By Beej

"C’mon, Henry. Clock’s ticking."

"No worries, Dad. I’m almost ready."

Henry came out of his bedroom towelling his hair dry with one hand and caring a small backpack in the other.

"Is that all you’re taking, Son?" Terry asked, looking round for more luggage.

"I learnt to travel light from you, Dad. Besides, I doubt if any of my Sydney clothes are suitable for England at this time of year. I thought I’d stock up when I get there, and then I can leave everything at mum’s for the next time."

Terry smiled at the logic of youth and took out a cash card, handing it over to Henry.

"Now remember, it’s not a credit card. I’ve put enough in the account to cover anything you’ll need for your trip, including clothes by the sound of it, but don’t go overboard, Son."

Henry smiled as he accepted the card. He knew that Terry would have deposited about twice as much as he would need, and felt adult enough to make sure that there would be a large chunk of it left when he got home.

"No worries, Dad. I‘ll leave enough to treat you to a coffee at the airport when you come to pick me up."

Terry grinned, knowing that Henry was a responsible young man. He also knew that Penny and Michael would want to splash out while he was with them. Two months; he was really gong to miss his son. He usually threw himself into work when Henry went to England, staying at the office until the early hours of the morning so that he wouldn’t have to go back to an empty apartment. Henry knew, but never let on; Jean always told him when he got home. This time, she would be there to watch over him. Henry was pleased that his dad wouldn’t be alone this time around.

"You got anything planned while I’m 10,000 miles away, Dad?"

"Just work, mate."

"No staying in the office all night rather than coming home?"

"Who…ah, Jeanie told you."

"She’s always worried about you, Dad. Even when you thought of her only as a good PA."

"I’ve wasted a lot of time there, haven’t I, Son? I’m going to make it up to her big time, I promise."

"Good onya, Dad. I’ll hold you to that. Now, how about a lift to the airport?"

"Okie dokie, mate. Got your ticket and passport?"

"Yep. Can’t wait to check out the new beds they have in first class."

"They’re better than the last time you went over, believe me. Off we go then. Don’t want you to miss your flight. Your mother would never let me hear the end of it."

Terry showed the security guard his I.D. and he was immediately allowed to go through with Henry. There was no way he was going to wave off his son at the barrier. He was going with him to the gate. The flight was called and they walked together to the gate. Terry had arranged for Henry to be pre-boarded as a favour, and as his pass was checked, he dropped his holdall and hugged his father.

"Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do while I’m away," he warned Terry, much to the delight of the female ground crew. Henry turned to them and winked. "Fathers, who’s have ‘em?" then turned back to Terry, hugged him once more and kissed him on the cheek. "Take care of Jean," was the last thing he said before walking down the jet way.

"You have a lovely son there, sir. You must be proud," one of the staff said.

"Prouder than you could ever imagine, Luv," Terry replied, smiling at the girl, who didn’t look old enough to be working for an airline. "Don’t know what I’d do without him."

"Enjoy your day, sir," she called as Terry turned to go.

Jean looked up as her outer office door opened. "Terry, what are you doing here? I thought you were taking the day off."

"I am, Luv, and so are you." He walked out to reception and called Carla. She was over for a couple of months from the US office. "Carla, Jean is feeling a bit under the weather. Could you take any calls for the rest of the day?"

"Of course I can, Terry. Is there anything outstanding?"

"No, we don’t have any appointments, and Anton will be in and out of my office today. I’ll be in tomorrow, and hopefully Jean will be in, too."

"Take care, Jean. We’ll keep things running until you feel better," Carla said, hugging Jean and wishing her well. Terry picked up Jean's bag and took her elbow to help her out of the office.

"What’s wrong with me, Terry?" she grinned.

"How about toothache? Don’t think we’ve used that one yet," Terry replied, trying hard not to have a fit of the giggles before they made it to the lift.

They were soon in the car and on the way back to Terry’s.

"Shall I pop the kettle on?" she asked as they got through the door and threw off their jackets.

"If you like, then we can get changed and make a start."

"What do you have planned, Boss?"

"How about a trip up to the Blue Mountains?"

"Oh, Terry. I haven’t been out there for yonks. Shall we pick up some food on the way?"

