Page 111 of Rejection and Redeemed

“Nice. I should get one as well, and Finn and Joe need one.” Ezzy said.

“Don’t forget Robbie and I, we both need one as well,” Emory said, grinning.

“We do. I’ll order some,” Ezzy said. He looked at Jacob. “How do you feel about meeting Cresswell again?”

Fran looked at Jacob. “You’re meeting Cresswell?”

“Yeah. He’s coming the day after tomorrow, bringing my mother’s furniture and updating Berni on everything he’s found out. Your uncle wants me to be outside when Cresswell arrives. Not looking forward to the meeting I admit, but I won’t be alone, so that’s a plus.”

“I can be there as well if you need me,” Fran offered.

Jacob grabbed his hand. “I will always need you. But we’ll see what time he arrives, I don’t want you to miss work because of me. You’ve already missed enough.”

“I can miss more,” Fran replied.

“We’ll see. Joe’s parents are coming to stay at the same time,” Jacob told him.

“I can’t wait to meet them,” Fran said.

“Oh, Jacob, while I remember, do you have a suit for the funeral tomorrow?” Ezzy asked.

Jacob shook his head. “No, I didn’t give that a thought.”

“I thought not. You’re a bit bigger than me or Fran, Robbie has a suit you can borrow. He said he would have it ready for you in the morning.”

“That’s nice of him,” Jacob said, breaking out into a large yawn. “Sorry.”

“Why don’t the two of you head off to bed and we’ll tidy the kitchen,” Emory offered.

“Thanks, Emory,” Fran said, standing up and helping Jacob up.

“Yeah thanks, see you both in the morning,” Jacob said as Fran led him back to bed.

CHAPTER 48

The next morning saw the family gathered around Rose’s plinth; this time situated next to an open grave.

The pack shaman was standing next to Berni.

The family were all in black suits, Jacob indeed wearing a suit of Robbie’s.

Berni stepped forward.

“My family, we are here today to offer our love and support to Rose Merchant, who is now finally reunited with her one true love, Ike. Rose was beloved by the whole pack, but wanted just us here today and, in accordance with her wishes, no wake will be held for her. Let us sing her on her way.” Berni started singing with those who knew the song joining in.

Fran sniffed and Jacob pulled Fran into his arms, offering support.

Berni moved and stood next to Aubrey as the Shaman stepped forward.

“Our beloved Rose was a truly amazing lady. Those who were privileged to know her, to hear her stories from days gone by, were awed by all she had to tell. Her life was never dull and in her final days, she kept holding on, to see Fran achieve his happyever after. She died knowing Fran had made her wish come true.”

Jacob tightened his arms around Fran and kissed the side of his head.

“So we bury our friend, safe in the knowledge that she died happy, with Francis by her side, and is probably even now, looking down on us and watching as we bury her earthly remains. Before we bury her, does anyone want to say anything?”

There was a moment of silence before Fran straightened up and spoke. “Rose was everyone’s friend, but she was particularly special to me. Ever since I was little, we’d sit and chat and over the last few weeks, as our shaman said, she was rooting for my happy ever after. I was privileged to be by her side as she reunited with Ike. She’ll be missed by everyone who knew her.”

“Would anyone like to bury Rose, or shall I do it?” the shaman asked.