after that we can go for that run we keep talking about and never get around to.’ I still pull his leg about Phil’s revelation. It seems grooms, too, get a little self-conscious about the big day.

‘Okay. I’ll give you an hour, two at most, and then that’s a date.’

‘People are going to wonder what’s going on when they see us out jogging, but it’s time we got physical in more ways than one.’ He grins at me. ‘Anyway, what’s so important that you’re abandoning me to head off for a chat with Val?’

‘We’re talking flowers again,’ I inform him, and he rolls his eyes.

‘Oh, right. When Val asked me about it, I just shrugged my shoulders. That’s one area in which I can’t be of any help whatsoever.

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