After All - Part Fifty Eight

Chapter Fifty Eight

The End...

Matilda applied a swipe of lipstick to her lips. She loved the dress she had for Sarah’s wedding. Aubergine, her favourite colour, with lime green, her favourite combination. But it didn’t compliment her pale complexion, not today. Shaking her head, she pinched her cheeks hoping to look a little less pasty.

                “How long are you going to be in there Miss? You’re going to be later than the bride at this rate.”

Dylan.

She sighed; this was going to be the longest day of her life.

                “I’m ready,” she called back through the door. Though she wasn’t.

With a forced smile, she opened the door. Dylan looked devastating. His short dark hair was as usual fighting to be controlled, his chin freshly shaved of stubble and his eyes glittering. There wasn’t a bit of him that she didn’t love.  Her eyes coursed over his elegant suit, the impeccable shirt and tie, he was beauty personified. Then he smiled and he was even more devastating.

                “You look amazing, you take my breath away.”

She blushed, “so do you.”

That made him chuckle, a deep warm sound. “You ok?”

She nodded, “is the car here?”

                “It is.” He offered her his elbow then led her out to their waiting transport.

Sarah was getting married in a riverside house in Chelsea, then there was a heated marquee overlooking the Thames for the celebration. They took their place amongst those gathered to witness the event, covered seats either side of the aisle. Steven stood at the top, looking petrified, but handsome in his morning suit. She gave him a thumbs up sign when his eyes met hers and it made him smile.

Then the music started up and they all turned to see Sarah, petite but stunningly pretty Sarah in a beautiful off white dress, gliding down the aisle on her father’s arm.

The service passed quickly, and they all filed out into the winter sunshine, to talk and be offered canapés as the room was prepared for dinner.

                “Here darling,” a warm arm wrapped around Matilda as a glass of champagne was wafted in front of her nose. She grasped the stem then leaned nervously back into the warmth of Dylan. With him protecting her, looking out for her she could relax. “What’s wrong?” He whispered, his breath against her ear, “you’ve not been yourself since we left home.”

How could she tell him? She’d been running the hotel for six weeks, she had so many things planned, they were on a schedule with work, but also at home. They had her brother and father coming to visit for Christmas, they were going to start house hunting later in the year, they’d tentatively talked about a trip back to Thailand...all that was about to be tossed up in the air. She was the one who’d wanted independence, she’d wanted space and time, if it was left to Dylan they’d be joined at the hip permanently.

When she looked up Dylan was staring at her, concern etched across his face, with a gentle tug, he led her away from the groups chatting casually, towards the trees that hugged one corner of the garden.

                “Matilda Davies, you are scaring me. What is it? What’s wrong?”

She sighed, it wasn’t wrong, not now, not this time and she had to explain that to him, she took a deep breath and lifted her eyes to meet his, “nothing is wrong, not in my eyes anyway. Badly timed...that’s a given...but NEVER wrong.”

He shook his head, “tell me, you’re not making sense.”

Closing her eyes she mustered all her inner strength and took another deep breath, “I think I’m pregnant.”

There, she’d blurted it out, and with her eyes closed she waited for a sign, a hint, but there was nothing, just silence.

                “For God’s sake!” she muttered as she snapped her eyes open, then froze, she’d never seen Dylan wrong footed, never seen him so unsure, so stunned, so consumed with pleasure. His shocked features rolled into a generous smile and he opened his mouth to try and speak but his voice failed him.

                “You think? You should do a test,” he reached for the champagne glass that was still in her hand and tossed the contents over her shoulder, “that’s enough of that...oh my God.”

She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, how she’d anticipated this would go, but it was nothing like this. This was better, it was perfect, he was bossy - but that just told her he cared, he was stunned, but then neither of them had anticipated this happening.

She gave a half laugh then pointed her finger at him, “you get away with being bossy that one time only, ok?”

Shaking his head he gave a half smile, “shit. A baby?”

                “I’m three weeks late...didn’t realise what with being so busy at work...”

Pulling her into his arms he smiled, “that is the best news I’ve heard ALL year.”

                “Really?”

He nodded, “it’s quicker than we’d have thought, but it feels right, doesn’t it?”

                “It does, but...”

He placed a finger over her lips, “no, no buts.” He stroked her cheek gently, “when we were in Thailand I told your father I was going to marry you again.”

Her throat was dry, “you did?”

He nodded, “but it’ll happen when you’re ready, that’s the important thing. If it were up to me...I’d have married you that first night on the beach in Thailand, but you weren’t ready. This may not change things for you, but it does for me. I want our children born properly, to us as a married couple, living in a home that we share together. I know that it’s faster than maybe you’re ready for...” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small leather box, “but I’ve been carrying this around for one hell of a long time. You get to choose when you wear it, but it will be soon. OK?”

