As he walked into the house, Gus heard music coming from the lounge. Suzie was home and singing along to one of her favourite records. Gus put his car keys in the tray on the hall table. He looked at himself in the mirror. Why worry if you haven’t found love at twenty-one? How had he been so lucky to find someone at his time of life? He hoped he and Suzie would weather the storms, like Luke and Nicky. Nothing was impossible for two people who loved one another.
“Gus, is that you?” said Suzie.
“Just got in,” he replied. “I was enjoying the sound of your voice.”
“Dinner’s in the oven,” said Suzie as she came through from the lounge. “I hope you’re going to freshen up and change your clothes before we eat?”
“Yes, dear,” said Gus. “Are we dining alfresco this evening?”
“On the patio, as we did last night,” said Suzie. “Although our meal owes more to French cuisine than Italian.”
“You spoil me,” said Gus, gathering her into his arms and kissing her.
“Bathroom, now,” said Suzie. “It’s been a long, hot day. I guess you were busy?”
“Alex and I are off to Scotland and the Isle of Man for two days next week,” said Gus. “Luke and Neil will drive to Bradford to sit in on interviews unless I’m very much mistaken. Things have moved quickly today, not necessarily in the direction I would like, or that I expected, but that’s life.”
“Shower and change,” said Suzie, “then tell me more while we enjoy our food.”
Gus did as he was told, and the couple spent the next three hours outside chatting, eating, and enjoying just being alone together. They returned indoors as dusk fell and Suzie topped up Gus’s glass.
“I’ve weighed the pros and cons,” she said as she sat beside him and laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m ready to share my decision with you. I want this baby. There are Assistant Chief Constables around the country who have taken time out from their careers to have children. It’s possible they won’t make the next step up because of that decision; but I’ve decided I can live with that if it proves to be the case.”
“I told you I would support any decision you made, Suzie,” said Gus. “What else have you considered over the past couple of days?”
“When Clemency was here last night, I didn’t mention a thing. I haven’t told my parents yet. Only you, me, and the doctor know I’m pregnant. When I asked Clemency how things were going with Brett, she admitted she was considering the possibility of marriage for the first time since she became a vicar. Clemency asked whether I had ever considered getting married. I laughed and said that someone would have to ask me first. The way I see it. We’re happy as we are, Gus. Getting married couldn’t make it any better.”
“I’m happy if you’re happy,” said Gus. “Will you tell John and Jackie this weekend, or do you want to wait?”
“We might as well get it over with,” said Suzie. “I’ll call Mum in the morning and invite them to Sunday lunch.”
“I’ll book a table at the Waggon & Horses,” said Gus.
“Not so fast, Gus Freeman,” said Suzie. “While I’ve been deliberating whether I want to be a mother, haven’t you ever had doubts?”
“What, about wanting to be a father at my age? It will take getting used to; that goes without saying, but it will be an unfamiliar experience for both of us. We’ll adjust together. Geoff Mercer won’t be happy with us taking time off simultaneously, but he’ll cope. If it’s a girl, can we call her Rosetta?”
“I’m not sure you’re taking this situation seriously,” said Suzie. “If you’ve finished nursing that glass of wine, come to bed and convince me I’ve made the right decision.”
CHAPTER 12
Saturday, 4th August 2018
After a late breakfast, Suzie drove to Worton to ride her horse. She had already decided that after her twelve-week scan, she would stop. It was going to be a wrench. In the future, there was the prospect of having a son or daughter to introduce to the joys of Pony Club. It had provided her with a lot of enjoyment and a lifelong love of horses.
Her father was at the other end of the farm, hard at work, when she collected her horse from the stables. Suzie wandered over to the farmhouse and called out for her mother. Jackie was in the kitchen with Blessing Umeh.
“We’d love it if you and Dad could come to dinner with us tomorrow, Mum,” she said. “Will you be able to manage, Blessing?”
“I’m visiting my parents,” said Blessing. “So, you don’t need to worry about me.”.
“What are we celebrating?” asked Jackie.
“Why does it have to be something special?” asked Suzie. “We just thought it was time we treated you. Gus is booking a table at the Waggon & Horses. I’ll call you later to confirm the time.”
Suzie left before her mother grilled her further.
“Right, Blessing,” said Jackie. “What have you heard?”
“Nothing,” said Blessing. “Honestly, the only news I heard this week was that Neil Davis and his wife are expecting a baby.”
“That’s wonderful news,” said Jackie. “Let’s hope everything runs smoothly this time. I often wonder whether I’ll ever be a grandmother. My sons seem perfectly happy to remain single, and Suzie is a career girl. Now, what’s been happening in your life this week?”
“I’m not seeing Dave anymore,” sighed Blessing.
“Oh, dear,” said Jackie. “Which is it to be, chocolate cake and a cup of coffee? Or a tub of ice
