Christmas Eva (10 page)

8

 

Harry slipped into the pew next to Eva's wheelchair the following morning, trying not to hit her knees as he brushed past. The church was packed, and his was almost the last seat. “Hi, gorgeous.”

Something flickered in her eyes for a moment, before she hid it. “Hello. How are you?”

“I'm good. What about you?”

“OK. I did a lot of thinking last night.”

“Oh?” He tucked his Bible and service sheet into the pew in front of him.

She picked at her nail. “You're right. I let things slide. A lot of things. Just because my life is different now, doesn't mean I have to give up.”

“Exactly.” He slid his hand into hers.

“So, I actually read my Bible—both those passages you mentioned, and prayed last night. And I mean prayed properly, not just yelled why. I know God has a plan, and He's in control, just wish He'd let me on it.”

He squeezed her hand. “And He will, in His time, not ours.”

Eva took a deep breath. “So, if God wants me in this chair, then I accept it.”

The music group began playing, filling the chapel with Christmas carols and somewhat drowning out the conversations around him.

Eva leaned closer. “So, thank you. Because if you hadn't said what you did, then I'd still be stuck in a dark place. And before you say anything, I know it's not a miracle cure, but it's a start, right?”

He nodded as his foot tapped in time with the music. “Right.”

Eva glanced at the notices on the screen behind the pulpit. “Are you busy today?”

“No, Sunday's are my day off.”

“Then why don't you come to ours and have dinner.”

“I'd like that. On the condition we don't talk shop. I mean with you and Felicity and me all working at the same place.”

Eva smiled. “Done.”

Harry pulled out his service sheet and studied it, liking the fact it was all carols that morning, bar one. “Did you catch any news before you came out?”

“No.”

“The driver who hit you and Sue has come forward. They've charged him with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, and failing to stop. So, now you really can start to move forwards with your life.” He tucked his sheet away as the pastor stood.

Harry remained seated with Eva to sing and share the hymn book.

The service over, Harry left his car parked in the church car park and went back with the Anderson's. The sky was leaden and overcast, and he hoped he wouldn't have to dig it out of a foot of snow after the evening service.

A chill winter wind picked up as he put Eva back in her chair outside the house. His scarf blew into her face and she giggled, grabbing it and putting it on. He grinned and stole her hat in response, tugging it over his ears. “Does pink suit me?”

“Yes, it does.”

“Good. Then I'm a'keeping it. 'Tis what pirates do, ya know.” His phone rang, and he glanced at the screen. “I should take this.”

“I'll leave the door on the latch for you,” Eva said, putting her hands onto the wheels. “Come in when you're done.”

Harry nodded, turning to face the road as he answered the call. “Hello?”

“Harry, long time, no speak.” His brother's voice carried its usual smile. “How are you? How's the panto going?”

“Darrell, it's going good. And we never speak because you never call or write. How are you?”

“Returning your call. Seriously, I'm fine, just rushed off my feet. So, what's up? Your umpteen messages sounded important.”

“I was wondering if you can do me a favor. Feel free to say no, but I'm seeing this girl and—”

“Wait a minute.” He could almost see his brother straighten in shock. “That sounded like you said you were seeing someone.”

Harry smirked. “Yes I did, and yes I am. She's in a wheelchair, the result of being hit by a car in April. She's adamant she can't walk, but no one has confirmed it.”

Darrell cleared his throat. “What does her doctor say?”

“That's just it. Now she's out of the coma, they won't tell her family anything. And Eva won't say—other than the fact she can't because her back is broken. But her mobility is pretty good, and she can move both arms and her feet. I was wondering if you'd see her. Give us a second opinion in your brutally honest and forthright way. I know you're busy and have a ten-year waiting list…”

Darrell laughed. “It's only a two week wait actually.” Pages turned. “Let me see…”

Harry shook his head in dismay. “You're working on a Sunday? You disappoint me.”

