Page 167

Tom held his arm out and he and Lucy walked into the hall. An expensive artificial Christmas tree stood in the middle of the otherwise empty space. Their footsteps echoed as they walked across the marble floor. The house felt cold, Lucy thought. Cold and impersonal, like its owner.

She thought of her own home, full of people coming and going – presents, warm fires, decorationscovering every surface, the kitchen groaning with food, music playing. It was by no means perfect, but it was full and alive. Full of love and friendship. This house was devoid of everything – people, warmth, life and love. It was an empty shell.

The hall didn’t seem so big now, or daunting. A lot had happened since she’d stood here with her two tiny babies. She’d been so desperate, heartbrokenand alone then. Now she was much stronger, happier and so lucky. Yes, she thought, I’m lucky. I’m the luckiest person in the world.

‘What’s all this about? I hope she’s not here to cause a scene.’ Gabriel crossed his arms and glared at Lucy.

‘If by “she” you mean Lucy, no, she isn’t,’ Tom said firmly. ‘I wanted to see you because I now know the truth. I was a stupid, spineless, weak fool tolet you talk me into going to America rather than staying here and standing up to my responsibilities. I can’t blame you for that, but I can blame you and I do blame you for not telling me the truth. How could you not tell me I had children?’ Tom’s voice croaked with raw emotion. ‘How could you lie about my own flesh and blood? Because of you, my children grew up with no father and I had no children.Do you have any idea how that feels?Do you?’ He was shouting.

‘Calm down. I did what I thought best.’

‘Best?’ Tom hissed. ‘Best to deny me the knowledge that I was a father to two amazing children? Who made you God? Who gave you the right to lie to me for all these years? I’ve missed out on so many precious moments. My children thought I didn’t care. How could you? How could you do that? Howdo you sleep at night? You bastard.’

‘How dare you speak to me like that? I’m your father. Have some respect.’

‘Respect? You have to earn respect. I’ll never forgive youfor this. And as for being my father, you were never a father to me. You were a bully and a dictator. I’m determined to make up for the lost years and be the best bloody father I can. And it’s going to be easy because all Ihave to do is the exact opposite of how you parented me.’

Gabriel flushed and he shoved his finger in Tom’s face. ‘I gave you the best life a boy could want. How dare you come in here and insult me? I did what I thought was best. She would have dragged you down into the gutter with her. You’ve had an excellent career in America.’

Tom’s eyes narrowed. ‘I don’t give a damn about my career. I careabout my children and how the hell I’m going to make it up to them. I can’t believe they’ve let me into their lives so generously. They’re magnificent, and the reason they are is because they had an incredible mother.’

‘Yes, well, the boy is talented enough, I suppose. Football, though, not my bag,’ Gabriel said.

Tom snorted. ‘God, you’ll never change. Always looking down on everyone from yourpedestal. How does it feel up there? Cold? Lonely? Look at you, living alone in this big house with no family or friends, a son who hates you and two grandchildren you don’t even know.’

‘Don’t you dare come into my home and speak to me like that. I’m perfectly content, thank you very much.’

‘If you are, then I pity you. Thank God my children have decided to let me try to rebuild the bridgesI burnt.’ Tom turned to Lucy, who was standing slightly to his left. ‘Lucy has raised the twins and done the most terrific job. They’re clever and talented and bright and smart. Most of all they’re decent. Decent human beings with huge hearts.’

Gabriel rolled his eyes. ‘Big hearts. Really, Tom, you’ve gone all American. Children need to be focused and disciplined to achieve success.’

Lucy steppedforward. ‘Yes, I thought so too. And I pushed my children to succeed so I could prove what a good mother I was. My determination to prove you wrong, you, who called me a whore, gold-digger and unfit mother, almost ruined my daughter’s life. But I have seen now that decency and a big heart is worth more than any amount of As in exams or success on the sports field. My kids are a credit to themselves.They came out into the world ready-made, full of love and life and goodness. They’re not perfect, but they’re pretty damn close. The sad thing is that when you threw me and my babies out of your house, you lost the right ever to know them. I feel sorry for you, Gabriel, because you don’t know what you’re missing.’

Gabriel took a step towards her. Lucy didn’t flinch. ‘I don’t need your pity.’

Lucy smiled at him. ‘But you have it. You’re a bitter, twisted old man, and that’s sad. I wish you no harm or hurt.’

‘What’s all this about, Tom? Why are you here? I don’t want this awful woman in my house.’

‘Don’t you –’

Lucy held her hand up to stop Tom. ‘I came here today for closure. It might be a bit American for you, but it’s important to me. When you kicked me out seventeen years ago,I was utterly devastated. But I survived and I made it and so did my kids. I’ve come here to tell you that you were wrong about me. I’m not a gold-digger or a whore. I’m just Lucy Murphy, mother, daughter, sister, friend and survivor.’

Lucy looked at Tom and nodded.

‘We’re leaving now,’ Tom said. ‘This is the last time I’ll ever speak to you, Dad. You stole seventeen years from me and I willnever forgive you. You’ve lost your only son and the chance to get to know your two grandchildren. Don’t try to contact me. You were never a father and you will never beone. It’s up to me to change that cycle and be the best father possible.’

Gabriel stared after them in silence as they left, then slammed the door behind them. They climbed into Tom’s car. Lucy leant her head back on the seat.

‘You were amazing,’ Tom said.

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I kind of was.’

They both laughed.

When they reached Lucy’s house, Tom switched off the engine and turned to her. ‘I’ve found a three-bedroom house near where you are. I was thinking of buying it. The twins could have a room each, if they ever wanted to stay over, not that I would push it, just if they wanted to and if you were happy for themto do that. How would you feel about it? Too close? Too much? Too soon?’

Lucy smiled. ‘No, I think it’s a good idea. The kids can see you whenever they want and I’ll be happy to know they’re close by.’

‘Great.’ Tom beamed. ‘I wasn’t sure how you’d react but now I know you’re okay with it, I’ll put a bid in.’

‘The twins’ happiness is my priority and you living near us will be good for them.Besides,’ she grinned, ‘I’ll need you to help with them while I go back and finish my law degree.’

Tom nodded. ‘I’d be glad to. I robbed you of that, among many other things.’

Lucy waved a hand. ‘It’s all in the past now, Tom. This is the new chapter in my life and all our lives. I’m determined to put the past behind me, change and grow and be a better person. No more anger, no more secretsand lies. Watch out, world, here I come.’