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She’s struggling to get down, so I put her on the grass. She stands like a statue for about thirty seconds while the others sniff and nuzzle her, and then all of a sudden she bolts away, tearing around the lawn, the others in hot pursuit. I grin and get up, knowing she’s going to love it here.
“You okay?” I say to Finn. He’s walked quite a distance on his crutches. “You want a piggyback?”
He laughs and says, “No, I’m good,” but I can see he’s flagging.
“Come on.” John puts an arm around him. “Let’s get you sitting down. We’ve got some homemade lemonade, and Pippa’s made some mince pies this morning. Teddy and Iris will be here soon.” I know they’re John and Pippa’s grandchildren, and Teddy is only a year younger than Finn, so he’ll have someone to play with.
We approach the house, entering a large area with flagstones and an impressive wrought-iron table and chairs. Vines grow up the wooden trellises, and ripening grapes hanging in bunches above our heads. Missie helps Finn into a chair, and Pippa makes him comfortable with cushions and pours him a drink.
John hangs back, and I slow with him, seeing that he wants to talk. “We really appreciate how you’ve helped him,” he says. “There was a point when we were all convinced he wouldn’t walk again. But she never gave up.” He gives Missie a fond glance. “Right from the start, she was determined to find a solution. She was so excited when she heard about your project, and terrified you wouldn’t accept her.”
“That was never an issue.” I watch her take Finn’s crutches as he lowers into a chair, and she kisses the top of his head. “Her commitment was obvious from the start. It’s clear she’s devoted to him. I was only worried she’d find it hard coping on her own, but she’s capable and strong. I admire her.”
“She’s done better since that arsehole died,” John says bitterly, gesturing down. “I hope that bastard’s burning right now.”
Surprised at his vehemence, I can’t stop my eyebrows rising. “You didn’t like Lee?”
“He was a cocky son of a bitch who always thought he was too good for her, which is ridiculous, because she was worth a hundred of him.” He looks at me then and claps me on the shoulder. “Look after her. She’s very precious to us.”
“I will.” I watch her bend down from behind Finn’s chair to slide her arms around his neck and hug him, and he laughs.
John gives me an appraising look, then smiles. “You’re fond of the boy.” It’s a statement, not a question.
“I am. He’s determined and resilient, and he’s made excellent progress.”
“Mainly because of you, from what I hear.”
“It’s all his own doing. He’s worked very hard.”
John nods. “You’re a good lad. I’m glad Missie’s found you.”
Amused to be called a lad, but touched by his words, I put Zelda’s crate near the back door, then go inside with Pippa as she gestures for me to follow her. “Come on,” she says, “I’ll show you around.”
The house is large and sprawling, on two levels and mostly open plan. It’s been modernized, but I can see its nineteenth-century heritage in its traditional sash and leadlight windows, the wraparound balconies, and the log fires. The kitchen is huge but looks well-loved, and the dining area has an indoor-outdoor flow to the paved area. The living room is big but comfortable—numerous throws and cushions bring color to the suite, there are dog beds and toys everywhere, and on the walls, interesting works of art mingle with grandchildren’s paintings.
There are six bedrooms and three bathrooms. Finn’s room—obvious from the LEGO and books they keep for him there—is on the ground floor. I think it was probably a study that they’ve converted for him so he doesn’t have to use the stairs. They’re clearly well off, which surprises me, as Missie and Sandra’s home is small and nowhere near as luxurious as this. I guess John was the one with the money. I’d be surprised if they haven’t offered to help Missie out with Finn’s care, but I’m pretty sure that money is tight for her, even with the insurance money, as I doubt she’s spent much of it on herself. I know people who don’t have money are often too proud to accept it when it’s offered. I’ll have to work on that with her.
In the upper bedroom, Pippa and I stand by the window looking over the glorious view across the vineyards, the cellar, and winery.
“Nice place,” I say.
She nods. Then she turns to me. “I wanted to say thank you. For everything you’ve done for Missie and Finn.”
“It’s my pleasure. He’s worked hard.”
“Mm.” She slides her hands into the pockets of her trousers and studies her feet for a moment. She’s very like Sandra, a few years older, with gray hair gathered in a loose bun at the nape of her neck, and blue eyes a shade lighter than Missie’s stormy ones. “I know it’s not my place,” she says, “but I love my niece and Finn a lot. And I need to make sure you’re aware of just how vulnerable they both are.”
So that’s why she brought me up here. “I understand.”
“You obviously care for them both, and John and I, and Sandra, are so grateful for everything you’ve done. But…” She hesitates, then speaks quickly, as if she’s worried she won’t be able to get the words out. “They both like you. I mean,reallylike you. And I just want to say, I know it’s early days, and the last thing a guy wants is a conversation about Where This Is Going, but if you’re not planning to hang around for long, it might be better for you to make the break earlier rather than later. Because I think they could both fall heavily for you, in their own ways.”
I meet her eyes. She flushes a little, but holds my gaze, lifting her chin. She’s really concerned about them, and I think it’s taken a lot of courage for her to speak up. I wonder whether she’s voicing Sandra’s fears for her? The two of them seem close, and I have a feeling Sandra wouldn’t want to say that to me directly.
“I know what you’re saying,” I tell her. “And you don’t have to worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
She frowns. “It’s just that they’ve been through so much, and you seem very nice, but a successful guy like you must have a busy lifestyle, and perhaps in the future you’ll—”
“Pippa, I’m going to marry the girl. I’d have proposed already, but we’ve only been on one date, kinda, so I figured she’d probably say no. But it’s on the cards, just so you know.”
