Authors: Susan Horsnell

Secret Memories (4 page)

BOOK: Secret Memories

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Chapter Six

Rick carried Lyndsay up the front steps of her parents’ home. She leaned forward and threw the front door open. “Mum, Dad, Dylan. We’re here,” she shouted excitedly.

Rick heard Dylan’s feet clattering on the wood flooring as he ran. “Mummy, mummy. I missed you.” The little boy jumped up and down in front of them.

“Bring her through to the living room please, Rick,” Joan said.

Rick deposited her on the lounge with her broken ankle resting on the arm. He positioned cushions behind her. “I’ll go and get you case and crutches from the car.”

“Thank you,” Lyndsay smiled.

Dylan bounced up onto his mother and threw his arms around her neck. He placed kisses all over her face which caused her to laugh. “You did miss me, didn’t you?” She sat her little boy on her stomach.

“I missed you this much,” he stretched his arms wide.

“I missed you too darling.” Tears sprang to her eyes. She had thought she would never see him again. Thank God Rick had found her.

The man of the hour sauntered back into the living room. “Your dad has taken your things to your room.” He lifted Lyndsay’s legs, sat on the couch, and lowered them across his lap. His hands rested gently on her bare legs. A shiver washed over her and Rick glanced at her with concern.

“Are you cold?” he asked. “You might still be in shock.”

“No, I’m fine.” She glanced down at his hands. He followed her eyes and gave her a knowing smile.

Her parents came into the room, noticed how their daughter and Rick were sitting and raised their eyebrows in unison.

“Coffee?” Joan asked.

“That would be very nice, thank you.” Rick accepted. He was in no hurry to leave.

Alex sat opposite and eyed the new man in his daughter’s life.

“Lyndsay told us last night that you were the boy who used to go and watch her practice and play netball at school. I remember she’d come home and tell us about a boy who always sat alone in the stand but she wasn’t sure who you were there for. She said you were short, chubby and wore glasses.”

“Yep, that was me. It was Lyndsay I was there for but I was too scared to say anything because she was so beautiful.”

Joan settled a tray of coffee mugs on the small table. “Milk, sugar?”

‘Just white, thank you.” Rick answered.

Joan poured in the milk and handed him the mug before handing one to Lyndsay and sitting next to her husband. “You’re certainly not, short and chubby now.” She bestowed a benevolent smile on him.

“No ma’am. I grew up pretty good and I wear contacts.”

“How long have you been in the Police Force,” Alex asked.

“Going on four years now. I’m in my third year of law and hopefully I’ll have my own law practice one day.” Rick responded.

“You’ve done well.”

“Yes Sir, I have.”

“How long do you have off, Rick?” Lyndsay asked.

“I go back to work on the afternoon shift tomorrow.”

“So your days off have been taken up searching and caring for our daughter.” Joan said.

“I don’t mind. I didn’t have plans. Sir, with your permission, I would like to date Lyndsay and Dylan.”

Alex sputtered and the mouthful of coffee ended up down the front of his shirt. Joan dabbed at the mess with a napkin.

“Alex, please be careful,” she admonished.

“Sorry darlin’, I’ve never been asked if someone could date my daughter and grandson.”

“The way I see it, they’re a package deal. A very nice one at that.” Rick said.

Dylan’s head turned from one adult to the other. He was trying hard to understand but knew it must have something to do with him because they kept mentioning his name. “What’s date mean?” he asked.

“It means Rick wants to take you and your mummy out sometimes.” Alex explained.

Dylan whipped his head around to face his mother. “Can we mummy? I like Rick. Can we please go out with him?”

The adults laughed at his innocence.

“I guess if it’s okay with Grandpa.” Lyndsay teased.

“Please Ganpa?” Dylan pleaded.

“Of course you can.” Alex agreed.

“Yippee, we can go out with you Rick.” He clapped his hands before throwing his arms in the air.

“Sit still darling, you’ll spill mummy’s coffee.” Joan said.

Dylan quieted.

“Thank you, sir. I promise I’ll take good care of them both.”

“Yes, I think you will. Thank you for asking me for permission. It’s very old fashioned thinking for a young man to ask a father if he can date his daughter.”
Has she finally found the right man?
Alex wondered.

“It’s respect, sir and I was raised to show respect and courtesy.” Rick grasped Lyndsay’s hand and focused on her face. “I’m sorry you had an accident and were injured but I’m glad I happened upon your missing poster and was the one to find you. I’ve been given a second chance to make you mine and this time I’m not letting you get away.” He lifted her hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingers.

Lyndsay blushed. “I hope not.”

Alex squeezed his wife’s hand. Rick was the man who was meant for their daughter, of that, they had no doubt.

THE END

About the Author

Susan grew up in the Western Suburbs of Sydney in the 50's and 60's.

Her parents are originally from the Newcastle-Under-Lyme area of England and came to Australia in 1952 as £10 poms. This was a scheme that was begun to help populate Australia.

She met her husband, Robert, in 1973 and was married in March 1974; they were both 18 years old.

She was a Nurse, a career that spanned more than 35 years. She has been retired for 4 years and is finally able to indulge her love of writing and storytelling.

She has 2 sons and 5 gorgeous grandchildren.

Please enjoy reading her books and don't hesitate to contact her with good or bad opinions.

Website:
http://horsnells.wix.com/susan--1

Blog:
http://susanhorsnell.com

Twitter: @susanhorsnell

Other Books by Susan Horsnell

Series:

The Glenmore’s: Revenge

The Glenmore’s: Deputy

The Glenmore’s: Laura

The Glenmore’s: Caught

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