“Not working. I left my phone in the office and called in to pick it up on my way home from church. I have a cancellation nine-thirty Wednesday morning, if that's any good?”

“That's brilliant. Thanks, Darrell.”

“No problem. What's her name?”

“Eva Anderson. And bill me, not her.”

“Not billing either of you. It's a favor, remember? See you Wednesday.”

“Thanks bro.” Harry hung up and went back inside. The aroma hit him full on. Roast beef, something he hadn't had in a long time. Not homemade anyway. He followed his nose to the kitchen. “Nine-thirty Wednesday morning, Eva.”

“What is?”

“Your appointment with Darrell at his Harley Street clinic. He's one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the country.”

“I can't afford Harley Street,” Eva said, her eyes wide in what could be shock or horror.

“Don't worry about the bill.”

“I'm not taking charity.”

“For crying out loud, Eva. Darrell is my brother, he owes me a favor. I called it in. He had a cancellation—do you want it or not?”

“Yes, she does,” her father said from where he carved the meat. “Thank you.”

“I'll arrange for my driver to pick you up. I don't use him much right now, as I prefer to drive myself or walk, but he comes with the agency contract, and it'll give him something to do. He'll pick you up at eight and have you in London for half nine. Would you like me to go with you?”

“I'll go by myself.”

“No, you won't,” Felicity said. “You can't do it alone. I'll go with you.”

“I go alone or not at all,” Eva insisted. “Just because I've lost the use of my legs, doesn't mean I can't use my own judgment or make my own decisions. Besides, I really don't need an audience to be told I'm never going to walk again.”

“Don't be ridiculous.” Felicity sighed.

“If I don't go alone, I won't go at all. Please excuse me.”

Harry shook his head as Eva vanished. “Stubborn woman.”

“That's our Eva,” Mr. Anderson said. “She's just so frustrated now, it seeps into everything she says and does. Anyway, it's very kind of you to arrange the appointment.”

Harry held his gaze. “I know my brother will be honest with her.”

“I wasn't going to go in with her, Matthew, but she didn't give me a chance to explain.” Felicity sighed. “Just in the car and as far as the office. She hates going out as it is.”

“If she feels she can do this alone, then maybe you should let her. Chances are she'll change her mind before Wednesday, anyway.” He paused. “I'd like for you all to call me Harry, if that's all right. Felicity, obviously it needs to be Matthew at work, but here and outside the theatre, I'd rather be me than anyone else.”

Felicity nodded. “We can do that.”

He smiled. “I'll go talk to Eva and bring her back in.” He headed out of the room and followed the tracks on the carpet to the lounge.

Harry knelt in front of the chair and took hold of her hands. “Eva, look at me.”

She slowly raised her head.

“What's wrong?”

She shook her head. “I'm not a child that needs to be escorted everywhere.”

“No one is planning on escorting you anywhere. Felicity wanted to go with you because she knows how scared you get when you go outside. But if you think you can do it alone, then go for it.” He paused. “She wasn't going to go in with you to see Darrell, unless that's what you wanted. Just to go in the car up to London and then push you up that horridly steep ramp outside Darrell's clinic. But it's up to you.” He cradled her face. “Evie…”

She looked at him, surprise in her eyes at his use of her nickname.

“I love you.”

She pointed to the chair. “What about this?”

“You're
not
the chair. You are a wonderful, talented woman, who's a lot stronger than she thinks. One of God's own and someone I love very much. My feelings for you won't change, no matter what Darrell says on Wednesday.” He kissed her gently. “Let you into a little secret. I only took this panto job because it was in the town you lived in.”

“Now you're being silly.”

He stroked her face, tucking her hair behind her ears. “I'm not. I thought if I worked here, I'd be closer to you, perhaps find you and see you again. You see, I fell for you that night in April in the rain outside the theatre. I haven't been able to get you out of my mind ever since. It's Christmas, Eva, a time for miracles. The fact you survived the accident and woke from your coma is a miracle in itself. God gave you a second chance at life, and I'm hoping that it's with me.”

