CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (13 page)

“Hell of a place he’s got here,” Bob says,
changing the subject.

“Fancy living here?” I ask, taking the bull
by the horns. Bob stares at me in disbelief. “I’m not kidding,” I say.
“Tristan’s asked me to move in with him. I’ve said yes, so I won’t be there to
look after you, be close to you, how I would like it to be. So I want you to
seriously consider this offer. We would like you to move in with us.”

“We?” He questions.

“Yes. Tristan completely agrees. We both
want you here, and it won’t just be you Bob, Edith is now living with us,” I
say pointing to her in the kitchen. “She’s Tristan’s housekeeper from London,
and Stuart’ – “I’ve met him,” he interrupts.

“Well, he’ll be here too, so there will be
five of us,” I add, smiling broadly at him.

“You want me to move in here? With you?” he
clarifies. I nod, grinning widely. “Well, I don’t know Coral…” He says staring
out at the summer evening.

“Great view huh?” I say.

“It ain’t bad,” he agrees, turning to smile
at me. “Let me think about it,” he says.

“Sure, take all the time you need. Are you
back in your studio?” I ask.

“I want to be, but Gladys is insisting I
stay with her a while longer.”

“That’s good,” I say patting his frail
hand. “Are you having a roast with her tomorrow?”

“I’m not sure,” he says.

“Well I’d like to catch up with you. Want
to come here tomorrow?”

“For dinner?”

“Yes,” I smile.

“Ok,” he smiles back.

“Good,” I say, then lean up and kiss his
cheek. As usual his cheeks flame and his shy smile appears. “I better go find
Debs,” I say. “It’s great to see you Bob.”

“You too darling,” he says gently patting
my hand. I squeeze his hand once more then make my way over to Debs. “We need
to talk,” I say and gesture for her to follow me. I walk over to the utility
room and open the door, I wait for Debs then shut the door behind her.

“What’s up?” She asks.

“Lily doesn’t want to leave,” I say.

“What?” Debs laughs.

“Debs, I’m serious.” Her face falls. “She
just told me she doesn’t want to go and she doesn’t want to tell you that. I’m
letting you know so you can speak to Scott. It’s none of my business what
happens, but she is one upset little girl, who wants to stay here, at home.” Debs
mouth pops open in shock.

“I…she really said that to you?” I nod in
reply. “Ok, thanks…I guess Scott and I have some talking to do,” she muses.

“I’m really sorry Debs,” I say. “I don’t
want to seem like I’m interfering, but I thought you would want to know.” She
nods distractedly at me. “I really am sorry,” I add.

“Don’t say that Coral. I’m really glad that
you’ve told me,” she says.

“Sure?” I ask.

“Yeah…I just…we asked Lily about this? We sat
her down, talked about it for ages, she said she was happy to go, excited even?
I wonder why she hasn’t been truthful?” She says, staring at the floor.

“I don’t know? Maybe she’s just saying it
because of what happened to me, maybe she’s just upset at the moment, she is
only five after all.” Debs nods again deep in thought, then taking me by
surprise she hugs me. “I love you Coral, thank you.”

“I love you too Debs.” I whisper.

Then taking hold of my hand she squeezes it
once, then we both head out the room. And I go searching for my Hubby….
well
hubby to be!

WE ARE ALL SITTING ON THE LARGE U-SHAPED SOFA.
Everyone has eaten Edith’s mammoth spread, and the party is in full
swing. Tristan, Scott and Malcolm are having some deep discussion. Gladys is
busy getting giggly with Rob, Phil and Carlos, I think they are getting a
little tipsy – I’m jealous! George, Bob and Joyce are quietly chatting away,
while Erin and Ellie are playing with Lily. Debs is sat next to me on the very
end of the sofa, but she seems miles away; I hope I haven’t upset her.

“Debs,” I whisper. “You ok?” She shakes her
head at me.
Uh-oh!
“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“If Lily doesn’t want to go, I don’t know
what we’re going to do?”

“Are you worried about money?” I ask. Not
that she should be, she’s got two hundred and fifty grand too, just like me!

“No, not really’ – “Time for presents!” Rob
bellows, jumping to his feet, effectively putting a stop to that conversation.
Everyone cheers and starts shuffling around.

I roll my eyes at Rob’s behaviour. “Come
see me?” I whisper.

“I will.” She smiles, squeezing my hand. Rob
marches over to me, helps me to my feet and walks me over to the centre of the
sofa. “Well, sit down then,” he says rolling his eyes at me.

“Rob’ – “Do it woman!” he warns. I want to
huff at him, but I don’t.

I tentatively sit down, all eyes are on me
and the conversations have died down to a quiet hush –
Oh god! This is not
happening! –
Tristan must be reading my discomfort, because within seconds
he’s sat next to me, squeezing my hand.

“Right! Who’s first?” Rob says.

“Ooh me, me!” Phil says, jumping to his
feet. Walking over to the table, he picks up their present then walks over to
me, grinning widely at George. “From George and I, happy birthday!” He grins,
handing me a small flat box.

