The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 15

I'd told her how much I loved them too and how important they were in our lives, and while I respected their need as my parents to protect me, their suggestion to separate a family with young children had been both desperate and ridiculous. She'd agreed with me on that count though added how Max not sharing with anyone his plan to get Monty back was primarily the reason behind the fallout, accompanied by my own determination to deal with my problems independently instead of asking my parents for their help. Mum had been right on all scores...trouble was I'd spent a lifetime doing it and old habits die hard.

Having shared with her everything I'd learned from Father Paul, she was devastated to realise that Willow was alive and that I had siblings. She'd explained how her friend had told her of a fire which had caused the Devenney family to part ways and how a baby had been found following a fatal accident and taken to a convent where suitable parents had been sought.

With no further information conveyed along with their fear of discovering that I still had living relatives, they'd chosen instead to create their own version of events shamefully telling me twelve years later that it had been my parents who'd died. At the time for them it had felt like the easiest thing to do – they'd hoped life would grant them the privilege and freedom to raise me as their own. And for a long time it had, until now.

Mum cried again telling me it had been something that had pained her and dad for years, especially as she'd not being fertile enough to provide me with a brother or sister.

I'd recognised in her words how difficult the last few weeks had been for them and she'd mentioned her renewed fear of another woman coming into my life who may be given opportunity to be the 'perfect mother and grandmother' to me and my children. But I'd soon freed her from that distress, assuring her we already had that perfect someone in our lives and it was her; no one would ever replace her or fill her shoes. She'd sobbed again a final time before we ended our conversation with both of us vowing that we'd talk and share more of our feelings instead of letting wee apples grow big.

Wednesday, in turn, had been particularly stressful for the Jacobs as the results of Connie's DNA test had finally confirmed what we'd all known for months. And while tensions have remained high in Olivia's Pimlico home, to date there's been no contact from the Donahue's. Our guess on that matter is that they're consulting their lawyer before making their next move.

Almost a week has passed since our return from Ireland and damn, how quickly it's gone. With Max's new movie role now secured and his play rehearsals well underway, we've had little time to discuss his 'almost proposal' which if I'm honest has given me the breathing space I've needed.

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"One more week of dress rehearsals and then it's Showtime!" Max grins across the table clearly excited not only for opening night but having the weekend free to rejuvenate. His schedule this week has been hectic with him having to be at the theatre before nine and not getting home until six thirty. He's barely had time to shower and eat before putting the kids to bed. Then it was back to learning lines though I have to say I've quite enjoyed my part in helping him. Who knew inside me a modern day Cleopatra existed? Only Max Jacob....

"You love it, don't you?" I laugh, clearing the breakfast dishes.

"Yep! Can't think of any other role I'd love more. Except maybe Mr Jacob-Campbell, of course," he adds hesitantly. My shocked expression does not go unnoticed but a subtle wink from my lover confirms he's teasing. "Just reminding you, beautiful lady."

"No need, Hollywood. I haven't forgotten."

A gentle buzzing from the worktop interrupts our playfulness and as Max reaches for his phone he suddenly stops.