Page 46 of Lost in Love

She nodded and flashed a smile at Margaret as they passed her on the path. She hoped she wouldn’t stop her to thank her; she had been quite insistent on the donation and repairs being anonymous. Luckily, she seemed distracted and only managed half a smile.

Harry was well into his first war film by the time the knocker resounded through the house.

Katherine opened the door only to be met by a bunch of flowers. Anna followed behind them.

“Just something to say thanks again for everything you are doing for us.”

“You shouldn’t have, but they are beautiful. Thank you.” Katherine kissed her on the cheek. “Come through to the kitchen. Dinner is nearly ready.”

Anna leaned over the back of Harry’s chair. “You okay, Dad?”

“Great, love. This film is amazing. I can hear everything from all around me; bombs are coming from everywhere!”

She kissed him on the head and made her way into the kitchen.

“You’re spoiling him with your big television and surround sound. He’ll never want to leave.”

Katherine closed the doors between them and the sitting room. “Speaking of which, I know we have sort of discussed this before, but have you thought any more about a care home? Perhaps you should speak to your father about it, see what he thinks?”

Anna took a seat on a stool at the island and put her head in her hands. “He’ll only feel obliged to go if I mention it. You know we’ll lose the house to?”

Katherine took a seat beside her, relieved that Anna hadn’t immediately flown off the handle. “I suspected that might be the case.”

“I rang them. They said if he meets the requirements for a care home, then I’d have to give it up. I grew up there. Mum is there.”

Katherine placed a hand on her knee and squeezed it.

“I think for the moment he’s better with me.”

Katherine stared into Anna’s glossy eyes. She placed her hands on her face and wiped under them. “No tears today, except for the men on the battlefields.” She leaned forward and kissed her. “Come on, dinner won’t serve itself. Do you want to get us a drink?” Katherine pointed to the fridge.

“Champagne again?” Anna asked, opening the fridge to find two bottles in the door.

“You bet. I’m sort of celebrating.”

Anna gave her a questioning look and withdrew a bottle.

“It’s been a whole day since I picked up the hottest lesbian in the village, and I’ve made out with her twice since.”

Anna grinned. “That’s strange. I’m celebrating that too.”

After dinner, they were on to the second movie,Dunkirk, chosen by Harry.

Anna lay wrapped in Katherine’s arms along the largest sofa.

“I wish we could stay like this forever,” Katherine whispered into her ear.

“Me too.”

“Are you free Saturday? I have plans for you both, a little road trip.”

“I am now.”

Katherine kissed Anna’s head and inhaled the honey scent from her hair. She felt her attraction to the beautiful tour guide was fast turning in to something more — she was falling in love. A pang of guilt hit her in the stomach as her thoughts turned to Helena. She turned her attention to the movie and pushed the thoughts aside.