Learning to Forgive Read online

  Chapter Ten

  “So you’re going away? For how long?” Chris asked.

  “I don’t know, son. I’d be happy to spend the rest of my life there,” David said, watching Molly pull the suitcases into the hall. He stood in the study talking with his matchmaking son. “How are things with Erica?”

  “Fine. Her sister is living in her old apartment. She had a rough life, but Trent is helping her. They seem to be hitting it off. Trent and Elizabeth.”

  “Good. I’ve never seen that boy with a woman. I hope it works out for everyone,” David said. He was nervous. This was the first time he’d be completely alone with his wife. How did he prove to her he loved her? Saying the words was a damn lot easier than actually doing it.

  “Are you nervous?” Chris asked.

  “How do you know?”

  “Dad, just because I’m younger than you doesn’t mean I haven’t been in love. Think about it. You know Molly. You’ve been married for twenty-five years. You loved her before now, and you know her. Don’t over-think everything.”

  “I can’t believe I’m taking advice from a boy I use to change nappies on.”

  “Bad image, Dad.Bad image. Besides, I’m the one with the experience. Learn from the pro.”

  David mumbled over the line. He couldn’t believe he was taking advice from his son. It was weird, and he didn’t like it. He was an old man for crying out loud. Surely he’d be able to win Molly on his own.

  “Who’s driving you?”

  “Blaze sent someone over.”

  “Good, the last thing we need is for you to have a heart attack because of road rage.”

  Molly stood in the doorway, smiling at him.

  “I’ve got to go now, son. Molly is waiting, and if I don’t get a move on she’ll start glaring.”

  “Good luck, Dad. Oh and don’t forget protection. I always wanted to say that to you,” Chris said, chuckling.

  David felt his cheeks go bright red. He tried to reply, but his son had already hung up.

  “I take it from that look Chris has been cheeky.” She walked into the room, moving toward him. David admired the sway of her hips. Age had done nothing to her natural sensuality. She always looked good.

  Molly fiddled with the collar of his shirt.

  “Yes, the boy has always been cheeky,” he said.

  “He takes after his father. Besides, you shouldn’t be taking tips off anyone, David. You are the original Sinclair.” She winked at him then kissed his cheek.

  He laughed, loving her saucy behaviour.

  “We better get going. I want to have a great deal of time looking around the cottage.

  “Good.” He leaned down, brushing her lips across hers. David felt her shiver. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

  She gasped, her eyes dilating.

  “Even after all this time, I’ve still got it,” he said.

  Molly went onto her toes to whisper in his ear. “You never lost it.”

  Before he could ask her anything else, she pulled away, taking him with her. She led him out of the house. While she climbed into the back of the car, he took one last look at the house.

  For the first time he didn’t feel bound by an old curse or prediction. He wasn’t destined to love only one woman. Isabella was merely the first woman he had loved and married. Molly was the woman who owned his heart. He locked the door then placed the key in his pocket.

  He didn’t think he would be coming back.

  David climbed in beside Molly. Then the car pulled out of the driveway, and they were on the road. There was a space between them. David reached across the seat taking hold of Molly’s hand. She turned to look at him with a smile playing along her lips.

  “Thank you for this,” she said.

  “Don’t thank me, honey. You deserve it.” David watched her yawn. She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night. “Lie down, sweetheart. You’ll need your strength for when we get there.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  David held her close as her head rested on his leg. Her eyes closed, and within seconds she was asleep. His wife had had a stressful few days. He played with her hair. Unable to stop the memories, he recalled the time he had almost lost her.

  ****

  Twenty-two years ago, John’s birth

  David didn’t know how long she’d been inside the maternity ward. He’d gotten the call in the middle of a business meeting that Molly had gone into labour. It was a month early, and he couldn’t think straight. Because of the lateness of his arrival he hadn’t been allowed inside. Malcolm had stopped by to see him, but he didn’t have any jurisdiction in maternity.

  “I’m strictly cardiology, mate. I can talk to someone, but you’re best to wait it out.”

  “It’s bad, right? I mean, she wouldn’t be in there all this time if it wasn’t bad?”

  “I can’t tell you that, David. I’m not qualified in this field. Molly is strong. She’ll deliver you a beautiful baby, and everything will be fine,” Malcolm said.

  “I can’t do this again. What if I lose her? I won’t be able to do this. She means the world to me.”

  Malcolm patted his shoulder then was called away. David stood waiting in the hospital waiting room. When he could stand it no longer he walked outside to have a cigarette. He rarely smoked, but there were times when he needed the nicotine to help him relax. Molly hated it and scolded him every time he smoked.

  He knew he shouldn’t be smoking. What else was there for him to do? David stared at the sky wondering if fate could be cruel enough to take away his wife. Molly meant more to him than anyone else. He would gladly die in her place.

  “Excuse me, are you David Sinclair?” A lady dressed in a nurse’s uniform approached him.

  “That’s me.” He put the cigarette out then moved toward the nurse.

  “The doctor would like to see you now,” she said.

