Page 56 of Happier Days (Family Life in Somerley #1)

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

Ava could tell by the silence that had dropped on the room that Nancy and the admin staff at the next bank of desks had overheard everything.

She flopped into her seat and blew out a breath. Nancy, across from her, was grinning.

‘Way to go, Ava,’ she said. ‘I wish I could do the same, but I need this job. At least I can’t take photos like you so there is no chance that Brendon will rope me into working away.’ She laughed.

Ava smiled, even though it was tinged with sadness. Nancy was going to be the one thing she would miss. Across the office, Brendon sat with his head in his hands. He only had himself to blame.

No, actually, she had to take some of the responsibility.

She’d let him walk over her for far too long, and if it wasn’t for the chance to go and work at Sapphire Lake, reconnecting with friends, and Jack, then she might still be here.

Now she was ready to take a chance on her own business.

And she had a lot to thank the bull for, really.

She gathered her things together quickly.

‘When are you leaving?’ Nancy asked.

‘Right now.’ Ava wrote out a very quick letter of resignation by hand, explaining that she had holiday entitlement overdue, and that she would be leaving with immediate effect. ‘I have packing to do.’

‘You’re going to Sapphire Lake?’ Nancy clapped with glee.

She nodded. ‘I’m going home to Sapphire Lake. But I’ll miss you so much.’

They hugged in the middle of the room, tears welling in each woman’s eyes as they said their goodbyes. Brendan hadn’t moved from his chair at his desk, even though she had no doubt he didn’t believe she’d go through with it. But she would never be back.

She treated herself to a taxi home to the flat.

She didn’t need that commute anymore. She didn’t have to dread going into the office each morning, dragging herself through nine hours before she could leave.

Not to mention all the weeks away from work she’d probably have to do.

Brendon wouldn’t stop using her after she’d done the jobs he’d lined up.

And why? Because she was a bloody good photographer.

She smiled. Yes, I am.

She got out her phone to call Jack but then decided she’d leave it until later. She had plans to make for her future before that.

Jack closed his laptop, pleased with the words he’d written that day. He’d been on a roll and got four thousand of the blighters down.

He glanced up to see it was nearly half past seven. Ava would be calling soon. He couldn’t wait to chat, to hear how her day had been. He’d missed her so much already and was counting the hours until he could collect her on Friday from the station.

Graham stood up, turned in a circle, and flopped down. Jack chuckled, watching as his pet settled to sleep again in seconds. At least he didn’t feel quite so alone with Graham to talk to.

He made fresh coffee and was sitting out on the decking one minute before Ava was due to call. Even then the phone made him jump when it rang.

‘Hey, you,’ he said, a lazy smile appearing.

‘Hey, you,’ Ava replied. ‘Had a good day?’

‘Not too bad. I’ve met with a few contractors who started work today. They’ll be here for the next month or so. They seem a nice bunch.’

‘Sounds great. I can’t wait to see it all finished.’

‘How about you? Mum sends her love. She says she’s already got used to seeing you most days that it seems strange without you.’

‘Aw, that’s so nice. Tell her hi from me. Oh, no, wait, I’ll tell her myself.’

‘What?’ The doorbell went, and Graham started to bark. ‘Hang on a minute, there’s someone at the door. Graham, calm down, lad.’

‘I hope you don’t have a fancy woman in there with you, Jack Broadhurst.’

‘What?’ Jack’s brow furrowed.

‘I need my Jack time.’

He opened the door and gasped. Now it all made sense.

Ava was standing there, a large holdall over her shoulder and a suitcase at her feet.

Ava disconnected her phone and popped it in her pocket, while an excited Graham jumped around her feet.

‘I wasn’t expecting you,’ Jack cried.

‘I know.’

‘It’s a wonderful surprise.’ Jack pointed to Ava’s luggage. ‘That’s a lot of spare pants for an overnight stay, though.’

‘I told Brendon where to shove his job today,’ she said. ‘I was going to ask you when I saw you on Friday if I could stay here with you, but the bull forced my hand. I’d like to move to Sapphire Lake if you and Graham will have me. That’s if you haven’t changed your mind since Sunday and you?—’

Ava had no chance to say anything else because Jack’s lips found hers. She kissed him back, breathing in the scent of him, wrapping her free arm around his neck.

‘Welcome home, Ava,’ Jack beamed. He picked up her suitcase, shooed Graham in, and they followed behind.

Ava sighed with content. Jack was right about one thing. She was definitely home.