She was shaking, her heart was racing she had never felt so scared, she’d honestly not thought about getting married again, not after the disaster of last time. She wasn’t really able to formulate a response, so she stood there silently as he chuckled, then pulled her to his side as they rejoined the party.

After a wonderful meal, speeches, and Sarah and Steven’s first dance, Matilda sat quietly beside Dylan watching the day unfold, he was the perfect gentleman, looking out for her whilst being charming and sociable, and on several occasions he’d had their table laughing. The big question was could she do it? Could she be Mrs Wallace once again, could she give over that last piece of herself to Dylan? As her hand strayed almost unconsciously to her stomach she knew that she’d done that a long time ago. She loved him to distraction, she missed him when he wasn’t beside her, she needed him like oxygen. Even before she’d realised she might be pregnant she knew that. But now, even more so.

As he whisked her onto the dance floor in response to the band striking up a tune, Matilda reached up on tip toes to his ear and whispered, “yes.”

The delay in hearing the words and processing them saw him pull her into his arms, then he stopped dead, “yes? You mean it?”

She nodded, “I do. I love you. I’m scared, but not scared of marrying you, just scared of losing you.”

He sighed, “I’ve lost you once Matilda Davies, I am NEVER losing you again. You have my word.” Kissing her proudly on the lips then reached inside his pocket for the ring.

But Matilda shook her head, “no. This is their day, give me the ring tonight...I want naked...grovelling on your knees...and it had better be good Mr Wallace.”

                “Oh it will be!” He said with a smile, his thumb caressing her cheek. “Just you wait and see.”

With that he swung her around the dance floor with the enthusiasm of a five year old, and Matilda couldn’t wait to grow old with the man she’d spent her whole life loving.

Eight Years Later

                “I don’t care what it costs, it has got to be THE best, and it has GOT to be here before Friday. Don’t you relish doing business with me Mr Partridge?” Matilda ran a hand through her hair, glad that the afore mentioned Mr Partridge couldn’t see her stress and anxiety down the phone.  “We deal in hundreds of thousands of pounds a year contracts with you, if you can’t honour this, then I am sorry but I will be seeking ALL the hotel’s household products from elsewhere.”

The other man started to protest but she wasn’t listening, “this is no idle threat, I’ve got more than you can imagine riding on this weekend, you KNOW that. There is no way that I’m going to let this lie.”

As he made some pleading sounds from along the phone, she turned to perch on her desk wondering where else she’d be able to get ten thousand linen napkins from at such short notice. The Ryder Cup was being held in the hotel, the biggest scoop that she’d ever achieved. A timely planned presentation had won them a shot at holding the cup. They’d spent the best part of the last eight years preparing for the coming weekend. She wasn’t about to be let down at the last moment.

Frustrated she dropped the phone back in its cradle and tried to control her breathing. It was then that she noticed the door inch open slowly.

Not again! She groaned as she crossed the room and pulled open the office door to see the most handsome little cherub stood there looking up with a toothy smile, his bright blue eyes full of mischief, his dark hair as unruly as his father’s.

                “Thomas Wallace. Have you escaped AGAIN?”

How could she be angry when faced with the little escapologist? The addition of a crèche to the hotel had been a huge hit, and meant that she was never too far from her children when she was at work, but her youngest two year old monster had taken it upon himself to test the nursery workers beyond belief.

As she scooped the nodding boy up into her arms, Mary, one of the carers burst around the corner.

                “I’m SO sorry Mattie; I have no idea what you must think of us. We’d all been to the park, as soon as we set foot in reception he ran here, he was never more than a few metres in front of me. I swear.”

The girls were very thorough; all of Tom’s escapes literally saw him spend just a couple of seconds away from them.

                “This boy is going to be the death of me, aren’t you?” He merely laughed and swung his arms around her neck. “I’ll let him have a minute here then I’ll bring him back, is Cassie ok?”

Four year old Cassandra was the opposite of her brother, studious, serious and very content, she would be sat at a table drawing or painting. She could just imagine.

                “Cass is fine, only one of your children has the family’s mischief.”

That made Matilda laugh, “you’re right on that count.”

                “Daddy?” Tom asked as she carried him across to her desk.

                “He’ll be back soon darling, I promise.” Sitting on her chair he took the cup of juice she offered and gave a theatrical sigh which made her laugh. “You are such a Daddy’s boy!”