"Not this time, Luv. I think we’ll go posh and get a meal when we get there. You can chose which place we eat. In fact, you can decide just where we go. I’ll just drive," he grinned.

It took them just over an hour to get close to Katoomba, and Jean took out her cell to make a call. When she’d finished, she smiled at Terry and told him to carry on through the little town and head towards Leura Falls. She’d booked a table at Solitary, a heritage-listed, slate hipped-roofed, weatherboard Blue Mountains cottage, turned into a stylish restaurant. The dining room and garden offered a magnificent view of Mount Solitary, Kings Tableland, and the Jamison Valley, all the way to the Southern Highlands.

They started with deep fried cuttlefish with sumac, followed by Saltimbocca - Roast pork fillet stuffed with sage, prosciutto and melty cheese. Terry thought he’d died and gone to heaven when Jean chose dessert of rich chocolate mousse with honeycomb.

They took their coffee out into the garden and sat together, enjoying the wonderful view. "I could stay here all day," Jean sighed.

"It would be lovely, darling, but they close at 4:00. Can you think of anywhere else you’d like to go?"

"I was thinking about Mount Tomah botanical gardens, but they close at 4:00 as well."

"We can go there another day, then, get up there in time for opening and stay all day."

Terry paid the bill and they walked arm in arm to the car park. Once in the car, Terry turned to Jean and smiled, "Thought of another place to go, or do you want to head back?"

"I’m happy to start back, Terry, but don’t rush."

"Nice and slow it is then. I’ll meander just for you."

Jean laughed and reached over to kiss Terry. He reluctantly ended the kiss and turned to face forward again, buckled up and started the engine. Jean adjusted her seat to a slight recline and rested her hand on his thigh. Before they’d gone too far she was smiling in her sleep.

The ride back took about three hours and Jean slept most of the way. She only woke when Terry had to brake hard when a dog ran across the road. "Sorry, Luv. You okay?"

"I’m fine. Where are we, and what happened?"

"Paddington, and a dog ran out in front of us, and no, I didn’t hit him."

"My hero," Jean smiled sleepily as she adjusted the seat back to upright. "Thanks for a lovely day, darling. My toothache is all gone. Must have been the mountain air."

Terry laughed as he negotiated the early evening city traffic. "It doesn’t have to be the end of the day, Jeanie. We can go out later if you like, or invite Tim and Lou round for a take-out."

"Or have a nice long swim then get take-out for two."

"Now that sounds like a plan," Terry grinned. "By the time we get home and into our cozzies it will still be early enough to have the pool to ourselves, then a nice Italian, if that’s okay."

"More than okay. We had Chinese last time."

"That was a great meal," Terry said, taking the empty dishes out to load into the washer. "Thanks for spending the day with me, Jeanie. I’m usually lost the day Henry flies out, but you filled my mind with better things."

"Glad to hear it, my love. Now let’s call it a night. We both need to go to work in the morning."

Terry scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom…

The weeks flew by, and both Terry and Jean behaved themselves, not taking any ‘sick’ days. They weren’t quite sure why they felt the need to anyway as everyone in the office knew they were now together. It was a game for Terry to try and make up a plausible excuse every time.

Terry had been doing a lot of thinking in the time Henry had been in England. He needed stability in his life. Henry never stopped asking him when he was going to ask Jean the ‘big’ question. It was a good point. He loved her, and was certain she loved him just as much. He needed her, and had never felt happier than the day she agreed to move into the penthouse with him and Henry.

He finally made up his mind. He was mooching around the apartment while she was across with Lou getting her hair trimmed, when he came across one of her necklaces. Picking it up, he walked into the bedroom and opened up her jewel box to put it safe. He took out one of her dress rings and turned it over in his hand. Smiling, he popped it in the jacket pocket of the suit he was planning to wear to the office the following day.

"I just need to pop out for a bit, Luv. Do you need anything?"

"Okay, Terry. I don’t need anything, thanks. I thought as we’re having a working lunch today I’d get a take-out delivered."

"Good idea, Luv. I’ll pick up a couple of cream cakes on the way back."

