Always(Time for Love Book 4)(52)

Darren nodded, sitting down. “Whoever that person was who died in the car accident, I’m so grateful for her for being a donor,” he said, his eyes watering.

“We’re all grateful,” Brenna said softly.

“Darren!”

Sally rushed to her nephew, followed by two women. Brenna introduced them to Ash as Sally’s daughters.

“Where’s Monica?” Ash whispered to Brenna.

“She was in Canberra for work when Darren got the call that there was a compatible donor for Patty. She’s on her way back now.”

“How are you?” he asked, cupping Brenna’s face so he could inspect it properly for signs of stress.

She smiled serenely at him. “I’m okay. Nervous for Patty, but very glad.”

He gave her a quick peck. “I’m afraid I have to leave for the eye hospital in a few minutes. I have a cataract operation to perform.”

Brenna nodded.

“I assume you’re staying here with them?”

She nodded again. “I hope that’s okay with you?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” he said, smiling. “Did you drive here? I can pick you up later if you want.”

“No, I drove. I’ll see you at home tonight.”

“Okay.” He still got a thrill whenever Brenna called his place home.

*****

Ash stood in his roomy walk-in closet, surveying it with satisfaction. Brenna’s clothes were all unpacked now, and her stuff took about sixty percent of the closet space. He didn’t mind. And he knew he’d end up moving some more of his less-used things to the spare bedroom. Women always needed more room than men.

“Ash?” Brenna called.

“In here,” he answered.

Brenna appeared, her face alight.

“How’s Patty?” he asked, gathering her to him.

“The operation went well. She’ll be staying in the hospital for at least a couple of weeks, but the doctors don’t envisage any major problems.”

“That’s good news. It’s a great Christmas present for her and her family.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Brenna said. “Darren is gonna try and see if he can get in touch with the family of the donor—to extend his gratitude and condolences. We hope that their grief at losing their loved one will somehow be lessened by the knowledge that she'd saved a life."

Ash nodded solemnly.

“Will you go with me next time I visit Patty? She really likes you.”

“I’d love to. She’s a lovely woman,” he answered, hugging her tight.

“So what are you doing back here?”

“I realised that you have sixty percent of the closet space.”

“Are you trying to figure out how you could claim some of your space back? Unfortunately, Dr. Payne, if you want me here, you’re gonna have to learn to share.”

“Share? You’re right. What would you say is fair? Fifty-fifty?”

Brenna giggled. “I thought seventy-five/twenty-five was more the norm for couples, with the woman getting the lion’s share, naturally.”

“Seventy-five/twenty-five? Where did you get that figure from?”

“You’re not complaining, are you?” she asked, pressing herself against him.

He shook his head. Yes. Ashton Payne. Wrapped around Brenna Ward’s fingers. And no, he wasn’t complaining at all.

*****

“You have to give me a clue on what I’m looking for, Ash.”

“Like I said, babe, you’ll know it when you see it,” he answered, slitting open one of the boxes in his garage.

“What if this thing was in one of those boxes that Amanda and Connor went through last time? Are you sure they haven’t inadvertently chucked it away?”

“No. They would have known it was important if they saw it,” he answered.

“You’re intriguing the hell out of me,” Brenna complained. “Just one clue?”

“Patience, my love. Patience.”

*

Ash finished sorting through his box, replacing most of the contents back and labelling it with ‘donate’. Then he pushed it to a corner where the rest of the to-be-donated boxes were.

He went to stand behind Brenna and kissed her neck.

“Hey, none of that. I’m working here.”

“I distinctly remember that we created a rule. We kiss after finishing a box. Well, I’ve just finished one.”

Brenna twisted and gave him a quick smack on the lips. “There. Now get back to work. I’m on a mission to find this mysterious thing you intrigue me with.”

He chuckled, eyeing the five remaining boxes yet to be checked. He couldn’t believe that after more than three years, he was finally getting rid of them. He was also glad that Amanda and Connor hadn’t stumbled upon what he wanted Brenna to find. It was still hidden, waiting to be discovered.

He frowned. Surely it was here somewhere?

“What?” Brenna asked, noticing his expression.

“I do hope Mum packed it.”

“Well, she packed everything you didn’t, right? So it must be here.”

“Yeah. Anyway, I’m hoping we’ll be finished before dinner. I’m cooking for you tonight, remember?”