Dylan was in New York, he was due back later, but they all missed him when he was away, her and the kids. From the moment a test had confirmed that she was pregnant after Sarah’s wedding, Dylan had been the perfect man, he’d lined up dozens of houses for her scrutiny, then tolerated her constant changing decisions as they decorated the house, colours and styles selected at the whim of her raging hormones. They got married at Christmas, when she was blooming, the service was attended by immediate family and friends, much to his mother’s chagrin, but that didn’t bother them, they didn’t need pomp and ceremony.

Then Emma had burst into the world and nothing had been the same since. She rubbed a hand over her stomach, still unable to believe they were going to have their fourth child. Another reason not to get stressed.

At seven Emma was currently in school near their home, and on a Monday had a riding lesson straight after school. Fortunately that meant she could get a lift from a friend back to the hotel afterwards. She wasn’t leaving the hotel until late this week, Dylan had tried to convince her to employ a nanny, someone to look after her brood whilst she was at work, but she couldn’t do that. They were her children; she was the one to look after them. Plus Dylan’s mother had barely cared for him when he was a child; the last thing she wanted was to pass his insecurities on to their children.

                “Come on Buster, let’s get you back to nursery, ok?”

Ninety minutes later and Mr Partridge was promising her he’d deliver on her order, a huge tick in her book, when Emma walked in. She was tall, slim and pretty, Dylan swore she looked like her, but she didn’t agree, she was more like her own mother; Cassie was the image of her, in looks and temperament.

                “Hi Darling, how was your day?”

She nodded, “good, I got nine out of ten in my maths test.”

                “What did you get wrong?” She asked as they hugged.

                “Six times eight...it was the fastest to finish. I think I rushed!”

Matilda smiled, “shall we get the little ones, then I’ll see if Leo has any fruit for you in the kitchen?”

Linking hands with her mother they did just that.

A huge bowl of fruit salad that Leo loved providing for the kids, and a movie played through her laptop kept them all quiet for the next hour, and it gave Matilda the chance to chase up the remaining things on her to do list. The following day they had another equally long list, but Sarah was working so she could relax a little.

She glanced at her phone, no message from Dylan, he was due to land in a couple of hours, but he normally called or messaged her before he boarded the plane. But not tonight.

                “Right guys; let’s get all our things, I for one could do with going home.”

                “I second that.”

A voice called from behind them and the three youngsters all screamed “DAD!” at exactly the same time as they rushed across the room to him.

Matilda smiled at Dylan; he looked tired, but happy. His trips away became more taxing as the kids got older. He hadn’t changed over the years, there was the hint of grey in the hair at his temples, but he was still strong, lithe, handsome...and devoted to her and the kids.

                “Your day get any better?” he asked as he hugged all three kids and accepted a dozen sloppy kisses.

She shrugged as he deposited his bags on the floor, then stage whispered to the children, “maybe there’s a gift in my bag for you?”

Emma took over the search through his bag as the other two giggled and tried to help her. Dylan walked towards her and smiled, “you look good.”

                “I do?”

He nodded, reaching out to wrap an arm sound her, pulling her against him, “you been sick?” His hand ran briefly over her stomach as she shook her head, “nope, no sickness. Haven’t had the time for that.”

He kissed her then, and that passion, that desire was all still there. Until three screeching children got between them, each waving a wrapped gift in their direction. As they opened things excitedly, Matilda watched her family with such pride and happiness. Life was hectic, Dylan was away too much, it was hard to juggle the kids, but with the biggest golf event about to put their hotel complex on the world map, and a fourth child on the way, there was no sign of any let up in the future, and she loved that. She wouldn’t change a single minute of anything.

After All - Part Fifty Seven

Chapter Fifty Seven

A/N Sorry, I've been both hectic, and had a little writer's block when it came to ending this story, think this ending is a little flat. Not sure how you guys feel about it??

A final chapter to come, then the new story that's emerging will start in a couple of days. 

Let me know how you'd change this story as I'm struggling!

 

Dylan squeezed her hand as Matilda froze dead in her tracks, “come on sweetheart, we HAVE to deal with this, don’t we?”

Despite the question it was far more statement than that, she looked up at him for a moment, “way to burst our bubble hey?”

He smiled, “can build a bigger thicker impenetrable bubble once we’ve done this ok?” He squeezed her hand, “this is forever, don't forget that.”

Nodding she started the walk towards Gareth.

                “Matilda...I er...I wanted to apologise for earlier, I should have been more hospitable. You came all this way...”

She shook her head, “I don’t give a damn about hospitality, but I care about you accepting me, accepting Dylan. That’s the deal here, all or nothing. I told you that earlier.”

Dylan admired her spunk as she started to walk away from her brother towards the lift, he met Gareth’s eyes and gave a sympathetic shrug, and immediately her brother started to laugh.