“Thank you,” I say smiling up at him.
Reluctantly, I take the present off him and quickly demolish the wrapping paper
–
I need to get this over with, it’s too embarrassing!

Lifting the lid, I frown when I see a small
white envelope. Taking it out of the box, I pull open the seal and take out the
contents.
Oh George!

“No way!” I gasp, smiling broadly – I have
two tickets to see the Lion King!

It’s not until next year, but who cares!
I’ve been dying to see it since it came out, but the tickets kept selling out
on me!

I swallow hard and look up at George. “I
know you’ve always wanted to see it.” George says smiling fondly at me.

“I…I don’t know what to say?...Thank you,
so much.” George walks over to me and we hug, I do the same with Phil –
Wow!
Maybe this won’t be so bad after all!

Rob proceeds to organise who goes next –
he’s so bossy sometimes! Erin and Ellie have bought me two bottles of wine, not
that I expected anything from them – I’m still shocked they’re here. Bob –
bless his cotton socks – has bought me a box of chocolates and another bottle
of wine. Debs and Scott have bought me The Hairy Bikers Cookbook. Gladys and
Malcolm – Bath bubbles, a box set of make-up and a bottle of my favourite
perfume.

I am being spoiled rotten!

“Come on Joyce!” Rob says. Joyce comes and
sits next to me, then opening her handbag she takes out a small white envelope
and passes it to me.

“Happy birthday Coral,” she says handing me
the envelope and kissing my cheek.

“Thank you,” I whisper. I look down at the
present, lift the seal and pull out the contents.

Two return tickets to Florida –
Ok, I
feel faint!

“Joyce,” I gasp. “You shouldn’t have!”

“Too late!” She smiles.
I’m speechless!
– Tears start to pool in my eyes. Without a word, I turn and pull Joyce into my
arms. My shoulder is throbbing painfully at me, but I don’t care. I hold her to
me for the longest time.

“What is it?” Rob says excitedly.

“Two tickets to Florida.” Tristan says.

I finally release Joyce. “Thank you,” I say
trying not to choke up.

“You are more than welcome,” she says,
tears pooling in her eyes. I can't help the tears that start flowing down my
cheeks, Joyce smiles at me, pulls her handkerchief out and dabs my cheeks dry.

“Thanks,” I squeak, smiling and sniffing
loudly. We both start laughing at each other, then we hug again.

“Our turn!” Rob pipes up excitedly. I pull
out of Joyce’s arms and look up at Rob. Carlos stands and walks over to the
table, picking up a big shiny purple bag he walks over to me, then leans down
and kisses my cheek.

“Happy birthday,” he says smiling warmly at
me.

“Thanks,” I say, feeling embarrassed again.

Opening the bag, I see two big presents
wrapped in shiny purple paper and what looks like a birthday card.

“Open the card first!” Rob demands.

“Ok,” I laugh. Pulling the card out, I open
it up and pull out the contents.
Whoa!
I have a voucher for Spa Tara. I
know the place, it’s right on the Marina but I’ve never been.

“It’s a full package,” Rob explains,
budging Joyce out of the way and sitting next to me. “Whatever you want, you
can go on your own, or we can make a day of it,” he explains cheerfully.

I look across at my awesome best friend.
“Thanks Rob and you Carlos. It’s awesome,” I add kissing Rob on the cheek.

“Come on!” he says. “Open the next one.” He
pulls out one of the boxes and passes it to me. I think he’s more excited than
I am. I rip the paper off and smile up at him.

“Friends?” I have never seen any of the
series, how cool!

“It’s the complete box set,” he says.
“Something funny to watch while you’re recovering, or being miserable,” he adds
teasingly.

“Hey!” I smile up at him and bump his
shoulder –
Shouldn’t have done that, it hurt!

“That’s so cool,” I gasp, trying to control
the pain. “Thanks you two!” Carlos winks and smiles at me, while Rob passes me
the next present, grinning excitedly at me.

I cock one eyebrow up at him, feels heavy.
I smile and rip of the paper –
Whoa!

I have a set of three Global Chef’s knives.
I have wanted a set of these for ages, but they’re really expensive! These must
have cost at least three hundred pounds, if not more!

My face falls. I turn and gaze at Rob who’s
grinning widely at me. “Tristan told us,” he says. “About the cooking classes
you’re going to take.”

I turn and gape at Tristan, he grins widely
at me. I shake my head; I am in awe of all of this!

“Rob!” I choke, pulling him into my arms.
“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome!” He chuckles. Pulling out
of his arms, I turn and blow a kiss to Carlos, who blows one back. Rob then
jumps to his feet. “Your turn Tristan!”

“I’ve already had my present from Tristan,”
I say.

“You have?” He questions, all eyes are on
me. I reach down inside my t-shirt and carefully pull out my necklace. “Antique
locket,” I say.

“Oh Coral!” Joyce gasps, budging Rob out of
the way and taking it between her manicured fingernails. “It’s beautiful,” she
says, turning it over and inspecting it.

“I know.” I choke up again.