  David followed behind her. His heart was pounding. The tears he’d kept at bay were threatening to spill over.

  The doctor was flicking through some forms as he approached. David didn’t recognise the guy.

  “Is my wife all right?” he asked.

  “Molly is doing fine. There was some bleeding that we had to stop, and she’s exhausted. I’m keeping her inside in case of any problems.”

  “Is she okay?” he asked. The words the doctor was saying meant nothing to him.

  “Molly is okay.”

  “Can I go and see her?”

  “Yes.”

  The nurse showed him through to the room. Molly looked pale, and her eyes were closed as he walked in.

  “She’s been very brave. This little guy was a tough one.” The nurse looked at her chart.

  “Was she in a lot of pain?” David asked.

  The nurse hesitated.

  “Please, just tell me the truth.”

  “We didn’t have time to give her anything for the pain. It was all natural, and with it comes some pain. Most women forget about it after.”

  “She looks so pale,” he said, stroking a lock of hair off her forehead.

  “She lost a lot of blood as this was a prolonged birth. Her water’s broke, but her labor didn’t continue. This can cause infections and many problems. We had to force the labor to continue because her waters had broken. Your wife survived the labor, Mr. Sinclair. We’ll monitor her and your son for the next few days to make sure there are no other problems before they can go home. We’re giving her vitamins, and everything should be fine. She asked for you,” the nurse said.

  “She did?”

  “Yeah, she was stubborn at first. She tried to hold it in, and then she had no choice. She was shouting for you.”

  “You should have got me,” he said.

  “I’ll leave you alone.”

  David didn’t leave her side. He’d organised for a neighbour to have the children while Molly was in the hospital. She didn’t wake up, not even when their son started screa
ming. The nurse came in as he refused to leave her side.

  “Don’t you want to hold him?” she asked.

  “Not until she wakes up. She always wanted to hold the babies first.” It was a lie he spoke but one he was sticking to.

  Molly woke up later the next morning. She smiled at him even though she still looked tired.

  “Hey,” she said.

  “Hey, yourself.”

  “I did it. We’ve got another boy.”

  “You did it, baby. No more babies after this.”

  The smile disappeared off her face. She turned to look at their son who was finally asleep.

  She nodded her head. “Yeah, no more babies.”

  ****

  After she agreed with him, David had known how close she’d been to dying. John had been a tough baby and one that had almost taken her life. She’d lived and loved that boy dearly. He stroked her hair as he watched the passing scenery. She was his whole world. Losing her was not an option. He’d not touched her for several months after she had given birth to John. Touching her would drive him crazy. Even now, stroking her hair made him want so much more.

  “Sir, you might want to wake up your wife. According to the directions we’ll be there in twenty minutes,” the driver said.

  David nodded then began shaking her. “Wake up, honey.”

  She mumbled curling into his leg. He chuckled then woke her up slowly. Molly opened her eyes staring up at him.

  “We’re almost there,” he said.

  The moment she sat up, looking out the window, David missed her contact. He wanted to glare at the driver for taking the small bit of pleasure he was getting. “We’re here already?” she asked.

  “You were asleep for a good few hours. I forgot how adorable you were when you snore,” he said.

  “I do not snore.”

  “I know you don’t.” He chuckled.

  When he recognised the main road to where the cottage sat, David began to get nervous. What if she didn’t like it?

  His hands shook as the car moved slowly toward their destination. Molly was looking out of the window. He saw the happiness in her eyes.

  “It already looks beautiful, David. We can go for walks along the forest and around the country.”

  She loved to walk. It was one of the few pleasures they both enjoyed.

  “We’re here,” the driver said, pulling up outside a secluded cottage.

  Molly gave a squeal and then opened the door. David followed her out to the cottage. The sun was still high in the sky.

  “This is perfect,” she said.

  The driver came around to open the trunk of the car. Once their suitcases were out, David looked around waiting for the agent to present the key. He hadn’t gotten a key with all the reservations in place. The key had been given to the company who he’d employed to keep the house up to scratch.

  Molly went through the gate then began looking around the garden. David took the time to watch her.

  “Your wife seems to like it, Mr. Sinclair.”

  “I know. I bought this place for her.”

  The driver nodded his head then remained silent. David felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He ignored the call. Nothing was important to him. He wanted to spend the short time he had watching her. Seeing Molly happy was one of the few pleasures he got in his life.

  The female agent pulled up against the kerb. She got out then walked up to where he was stood. David recognised the flirtatious smile and shook his head. Money welcomed everyone.

  “Hello, Mr. Sinclair. I’m Nancy, and I’ve been asked to show you around.”

  Molly was by his side within seconds. “That won’t be necessary, love. We can show ourselves around our own home.”

  “I was told to show you around. I was instructed to make sure Mr. Sinclair gets settled in,” Nancy said.

  “Sweetheart, I own this cottage. I’m more than happy with finding my own way around. Tell them thank you for their thoroughness,” David said.

