Part 29 (2/2)

Then she had another question. 'Mum?'

'Yes, sweetheart?'

'Would you ever take Dad back as your husband? You know what I'm saying, don't you?'

Lucy understood and, after some soul-searching, she gave her answer. 'I've already forgiven him and Paula for what they did. But as for taking your father back as a husband in the full meaning of the word the answer would have to be no. Our marriage is over now anyway. And if Paula and your father want each other, I would never stand in their way. It would serve no purpose for me to do such a selfish thing.'

Anne had got the answer she knew she would get, and, for some reason that she did not understand, she began to feel less angry about the whole thing.

'I hope Paula gets well, Mum.'

'So do I, sweetheart.' Taking hold of her daughter's hand, Lucy gave it a long squeeze. 'And now I'd like to go back in and sit with Paula for a while.'

'Mum, Les should be home by now. Do you mind if I call and ask him to pick me up? It's been a long day. And anyway, Dad said he was coming back within the hour, so you'll have him to talk to, I suppose.'

Lucy understood. 'Look, you make your call, and by the time Les gets here, Dad should be here to sit with Paula, and I could cadge a lift with you. Like you say, it's been a long day. But I intend to be back here first thing in the morning.'

With so many worrying matters on her mind, Lucy was not yet ready to talk with Martin. And anyway, there was time enough to sort out what needed sorting out.

It would not be easy, for there were so many factors to be taken into account, not least the practical matters such as finances and other unpleasant things that had to be dealt with, one way or another.

Whichever way it all turned out, Lucy hoped it might be for the best, to give herself and Martin every chance of moving on with their lives.

But in that moment, Lucy was certain of only one thing: nothing would ever again be the same.

So for now, and with so much still unsaid, she could not bring herself to think beyond the day.

PART FOUR.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

AFTER SPENDING A month in hospital, Paula was allowed to come home.

Lucy and Martin spent that evening discussing whether or not Paula would be able to manage on her own.

Lucy was emphatic. 'That's impossible! Her wounds may be well on the road to healing,' she argued, 'but she still has a long way to go, and emotionally she's in a mess. We can't let her go home on her own. She would never cope. She's far too vulnerable. We can't risk her having to go back to hospital.'

Martin knew Lucy was right but he could not see a solution. 'So what are you suggesting, Lucy? Are you asking if you can bring her here ... after what we did to you? No, I will not let you do that!' Deeply agitated, he began walking the floor. 'I don't know any other woman who would even suggest that. Already you've taken all of this on the chin, and you've never once complained. I know you've been hurt by what me and Paula have done, but I'll be honest with you, Lucy. It's true I do love her. I think I always have, but I love you as well. To be honest I sometimes think I must be going out of my mind. I don't know which way to turn. I need to be with her. I'm sorry ... I really am.' His voice broke with emotion. 'Tell me, Lucy, what should I do?'

He went to sit in his chair, leaning forward, his head in his hands and sobbing like a child. 'I've never felt so lost in all my life. I honestly never wanted to hurt you, Lucy. I'm so sorry ... so very sorry.'

Lucy quietened him. 'First of all, there is nothing to be gained from looking back at what's happened. As we're being honest, I can tell you there were times when I could have walked out the door and never come back, but that would have solved nothing. So now we need to look forward, to be thankful on three counts. First, Paula's lawyer has managed to secure a quickie divorce from that madman of a husband. And secondly, he's been charged and found guilty of GBH, and now he's rotting in prison, where he belongs!'

When she seemed to have spoken her piece, Martin asked cautiously, 'And what's the third count?'

'Well, it's kind of a third and fourth count, I suppose,' Lucy answered. 'You and me,' she looked him in the eye, 'and you and Paula.'

'Go on.'

'Well, when you think about it, the solution is quite clear. I think we both agree that our marriage is well and truly over, which is just as well, because you want to be with Paula. You said that yourself, just now.' When he went to speak, Lucy put her hand up to signal that she was not yet finished. 'I've been giving the sorry situation a great deal of thought these past weeks, and I think hope that I've found the answer.'

'What d'you mean exactly?'

'Well, if you remember, Paula told us that her solicitor has got together an agreement that will allow Paula to buy the house from Ray at the market price. There's no way she ever wants to get back with Ray.'

'But how can she buy the house? She has no money to speak of,' Martin commented. 'And she's been told she cannot return to work for weeks ... maybe months. So, if she can't be working, how will she ever be able to pay a mortgage?'

'Well, she won't, will she?'

'Lucy! You're talking in riddles.'

'No, I'm not. You see, I realise that Paula will not be able to pay the mortgage. But you can!'

'What? I think you'd best explain yourself.' He was lost as to where she might be going with this.

'Like I said, it's simple when you think about it. Paula needs help, and you want to be with her, so why don't you just move in with her? Help her to buy the house.'

'But how can I do that?' Now, he was more confused than before. 'Have you forgotten that I'm still paying the mortgage on this house ... and at my last reckoning we've got another six years before it's paid off.'

With a secret little smile on her face, Lucy looked him in the eye. 'Sell it!' she told him. 'Sell it, and you'll have money enough to start a new life with Paula.'

'What!' He could not believe his ears. 'Lucy! Have you lost your mind? And what about you? I'm not having you lodging with anyone, not even with our daughter. And don't forget, you've paid every bit as much into this house as I have, and I would never dream of taking away your home. So, you can forget that idea altogether!'

Lucy was insistent. 'I would not be lodging with our daughter, and I'm well aware that I've paid into this house as well, and yes, I would need to have an amount back if it was sold.'

He was baffled. 'Let me get this idea of yours straight in my mind.' He gave it a moment's thought, and then he reiterated her thinking. 'OK. So Paula has got rid of her ex, and is shortly coming home. Ray wants the house, but he's residing in prison at the moment and he's willing to sell it to her. And you have an idea that I should sell our house, then move in with Paula and help her to buy the house from her ex. And in order for me to help Paula, you say I should sell our home. But if I do that you say you won't have to lodge with our daughter. So, have I got it right so far?'

'Absolutely!'

'I don't understand, Lucy.' He shook his head. 'Are you going crazy, or am I?'

'Trust me, Martin. I know what I'm doing.'

At that moment, there came a knock on the door. 'I'd best see who that is.' Lucy hurried to the door, already knowing who was there.

A moment later she returned with her friend, Kathleen, in tow. 'I think you'll understand after you've heard Kathleen's news,' she informed Martin. 'Don't say a word until she's done, OK?'

Thinking ahead, Martin was on his feet. 'No, Lucy! What do you take me for? I know I cheated on you, but do you honestly think I would sell the roof from over your head and let you move in with a friend, while I go about saving Paula's house? No! The answer is no!'

Lucy smiled. 'Listen to me, Martin,' she urged. 'Lately, I've come to believe that some things are made to be. Sometimes, good things really can come out of bad,' she said softly. 'Look! I really want you to listen to what Kathleen has to say. Meantime, I'll go and make us all a cuppa. Is that all right, Martin? Will you listen to her ... for my sake?'

'All right! I'll listen to Kathleen ... so long as you understand that I will never sell this house and see you lodging in someone else's home.'

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