"Where’s Terry off to?" Anton asked, walking in with a pile of papers.

"He must have known you wanted him to sign off on all of that, so made a hasty retreat," Jean laughed in reply. "Don’t worry, he just had to go out for a while. He’ll be back before lunch. We’re working through so I’ll get him to go through the pile for you then."

"Thanks, Jean. Shall I leave them with you or put them in his office?"

"Put them on his coffee table please, Anton. We’ll be eating there so he’ll have to sign them or stare at them while he’s eating."

"Will do. One day I hope I can get as sneaky as you."

"All it takes is practice," Jean grinned.

Terry headed for the best jeweller in the city. He had an idea what he wanted and was sure if he told them that, they could show him a selection that would head him in the right direction. He found what he was looking for on the second tray. It was in white and rose gold and was very intricate with tiny vine-like leaves entwined round a bark- like shank. Each leaf was encrusted with Ceylon sapphires and diamonds. Terry took it to the front of the store and opened the door to allow the natural light to shine on it. It glittered in the sunshine and Terry knew that Jeanie would adore it.

Taking it back to the manager, he reached into his pocket to take out the dress ring he’d taken from Jean’s jewel box the previous day. "This is the size it needs to be. Can you check it, please?"

"Certainly, Mr. Thorne. Glancing at it, there doesn’t seem to be too much difference. I’ll size them both up for you right away."

Terry watched him work in silence. The manager looked up and smiled. The ring you brought in is a fraction bigger than your choice. I can stretch it for you. It will be about five minutes."

"Great, thank you so much. I’ll just nip next door and will be back in two ticks."

The manager grinned as he realised where Terry was off to. There was a very good pastry shop next door. When Terry returned five minutes later with a fancy box, he knew he was right. It was the box they used for their rather delicious cream cakes.

"Here you are, sir. All ready for your inspection."

Terry took the ring and looked at it…perfect. He smiled and handed it back to the manager, who placed it lovingly into a very special deep purple velvet, heart-shaped ring box. "Would you like it gift wrapped, Mr. Thorne?"

"No, ta. I’m doing it the old-fashioned way, down on one knee, hope she says yes, then open up the box."

Terry paid for the ring, and slipped the box in his pocket. "Good luck, sir," the manager called to him as he left the shop. Terry waved back at him and he left, whistling a merry tune as he went back to the office.

Jean stopped what she was doing and took a deep breath, holding it until the pain eased. She wiped her forehead with a tissue and managed to smile as Terry came out of his office.

"You okay, Luv? You look a bit pale."

"I’m good, Terry. Just a bit of indigestion I think. Maybe we should lay off working lunches for a bit?"

He smiled and ruffled her hair as he went by. "Shall I get you some tea?"

"That would be nice, thanks, Terry."

He was soon back with his giant mug and a more delicate one for Jean. "Peppermint, Luv. Best to keep you away from milk just in case it’s a bit more than indigestion."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning maybe it was something you ate yesterday. We didn’t have the same menu, did we."

"No, I had prawns and you had pork."

"Drink your tea and then I’m taking you home. I’ll just go and tell Anton and Carla."

"Oh, come on, Ter. You know you don’t have to make up excuses. You and Jean are together, you’re the boss, so if you want to take some time off, then go ahead."

"Anton, she’s really not well, mate. I think it might be something she ate yesterday…prawns. I need to get her home."

"Sorry, Boss. Thought it was another of your little games. We all enjoy waiting to see what excuse you’ll think up. Do you need any help getting Jean to the car?"

"Thanks, Anton. I think that she’s okay to walk, just a bit pale is all. Can you and Carla watch the shop?"

"Of course we can, Terry," Carla replied before Anton could speak. "Give us a call later to let us know how she is."

"Will do. Thanks, both of you."

"Let’s get you undressed and into bed."

"Terry, please, I’d rather just lie on the sofa. I’m feeling better already and don’t need to go to bed."

Terry frowned a little but then kissed her on her forehead and smiled slightly. "All right, but change into something warm and comfy."

Jean kissed him and slipped out of her clothes, putting on her soft leggings and top. When she joined Terry in the lounge room, he was taking off his tie and shoes. "Why don’t you get changed too, Terry? We can be comfy together then."