                “Stop Matilda, when did you get so bossy?”

She stopped dead in her tracks, then turned to face him angrily, “you think this is a joke?”

Gareth groaned, “you’re shouting at me, dragging Dylan like a puppy. Forgive me if I see the funny side of it.”

Dylan grinned, “you know how feisty she is Gareth, I’m surprised you’re surprised.”

He sighed, “she hasn’t been though...for a long time.”

He face was pained as he looked between his sister and her lover, then ran a hand over his eyes, “ok, ok. I get that you’ve got your groove back; Dad hasn’t stopped telling me that. But I can’t forget what you did Dylan, I really can’t.”

Dylan nodded, “and I don’t blame you for that, I’m willing to prove myself to her...and you. I know I was wrong.”

Matilda stepped between them, “we were BOTH wrong. It was as much my fault as his. I goaded him, my bluff failed...that was my fault I was trying to force a reaction...I got the wrong one.”

She stared at Gareth and Dylan felt sorry for him, “Gareth, we were never best mates before, but I don’t want to be enemies, ok?”

Gareth nodded, “do you want a drink?” He gestured to the bar, “I don’t want to give the reception staff anymore of a thrill...I’m a bank manager here you know?”

Matilda’s scowl was still evident, but Dylan chuckled and tugged on her arm, and reluctantly she succumbed.

Sat at a corner table at the huge glass window that over looked the view of the town; she crossed her legs and arms, then stared at her brother.

Gareth shook his head then turned to Dylan, “I presume you’re more of an expert...do you know the way through this?”

Dylan was still laughing, and when he gave a shrug he became the victim of the scowl too.

                “Matilda.” Gareth leaned forward, “don’t be like this, I came here to sort things out, not cause more problems.”

She nodded, then added snippily, “so says the man who threw his toys out of his pram earlier! Gareth don’t come all holier than thou with me.”

Dylan sniggered beside her and she turned to stare at him, “you’re laughing at me?”

He put his arm around her and pulled her into his side, “just relax, Gareth has come to you, come to talk. Don’t push him away.”

Gareth sighed, “I get why you’re angry...” He paused as a waiter took their order then turned back to her. “I was out of order, I get that. But I care about you Matilda; I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

She shook her head, “you didn’t see me hurt though did you Gareth. Mum wasn’t cold in her grave and you were gone, leaving me and Dad to deal with it all. Don’t throw all the brotherly concern on me here, because you weren’t there. Were you?”

                “You begrudge me my own life?”

She shook her head, “of course not. I don’t wish my misery on anyone else, but you are making a judgement on something you know nothing about. This is more about your guilt than it is about mine.”

He hung his head for a moment, “I don’t feel guilty, not really. But I have felt helpless. This job here was a great opportunity, I didn’t do wrong by taking it, and Mum would have wanted me to do this. But I’ve seen how Dada has worried, he wanted to move out here years ago, but he couldn’t, he...and I, we were both worried about you.”

She took a deep breath, “so you’re saying Dad couldn’t do what he wanted because of me? Because I NEVER asked him for anything, even on the days I couldn’t afford dinner, I never asked him to do anything.”

Dylan reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, “don’t misread Gareth, and don’t get angry. You know that your Dad will worry about you until his dying day. I think that Gareth is feeling bad that he couldn’t ease that load for him.”

She looked up at him, tears in her eyes, “why are you defending him? YOU are the one he hates.”

Dylan shook his head, “Gareth doesn’t hate me, he doesn’t want to welcome me back in to the family easily, and I can get that.” He looked at her brother for a moment, “as I told your father, no one hates me for what happened like I hate myself. But we all make mistakes, and all I’m asking is for a second chance. You’ve given me it, so has your father,” he smiled, “and at some point Gareth will too.”

Gareth groaned, “you always were a smarmy bastard who knew exactly what to say to get what you wanted.”

There was humour rather than animosity in his voice, and Dylan chuckled, “your mother couldn’t resist my sweet talking!”

Her brother smiled, “no, that’s true. Neither could Matilda.”

                “You REALLY haven’t seen her the last year have you? She hit me, humiliated me, shouted at me, went behind my back...any luck I had charming her has long gone.”

Gareth slumped back in his seat, “you hurt her I’m coming after you this time.”

Dylan grinned, “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Matilda looked between them and groaned, “you two...”

As she shook her head, Dylan and Gareth laughed, and as the waiter arrived with their drinks, they started to talk in a way they hadn’t in years. And it wasn’t until then that she realised how distant she’d become from her brother. As they left for bed later that night, they both had agreed to visit Gareth’s home the following day for dinner. It was a compromise, but it was hopefully the start of more meaningful relationships with her family, and Dylan was more than pleased at that.

