Page 149 of Maybe Tomorrow

They saw Jennifer’s Land Rover coming over the hill and Anthony went to the front door to welcome her, Woody by his side.

‘Someone looks happy,’ Jennifer said, climbing out of the car.

‘I’ve been really looking forward to this visit,’ he beamed.

‘So have I.’

Pauline and Leo came out of the house to help Jennifer get the twins’ car seats out of the back and take them into the house.

‘Kettle’s on,’ Pauline said. ‘We’ve baked as well. I hope you like carrot cake.’

‘It’s one of my favourites.’

‘Mine too,’ Anthony called out.

‘Come on, let’s get inside out of the cold.’

Before she went in, Jennifer looked back over her shoulder at the stunning view. She’d love to live somewhere like this. It wasn’t practical at present with the children so young. Maybe one day.

In the living room, Anthony cooed over the children while they slept in their car seats. When they woke and Jennifer had fed them, Anthony asked if he could hold baby Anthony.

‘I’m not sure about that,’ Pauline said.

‘Of course, you can,’ Jennifer said. ‘Sit down. Hold your arms out and rest his head in the crook of your elbow, that’s it,’ she said, placing the baby in his arm. ‘There you go. You’re a natural.’

‘He’s smiling at me,’ Anthony laughed.

All three stood back and watched as Anthony looked so happy, so content, with a child in his arms.

‘Can we take a photograph? Do you mind?’ Pauline asked.

‘That would be lovely,’ Jennifer said.

Pauline took a camera out of the sideboard and took a picture of Anthony on his own with the baby. Jennifer joined him for another. A third was taken with both Anthony and Jennifer holding a baby each. Then Jennifer took a picture of Anthony with Pauline and Leo with the babies.

‘I can’t wait to get these developed,’ said Pauline. ‘I’ll send you copies.’

‘I’d like that,’ said Jennifer.

‘So, Jennifer, what are you going to do now? I read in the papers that you’ve left the solicitors,’ Leo said.

‘Yes. Well, I’m still a partner, but we’ve got a few juniors doing the day-to-day running. I’m staying on in an advisory capacity, you might say. I’m still keeping my hand in with the charity, as well, but I think I just want to spend some time with these two while they’re still young. Enjoy being a mum.’

‘They grow up so quickly,’ Pauline said.

‘You can come and visit us any time you want. Can’t she, Mum?’ said Anthony.

‘Of course. Open invitation. We owe you so much, Jennifer.’

‘You don’t owe me anything. I can’t believe all this time that Malcolm…’ She stopped, tears taking over her words.

Leo placed a hand on her arm. ‘It’s all in the past. We don’t dwell on the past here. We learn from it and move on. Isn’t that right, Anthony?’

Anthony hadn’t heard. He was too busy staring at the sleeping baby in his arms.

All three watched in silence. They couldn’t believe how content Anthony looked.

Anthony and Leo were always the last to go to bed. They enjoyed staying up late, gazing out of the picture window in the living room, and when the sky was clear, looking up at the myriad stars and pointing out the constellations. Anthony was getting very good at it, despite his failing eyesight.