Love after loss

Chapter 10 - The return

8 months later

I hauled my suitcases out of the cab and stood looking up at the house I had shared with Derek. It had been 8 months since I last set foot in the place and I hesitated to go in.

Finally giving myself a shake I squared my shoulders and unlocked the door. 

The house was freezing from not being in use through the winter and I quickly got the heat on.

I hadn’t told anyone I was planning to return because honestly? I wasn’t sure I ever would. My dad had almost convinced me to take a permanent job is his department as a ‘fresh start’ he had told me.

I almost stayed. I would have stayed if it wasn’t for the fact that for the last 8 months my heart had ached for more than the passing of my husband. It was hurting with the loss of Garret too. I wasn’t sure when I realised. Somewhere between the long nights and lonely days, no matter who was around me, my heart was crying out for him. I felt relief and longing wash over me every time his name flashed up on my phone as an incoming call or text.

I had a quick shower to wash the long day of  travel off of me before I couldn’t wait any longer. I put on my winter coat and wool hat and walked out the door with getting to the Roadhouse, and  to Garret the only thing on my mind.

“Well well well, what is a guy like you doing in a bar like this”

The was a huge genuine smile on Garrets face before he had even finished turning around to face me.

As soon as he locked eyes on me he was rushing out from behind the bar and before I knew it I was hoisted into the air in his strong arms as they wrapped around my back. I hugged my legs around his waist and threw my arms tightly around his neck. 

“Elle, you’re home”

“I missed you so bloody much Garret” I whispered into his ear.

He squeezed me a little tighter before placing me firmly on my feet and looking at me properly. 

He stroked his fingers through my hair which I had chopped into a long bob rather than the flowing locks I had when I left. 

“When did you get here and why didn’t you tell me?”

“I landed about an hour ago and I wanted to surprise you” I offered him my cheekiest grin and he laughed pulling me into another hug.

“I’m glad you’re home”

Home. I was home and it felt right. 

I had thought going back to London was going home. My heart had healed in the months I had been gone but I didn’t feel right. I had missed the Roadhouse Bar. I had missed Meg and our Wednesday night bowling. But most of all I had missed Garret. I had missed the way his bright smile would light up even the greyest days. The way his familiar voice brought me comfort. And the feel of his arms wrapped around me. I was about to tell him exactly how I felt when I looked around the bar and noted for the first time elaborate decorations and congratulations banners hanging.

“What’s going on here” I asked curiously 

The smile vanished from his face. 

“Elle.. I er... I wasn’t sure when you’d come back or even if you would. It didn’t seem right to tell you over the phone or maybe I was just chicken but Me and Elise... I proposed a few weeks ago at Christmas. It’s our engagement party tonight” 

Elise. The girl we’d employed before I left. 

It was like a punch in the gut. But why? I had no claim to Garret. I married his best friend then left for almost a year after he died but I felt the wind knock out of me. 

I put on a smile. 

“Congratulations!! Looks like I got here just in time for the party”