                “So it’s back to reality tomorrow?”

Matilda lifted her sunhat from over her eyes and looked up at Dylan stood in just his board shorts holding out an ice cold Mojito to her, his broad muscular body glowing and tanned.

She gave a groan, “you mean we can’t stay here forever?”

He grinned as she took the condensation covered glass and sipped the drink elegantly, “afraid that we have work to return to. And you young lady have a hotel to run.”

She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment; it was all still so surreal. She’d been away from London for almost four weeks, and it had been heaven. The last four days spent almost entirely with her family had topped off the amazing time away, and as she watched him lower to the lounger beside her, it was almost impossible to imagine that she’d arrived in Thailand alone, devastated, and desperate. Now she was radiant, happy, and SO well loved.

They were making the most of their last day together, and tonight, they were meeting Gareth his girlfriend Suni and her father, it was a festival in the area, and they were going to a huge gathering at a local market, fresh food, dancing...it promised to be a spectacular event.  And a timely good bye from them.

Since the animosity of their first meeting, the three men were getting along tremendously, and plans for Christmas had been tentatively discussed.

For Matilda it was the about turn she had never dreamed of when she’d sat on the plane in tears leaving London. She sipped her drink as her mobile phone in her bag beside her started to ring.

She looked at the display, Sarah. She hadn’t spoken to her friend and colleague since her first week away, though she’d emailed her when Dylan had turned up to say she was happy, that they were working things out.

                “I know I said I’d give you space, but it’s been ten days, and I am DESPERATE to know how you are, and if you’re going to be home for the wedding.”

Matilda sighed, “Sarah, it is SO good to hear your voice. We’re coming home tomorrow, and of COURSE I’m going to be at the wedding. We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

She could hear Sarah exhale down the phone, “good. I’m SO looking forward to seeing you, Brandy has been amazing helping to keep things going, but I will have to email a couple of things for you to make decisions on. Sorry to disturb your paradise.”

                “You are a welcome distraction Sarah, I promise. Will you pass on my love to everyone? I can’t wait to see you all in a couple of days.”

                “Liar!”  Dylan whispered at her ear as she hung up. “If I promised you another month here you wouldn’t think twice about it.”

She stretched luxuriously then turned to him with a smile, “on the other hand...everywhere I go, you’ll follow me!”

He slumped back on the lounger and groaned, “Touché darling.”

London was dark and cold, and as they emerged from the terminal at Heathrow, Matilda realised how woefully under prepared she was. Fortunately Dylan had ordered a taxi and it was waiting to take them back to the London flat. Dylan had been determined that he didn’t thrust himself on her full time, but she knew there was no way she was sleeping alone that night. She needed him more than ever now that they were back in Britain.

Reality really was a bitch.

The apartment was freezing cold, and Dylan rushed inside to turn on the heating. Then turned back to her with a smile.

                “You look nervous.”

She nodded, “you were right, it’s kind of strange now that we’re back here.”

He came towards her and pulled her into his arms, “nothing has changed with us, ok?”

Matilda smiled at him, then said, “I don’t want you to leave...not tonight...” She didn’t add the “...not ever,” that threatened to spill from her lips. She wasn’t ready to beg him to stay with her, not yet.

Matilda stood outside the hotel and took several deep breaths.  It was over a month since she’d last walked out of the building, and that had been a time when she honestly believed she’d never come back. Stepping into the foyer, which was no different to the last time she’d been there, but seemed so different, so foreign, she looked around for a moment, then heard a squeal. Looking up she spotted Hermione rushing around the desk and hurtling towards her at breakneck speed. And she was absorbed in a huge hug.

Eventually the receptionist pulled back and held her at arm’s length.

                “You look amazing!” With an elaborate wink she added, “thoroughly loved up!”

Matilda rolled her eyes, “I needed a break that much is true. Is Sarah here?”

Hermione nodded, “she is. Glad to have you back boss.”

                “Thank you.” Matilda’s smile at Hermione was genuine, she’d missed everyone there.

Sarah was sat at her desk on the phone when Matilda tapped the door then walked into the office. The other woman looked up and her face lit up in pleasure. Finishing the call she literally leapt from her seat and rushed over to hug Matilda.

                “You look amazingly well.”

Matilda smiled, “I feel it. Thailand is an amazing place. You HAVE to go.”

Sarah reached for her desk and called the kitchen, “coffee and breakfast please Leo, my office.” Then she hung up and reached for Matilda’s hands, “I had an awful feeling you weren’t going to come back.”

