Birds Of A Feather Episode 46
Paloma put down her book with a sigh as she realised she had been staring at the same page for the last 10 minutes.
Perhaps a soak in the bath would help her settle. She was about to go through to the bathroom when the doorbell rang.
She froze, wishing whoever was there would go away.
But the ringing went on and on. More insistent.
Her hands were shaking as she opened the door. It was Will.
Could this possibly get any more embarrassing? He obviously hadn’t found the note yet. Should she say something?
“Will,” she said. “Is something wrong?”
His face was deadly serious.
“I’ve come about this.” He held her note out towards her.
Paloma prayed for a hole to open up in front of her so that she could disappear into it.
“I’m sorry,” she began.
“You’re sorry?” Will appeared to struggle to find the right words. “You have no reason to be sorry. This is all my fault.
“I am sorry. If I promise that it will never happen again, will you stay?”
“Please don’t –” Paloma began, but he cut in.
“Finn will be heartbroken if you leave. We had a long chat with his grandparents earlier and he realises that it wasn’t his fault. I can never thank you enough.”
“I’ll still look after Finn,” Paloma replied. “But I can’t stay at the farm. I’m sorry.”
Will gave a sigh.
“That’s my fault. I’m so sorry that I behaved like
a –” He broke off.
“I took advantage of you when you were just being kind.
“I understand why you don’t want to be around me if you think I’m going to jump on you again.”
“You’ve got it all wrong.” Paloma’s heart was thudding. “It’s me who took advantage of you. I’m ashamed of the way I acted.”
“Is that why you’re leaving? Because you thought . . .” He shook his head. “Paloma, it was me that kissed you. That’s why I was apologising.”
Paloma took a long, steadying breath.
This was, she felt, the most important moment of her life. If she got it all wrong and made a complete fool of herself again, so be it.
“You didn’t offend me, Will,” she said quietly. “That kiss was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
There was a long silence during which time his eyes never left hers.
“Then why are you leaving?” Will asked. “Finn needs you. I need you. You’ve given me back my son and you’ve brought the house – and me – back to life.
“I thought when Annabel died that I’d never meet another woman who would make me feel the way she did.
“Then you came along, with your gentle smile, your endless patience and your talent for making a house into a home.
“Will you stay?” he begged. “Although before you answer, there’s one thing you ought to know.”
Paloma’s heart lurched in her chest.
“What is that?”
“I can’t guarantee I won’t kiss you again.” He smiled.
She took a step towards him and lifted her face to his.
Then he put his arms around her, bent his head towards hers and kissed her.
It held all the promise of a future here in his arms.
For the first time in her life, Paloma felt she had truly come home.
Alfie gave a soft bark as someone knocked on the door. Jess looked up, surprised that Ben was back already.
But it wasn’t Ben. It was a woman Jess had never seen before, although she looked vaguely familiar.
She stood staring at Jess without speaking.
“Are you OK?” Jess asked, thinking that the woman was unwell. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
To Jess’s dismay, the woman started to cry.
The tears ran unchecked down her face.
“I’m sorry,” she managed to say. “It was just seeing you, standing there. So beautiful. Like your mother.”
Jess took a step back, her mouth suddenly dry.
“Who are you?” she whispered.
“I’m Maureen,” the woman replied. “I’m your grandmother.”
Now it was Jess’s turn to stand as if turned to stone.
“My grandmother?”
Maureen nodded.
“Come here, darling girl, and let me hug you.”
The next moment, Jess was crying and that started Maureen off again.
Jess finally had her wish – to be hugged by a member of her own family.
“You’d better come in,” she said. She led Maureen into the kitchen.
“How did you find out about me?” Jess asked.
Maureen reached into her bag and took out the bracelet Jess had given to Frank.
“Frank left it in a jacket pocket and I realised it had to have been made by someone who knew Joe very well.”
“But I didn’t –” Jess began.
Tears welled in Maureen’s eyes again.
“I know, sweetheart. But you have inherited his talent. That bracelet could have been made by him.
“When I first saw it I thought it was. But then I saw that little bird charm and I did some research on the internet.
“That’s how I found you. As soon as I saw your picture I knew who you were. You’re the image of your mother. My granddaughter.
“I made Shauna tell me the truth.” Maureen’s face darkened. “I don’t know how to begin to apologise for her –”
“Then don’t,” Jess interrupted her. “Shauna acted with the best of intentions. She did it to protect you. Don’t be angry with her. I’m not.
“I had the most wonderful foster parents,” Jess continued. “And now you and I have found each other, so it’s all turned out for the best, hasn’t it?”
“It has, sweetheart. Now, I’d best get back. Frank worries about me, although I wish he wouldn’t.
“But why don’t we meet up tomorrow and have a good catch-up?”
As Jess opened the front door, she was pleased to see Elsie watching her.
“Hi, Elsie,” she called out. “This is my grandmother.”