"Okie dokie," he smiled, going into their bedroom and coming out a couple of minutes later in a pair of worn sweats and a t-shirt. They cuddled up together on the huge soft sofa and Jean was soon asleep in his arms.

She woke a couple of hours later and groaned. "Terry, I’m going to be sick," she gasped, holding her hand across her mouth. He picked her up in his arms and rushed into the guest bathroom, which was the closest, placed her gently on the floor and held onto her as her stomach heaved.

When she had finished, he wiped her face gently with a soft damp cloth, and gave her a glass of water to rinse her mouth. "Better?" he asked.

"I think so," she replied, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes.

"Come on," he said picking her up in his strong arms. "Bed for you, and no arguments this time."

She snuggled up to him for the short walk to the master bedroom, and hung onto him while he pulled the doona back, allowing him to help her into bed. He pulled the drapes shut and leaned over her, kissing her forehead. She reached out and took his hand. "Don’t leave," she pleaded.

Terry walked round to the other side of the bed and slid in beside her. She cuddled up in his arms, her head on his chest, comforted by the strong beat of his heart. "I love you, Terry."

"I love you, too, Jean. Get better for me, darling."

"I’m sure I’ll be fine now that I’ve thrown up. I feel a bit tired though."

"Just sleep, Luv. I’ll be here when you wake up."

Terry closed his eyes, just for a minute, he told himself. When he opened his eyes again the bedroom was in darkness. Jean had turned on her side and was sleeping peacefully. He lay still listening to her steady breathing for a few minutes, then looked at the clock by the bedside. It was 1:00am. He slowly eased himself out of bed. He needed a drink. As he walked towards the door a soft voice stopped him. "If you’re making a drink, I’ll have one, too."

He turned back to the bed and sat down by Jean's side. "Sorry, Jeanie. I didn’t mean to wake you."

"You didn’t. I’ve been awake a while, and listening to you sleeping. It’s so comforting. I could murder a cuppa."

"I’ll put the kettle on. You want a fruit tea?"

"Blackberry would be good."

Terry smiled on his way to the kitchen. It was such a relief to know Jean was feeling better. Being sick must have done the trick. He handed her a mug and walked round to get back into bed. They both sat there drinking and smiling. "No work, tomorrow…I mean later on today. That’s an order."

"Yes, Boss," she grinned. "I don’t think I’d be much use in the office. I’m very tired."

"Good onya. Seeing as it’s Friday I may let everyone go at lunch. I’m paying for an out of hour’s service, so I might as well use it. They know to route anything urgent to Mike. I don’t foresee much going on, though. I want you better for Sunday."

"Sunday…what’s going on?"

"Believe it or not, Henry’s due home. The time has never gone by so fast when he’s been away."

"Well, they do say time flies when you’re having fun, and we have been…having fun."

"We sure have, Luv. Now, give me that cup and let’s see if we can get a few more hours before I need to get up."

They snuggled close and both managed to sleep until the sun shone through a crack in the drapes. Jean yawned and flinched as another pain struck. Her hand went down to the right side of her stomach and she glanced across at Terry to see if he was still asleep. He was.

She waited until the pain subsided and then shook him awake. "Wake up, sleepy."

Terry muttered in his sleep then opened his eyes to see Jean smiling at him. "Morning, Luv. You feeling better?"

"Morning, darling. Yes, I am, thanks." At that moment she wasn’t lying. After the initial twinge she really was feeling better. She put it down to the last vestiges of her sickness the previous day. "You jump in the shower, T, and I’ll put the kettle on."

"Ta, Jean. Won’t be long."

"I’ll make you some toast, too. You don’t have time for anything cooked." She kissed him and went into the kitchen to get his food ready.

She slept on and off all through the morning and only really woke up when Terry kissed her when he got home. She stretched and smiled. She was feeling refreshed and the stomach cramps seemed to have gone. Terry was right, as usual. It had done her good staying home that morning.

"Are you hungry, Ter?"