Matilda lowered herself into the seat opposite her desk and sighed, “for a while I wasn’t.”

                “Dylan looked dreadful after you left.”

She nodded, “it’s been a hard six months.”

                “And now?”

She gave a dry laugh, “now, Dylan is stepping back from the hotel...he’s giving me free rein over everything.”

                “Wow. I thought you two were getting along...”

Matilda laughed again, “oh we are, but we need distance in some parts of our lives, and we’ve proved time and time again we can’t work together, after all I can’t deal with taking orders from him.”

                “And the rest of it?”

Matilda paused for a moment, how much did she want people to know? She wasn’t sure, but she did know that she couldn’t hide it, couldn’t deny him anymore. “We’re trying again...nothing’s easy, but I love him...more than ever.”

Sarah grinned with pleasure sat back in her chair, “you two are SO perfect for each other.”

                “Who is?”

The two women turned guiltily towards the voice and Matilda smiled to see Brandy stood there a smug look on her face, “Brandy!” She jumped up and hugged the woman, “I hear you’ve been instrumental in keeping this place going.”

Brandy blushed, “just doing my job. Now that you’re back I can head off back to my brood?”

Matilda smiled, “of course, though I’d love to buy you dinner, thank you.”

                “Oh! No need for that. But I do have some papers that I need signing...and can you tell your lover to answer his damn phone?”

Matilda blushed at that and the older woman gave a hearty chuckle, “I presume he’ll speak to you!”

The breakfast arrived and the two women alternated catching up on the runnings of the hotel, with gossip from each of their lives as they demolished the contents of the trays. There was still so much to catch up on, but Matilda knew she couldn’t stay holed up in the office all day.

                “Right, time to tour the residence! Want to come?”

Outside of the office they had to uphold a professional appearance, so with clipboards in hand, they moved around the hotel, Matilda greeting every member of staff gratefully and with a familiarity that she’d missed when she’d been away. And without exception, they were all more than pleased to see her. The bar managers were pleased to tell her how well things had been in her absence.

Even the Major, the golf captain was pleasant. She’d missed the place. She arranged meetings with all of the department leaders over the coming days, and was back in her office trying to tackle the hundreds of emails that had arrived since she’d been away when she heard a commotion in reception.

Jumping to her feet, she covered the distance in less than a minute. Then froze, stood in the reception, with the WHOLE of the staff laughing manically at him, was Dylan, complete with - at a brief count she made it nine red love heart balloons, two huge bouquets of flowers, and an inane grin.

 For a split second she wanted to run away, but all too quickly she knew that this was his way of bringing everything into the open, stopping gossip by telling everyone JUST how things were. With a smile she rushed towards him and into his heavily laden arms for a kiss that left everyone observing whooping at. Then pulling back he smiled at everyone, “champagne, on me, in the restaurant.”

Then he led her into the room ahead of the excited staff.

Holding her hand he waited whilst everyone took a glass, then smiled.

                “Thank you all for joining us. I just wanted to clarify a few things. Firstly, I am stepping back from my involvement in this hotel. Matilda here, she’s in full charge, I may stay here a bit, and of course...play gold, he winked at that, and a few chuckled. “But other than that, I will have nothing to do with this place. You all know I’ve compromised Matilda since I’ve been back here, challenging her decisions...all of which were right, I might add. She does a better job without me. And I’m looking forward to being challenged and compromised by her in other domains.”

That led to laughs, catcalls and a dig in the ribs from the woman herself.  And laughing he added, “I’m concentrating on other things, there’s nothing wrong with that!”

Then he looked down at her with a smile that warmed her to the soul. She’d wanted grand gestures, she’d wanted commitment from him, and he had delivered on innumerable fronts. She loved him, and now knew with confidence that he felt the same way, and for the first time in years, her life felt complete. 

After All - Part Fifty Six

Chapter Fifty Six

Her brother’s house was a beautiful colonial style house at the bottom of the hills that seemed to rise majestically from the north of the city. It had a huge veranda at the back that basked in the evening sun, and over looked the twenty metre long pool. It was luxurious, but her father assured her that it was a modest house in relation to some of the mansions nearby. Dylan had stayed at the hotel sorting out some business, it was the longest time away from the office that he’d spent in years and since landing in Chiang Mai, he’d been having regular messages from Brandy amongst others, and as she hadn’t seen Gareth for a long time, she was glad to be making the first trip alone. She didn’t need the hassle of the two men clashing horns, and secretly, she wanted to smooth the water with her brother. The previous afternoon, she’d walked into the hotel bar to see Dylan and her father talking...really talking, and getting along. When they both looked up at her, she knew they’d spoken, truly spoken, and she felt pleasure radiating out of her. That was all she wanted, a simple future. Whilst she was honest and knew that nothing was ever that easy, she also felt that if her family and Dylan were good, then the rest was purely incidental.

