‘I know I can.’
‘You and Derek have a lot to catch up on.’
She nodded and glanced at a sleeping Zac in the back. ‘Be good for Rachel,’ she whispered. Before opening the door, she leaned over and planted a kiss on my cheek. ‘Thank you for being here for me, Rachel.’
‘Always, and I mean that, Layla.’
A different Layla returned an hour later. She had a huge smile across her face and her dark eyes were shining.
‘Well, how did it go?’
She looked at me and her huge grin lit me up inside. ‘Derek and I talked non-stop. Even the nurse commented on how we both liked to chat. We discussed a lot of things and he’s keen to meet Zac.’
‘That’s amazing.’
‘My life doesn’t feel as dark now. I mean, it’s far from perfect… I don’t have a permanent place to live, I have a young baby and I’m struggling to find cleaning work, but I have Derek now.’
I reached over and pulled her into a hug. ‘This is the start of your new life, Layla.’
‘He thinks he will be out just before Christmas. His leg is badly broken, and he might have to undergo other ops, but the doctors are positive he might be okay.’
‘Does Derek have a family?’
She shook her head. ‘This is the bizarre thing. He’s gone through some dark times too and he said finding me again has brought some sunshine into his life.’
Our journey back home was an emotional but happy one. Layla talked about all the things she wanted to do with Derek in the future. It made me tearful. She sounded happy and her face was no longer creased and shadowy. Her dreams also made me think about Dad. A little part of me wanted to write to him. I wasn’t sure what I would write but I was sure it would come to me. When we got back Grandpa and Humphrey were pleased to see us. I cooked us all a chicken casserole and over dinner Layla told Grandpa all about her visit to Derek.
‘I’m so pleased for you, Layla,’ gushed Grandpa, taking her hand in his. ‘You’ll have to invite Derek over on Christmas Day.’
Layla glanced at Grandpa and back at me. ‘Really?’
I nodded. ‘I don’t see why not. I mean we have far too much food for just us three and there is room for him to stay over.’
Layla got up and came to hug me. ‘I am so glad you came to stay, Rachel.’
I rubbed her hand. ‘So am I, Layla.’
‘Rosie and I were wondering whether you’d come sledging with us on Saturday,’ Ben asked the following morning, as I made him and Tom a cup of tea.
A huge grin took over my face. ‘Me? Sledging?’
‘The other day you claimed you have still got it when it comes to sledging so here’s your opportunity to show us.’ He arched his eyebrows suggestively.
‘I don’t have a sledge.’
Ben smiled. ‘There’s an old plastic one in my garage. You can use that. Well – what do you say? Rosie and I thought it would be a nice way to say thank you for helping us when Rosie went on her little adventure.’
‘I would love to. Thanks.’
Ben pointed to Humphrey. ‘Oh, and “Humph-Wee” must come with us. Rosie’s order.’
‘He would be honoured to join us,’ I said. ‘Do you know any good hills for sledging?’
‘I know the best hills,’ chuckled Ben with a wink. ‘We’ll pick you both up at ten?’
Grandpa entered the kitchen. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t take Grandpa sledging. The snow was deep, and it was very cold outside. ‘Grandpa, Ben and his daughter have asked me to go sledging tomorrow morning. Are you all right to stay here?’
I waited for his protest but to my surprise, it didn’t come. ‘Go for it,’ said Grandpa, raising his fist. ‘Go large!’
