‘This year! That seems quick, oh my God, I’m going to be a daddy. A boy daddy.’
Jago then looked to Rita’s bandaged ankle. ‘It’s just a sprain.’ Rita sighed. ‘Thank goodness. A few cuts and bruises but aside from that I was incredibly lucky. I’m so worried about Hilda, though.’
The doctor handed Rita a wodge of tissues to clean the gel off.
‘I must call and find out… she’ll think we’ve deserted her, and I guess one of us ought to let Eric know.’
‘I want you resting, please, Rita Jory.’
‘Yes, listen toDad, he’s right,’ the doctor said gently. ‘You’ve had a terrible shock, and your body has been through a lot. Between the fire, the hospitalisation, and the stress of everything else… it’s perfectly normal to feel exhausted, anxious, even a little shaky. Your pulse is racing, your blood pressure is up, and your adrenaline hasn’t fully settled.’
She paused, giving her a reassuring smile. ‘The babies are fine, and physically, you’ll mend in no time. But emotionally, it’s going to take a little time to catch up. You need to be gentle with yourself. Take it slow, let your body recover, and lean on the people around you. That’s not just good advice; it’s vital.’
Rita nodded, swallowing hard. ‘I… I know. It’s just all a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?’
‘Completely,’ the doctor said, her tone softening. ‘But it sounds like you’ve got a willing support network. And you’restronger than you realise. For now, focus on rest, hydration, and letting your heart and body catch up with your mind.’
‘And as for letting Eric know’ – Jago raised an eyebrow – ‘we could leave that for at least tonight, too. You can just imagine Hilda, bandaged head to foot like an Egyptian mummy, discharging herself and trying to scale the steps into his hot tub.’
Rita laughed, shaking her head. ‘You are impossible.’
‘And completely and utterly in love with you,’ he added, kissing her temple lightly.
THIRTY-FIVE
Rita’s eyes blinked against the soft morning light streaming through the windows of Jago’s sea-facing lounge. She was out of the hospital, wrapped in a blanket on his sofa, the events of last night still feeling unreal. Jago hovered nearby, fussing over cups of tea and making sure she wasn’t moving too quickly. Elodie, and everything she had stirred, lingered at the edges of Rita’s mind, but for now, none of it mattered. When he came in for the tenth time, she sat up.
‘I’ve finally managed to get through to the ward Hilda is on. She was sleeping so I told them not to disturb her.’
‘How is she?’
‘Weak, understandably. Her chest was bad anyway, so they’re keeping her another night for observation. She has a burn on her left hand, but thankfully it’s only surface level.’
Rita’s voice wobbled. ‘Did you send my love? I need to see her, Jago.’
‘Of course, I sent everyone’s love and if she’s not out tomorrow I will take you. I promise.’
Rita thought aloud. ‘Maybe Sennen and Thom can go later.’
‘That’s a really good idea.’ Jago nodded. ‘I went to your farm and saw Teo and Zenya when you were sleeping earlier, too.’
Rita screwed up her face. ‘How are they; how is everything over there? I’m too scared to go home in a way.’
‘The animals are fine. The barn has a slight scorch on the front door. The café is gone, marquee totally obliterated, I’m afraid. Oh, and the fire inspector is coming at three.’
‘That was your marquee. I’m so sorry.’
‘That’s irrelevant. I’m only glad nobody was badly hurt or, worst of all, killed.’
The doorbell rang. Jago shot her a questioning look.
‘I’ll get it.’ He scurried off.
It was Thom, carrying a bunch of flowers.
Jago smiled. ‘Hey, mate, she’s in the lounge.’
Then, suddenly, Elodie was at the door. Immaculate as ever, dark hair falling in glossy waves, olive skin flawless, as though she’d stepped out of a magazine.