Her and Dylan, they could deal with anything together.

Gareth had been sat on the veranda looking out when they’d entered the garden. Her father was comfortable and at home in the house, which was as it should be as he was living in the same grounds.

Gareth stood when he saw her and gave her a rib threatening hug, but all affection ended as he held her at arm’s length, “where is he?”

Matilda sighed, “Gareth please, can you just accept things as they are?”

He shook his head, “do you have any idea how worried we’ve been about you the last few years? Because we have been. That man ruined everything, he abandoned you, left you when you needed him, broke you when you were at your most vulnerable, and hurt you...”

She held up a hand to silence him, “I am FULLY aware of how I was when we split up, but it wasn’t all his fault.” When he made a gasp of disbelief, she shook her head, “I have forgiven him, I understand. What is there about that that you don’t get?”

                “He hurt you...”

She laughed, “yes he did...but I hurt him too. Let’s ask a more deep and probing question, why are you so dead set against him? Because you moved out here when Mum died, you didn’t exactly understand where I was coming from. You abandoned me and Dad, just as much as he did.”

                “You bitch!” He was right, but Matilda wasn’t about to back down, he HAD left, and he was now interfering in her life when he hadn’t bothered to be involved in it for years.

                “That maybe, but where’ve you been the last five years? And I don’t mean physically. You don’t call, email, you haven’t been home in four years. So don’t pretend that you have some right to dictate in my life.” She didn’t know where the anger was coming from. It wasn’t his fault, but she was sick of everyone interfering, and she was defensive for Dylan. It was easier to deal with her issues with her brother than let the two men attack each other. Her father and Gareth’s girlfriend Suni were already looking anxious.

                “I have my own life to live Matilda, and forgive me if I’m not screwing it up like you!”

She laughed, “you hit the nail on the head, spot on. You live YOUR life, and I live mine. I make decisions, and if I forgive Dylan for his role in things, then it’s up to you, accept him...accept us, or don’t. It’s pretty simple.”

When he merely scowled at her, she gave a smile to her father and Suni. We’d love you to join us for dinner at the hotel tomorrow. It’s up to you what you do, but that’s where we’ll be. Neutral venue, neutral terms, animosity left at the door. If you’re not there, I’ll understand. Gareth I love you, I really do, but I’m almost twenty nine, and I’ve got a father, I don’t need another one. Ok?”

Her father made to protest, but she shook her head, she needed a dramatic exit, and this was it. Her parting shot.

AS she trudged the streets back towards the hotel in humid heat, unable to find a taxi, and then slightly apprehensive of if the passing cars were genuine, she regretted her big walk out. Fortunately the hotel was a landmark in the city and wasn’t more than a couple of miles from her brother’s house. But by the time she got there, she was hot, bothered, sweaty, and her feet were dirty from dust. She was almost embarrassed as she walked into the pristine and air conditioned reception like a street urchin.

Dylan was sat at the desk on a Skype call to Brandy when she burst in to the room. He glanced up in shock as she smiled then made for the bathroom. And she could hear Brandy chuckling, “I presume that means Mattie’s home. Can I say hello?”

Matilda smiled as she ran some cold water to clean her face, “I’m hot, sweaty and very dirty. Can I speak to you another day?” She called out from the bathroom.

That was greeted by the deep raspy chuckle of the older woman, “when this man is out of the room!”

                “Deal!” She called out.

She was running the warm but not hot shower and stripping out of her disgusting clothes, when two arms encircled her bare waist.

                “You ok?”

The words were spoken into her neck and when she glanced at the mirror in front of her, she sighed at the sight of his dark thick hair on the top of his head as his mouth nibbled at her shoulder.

                “Fine...I shouted at Gareth, then stormed out. It was a great idea until I had to walk four miles home!”

His eyes met hers in the mirror, “shit. You ok?” when she nodded he added, “do you want a special massage from me?”

She nodded, “sounds amazing. I just need a shower first; I swear there’s no dust or dirt left in the town!”

Grinning he slid his hands down her body and started to unfasten her shorts, “maybe I can wash you first?”

That was met with a moan, she’d never relax if that happened, but then she wasn’t that bothered. Turning in his arms, she reached for the hem of his t-shirt.

When he lifted an eyebrow, she grinned, “this is all seeming a bit one sided!”

                “One sided?” His eyes were following his fingers as they reached around her to release the catch of her bra. As the lace fell away from her tanned skin, revealing the parts of her that were still pale, he sighed, “I can’t think around you, that’s how one sided things are here.”

