Page 60 of One More Time

‘I want you to have it, Grace. Please.’ His gaze was imploring. ‘It’s taken way longer than I first expected, but the offer has made it worth the wait.’

Unsure of what to do, Grace jumped when the front doorbell rang. She quickly wiped her tears. ‘I’d best get that. Back in a sec.’

‘Okay.’ He stepped out of the way so she could pass.

Her mind in a spin, Grace opened the door to two police officers, their faces grave. ‘Hello, can I help you?’

The older officer addressed her. ‘Are you Grace Burrows, ma’am?’

She wasn’t about to explain the convoluted story of how she was actually Grace Wilson. ‘Yes, what’s this about?’ She blinked into the revolving blue light still spinning on the police car parked in the driveway.

Solemn-faced, he briefly looked to his partner and then said, ‘May we come in, Mrs Burrows?’

‘Of course.’ She stepped back, her heart racing. ‘Come and have a seat in the lounge room.’ Ava was upstairs, Hope was midair and the twins had talked to her on the phone not long ago… surely they were all okay. So whatever could this be about?

Charlie met her in the hallway, the two officers in tow. ‘Is everything okay?’

‘I … I’m not sure,’ she replied, her voice trembling.

He placed a reassuring hand upon her back. ‘I’ve got you, okay?’

She nodded, grateful he was here to support her. The silence thick, the four of them sat.

This time, the younger officer spoke. ‘I’m afraid Rodger Burrows has had a terrible car accident, and he did not survive. You are listed as the next of kin.’

‘No. Please …’ The world was beginning to sway. Grace wrapped her arms around herself, as if shielding her heart, and although she heard the words, it didn’t feel like any of this was real.

Rodger, dead? It couldn’t be so. It just wasn’t possible.

The next thing she knew, she was gathered in Charlie’s arms, sobbing her broken heart out, and wishing with everything she had that she could rewind the clock back to this morning and tell Rodger one last time that she loved him.

* * *

Five days after Grace’s world was tipped upside-down and inside out, Charlie pulled up out the front of her and Rodger’s home, dressed in black. She might still be his wife on paper, but for the past ten or so years, she and Rodger had shared an intimate relationship, so her grief was understandably palpable.

Stepping from the car and slipping the keys into his pocket, he took a moment to gather himself. His heart broke for her loss, and that of the children. Heck, even he was saddened by Rodger’s untimely passing – Charlie quietly appreciated how much love he had given to both Grace and the children.

He was about to knock on the front door, when it swung open and Ava greeted him. ‘Hi, Dad.’ Her smile was soft and sad, and her eyes were red-rimmed. ‘Come in. Mum’s still getting ready.’

‘Hi love.’ He stepped inside. ‘How are you coping?’

She shrugged. ‘Sometimes I’m okay. Other times, like today, I just can’t seem to stop crying.’

‘I know, poppet. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.’ His soul aching, he pulled her to him, and she hugged him tightly. ‘I know it doesn’t feel like it now, Ava, but it will get better with time.’ He tipped his head to look down and hold her teary gaze. ‘Just be kind to yourself, okay?’

She nodded. ‘Thanks, Dad. I love you.’

‘Love you too, poppet.’

Grace emerged from the hallway and, seeing the two hugging, graced him with an appreciative smile. ‘Hi, Charlie.’

Unravelling from his arms, Ava sniffled and turned to her mum. ‘Oh my gosh, you look beautiful, Mum.’

Offering her compassionate eyes, Charlie had to silently agree. ‘Are you two ready to go?’

Tight-lipped, Grace nodded, her haunted expression that of a widowed woman. ‘Thank you, Charlie, for accompanying me and Ava.’ Her voice was a strangled whisper. ‘I don’t think I could make it through this without you.’

‘Don’t mention it, Grace. I’m here for you and the kids, whenever you need me.’ He offered his arm and she appreciatively hooked hers in. Then, step by steady step, he walked her to the car, helped her into her seat, then climbed back behind the wheel.