LITMIR.BIZ

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called the anaesthetist, but while we’re waiting for him I just want to try a few things with you to help you relax. You’re very tense, Charlotte, and that will make the pain worse.’

      She talked quietly to the woman, calming her down, and then she dimmed the lights slightly and settled her in one of the chairs.

      ‘Do you like massage?’

      The woman made a sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. ‘I love it. But I can’t afford it very often since I gave up work.’

      Sally smiled and picked up one of her bottles of essential oils. ‘Then you’re in luck. I’m part of the service. I’m just going to do your neck and shoulders to try and relieve the tension. If you get a contraction and you want me to stop, let me know.’

      She smoothed her hands over the woman’s skin and Charlotte gave a moan of pleasure. ‘That feels amazing.’

      Sally carried on massaging her, feeling the young woman gradually relax.

      As each contraction came she helped her breathe properly and gradually Charlotte became calmer.

      ‘You’re coping really well,’ Sally said quietly. ‘Are you sure you want that epidural?’

      Charlotte opened her eyes. ‘I don’t think I can cope without it.’

      ‘You are coping. You’re coping really well. And there are other things that we can try as well.’

      Charlotte stirred and looked at her husband, ‘What do you think?’

      He shook his head. ‘It’s up to you, love. Whatever you feel is best.’

      ‘You don’t have to decide now,’ Sally said, her hands still stroking the woman’s back. ‘Why don’t we just delay the anaesthetist for a bit and see how we get on?’

      Charlotte gave a sigh and closed her eyes again. ‘All right.’

      Sally spent the rest of the afternoon with Charlotte, keeping her as relaxed as possible, encouraging her and helping her breathings. As the contractions grew stronger, she used different aromatherapy oils and soothing music and helped Charlotte to breathe the gas and air.

      ‘I can’t believe she isn’t screaming for an epidural,’ Emma muttered, when Sally nipped outside for a quick break. ‘You’re a miracle worker.’

      ‘I’m not.’ Sally downed a glass of water quickly, reluctant to leave Charlotte for too long. ‘I think someone had just persuaded her that an epidural is the answer. I don’t think she’d even considered other options.’

      She went back to Charlotte and stayed there until early evening when she nipped out to take a phone call from Oliver Hunter, Tom and Bryony’s brother, inviting her over that evening to meet his new fiancée.

      ‘It’s great that you’re home, Sally. The whole gang is back together at last. Come and have supper,’ he said easily, his tone as warm and friendly as ever. As if she hadn’t been away for seven years with no contact.

      Sally gave a soft smile as she held the phone. Oliver always had been the more friendly of the two brothers. Open and straightforward, where Tom was complex and brooding.

      Why couldn’t she have fallen for Oliver?

      Life would have been so much more straightforward if she had.

      ‘So will you come?’

      Sally’s hand tightened on the receiver. Was it really possible to pick up the strands of friendship as if she’d never dropped them?

      Suddenly she felt awkward. Awkward that she’d abandoned them all. But it had been the only way. If she hadn’t cut the ties, she never would have survived. ‘I don’t know what time I’ll finish here …’

      ‘Doesn’t matter,’ Oliver said immediately. ‘Come over whenever. Bry and Jack are coming, and a few others. I’m trying to integrate my Helen into the community.’

      Sally hesitated, wanting to know whether Tom would be there but not able to form the question.

      To ask the question would make it look as though she cared.

      And, anyway, hadn’t he said that he was working?

      ‘I’ll be there,’ she said quickly, not giving herself the chance to think about the invitation any further. It would be nice to go out. Nice to see Oliver again.

      She went back to Charlotte and in virtually no time she was fully dilated and ready to push.

      Sally called for Emma and together they quietly delivered the baby with the minimum of fuss and bother.

      ‘Well done, Charlotte,’ Sally said quietly as she handed the baby to her very tired but very proud mother. ‘You were amazing.’

      ‘I can’t thank you enough.’ Charlotte gazed down at her baby daughter and tears filled her eyes. ‘And I did it all by myself.’

      ‘That’s right.’ Sally smiled. ‘All by yourself.’

      Emma sniffed. ‘And that’s the way it should be done.’

      ‘Another long day.’ Sally changed into her jeans and a jumper the exact colour of her eyes, slammed her locker shut and pocketed the key. ‘See you tomorrow, Emma.’

      She ran down the stairs to the bike rack at the back of the unit and grabbed her mountain bike.

      It was a cold, clear evening and she rode fast, chasing away the pressures of the past few days, enjoying the bite of winter air against her cheeks.

      Oliver answered the door with a smile. ‘Sally!’ He stepped forward and hugged her tightly. ‘It is so good to see you. We’ve missed you.’

      Touched by the warm welcome, Sally hugged him back. She’d missed her friends so much, but she hadn’t truly realized how much until she’d had the letter from Bryony. Her thoughts about home had always been dominated by Tom, and somehow along the way she’d forgotten just how many longstanding friendships she had in this small community.

      For a moment she closed her eyes and allowed herself the rare treat of being held by someone, and then she pulled away and reached up to kiss his cheek, handing him the bottle of wine she’d brought with her.

      ‘Congratulations. Bryony tells me you finally met Miss Right. The women of Cumbria must be in mourning.’

      Oliver grinned. ‘The fells are littered with sobbing females. Come and meet Helen. Everyone’s in the kitchen.’

      Sally followed him through to the kitchen, smiling at Jack and Bryony and sniffing appreciatively. ‘Smells good, Oliver.’

      A pretty blonde girl stepped forward, a smile on her face as she greeted Sally. ‘I’m Helen and I’m very pleased to meet you.’

      ‘Likewise.’ Sally glanced between them. ‘I’m really delighted for the two of you. I hear you met at Bryony’s wedding two months ago?’

      ‘That’s right.’ Oliver slipped an arm round Helen’s shoulders and hugged her. ‘We’re getting married in two weeks’ time and before you ask the obvious question, no, she isn’t pregnant but if I have my way she will be soon.’

      Helen gave a shocked gasp and gave Oliver a little push. ‘Oliver, that’s awful! You shouldn’t say things like that in company!’

      Her face was scarlet with embarrassment and Oliver cupped her face in his hands and kissed her gently.

      ‘That depends on the company.’ His tone was smug and his blue eyes twinkled. ‘This lot have always known I want a hundred children so it’s time we got started.’

      Genuinely pleased that they were so happy, Sally managed a smile and tried to ignore the ache in her heart.

      It would happen to her, she told herself firmly.

      One

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