“Here. I thought it best, that way she might be convinced to tell us about her connection.”
“Okay. Well, I don’t know where to start.” She heaved a sigh. She couldn’t even remember what triggered off her earlier episodes.
Hamish placed his hands on her shoulders. “Go for a walk, see if you can get a feel for whatever it is and yell if you need me. There’s no hurry.” He dipped his head and kissed her, sending a shiver of recognition down her spine. She closed her eyes and tried to latch onto it, the softness of his lips, his warm breath on her face. It was snatched away as quick as it arrived. “I want you to be happy, Billie.” He smiled and stepped away, calling for Maggie.
He sauntered down the slope toward the rose garden, the quick sense of loss hitting her in the chest. So close and yet.
Laughter disturbed her train of thought. She watched the dog and Alex running up to him. How had she got so lucky as to meet him? She didn’t deserve someone like Hamish. Steady, calm and easy going. The complete opposite to her own personality. Maybe he was exactly what she needed.
She lifted her hand to touch her lips as she headed toward the trees. Her feet instinctively knew where to take her. She ceased to think and let herself be drawn by the memories.
The air chilled around her as she passed the house, the back gardens and entered the forest. The sky came over dark and clouds rumbled, but Billie took no notice as the air chilled around her. The past beckoned her and she wanted to face it. A strand of wait-a-while clung to her trousers, but she ignored it as it tore at the material. The temperature dropped as she pushed further into the bush. By the time she made it to the summerhouse, rumbles of a storm gathered overhead in the quietness of the forest, a niggle of fear prickled at the back of her neck.
She paused at a large tree, checked her watch and wondered what Lucy would tell her. Would it help, would it shed any light on whatever it was she was searching for? The minute hand ticked slowly, far too slow for her liking. The summerhouse stood sad amongst the trees, neglected and tired.
A slash of lightning branched through the sky, making her jump. Fat spots of rain landed on her cheeks. Billie ran toward the summerhouse, seeking shelter as much as answers. The door hung slightly ajar as if someone had forgotten to close it behind them.
Inside dust covered everything. Cobwebs filled the corners and dry leaves fluttered over the floor. A shiver raced over her skin and she backed away from the gloomy summerhouse, unsettled with the thought of going inside.
An owl fluttered overhead and she stumbled to a tree, reaching out for support as her knees went weak. The lonely cry of the bird rang in her ears as her world went black.
Chapter 24
Singleton 1940
“Wilz, are you alright?” He came up behind her and crouched on the ground.
She lifted a hand to her head and tried to push back the dizziness.
“Sit still for a bit until you feel better then I’ll get you inside.” She leaned back against him, feeling his arms come around her body, keeping her safe and warm.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you to look after me.”
He kissed her hair and squeezed his arms tighter. She could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke again.
“Likewise. You complete me in a way I never thought possible. The best thing I did was to fall in love with you.”
She leaned into his embrace. “I’m so glad you did. Isn’t if funny that we’ve known each other for most of our lives and only recently fallen in love? The old saying you don’t see what’s under your nose is true.”
“Yes it is. Do you feel up to standing or should I carry you inside?” He ran a hand down her arm and she shivered. “Would you mind carrying me? I’m still a little shaky.”
He crouched to gather her in his arms. She wrapped her hands around his neck and snuggled into his bare chest, her cheek smooth against the warm skin. He carried her with ease into the summerhouse and lay her down. “You stay here and rest until you feel up to moving. Don’t overdo it today. I’ll see you tonight if you can get away.” He leaned down and kissed her mouth, his lips gentle on hers. “I’ve left you something special.”
“I love you.” She lifted a hand and ran it down his cheek, feeling the pickle of his whiskers grazing her palm.
“Love you more. See you tonight.” He tucked a blanket around her, wiped his hand over her hair as she snuggled down and left her alone. She closed her eyes and slept as the world outside remained cloaked in darkness.
Hours later the sun rose, sending shafts of sunlight through the trees into the summerhouse windows. Her stomach had stopped rolling and her head was clearer. Oh what a bother morning sickness was. What a complete bore, but she’d wear it willingly to carry the baby of the man she loved.
She stretched her arms above her head and smiled. After years of being thrown together, they counted themselves lucky to have fallen in love. She wouldn’t let that love go without a fight and it was one she intended to win.
Today she would call the sanatorium and have the lawyer bring out the papers for the doctor to sign saying he was no longer capable of making decisions. His mental health had deteriorated so much lately, it frightened her. Not that she would tell everyone that, but she couldn’t put it off any longer. Something had to be done and she wanted to clear the path for her future without him causing a fuss.
If she’d listened to his advice about running
