CHAPTER 32

 

Bella was working on a watercolour painting outside in their pergola when Pat came home from her walk.

“Look who I found outside our front door,” she announced.

Hearing the uncertainty in her voice, Bella turned quickly to see Pat standing with Jenny Wilcox. Bella saw the sudden fear that she felt reflected in her lover’s eyes. They had been waiting for the final results of Bella’s follow up tests, the results that would tell her whether or not she had beaten the cancer. The last seven months had been a roller coaster ride for them both, and they desperately wanted to believe it had been successful, as the alternative was something neither wanted to contemplate.

Putting her paintbrush down and moving away from her easel, Bella motioned for Jenny to sit down. Pat quickly moved to stand by Bella.

“I wanted to come and see you both in person.” Jenny smiled. “I always believe that giving good news is the best possible way to start the day. I have to say that yours is the best news I can possibly give.” She took a deep breath. “Bella, your results are in and all indications are that the tumour has gone.”

Bella stood and threw her arms around Pat. The two women held one another as their tears flowed. Eventually, Bella released her hold on Pat and turned to Jenny. Opening her arms, she indicated for her to join them. The three women embraced, silently acknowledging their shared joy and relief.

“Thank you,” Bella whispered through her tears. “Thank you for looking after me so well, for everything you did for both of us while I was sick. I was so lucky to have you as my doctor.”

“Bella’s right, we couldn’t have done this without you,” Pat added huskily.

Jenny laughed, wiping her eyes. “No, Bella, the determination that you showed, and the support that Pat gave you while you were fighting this damned awful disease, is what beat this. You’re two remarkable women and I’m just so incredibly happy that it’s ended so well.”

Still stunned, Bella sat down, pulling Pat onto the seat next to her. “So what’s next? Do I still need to continue having regular tests?”

“Well, in light of your past history, it would be advisable to have a check-up every six months. I’ll make sure I schedule that into my diary, but for now, just go and enjoy life. I see lots of celebration in your future,” Jenny said, laughing as she picked up her bag and made her way to the front door. “Are you happy to tell Louise and Caro, or would you like me to do it?”

“Would you mind if we did it? It’ll be a wonderful chance for us to thank them for all they have done for us as well. We have so many people to thank and so many reasons to be grateful,” Bella replied as she opened the door.

Waving goodbye to Jenny, Bella closed the door, then wrapped Pat in her arms. They stood holding each other, sobbing, finally able to let go. After several minutes, Pat gently kissed the top of Bella’s head.

“I can’t believe it’s over,” Bella said, looking up at Pat. “The longer we had to wait, the more worried I became. Although I hoped with all my heart for a second chance, I knew the odds weren’t good. It feels like we’ve been given a new life.”

“Yes, I guess in a way we have,” Pat agreed softly, wiping Bella’s tears.

“You have a new me.”

“Nah, I’ll take the old one. She was always the woman for me,” Pat murmured, continuing to stroke Bella’s face. “In fact, now it’s legal, I would like to officially keep you for the rest of our lives.”

Bella smiled at Pat. “Cara, of course… Oh.” She stopped as the meaning of Pat’s words sank in. “Do you mean you…you want to marry me?”

“I’ve wanted to marry you from the first moment I saw you.” Taking both of Bella’s hands in hers, Pat carefully lowered herself down to one knee. “Bella Patricia Fiorisi, will you do me the incredible honour of marrying me, becoming my wife and making me possibly the happiest woman on earth?”

“Oh, Pat, of course I’ll marry you!” Bella laughed through her tears. Her attempt to help her lover stand resulted in Bella ending unceremoniously on the floor and both women dissolving into peals of joyful laughter.

“Oh, good Lord, we may have to call someone to help us up,” Bella gasped when she was finally able to speak.

“Or we could take advantage of the situation and stay right where we are,” Pat suggested, sliding her fingers inside Bella’s blouse.

Bella’s answering kiss was the only reply Pat needed.