She craned onto tip toes and placed her lips over his, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

His arms slid around her, holding her against his bare chest, “was it that bad?”

Matilda wriggled against him, loving the way his eyes filled with lust, then with a nod, “it was worse. But I don’t care!” She reached behind him and turned the shower off, and with a brief tug, her short cotton skirt fell to the floor, her cotton knickers went the same way, and she was under the fierce multi headed shower and it was blasting her body almost aggressively. Dylan was no shirk within seconds he was beside her reaching for the shower gel then soaping her body erotically and in a way that distanced her mind from the trauma of her brother and the hideous walk home. Then he moved on to shampoo her hair, cleaning it thoroughly, a she leaned back into his body. Eventually when he’d finished, he stood back to admire his handy work, but her smug teasing grin caused him to grab her and devour her               

“Woman, you’ll be the death of me,” he moaned as she smiled against his lips her hands running over his wet skin in the most enticing way. As he bit her neck, nibbled at her collar bone, she lifted a leg and wrapped it around her waist. He groaned, taking her weight as she joined her other leg at his waist.

But it was her turn to moan when he slid into her, pressing her up against the smooth tiled wall, and with each thrust, with each kiss, she lost control that little bit more.

A couple of hours later, they lay on the bed, a light sheet protecting them from the now cold chill of the air conditioning.

                “So are we going to get some dinner? For some reason, this little minx I know has drained me of all my energy!”

Matilda smiled rolling on to her back and out of his arms as he sat up. She was uncaring that the sheet had fallen to her waist, instead, she watched him intently.

                “What did you have in mind?”

                “Well I’m fed up of the inside of this hotel room. I was thinking of a stroll through town...the guy on reception this morning recommended a restaurant near one of the temples...we could eat...see some culture?”

She nodded, “we’ve not really seen more than beaches...”

                “And as delightful it is to see you in a bikini...make love to you in the sea...we’re miles from the coast.”

                “There’s a pool, landscaped, with a bar...we’ve hardly frequented there.”

He grinned, “you think I can cope with swimming in public with you when you flirt your curves at me? It’d be obscene.”

She was still laughing when she dragged herself to her feet and got dressed.

It was a beautiful City, though they only saw a snippet of it, and the restaurant sold fresh tasty food, on a terrace overlooking a square where families played with their children and footballs were booted around.

                “I think about what could have been every day.”

Her stark confession caused his head to snap up, other than the first moment he’d arrived in Thailand they’d not mentioned the ‘thing’ that had caused him to flip.

                “It must have been scary.” It was ineffective, but he couldn’t think of anything else to say frankly, he’d tried to put himself in her position, wondering how she’d felt making such a huge decision. He wasn’t sure he could have done something so strong alone.

She nodded, they were finishing the bottle of wine that had accompanied dinner, and it was a particularly chubby toddler that made her heart surge.

                “It was a bit...but the thought of the opposite,” she sighed. “It wasn’t easy...but I thought about it long and hard, it was the only way really. I was at rock bottom, and I was too proud to call you, or tell my Dad. He’d have supported me, but I’ve always relied on my independence...and my head was in the clouds. I was depressed, I was struggling to function.”

He reached out and covered her hands with his, “I understand, I really do.”

She nodded, tears welling in her eyes, “and I don’t regret it, really I don’t. But then I look at those children over there...”

Dylan reached across and tilted her chin, making her look at him, “there’ll be time for kids, and we’ll have loads, ok? And they’ll all be beautiful like their mother. Don’t feel bad...”

She nodded, “I just had a dream last night, you walking along the beach, a little dark haired boy on your shoulders...”

                “And that’ll happen...when we’ve had enough of each other, ok? When we’ve holidayed, and planned, and argued...and made up...there’s so much we need to do together. And then we’ll settle down ok? Have our swarm of kids. You’ll see.”

She smiled, “you make me think anything is possible.”

He nodded, “with you by my side, it is.”

Gesturing to the waitress, he paid their bill, then offering her his hand; he tugged her to her feet, then headed out into the street. His arm around her shoulders, his voice a constant stream of observations in her ear, they walked back to the hotel.

                “So we’ll try the pool tomorrow, ok?”

Dylan was looking down at her with a knowing look as they entered the hotel foyer, grateful for the icy blast of air conditioning after the humid walk home, “you know what you’re suggesting?”

As she beamed a reply, mouth open for a witty retort, a voice disturbed them.

                “About time, I was about to give up and head home.”

Spinning around almost guiltily, they came face to face with Gareth, and he wasn’t exactly looking happy.