‘So what are you saying, you want to sell up and buy mum a bungalow with the conservatory she’s always gone on about?’
Ken looked taken aback at that. ‘Bloody hell, I’m not ready to sell my soul just yet, but I reckon I could live with going part-time. I saw this ad on the telly for some chalets on one of them parks by the sea, log cabin type places with all mod cons and a fishing lake. You know which one I mean?’
‘I think so yeah, Mum would love that… but what about the caravan?’
‘We could rent it out or sell it, either way if I went part-time me and your mum could spend long weekends away and if I took on smaller jobs I could manage by myself. I am getting a bit knackered these days. I don’t let on, though, especially to your mum.’
Jed’s heart was ridiculously light. ‘Or you could take some big jobs, you know, the good earners and I’d come back for a few weeks to help. Like the extension we’ve got to start next week.’
Ken made a humming noise. ‘About that… What if I got myself a labourer on a self-employed basis to come in as and when I needed. Like the lad who stood in for you. That would mean you could stay here.’
Jed’s head jerked up from folding the tinfoil that had been wrapped around his baguette. ‘What, now!?’
‘Yes, now. What’s the point in coming all the way back when you can stay here, give it a proper trial run, see how things go with you and Frankie before you make any big decisions.’
‘Dad, are you being serious?’
‘Course I am, I wouldn’t joke about owt like this. It’s your life we’re talking about here so you need to work it out, proper like. The firm’s not going anywhere, or the house and yard. It’ll be there if you change your mind – but you need to find out if you can earn a crust here, and most important if you and Frankie really are right for each other.’
‘But what about Mum? What will she say when you turn up without me?’ Jed had images of his mum in tears on the phone, demanding he came back and hating Frankie for stealing her precious son.
‘I think the lure of a fancy log cabin and me semi-retiring will sweeten the deal, don’t you?’ Ken winked at his beaming son.
Jed knew his dad was right and his mum would be straight onto the internet the minute a new holiday home was mentioned. If anything, she was actually the most sensible of all of them and would probably have suggested the same, had they actually had their kitchen table heart-to-heart.
‘So, what’s it to be. An extension in Hale Barns with me and me-laddo here,’ Ken inclined his head towards Spud, ‘or spending more time with Frankie?’
The choice was simple and Jed, and possibly Ken, knew the answer.
* * *
They were outside the train station at Rennes, saying their goodbyes. There was no time for Ken to take Jed back to Frankie’s and make the ferry in time, so Jed was going to make his own way.
Experiencing a moment of sadness now it was time to say bye to his dad, Jed lingered, stalling for time. ‘Will you get Spud to text me when you get to the port? And I’ll let you know when I’m at Frankie’s. I think I might beat you to it but don’t let him forget, you know what he’s like.’
‘I won’t, now get yourself inside and we’ll be on our way. I’d rather not be rushing.’
Jed nodded and prayed his dad wouldn’t go all emotional on him because after thirty-three years now really was not the time.
Ken must have read his son’s mind. ‘Right, lad, take care and give my love to that lady of yours and all being well, I’ll bring your mum over soon.’ Ken held out his hand for a manly handshake but found himself enveloped in a man-hug instead.
‘Thanks, Dad, for everything, I mean that. For teaching me all I know and being my best mate. You always will be, okay. Love you, Dad.’ Jed spoke into Ken’s shoulder, a lump in his throat and a mixture of nostalgia and excitement rushing through his veins, causing his heart to thud.
‘Love you too, son, now bugger off and get that train.’ Ken let go, patted both Jed’s arms with his calloused hands, then headed for the van where a bopping Spud watched through the window.
‘Take care, Dad.’ Jed spoke to his dad’s back.
Without turning Ken replied. ‘You too, son.’
With a quick wave to his cousin, Jed then whipped around and went inside the station, sucking in air and swallowing down that lump in his throat. The concourse was cool and it soothed him, gave him time to collect his thoughts and feelings. It felt strange knowing his dad was driving away – hopefully with a happy heart.
Running his fingers through his hair, Jed was suddenly unsure what to do next. Should he ring Frankie and tell her he was on his way back, or just surprise her? After checking the overhead monitors he got his bearings, showed his e-ticket to the guard and walked along the platform.
His brain was working overtime. Should he ring from the train and do the ‘guess where I am’ routine and then ask her to pick him up from Ancenis station. Jed still favoured the surprise option so decided to be patient and get a taxi to La Tournelle, sod the cost. He smiled at the imaginary scene, Frankie running down the path to greet him when she realised what was happening, and Belle and Oscar going crazy, yapping at her heels. He also wished the train would hurry and checked his phone again for the time.
All being well he should be back by five, and then they could sit outside, eat dinner on the porch, watch the sunset and sleep side by side knowing that in the morning they’d wake up to start a brand-new life.
Frankie deserved to be happy: they both did and together they could make it work, Jed was convinced of it. They both had dreams, ones they could make come true and nothing was going to stand in their way.