“Actually,” Tristan says turning to face
me, his chocolate eyes capturing me. “That’s one of your presents,” he adds,
leaning in to me. I think he’s about to kiss me, but instead he whispers right
in my ear, “And there’s many more.”
What!

My mouth drops open as I stare back at him.
He looks so intense, so sexy. The room is silent as we sit staring at one
another, and begins to charge with that familiar electricity that flows between
the two of us. Someone clears there throat, pulling me out of the little bubble
that surrounds us, and several of our guests start chattering away with one
another. I think we are making them feel uncomfortable.

Tristan breaks eye contact with a nervous
chuckle, leans in and kisses me lightly on the cheek. Then he stands, smiles
his breathtaking smile at me and wonders off into his office.

The moment he’s gone Gladys, Debs, Erin and
Ellie are straight over to me, each taking a turn to inspect my locket, each
agreeing how beautiful it is.

Tristan swiftly returns and sits next to
me. I cannot take my eyes off him. The conversation in the room quiets to a low
rumble.

“More presents?” I whisper to him.

“Yes.” He smiles, handing me a small white
envelope. I tentatively take it off him. Ripping it open, I pull out the
contents. I swallow hard, and fight against the tears again. Tristan has bought
me a £1000 gift voucher for Ashdown Manna Cookery School.
Wow!

“What is it?” Rob pipes up excitedly.

“Um…” I clear my throat. “Cooking classes,”
I say. Everyone oohs and ahhs!

“You can choose,” Tristan says. “Whatever
you want to do. There’s Italian, Spanish, Indian, Thai, Fish & Seafood,
Middle Eastern, Bread and Baking, and if they don’t do the course you want,
just let me know and we can book somewhere else.”

“Thank you Tristan, I love it.” I say.

“I have another present for you,” he
whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. It makes my heart pound and my
breathing stop when he’s that close to me.

“Another?” I squeak breathlessly. I turn
and stare wide eyed at him.

“Yes.” He smiles his enigmatic smile at me.

“Tristan’ – “You can't have it yet, so
don’t worry. When you’re better and you’ve taken the cookery courses you want,
then you can have it,” he says grinning from ear to ear.

“Another surprise?” I question.

“Yes.” His grin widens.

“You are over the top!” I lightly scold.

“Suck it up!” He teases. I can't help
shaking my head and smiling at him.
I wonder what he has in store for me?

“Oh…and you might not like this,” he
whispers.

“Like what?” I whisper back frowning at
him.

Tristan suddenly stands, and turns the
music down a little – which kind of annoys me because Rihanna just started
singing
You Da One; and I really love that song.

I frown up at Tristan who
nods to Edith.
She wobbles over to us with a large Champagne bottle in her hand and tops up
everyone’s glasses; then Tristan walks to the centre of the room.

“Ladies and Gentleman,” he says, gaining
everyone’s attention. “Coral,” he softly says, his hand held out. “Please join
me.”
Oh Crap! Haven’t I been embarrassed enough?

Joyce helps me to my feet. Tentatively, I
walk over to Tristan and take his outstretched hand. He pulls me gently to his
side and wraps his arm around my waist so we are facing everyone.

“A toast,” he says. “Coral, happy birthday
darling!” He says raising his glass in the air. Everyone follows suit, shouting
happy birthday, Rob whoops and cheers with Phil. I can't help giggling at them
both.

“Also, I think I can speak freely for
everyone in this room, when I say how lucky we all feel to have you home, safe
and sound.” I hear Gladys stifle back a sob.
Mom! Don’t cry!

“To coming home safely,” Tristan says
raising his glass in the air again.

“Here, here!” Rob pipes up as everyone else
echoes Tristan sentiments and raises their glasses one more time.
I am dying
here!

Tristan smiles down at me, his shy boyish
smile, then leans in and softly kisses me. Conversation pipes up in the room
again. I can tell Tristan looks nervous, but I can't work out why?

“What’s wrong?” I whisper. He shakes his
head slightly, smiles nervously, then he takes a deep breath and raises his
glass again –
Huh?

“Ladies and Gentleman, I have something
else I would like to share with everyone here…and my parents,” he says, nodding
to the picture of them that’s up on the wall. “As some of you may know, I lost
both my parents last year…it’s been…difficult to say the least, and I would
have loved…” He stops and swallows hard.
Oh no Tristan!

Turning to look at me he takes a deep
breath and slowly blows it out, I suddenly realise he needs reassurance. “It’s
ok Tristan,” I whisper. “I’m right here.” I add, wrapping my arms around him.
He leans down and pecks my forehead, then continues.

“I wish my parents could be here today, to
share our happy news, but sadly it wasn’t meant to be. As you all know, Coral
and I have only know each other a short while, but I love her and I will spend
the rest of my life cherishing her.” I cannot take my eyes of him. “So I would
like you all to be the first to know that Miss Coral Stevens, the beautiful,
captivating soul that she is, has consented to be my wife,” he proudly says.
Oh…he
did not just say that...without telling me?

Edith drops something in the kitchen,
making a loud banging noise, and apart from Debs spitting her drink all over
Scott the room is completely silent.
Uh-oh!