“You…you mean that?”

“Yes.” Harry watched her face, trying to read it, but it wasn't possible.

Eva hugged him. “I'm not sure why you want me when you can have your pick of pretty, rich, and famous women. And most of them a whole lot nicer to people than I am.”

“I don't want anyone nice, Eva,” he whispered and winked, moving into kiss her. “I want you.”

 

 

 

 

9

 

Eva glanced at the price list in the hairdresser's window as Harry checked her in. As he came back over she looked at him. “So which stylist am I seeing?”

“Kyle Stevens. He owns the place.”

“The owner? I can't afford—”

Harry tutted. “Will you stop with the ‘I can't afford it' malarkey? It's rather tiresome now. I can, and I'm treating you.”

“You don't need to keep rubbing my nose in the fact you earn more than I do.”

“We can always swap jobs. You be the pirate, and I'll do the makeup…”

“Nah, it's fine.”

Harry tilted his head, a slight smirk on his face. “In that case, how about I give you the money, and then you can pay?”

“And that changes things how?” She had to admit his grin was infectious and despite herself, could feel the corners of her mouth turning upwards.

Harry kissed her cheek. “It doesn't. But it might make you feel better. Seriously, Evie, you don't get out much, and I don't spend my money very much. So it's kind of a win-win situation here. Call it an early Christmas present if you'd rather.”

“OK, thank you.” She held his gaze. “I need to learn to stop arguing, huh?”

He nodded. “Yup and allow people to spoil you occasionally. It's fun.”

The owner of the salon came over. His light brown hair stood up at all angles and his blue eyes sparkled as he held out his hand. “Miss Anderson?”

“It's Eva,” she replied, shaking his hand.

He sat next to her. “Kyle. Have you thought how you'd like your hair done?”

She shook her head. “It used to be really long and wavy, but since the accident it's just a mess. They cut it to shoulder length and since then it's just uncontrollable.”

“Are you planning on growing it again?”

“I don't know.”

Kyle ran expert fingers through her hair. “It's in good condition. How about I layer it, give it some body and shape for now? Give you something you can work with and will look good for Christmas while you decide what you want long term.”

“OK.”

He rose. “We'll wash it first.”

Eva frowned, not understanding. “How?”

Harry rolled his eyes. “You'll have to excuse her; she really doesn't get out much.”

Eva rolled her eyes right back. “Oh, hushed you. Pick on someone your own size.”

He knelt down and winked at her. “Like this you mean.” Only when she smiled did he stand and lift her from the chair. “Where do you want her?”

Kyle chuckled. “In the sink.”

Harry winked. “Sure. In the sink it is. Not sure she'll fit, but I'll give it a try.”

Eva clung to him, playing along. “Don't you dare…”

Harry followed Kyle around to the rear of the salon and set Eva in the chair. He stayed by her side as Kyle washed her hair. As gentle as Kyle's touch was, it wasn't a patch on Harry's. Once her hair was wrapped in a towel, Harry carried her to a chair in front of the mirror, and went over to her wheelchair to wait.

Eva shook her head as she saw Harry sit in it and wheel it back and forth as if trying to perfect spinning on the spot. She divided her attention between watching him and watching Kyle work, amazed by the change in her appearance as he cut and styled her hair. His reputation had preceded him, and they hadn't exaggerated.

“And to keep it like this just wash, blow dry, and run your fingers through it,” he said as he finished.

“Thank you.”

Harry came over with the chair. “You look amazing.” He kissed her cheek as he lifted her into the wheelchair. “Put your coat on while I go and pay.”

Eva nodded, watching Harry as she did so. He handed over his card, seeming deep in conversation. She eased the chair over to him. She'd never met a bloke like him before. He was a true gent and she couldn't believe he spoiled her the way he did. Or that she was his.

He smiled at her as he did up his coat. “What you thinking?”

“Just how special you are, and how much you spoil me.”

He kissed her. “You're worth it. Now, we need to go to one more place before work.”