Page 59 of One More Time

‘Love you too, Mum. Bye for now.’

‘Bye, love.’

Hanging up the phone, Grace decided to take five minutes out before ploughing into her morning of cooking. She had to head into town to grab a final few things straight after, so now would be the only time she’d have to take a breather. Over the years, through all her trials and tribulations, she’d learnt how important it was to take the time needed to stop and smell the roses. It made for a much happier, more peaceful life.

Wandering onto the front verandah of the Waterside Estate home they’d shared with Rodger for just over a decade, she leant on the top timber railing and gazed across the ocean, toward what had once been her home and haven, Moonflower Acres. Charlie had been back there for almost six years now, and although he appeared happy living life on his own, especially with how fabulously successful his book had been, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was ever going to meet a woman who he’d choose to share his life with. Word was a few of the local ladies had tried to date him, but Charlie hadn’t blinked an eye their way.

She knew it was going to be hard to see him with another, when the time came around. Yet she was hopeful it would, for Charlie’s sake. He’d come a long way from the troubled young man she’d married, and had healed into a wonderful gentleman she adored and cared for immensely. No matter the fact she’d moved on in her life, she’d come to accept that Charlie would always be on her mind, be it at the back of it, the forefront of it, or just lingering at the edges. And he would always own a piece of her heart. He was the father of her children, so how could he not?

Drawing in a deep breath, she brought herself back from across the water, and centred her mind on the day ahead. There was much to be done. With the hours ticking by, she bustled around the kitchen with her favourite ABBA CD on, humming and enjoying every second of cooking this mammoth feast for those she held dearest. She’d asked everyone for their favourite dishes. For Hudson and Bryn, it was her red wine and garlic pot roast. For Rodger, it was gruyere potato bake. Ava begged for roast honey pumpkin with crumbled hazelnuts, Hope had asked for green beans cooked with bacon, brown sugar and butter, and Charlie, of course, had requested his all-time favourite, her chive pinwheel rolls to mop up the rich, meaty gravy.

It was close to midday when she was finally draining the sink. She popped the dishcloth back in its place, then stepped back and surveyed one end of the kitchen to the other, making sure everything was done. Spotting a cobweb in the far right corner, above her Aga, she went to grab the broom from the storage cupboard beneath the stairs when the doorbell chimed. Changing trajectory, she made a beeline for the front door.

‘Oh hey, Charlie.’ She flashed him a friendly smile as she swung the screen door open. ‘Why didn’t you just let yourself in, Ava?’

Ava stepped inside, her hands full of shopping bags. She gave Grace a kiss on the cheek as she passed. ‘I forgot to bring my keys.’

‘Oh, fair enough.’ She waved Charlie in, then turned to watch Ava traipsing up the staircase with her shopping haul. ‘Looks like you two were busy.’

Charlie gave her an exaggerated nod. ‘That girl of ours can shop. I’m pooped.’

‘You would be.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘You’ve still got half an hour. Would you like a drink before you head to the airport?’

‘Sounds nice, as long as I’m not putting you out?’

‘Of course not.’ She led him down the hallway and into the kitchen. ‘Cold or hot?’

‘Oh, it’s a bit of a hot one out there today.’ He grinned, tempting her into banter.

Happy, she took the bait. ‘Okay, yes, it is hot out there smartypants.’ She chortled, rolling her eyes in humour. ‘Would you like a cold or hot drink?’

Charlie’s grin was wickedly mischievous. ‘I’ll go for something cold.’

‘Iced tea it is, then.’ She collected the jug from the fridge and poured two glasses.

Gratefully taking his glass, Charlie took a sip. ‘Wow, this is very tasty, did you make it yourself?’

‘Yes.’ Not feeling as if she had to play the perfect host when it was Charlie, Grace continued to potter about the kitchen. ‘I find it refreshing when it’s a hot day.’

‘It sure is.’ He took a hearty glug. ‘You’re one talented woman.’

‘It’s only iced tea, Charlie, but thank you.’ Turning to the stove, she adjusted the flame beneath the simmering pot. ‘So, have you had any luck with your agent, regarding the book being made into a movie?’ It was a casual question.

‘Actually, that’s why I walked Ava in, Grace. I was hoping to have a private chat with you.’

Grace peered over her shoulder. ‘Oh? Is everything okay?’

‘Yes, it’s nothing bad,’ he said quickly, to clear any worry from her mind. ‘On the contrary, actually.’

Intrigued, Grace watched him rise and move closer, stopping a respectable distance from her. Their gazes locked and held for a few moments. Instinctively, Grace’s hand went to the brooch Charlie had gifted her all those years ago. She still wore it, when it matched her chosen outfit.

‘I like that you still wear it.’ Pointing to the brooch, he cleared his throat and smiled. ‘Well, it looks like all my hard work is going to pay off, and I have something for you.’ Retrieving a folded bit of paper from his pocket, he held it out. ‘They’ve finally upped their offer to option my book for a movie.’

Accepting it a little hesitantly, Grace unfolded what she realised was a cheque made out to her. Her eyes widened when she spotted the six-figured amount. ‘Charlie, oh my goodness! This is way too much.’ She went to hand it back. ‘I mean this in the politest of ways, but I don’t want your money.’

‘I refuse your refusal.’ Holding his hands up, Charlie stepped back from her. ‘I’ve been wishing for this moment since I first put pen to paper almost thirteen years ago.’ He sighed a little sadly. ‘Nothing will ever make up for the years of hardship I put you and the kids through, but this will at least help make your and their lives that much easier now.’

Tears blurred her vision and, before she could hold them at bay, rolled down her cheeks. Sniffling, she covered her mouth. ‘But Charlie, I don’t expect anything. You’ve made up for it all ten times over, with how caring you are to me and the children.’