but understated as the master bedroom was, it was impersonal. There was nothing homely about it apart from the old-fashioned blanket lying across the bed that looked quite out of place. There were no photos, no pictures on the walls, just random funny-shaped ornaments in stone or wood speaking of wealth rather than taste.
As she teased strands of hair with the towel her mobile phone began to ring. Turning the towel around her, she dug her hands down into her bag until she found it. The display told her it was her dad. Straight away her chest heaved. It was going to be Dominic, something was wrong.
‘Hello,’ she answered, nerves in her tone.
‘Hello, love. How are you? Are you there yet?’ Her dad was shouting as if he had to throw his voice across the English Channel.
‘Is it Dominic? Is he OK?’ she breathed out quickly.
‘Dom? Yes, Dom’s fine, love.’ She exhaled with relief and sat down on the bed.
‘Is he there?’ she asked. She didn’t want to be one of those over-protective mothers who couldn’t be parted from their offspring but… she hadn’t been parted before now.
‘He is, but he’s teaching Marilyn some French. Brought his homework here. I’ll put him on in a bit. I want to know if you’re having a nice time.’
She let out a sigh. ‘Marilyn told you about me and Chris, didn’t she?’
‘She’s just worried for you, love.’
‘I know. It’s OK.’ It was OK. She couldn’t expect Marilyn to keep things from her dad if she was any sort of girlfriend to him. And, as unsettling as it was, it was OK.
‘You haven’t told Dom though?’ Mike asked.
‘No. I just need this weekend, Dad. Then I’ll tell him,’ she replied.
‘So, how’s the weather? Is it sunny?’ Mike asked.
Emma stood up and walked over to the window. The view was outstanding. Golden fields of corn shimmered and stretched out towards the horizon, the evening sun dwindling as night closed in.
‘It’s beautiful,’ she whispered.
‘Oh, Ally told me to tell you to do everything she would do… on skis. Does that make any sense to you?’ Mike asked.
‘Yes,’ she answered, laughing.
‘Listen, love. Is everything alright? Apart from Chris. Are you alright for money? Does Dom need anything? I don’t want you to think just because you’re grown up you can’t come to me anymore. You can come to me for anything, love.’
The sentiment in her dad’s voice made her heart swell with joy and sorrow. Why hadn’t she told him the truth? If not at the time, then some while later. There had been opportunities but she’d ignored them, been too fearful of the can of worms it might open and the repercussions.
‘I know, Dad. Everything’s fine,’ she finally breathed.
‘Good. Right. I’ll get Dom then. You enjoy yourself,’ Mike ended.
‘Bye, Dad.’ She touched her fingers to the rims of her eyes and tried to push the emotion away. She didn’t want Dominic to know anything was wrong. Nothing was wrong, it was just that things were going to change a little.
‘Hi, Mum. I can’t talk for long. Marilyn’s terrible at French. Grandad says he might take her one day so she needs practice.’
‘Oh, well you’ll be a fantastic teacher. She’s lucky to have you. Are you having a good time?’ She sat down on the bed and envisaged him. His hair would be flopping over his eyes. He’d be fiddling with something, most probably a racing car.
‘Marilyn made spaghetti Bolognese and Grandad bought cake.’
‘Lucky you.’
‘Is Chris with you?’
She paused. What should she say? She didn’t want to lie to him but it wasn’t the kind of conversation to have on the telephone.
‘Not this time. Listen, you be good for Grandad and Marilyn. I’ll see you on Sunday,’ Emma spoke.
‘OK,’ he replied.
‘I love you.’
‘Love you too. Bye.’
And then he was gone. But he was fine. He was enjoying himself and she had no concerns for him. But for her, she still held onto the one that she had been carrying around her whole life.
Chapter Fifty-Four
He looked at the ring sat in its leather box. He knew, if looked upon by others, this was too soon. But it wasn’t for him. In his heart he had been engaged to Emma all this time. This ring was different. It was bought with one week’s wages because he’d fought and he’d struggled and he’d succeeded professionally against all odds.
He slipped the box into his trouser pocket. He didn’t know if tonight was the right time but having the ring close made