Judy Campbell - The Doctor's Longed-for Bride

He looked up, smiling. ‘Ah, I wondered what had kept you. A cup of tea there for you—strong enough to stand the spoon in. I reckon we deserve it after dealing with poor Mrs Casson.’

Frankie sank into a chair. ‘Makes you wonder what some of these people are on, that they’d do that to a woman trying to do her bit for others.’ She took a sip of the tea and wrinkled her nose. ‘Ouch. You’re right, this is strong. Any more milk in that jug?’

He grinned and passed her the jug, and for a second their hands brushed against each other. With a jolt Frankie knew that she wasn’t imagining that zinging attraction she felt when she was near Jack. Her hands shook slightly as she put the cup to her lips again. He smiled at her, his intense eyes holding hers.

‘You did say that you might come to Abby’s sports day tomorrow. I hope you can manage it. She really really is looking forward to seeing you. My parents will be there as well—they’d love to meet you.’

‘Oh, I don’t know, Jack,’ Frankie replied, flustered. ‘I don’t want to butt in on a family occasion. Some other time perhaps….’

His face fell. ‘Abby will be disappointed—and so would I. I’d really like to try and make amends for my rudeness when I left so abruptly before. Besides, aren’t you practically family anyway?’

‘That’s not going to happen, Jack,’ Frankie said firmly. ‘As I told you before, I’m not going to be your sister-in-law I’m afraid.’

‘I’m sorry—that was tactless of me. Still, I’m sure Abby thinks of you as an auntie.’

His expression was wistful and Frankie sighed. Perhaps she was being silly, not taking the proffered olive branch. In any case, she’d love to see Abby again, and if his parents were there, it would sort of dilute the gathering. She smiled and nodded her head.

‘If you’re sure—then I look forward it.’

‘That’s wonderful. I’ll pick you up at about two o’clock.’

‘No need. I’ll meet you at the school field—I know where it is.’

The wall phone jangled and Frankie got up to answer it, her eyes following Jack as he left the room. She attributed the little leap of excitement she felt at the thought of the next day to seeing Abby again and nothing to do with the fact that Jack would be there.

FROM THE CAR park Frankie looked across the school playing fields to the knot of people waiting to see their children take part in the sports day. She hadn’t felt like coming that afternoon—the post had brought several brochures about wedding venues that she’d sent off for several weeks ago and now, of course, they wouldn’t be needed. That peculiar lost feeling of rejection kept coming over her in waves.

She stumped crossly over the field, glancing up at a threatening-looking sky with dark clouds massing up over the town. Her heart melted, however, when she saw Abby, standing in a line with several other children, all looking slightly overawed by the occasion of sports day. Abby was a little taller but otherwise she hadn’t changed much, her curly hair framing a sweet little face. It was lovely to see Abby again and, after all, she hadn’t planned anything else for the afternoon.

Frankie glanced across at Jack, his tall figure making him easy to recognize. It would be good to feel, well, almost part of a family, cheering Abby on and showing an interest in her. Bringing up a little girl by himself must be hard—no one to share in the pleasure and delight of his child when she achieved little milestones, or to worry with him when she was ill. Abby wasn’t surprised that Jack had moved to be nearer his parents.

Frankie watched Abby’s anxious little face as she scanned the onlookers, making sure that her father was there. Somehow she looked very vulnerable, slightly lost. She wondered if the child would remember her after so many months without seeing her, but suddenly Abby spotted Frankie walking at them and a big smile lit her face. She waved her hand towards Frankie and turned to the child next to her, pointing over to the watching adults. Her clear little voice wafted over to Frankie above the murmur of noise around her.

‘That’s Frankie!’

‘Who’s Frankie?’ the little friend asked.

Frankie saw Abby flick a glance towards her again and then explained earnestly, ‘She’s a person that used to help look after me—she’s like a mummy.’

The other child nodded. ‘I see. She’s instead of a Mummy, is she?’

Frankie forgot her morning’s frustration in her pleasure that Abby should remember her so well after so many months, although she couldn’t help being slightly embarrassed that Abby should think of her as a mother-figure! She glanced at Jack to see if he had heard, but he was talking to his parents and seemed unaware of his daughter’s comments. He looked up as Frankie approached, and his face lit up, changing his reserved look and making him look younger and less austere.

‘Glad you managed to come, Frankie. Abby will be delighted. Can I introduce you to my mother and father—Brian and Sheila Herrick?’

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