"It’s okay. Luv. I’ll get us something." He wandered into the kitchen and rummaged around in the fridge. Finding a container of home-made soup he smiled. This should be ideal, not too heavy. He poured some into a pan and set it on the hob to warm, then placed a couple of granary rolls in the oven to warm them. "You want a cuppa?" he called to Jean.

"That would be lovely. Could you make it herbal, please? I’m still staying away from dairy."

They sat at the kitchen table and ate their lunch, Terry grinning as Jean fired questions at him about the office. "Jeanie, you’ve only been away four hours. As much as I couldn’t do without you in my life, both here and at work, we managed to make it through okay, and all the staff send their thanks to you for being sick."

"Why?"

"I told them that was why I was giving everyone the arvo off," he winked.

"Oh, thanks very much, lover," she replied, slapping him on the shoulder as she stood up to take the dishes over to the sink to rinse.

"So, do you feel up to doing anything today, or do you want to stay here?"

Instead of answering, she walked through to the master bedroom and out to the balcony. She leaned on the railing and looked towards the bay. Terry walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close to him. She turned in his arms and looked up into his ocean eyes. "You know what I’d really like to do?" she asked.

"Tell me, Beautiful."

"It’s a lovely afternoon and that breeze is so refreshing. Could we go across to the botanical gardens and people watch?"

Terry picked her up and swung her round. He thought this might be the ideal place to pop the question to her. "Anything your heart desires, my princess. Do you feel up to going on the bike, or shall we stroll?"

"Ooh, let’s take the hog. We haven’t been out on her for an age. Come on, let's get changed."

They were soon walking towards the bike, dressed alike in bike boots, jeans, t-shirt and leather jackets. Terry got on the bike and then held out his hand to help her climb up behind him. She loved holding onto his middle when they were on the bike, and it was even better if it got a bit chilly as he unzipped his front pockets and placed her hands inside to keep them warm. Today, though, was just a hugging day, and she regretted the fact that theirs was only a short journey.

Parking the bike by the Opera House, Terry locked their jackets up in the saddlebags, and they walked through the garden gates hand in hand. To begin with they sat on one of the park benches near the entrance and watched people come and go. They played their ‘tourist – local’ game, guessing by the body language of passers-by if they were tourists or not.

Jean loved watching Terry as he studied the flow of human traffic. He always pretended to take it so seriously, sometimes making up professions for the unsuspecting public.

Jean squirmed on the bench. The wood was becoming a bit hard. "You want to go sit on the grass for a bit, Luv?" Terry asked. "We can find a nice shady tree if you like."

"Would you mind if we just walk for a bit? Perhaps we can head for the café and get a cold drink?"

Terry stood and held out his hand for Jean as she also stood. He kissed her hand, much to the amusement of a group of school children who were walking by right then. When they reached the café, Terry found them an outside table and made sure Jean was comfortable before he went to get the drinks. He came back with two tall glasses of fresh orange juice.

"You okay, Luv?" he asked when he reached their table. Although shaded by a large parasol, Jean looked flushed.

"I’m fine. Just came over a bit warm for a second."

"Right, as soon as you’ve finished your drink, we’re going home. You must have a bug or something."

Jean finished her juice and went to stand. A wave of nausea overcame her and she went pale. "Terry, can you walk me up to the loo? I think I’m going to be sick."

Terry helped her walk up the slope from the café to the public toilets attached to the gift shop. "You can wait here, Terry. I can go inside on my own."

"Okay, but call me if you need me," he replied, kissing her temple quickly before she turned to rush inside.

Terry moved down the slope a few steps and leaned against the wall. It wouldn’t do for anyone to think he was a perve hanging round toilets. He kept glancing at his watch, then up at the door. Five minutes passed, all was quiet. He decided that Jean was most likely freshening up before coming out. Another few minutes went by and he started to get worried. He was just about to go in when a middle aged lady went by and gave him what could only be described as a withering stare.

As she vanished into the toilets, Terry heard her gasp. She then came rushing out and grabbed his arm. "Can you help me, young man? A woman seems to have passed…"

Terry didn’t wait for her to finish. He pulled away from her grasp and rushed into the toilets. He stopped dead for a split second when he saw Jean. She was on the floor, curled up in a ball and groaning.

