Page 20 of The Inn on Bluebell Lane

“Never mind all that.” Gwen sounded brisk, but Ellie saw her discreetly dab at her eyes, and her heart twisted in sympathy. Poor Gwen. This had to be so hard on her. “I’m sure the ceiling was a danger, anyway, since it fell in like that, without any warning. It’s a good thing you spotted it.”

Matthew let out a huff of laughter and closed his eyes. “That I did.”

Gwen and Ellie gave each other rather watery smiles, and Ellie felt another surprising surge of affection for her mother-in-law.

“The surgeon said your arm is going to be all right,” she ventured after a moment. “As long as you keep it immobile and don’t do anything too silly.”

“Six weeks in plaster.” Matthew opened his eyes as he grimaced. “I won’t be up to much, unfortunately, that’s for certain.”

“We can all pitch in,” Ellie replied bracingly, although DIY was most definitely not her speciality, or, for that matter, their children’s. Still, they would make it work. Maybe it would help them all to bond, or feel more at home at Bluebell Inn. “It’ll be fun,” she insisted. “And we should probably hire contractors for the big bits anyway.” At least they wouldn’t be having that argument again.

“Yes, I think we should have hired a contractor at the start,” Matthew agreed wryly. “I was just having a prod of the joists… I had no idea that would bring the ceiling down.”

“I’m just glad you’re all right,” Gwen said. “Really, Matthew, that’s all that matters.”

“How is the house?” Matthew asked. “Is it liveable? Are we all going to have to move out till they fix the floor? I’m so sorry, Mum, this is the last thing you need—”

“Nothing as dire as that,” Gwen replied with an attempt at cheer. Ellie had heard her earlier ringing John, the local DIY man she said she’d used over the years, and Gwen had told her that he’d looked through the house while they’d been waiting at the hospital. He’d made temporary repairs as needed and told her that besides the two rooms that had been affected, the rest of the house was perfectly stable and could be used. Considering everything else that was going on, that had been a big relief… and yet two rooms was two rooms—her and Matthew’s bedroom as well as the guest room beneath.

“Still,” Matthew said. “It’s a big mess.”

“Messes can be cleaned up,” Ellie told him firmly. “And nothing was actually broken or wrecked, besides the ceiling and your elbow. It could have been a lot worse.” Considering the middle of her bedroom had caved in, she was grateful her possessions hadn’t ended up broken beyond repair. She glanced at the clock above Matthew’s bed with a worried frown. “I’m sorry, I’ll have to leave to get the kids from school in a minute.” It felt too soon to go, and yet she couldn’t be late, not on their first day. She was aching to see them, to reassure herself that they were okay.

“Let me do it,” Gwen said. “You’ll want to stay here with Matthew.”

Ellie bit her lip. “Oh, but it’s their first day…” She so wanted to be there, to see Ava and Josh come out of the school doors. She wanted to hear all their news, every last bit of it, and sweep Ava into her arms and ruffle Josh’s hair. She wanted to be home to greet Ben and Jess, with snacks and smiles and whatever else they needed. And yet it felt wrong to leave Matthew so hurriedly.

“They’ll be fine, I’m sure.” Gwen gave her an uncertain smile. “I’m happy to fetch them, Ellie, honestly. I’ve been wanting to help out, now that you’re living with me. Let me do this for you.”

Ellie hesitated, torn between wanting to see how her children had fared on their first day, and sensing she should be with her husband. Besides, Gwen looked like she really wanted to get the children herself, and Ellie didn’t want to deny her that.

“All right,” she said at last, pushing any lingering uncertainties aside. “Thank you, Gwen. That’s very kind.”

“Good.” Gwen looked both pleased and relieved, and Ellie squashed the pang of sorrow she felt, that she wouldn’t be there. There would be plenty more days to pick them up, she reminded herself. “I suppose I should get going, then,” she remarked, and Ellie nodded.

“Thank you for getting them.”

Gwen stooped to kiss Matthew’s cheek. “Take care of yourself,” she said, and then she left the room.

Ellie settled herself in the chair next to Matthew as an uncertain silence descended. Now that his mother was gone, Matthew didn’t look as wryly cheerful. In fact, he looked quite despondent.

“Matt…?” Ellie ventured. “Can I get you something? A drink of water or a cup of tea?”

“No, I’m fine.” He closed his eyes and turned his head away from her, and Ellie tried not to feel stung.

“You’re tired,” she said quietly, patting his good shoulder. “I’m sorry this all happened.”

“So am I.” His tone was almost bitter. “What a cock-up, eh? A week in and I mess everything up. Again.”

Again? Ellie eyed him uncertainly. His eyes were open now, but he was still averting his face from her, staring determinedly at the wall.

“Matthew, it could have happened to anyone…”

“I was such an idiot.” He sighed. “Maybe this whole move was a mistake. Uprooting everyone, thinking I could manage all the DIY, do up the whole house…”

What?

“Matthew, don’t say that,” Ellie protested. “We just got here. There’s bound to be all sorts of growing pains, for all of us.” She could hardly believe she was the one spurring him on now, and yet she meant it. She hadn’t realized he might need a talking-to, just as she sometimes did. She touched his shoulder again, gently. “It’s going to be okay.”