Spring Blossoms at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane (fiction books to read .txt) 📕

in, Mabel busied herself into hostess mode, as Helen retreated to the bathroom.

*

Making sure his workforce was happily tucking into their lunch, Tom hailed Sam as he saw him leaving the walled garden, an empty sack of chicken feed in one hand, and a clipboard and pen in the other.

‘Gertrude and co. alright today?’

Sam shook out the empty sack. ‘Wondering why they don’t get fed more often and insisting on front row seats at the wedding. Usual stuff.’

‘Sounds about right.’ Tom grinned as he gestured to the kitchen. ‘Bacon sandwich and coffee? Or are you in a tea mood?’

‘Tea would be great thanks. The sandwich goes without saying.’ Sam gestured to the nearest picnic bench. ‘I’ve got time for that chat now if you have?’

Having collected their lunches, Tom headed to the table. Until now it hadn’t occurred to him that Sam might say no to Dylan staying at Mill Grange until he’d found somewhere to rent. Now the chat he’d asked for was about to start, Tom realised he’d taken it for granted Sam would be okay with it. He hadn’t even got round to asking Mabel about good letting agents.

‘So, how can I help?’

Tom passed Sam his sandwich and decided to dive straight in with his request. ‘I’m after a favour. A big one.’

‘Go on.’

‘Sue has agreed I should have joint custody of Dylan.’

‘That’s brilliant news. I’m so chuffed for you.’ Sam patted his friend on the back. ‘How can I help?’

‘It’s a case of living arrangements. I’ll need to find a place to rent for the two of us, but until then…’

‘Until then you’ll need to have Dylan with you here, is that it?’

Tom took sanctuary in his sandwich for a moment, before saying, ‘I know it’s a hell of a cheek, but what do you think? If you’d allow me to have Dylan here for half the week, would it work? The house isn’t designed for children, and although he is used to the place from his visits, it would mean me having to fetch him from school during the afternoon, which means finishing work early some days, or at least breaking off from it for a while. Then Dylan would need watching while I am working and…’

As he heard his own words, the reality of the situation he’d agreed to with Sue sank in properly for the first time. This wasn’t just a question of Dylan sleeping in the spare twin bed in his room now and then. This would affect his whole life and work, and therefore the running of Mill Grange. He found himself holding his breath as he waited for Sam to speak.

‘When does this arrangement with Sue start?’

‘April the fifth.’ Tom didn’t dare meet Sam’s eyes.

‘In theory I’m in favour. We’d need to work out how to make sure the archaeological training wasn’t interrupted, so let’s have a group meeting. Helen can stand in for Thea. I owe her a meeting as she asked for a chat this morning as well.’

Tom had stopped listening to Sam as he repeated, ‘Stand in for Thea?’

‘Well yes, we only have Helen for a few more weeks. Once Thea is back, she’ll be the one who covers the trenches while you do the school run.’

‘Of course.’ Tom’s insides clenched. She really is leaving soon.

‘You alright, mate?’

Tom picked up his coffee mug. ‘To tell you the truth, I feel guilty for putting this on you, especially when we’re short-handed and you have a wedding to organise.’

‘Not a bit of it. We all love Dylan. Anyway,’ Sam peered over his shoulder to make sure they weren’t being overheard, ‘it isn’t just the wedding we have to organise. I have something else in mind, and I’m going to need your help.’

Fifteen

Friday March 27th

Mabel engulfed Dylan’s hand in hers as they walked through the clinical corridors, with Tom right behind them.

‘I’ve never been to a hospital before.’ Dylan stayed close to Mabel as they wove their way through the corridors towards the wards for afternoon visiting.

Tom laughed. ‘You have, but you won’t remember.’

‘Have I?’

‘Of course. You were born in a hospital.’

‘This one, Dad?’

‘No, but they all look pretty much the same. You were born in Swindon.’ Tom ruffled his son’s hair. ‘Best day of my life.’

‘Why, what happened?’

Mabel laughed despite the cluster of nervous apprehension gathering in her gut as they approached Bert’s ward. ‘Because you were born, Dylan.’

‘Oh. That’s nice.’ He looked at his dad. ‘Are we almost there yet?’

‘Next corridor.’

‘It’s a long walk.’ Mabel looked apologetically at Tom. ‘Like I said in the car, I don’t think they’ll let all three of us see Bert. They’re strict about the two at the bedside rule.’

‘It’s fine. You can give Bert my love and I’ll go and find us some coffee for afterwards.’

‘Coffee! Yuk.’ Dylan pulled a face. ‘Can I have orange juice? Mum forgot to put one in my school lunch today.’

‘Did she?’ Tom frowned. ‘Did you find a drink alright?’

‘There’s always water.’

‘Right. Okay, coffee and orange juice.’

‘Thanks, Dad.’

‘We’ll ask though, just in case we can all go in.’ Mabel smiled. ‘I’m looking forward to seeing my old boy’s face when he sees you, young fella.’

Dylan tugged anxiously at Mabel’s arm. ‘Bert will be okay, won’t he? He’s my friend.’

Looking helplessly at Tom, Mabel opened her mouth, but no words would come out. How could she make a promise it wasn’t in her power to keep?

Seeing the emotions battle on her face, Tom picked up Dylan. ‘Why don’t you go and book in at reception, Mabel? We’ll wait here.’

As the relieved old lady joined the short queue, Tom sat on a plastic chair and took a deep breath. ‘Bert is going to be pleased to see you, Dylan, but you must remember he is very poorly. His voice might sound a bit strange. He might even be wearing a special mask to help him breathe.’

Dylan’s usual red cheeks paled. ‘Mabel said he was tired a lot.’

‘That’s because all of his energy’s going into getting better.’