"Jeanie!" he shouted, kneeling beside her and trying to turn her towards him. The woman had entered by then and asked what she could do. "Could you nip in the shop, Luv, and ask them to call an ambo? Tell them I’m bringing her in so could they get somewhere for her to sit."

He was amazed that she did what he asked with no question, but turned all his attention back to Jean. "Sweetheart, can you sit up?" Jean gasped, but tried really hard. "That’s good, darling. Now, just put your arms around my neck and hold on, I’m gonna pick you up and take you down to the shop."

"Terry, it hurts so much," Jean gasped.

"Where, Luv?"

"Lower stomach, right hand side," she whispered.

"Fuck!" Terry said softly, hoping it wasn’t what he thought it must be. He carried her into the shop where they had a wicker chair for him to lower her into.

"The ambo’s on its way," one of the shop girls said in Terry’s ear. "I don’t know if this is any help, but I brought a damp cloth over."

"Terry looked up at her and smiled. "Thanks, Luv," he replied, taking the cloth and gently wiping Jean's face, which was now bathed in sweat. "I’m afraid she may have chundered in the loo. Could you let someone know so they can check?"

"Consider it done," she smiled, going off to make a call.

An older woman called over, "The ambo’s arrived, dear." Terry smiled in thanks and whispered to Jean that everything would be okay.

The Sydney Hospital was the closest, so they took Jean there. Terry filled out the forms while she was wheeled into a cubicle. He wasn’t allowed in with her until the doctor had seen her. He stepped outside and made a quick call.

"Anton? I know I gave you the arvo off, mate, but something’s happened to Jean. We’re at the Sydney Hospital. Can you come over, mate?"

He stepped back inside the emergency department and was told he could see Jean for a moment before they took her to surgery. He went pale before saying one word to the doctor, "Appendix?"

"Are you a medic?" the doctor asked.

"No, mate, but I’ve had mine out. We thought at first it was the take-out we had a couple of days ago. She felt sick in the park and collapsed in the loo. When she told me where the pain was, I put two and two together."

"Okay, you can go and see her while we wait for the porter to arrive, but she needs to go into surgery right away. It needs to be sorted before it has a chance to burst."

"Thanks, Doc." He walked into the cubicle and Jean turned towards him, her face streaked with tears. "I’m so sorry, Terry."

"What for, sweetheart? It’s not your fault you’re sick. You’ll soon be right. You’re going down to surgery in a bit, and I’ll be right here when you get back." The porter arrived right then and Terry kissed Jean tenderly, walking with her as far as they would allow. He needed a smoke, so he went outside. Anton turned up just about then and rushed over to Terry.

"How is she?" he asked, a worried look on his face.

"Appendix. She’s in surgery now. Hopefully it hasn’t burst and it will be over soon."

"Thank goodness," Anton sighed. "What can I do for you, Terry?" Terry took out his bike keys and handed them over, telling his friend where the bike was and asking him if he would mind taking it back to the apartment complex for him. "No worries, Ter. I’ll be back as soon as I can."

Terry gave him a quick hug. "Thanks, mate. Go careful. Don’t want you to end up here as well. You know what the traffic’s like this time on a Friday."

Anton waved as he headed off down the road to get the bike and Terry went back inside to sit and wait.

The doctor came walking down the corridor. He spotted Terry sitting with a younger man, who nudged Terry and said something to him. Terry looked over and jumped up when he saw the doctor.

"Everything’s fine, Mr. Thorne. Your…"

"Hopefully soon to be fiancée," Terry said helpfully.

"Oh, congratulations! Your soon to be fiancée came through with flying colours. We managed to catch it just before it perforated. It was a straightforward procedure, and she should be up and about in a few days. We don’t like to see people languishing in bed for too long."

Terry smiled, "Thanks, doc. Can I see her?"

"Of course. She’ll be a bit groggy, but we’re taking her up to her room in about ten minutes. Give us time to settle her in and then come on up. Room 346."

Terry breathed a sigh of relief and slumped down next to Anton, his head in his hands. Anton put his arm around Terry’s shoulder and told him everything would be okay.

"Jeanie, are you awake?" Terry whispered.

