Jo nodded. ‘Me, too.’ She turned to Kate questioningly.
‘I’m still the same old Kate, darling.’
‘But I,’ said Tom Logan, getting up from his seat, ‘will only answer to Grandpa. OK?’
‘OK,’ agreed Jo, looked dazed. ‘Gosh, this is all a lot to take in.’
‘Let’s go inside,’ said Jack. ‘Bran needs his dinner.’
‘And I need some tea,’ said Kate, suddenly weak at the knees from excess of emotion. ‘While I enjoy a cup or two with Grandpa in front of the fire, perhaps you’d like to show Jo round the house, Jack.’
He assured her he was only too delighted and, after Jo had the pleasure of giving Bran his meal she went off with Jack. Kate watched them go with eyes which suddenly filled with tears. Tom Logan put his arms round her.
‘There, there, darling, no need to cry. I was quite right, you know. Joanna is a mature enough child to understand.’
‘And to forgive?’
‘She doesn’t see any need for forgiveness, Kate.’
Kate drew away to blow her nose and smiled up at him, comforted. ‘I hope you’re right.’
‘Of course I am. Now, you make the tea and I’ll carry the tray.’
When Jack and Joanna joined them in the living room Tom Logan smiled at them.
‘Sorry, but I couldn’t wait for you; I started on the cakes.’
‘Then I’d better get stuck in before they vanish,’ said Jack, filling a plate.
‘What did you think of the house, Jo?’ asked Kate.
Jo looked up from stroking Bran. ‘It’s fantastic. Jack said he did it all himself.’
‘I had some help,’ he admitted, grinning, and sat down by Kate. ‘But the concept, the design and the interior décor is all my own work. I used to haunt the place while it was being restored. Some of the brickies and carpenters thought I was a pain in the neck.’
‘But you had to see it was done properly,’ said Jo in approval. ‘Just like Kate and her house.’
Jack nodded. ‘Talking of which, Jo, I think you ought to know that I want to marry Kate as soon as possible.’
‘I have to agree because I’ve already turned him down twice,’ Kate explained. ‘He might never ask me again.’ She smiled at Jo. ‘Are you going to congratulate us?’
‘Pretty weird, congratulating my own parents!’ Jo smiled and bent to kiss Kate and Jack in turn. ‘But I do—’ She frowned suddenly. ‘Does this mean you’re going to sell your house, Kate, and come to live here?’
‘Close,’ said Kate. ‘We’re both coming to live here, if that’s all right with you, Jo, and I’m going to make Aunt Edith’s house over to you. If you’re agreeable we’ll let it out and you can have the rent money for your college fund. Do you want some tea?’
‘No, thanks,’ said Jo, stunned, and looked at Jack. ‘Do you have a Coke or something?’
‘Molly stocked me up, so I’m sure she thought of it. Go and forage in the kitchen, help yourself.’
‘I’ll come with you, Jo,’ said Tom, and laughed. ‘Look, Bran’s coming too. You’ve made a hit there, love.’
When they were alone Kate turned to Jack anxiously. ‘How do you feel?’
‘Fantastic.’ He let out a deep breath. ‘I just want to sit here with you and fall apart wi
th relief. She took it so well, didn’t she?’
‘Amazingly well.’