His Diamond Bride (16 page)

‘And one day it will be wonderful for you,' Dee promised. ‘With the right man.'

‘No.' Pippa shook her head. ‘Not now. I'm finished with all that.'

‘And you're going to spend the rest of your life like this?' Dee demanded. ‘Doing dead-end jobs and turning your back on love? I'm not going to let that happen. I've got plans for you, my girl. I've left you some money in my will, but only on condition you train for a proper career. No, don't argue.'

‘But Gran, I—'

‘Listen my darling; Grandpa and I planned this together. We've had a wonderful marriage and we can't bear to think of you losing out, when we want you to be as complete and fulfilled as we've been. Let us have the peace of knowing that we did our best to help you, and then we'll always be part of your life.'

‘You'll always be part of it anyway. You know that.'

‘You obey your Gran,' Mark said contentedly. ‘I always have.'

‘I'll—think about it.'

‘You'll do as you're told,' Dee said. ‘Be off with you, now.'

‘Thank you,' she said softly.

She kissed them both and strolled away to the water's edge, where she could paddle, yet still look up the beach and keep a protective eye on them as they sat in contented silence, eyes closed, faces raised to the sun, their hands entwined, like their hearts. This was how love ought to be.

I don't think it will ever be like that for me, Gran, whatever you say,
she thought.
But you're so convinced that you make me think I might be wrong. If, one day, a man comes along who helps me forget the past, maybe it will work out between
us, because I'll have my memories of you and Grandpa to remind me to hope and believe. I'll never forget what you and he have taught me, and I thank you both with all my heart.