  The younger woman went beet red, sputtered, then handed over the key. “If there is anything you need, let me know.”

  David watched the woman leave feeling Molly standing possessively at his side. He chuckled as he turned to her. “Jealous?” he asked.

  “Of her? Please. She’d only want you for your money.”

  “I’m quite a catch, Molly.”

  “You’ve got diabetes, and you’ve just had an angina attack. You’re hard work,” she said, taking her suitcase, thanking the driver, and then moving toward the house.

  “She was jealous, Sir,” the driver said. David thanked him then began moving his suitcase through the path toward the house. Molly had her arms folded over her chest.

  Before he opened the door, he moved closer to her.

  “Baby, I like the fact you still get jealous,” he said. David rubbed her arms. “Because I know when I see another man put his hands on you, I can’t stand it.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. I saw Malcolm hug you, and I wanted to hurt him.”

  “Malcolm is your friend,” she said.

  “Exactly, Molly. But you’re my woman. I don’t want anyone touching you. You’re mine.”

  “You were always so possessive of me,” she said.

  “That’s because I know what men are thinking when they look at you, and I don’t like it.”

  Molly smiled. Her cheeks were flushed. “Let's go inside. I need some coffee,” she said.

  “I follow, my lady.”She chuckled then took the key off him. He heard her turn the key in the lock.

  This was a momentous occasion for him. He’d spent a couple of years trying to get this place perfect for her. From the look of the garden, it still needed some tender loving care.

  The door opened as the driver pulled away. David waved at their ride then followed his wife inside the cottage. The air was lovely and fresh. The light shining in the window illuminated everything perfectly.

  “Do you have any idea how many times I thought about this place?” Molly asked. She left her suitcase then began walking through the room. David followed her, his hands inside his pants pockets to stop himself from reaching out and pulling her close. He wanted her so much.

  “Everywhere is furnished,” she said.

  “Yes, I took the time to make sure it would be perfect.”

  “I can’t believe you kept this a secret from me. I bet you’re feeling rather silly over it.” She put her hand out waiting for him to take it. He stared at her palm then placed his hand inside her own. She walked from room to room. Her excitement hadn’t diminished once.

  When she walked into the kitchen, he knew he’d gotten the layout right. There was an island in the centre of the room that had a stove inside. Behind Molly was a porcelain sink with a cooker at eye level.

  “You did listen,” she said.

  “Every time you talked, I listened.”

  He went to the rear door, opening the catch and flicking the lock. The door opened out into a huge back garden.

  “This would be perfect for the grandchildren,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder.

  “I’d do anything for you.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The days passed without any argument. Molly was surprised, as they usually spent a great deal of time arguing about anything they could find. She baked in the mornings, and then they took long walks in the evening. David never once left her side all the time they were there.

  “I think these would look good,” he said, picking out a pattern for a rug. He spent most of his time trying to get her to spend money. She refused. They got regular calls from all of their boys. She was very happy with Erica and Chris. They were together and planning to marry very soon. The news had been a joy to hear. Blaze and Chris were happily settled down with the women they loved. All she was waiting for was Trent, Luke, and John, and her world would be complete.

  “I don’t like that colour. Besides, we don’t need a rug. I like everything
the way it is. I don’t need you to change anything for me,” she said.

  David sat next to her when the phone rang. They’d given out the number for them to be reached. She picked up the receiver and placed it against her ear.

  “Hello?” she said.

  “Hi, Mom, it’s me, Trent.”

  She smiled. He’d always called her “Mom”. Nothing she said stopped him.

  “I’m going to make a cup of tea,” David said.

  “Okay.”

  “Who was that?” Trent asked.

  “Your father.”

  “How is life in the country?”

  “Agreeable, Trent. I love it here. Do you remember me booking a vacation and then your father had work commitments and couldn’t go?”

  “Yeah, I remember a lot of that. You cried for most of the afternoon because of it. Are you still divorcing him?” Trent asked.

  Molly went silent at the harsh reminder. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

  “You need to. I know you love my father, but he’s not been the best person to you.”

  She shook her head not wanting to listen to his words.

  “I want what is best for you, Mom, and Dad is not it.”

  “How can you say this?” Molly asked, feeling the tears fill her eyes. She thought they had a real chance of mending all the pain.

  “Because you forgive too easily. I know my father. Once the divorce is no longer an issue, he’ll revert back to his old ways. I don’t want you to be hurt, and I know you will be.”

  “I think I’d better go now, Trent,” she said, putting the phone down. David walked through to the sitting room carrying two mugs of tea.

  “What’s the matter, Molly?”

  “Nothing.” She shook her head looking down at the patterns on her lap. Was Trent right?

  “I need to go and get some air. Is that okay?” she asked.

  “I’ll come with you,” he said, standing up ready to join her.

  “No, I want to go alone. I need some time to think.”

  He nodded his head. Molly grabbed her jacket from the back of the door then walked outside. The first part of the garden had their soft fruit. They’d been working on a fruit and vegetable garden. She loved working with her hands, and plants were a dream to work with.