A sleepy voice replied, "Hello, my hero," and she lifted her hand to caress his cheek. "Are you okay?"

Terry smiled. "You’ve just had surgery and you ask if I’m okay?"

"I know what you’re like. I bet you were going troppo while you waited."

"Anton was with me. He took the bike home. I’m gonna stay here tonight and he’s coming round in the morning to see how you’re doing."

"Oh, darling, you don’t need to stay. I’m falling asleep already. Go home and get some rest."

"I’m not moving from your side. I’ll sleep on the recliner. I’ve slept in worst places in my life." He sat there holding her hand until she slept, then went off in search for a bit to eat before returning to her side and settling down by the bed.

"Good morning, Mr. Thorne." Terry opened his eyes to see a smiling nurse holding a cup of tea.

"That for me?" he asked sleepily.

"It sure is. Did you sleep well?"

"Once I got off, I didn’t stir all night, thanks. How’s Jeanie?"

"She’s doing well. All her stats are normal, and the incision looks nice and clean. I dare say the doc will get her out of bed later today. Come down to the nursing station when you’ve finished your tea and I’ll show you where you can have a shower."

"Ta, Luv," Terry smiled, sipping his tea.

Anton was walking in as Terry was chatting to the nurses. He was carrying a bag, and smiled when he saw his boss. "Morning, Ter. I brought you a change of clothes, hope that’s okay."

G’Day, Anton. It’s more than okay. The lovely Nurse Perkins was just about to show me where I can catch a shower."

Anton walked down with Terry and waited in the changing room while he freshened up and changed into the clean clothes from the bag. Feeling more awake, he suddenly realised what day it was. "Shit!" he exclaimed.

"You all right, Boss?"

"I forgot about Henry. His flight is due in this morning."

"I’ll go get him. Shall I take him to the apartment or bring him here?"

"Here, mate, please. Thanks for this."

No worries. Do you have the details?"

Terry gave him the flight details, and Anton decided to make his way out to the airport so that he got there in plenty of time. Terry went back to Jean’s room and was pleased to see her sitting up in bed drinking some tea.

"Hello, darling."

"Hey, gorgeous. You look good," he replied, kissing her soundly.

"Ah, you’re back, Mr. Thorne. I’m just about to get Jean some brekkie. Can I get you something?"

"Thanks, Nurse Perkins. I’ll have what Jeanie’s having."

"Scrambled egg for two then. Two ticks and I’ll be back," she smiled as she left the room.

"G’Day, Henry. Good flight?"

"Hi, Anton. Yeah, it was good, thanks. I’ve fallen in love with the new first class seats. Um, where’s Dad?"

"He asked me if I could come pick you up. I was at a loose end, and as I didn’t catch you before you left, I thought I’d be the first to welcome you back."

"Cool. Lead the way then, mate."

They chatted non-stop as they headed back into the city. Henry was more than a bit weary as he hadn’t slept too much on the last leg of his journey, but he perked up when he realised they seemed to be taking a detour. "Where are we going, Anton?"

"Ah, we need to make a quick stop before we head for home."

Henry sat up in his seat and paid attention to where they were heading. "What’s happened to dad, mate? Don’t keep anything from me."

Anton pulled into the hospital car park and stopped before answering. "He’s fine, Henry, really."

Henry looked at him in disbelief and rushed through the doors. Anton followed close behind and almost ran into him when he stopped dead. "Which room?" he demanded.

"Come with me. I’ll take you up."

They took the lift to the second floor and Anton stopped outside room 346. Henry stepped forward and reached out a shaking hand to push the door open.

On hearing the door open, Terry turned to see who was coming in. Henry stopped short when he saw the tears streaming down his father’s face.

"Dad? What’s happened?"

A voice behind Terry spoke up. "It’s okay, Henry. They’re happy tears."

"Jeanie? Are you okay?"

"Yes, dear, I’m doing well. I had to have my appendix out yesterday."

"It all went well? Is that why you’re both crying?"

Jean held up her hand to Henry to see, and the radiant smile on her face belied the streaming tears.

"Terry just asked me to marry him," Jean beamed.

"RIPPER!!" Henry and Anton screamed in unison.

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