This is a work of fiction, using characters from the film, “Proof of Life”.  No insult or invasion of privacy or infringement of copyright is intended. The story is for readers over the age of 18 only, and contains adult language. The writer is not responsible for any "discomfort" caused to the reader by this language and these situations.

K&R, R&R

©11/2009 by: Thorne’s Rose

Part Two

The gentle moonlight changed to the bright light of morning and Jean stretched slowly. Something was different this morning; the sun didn’t shine in her bedroom as she kept the drapes closed. She felt unusually warm and then realised that she wasn’t alone. She opened her eyes and realised she wasn’t at home. Turning to her right she found the source of the heat in the bed. Terry was fast asleep, a small smile on his face. He looked innocent and years younger than he did when he was awake. The worry lines on his forehead were nowhere to be seen.

She eased up in the bed to rest against the pile of pillows and gazed lovingly at Terry. She yearned to kiss him, but didn’t want to disturb his sleep. He was working too hard and she was convinced that he wasn’t sleeping enough, so she was content just to watch the slow rise and fall of his chest as he slept.

Ten minutes passed and she still watched Terry sleep. “Had enough of the view yet, luv?” Jean jumped as Terry spoke. She’d had no idea that he was awake, as he hadn’t moved a muscle. “Sorry, darlin’. Didn’t mean to make you jump.”

Terry sat up and kissed Jean soundly. “Well, that’s a wonderful way to say ‘Good morning’.” She smiled at him. “What time is it, Terry?”

Glancing at the clock he replied, “It’s 7:00am, too early to get up yet.”

Jean reached across to the nightstand and grabbed the t-shirt Terry had given her the night before. Slipping it over her head she threw back the quilt and jumped out of bed, heading towards the bathroom. Finishing her morning ablutions, she headed back into the bedroom, but not back to the bed, as Terry hoped she would. Instead she went to the window and unlatched the door, sliding it silently open. Walking out to the balcony, she went to the railings to watch the Saturday morning ferries, already hard at work in the harbour.

Terry came silently up behind her and wrapped her in his embrace, kissing the top of her head. “Morning again, sweetheart. Would you like a cuppa?”

“Oh yes, Terry. That would be lovely. Could we have it out here on the terrace?”

“Anywhere you like, luv. Here, put this on and make yourself comfy.” Handing her the bathrobe, Terry headed back into the bedroom and then on out to the kitchen to put the kettle on. As he leaned against the counter waiting for it to boil, he looked up on hearing the front door close. Henry walked into the kitchen with the mail in his hand.

“What you doing up so early, dad?” he asked, sitting at the kitchen table while he sorted the mail.

“Making Jean a cuppa. Want one?”

“Ripper!” Henry smiled. “Where we drinking it?”

“Out on the balcony, you gonna join us?”

“If three isn’t a crowd,” Henry winked.

He waited for Terry to set the tray and followed him back to the bedroom terrace. Kissing Jean good morning, noticing she was wearing his dad’s t-shirt, he sat at the bistro table and began opening his mail.

“Good morning, Henry.”

“Morning, Jean…have a restful night?” Henry replied, winking at his dad as he handed round the cups and sat next to Jean, giving her a hug.

“Yes, thanks, Henry.”

“Guest room to your liking?”

“Don’t push your luck, mate,” Terry growled good-naturedly. “I’ll have you on brekkie duty if you keep that up.”

“Hah! Is that the best you can do, dad? Not too much of a threat as Saturday is my day to fix it anyway.”

Jean laughed at the banter and felt privileged to be part of this side of Terry’s life. They settled down to their morning cuppa, discussing what they expected Henry to prepare for their breakfast as both men went through their mail. Terry joked that he should give his to Jean to sort through when he was cut off by the whoop of joy coming from his son.

“What’s up, mate?”

“Mum and Michael are coming down for a visit. They’re asking if it’s okay to doss down here as usual.”

“There’s no way on this earth your mother said that,” Terry laughed in reply. Then he frowned.

“What’s up, dad?”

“Um…it might be a bit…difficult this time around, mate.”

“Terry, don’t be silly,” Jean cut in. “If you’re worried about me, don’t be. I have my own place, and I can be the model of discretion.”

“As I well know,” laughed Henry. “Dad, don’t worry. Mum will be pleased that you’ve finally been roped, and she’ll be more than delighted that it’s Jean.”

“Okay, mate. You want to give her a call now and get the details? Although why she didn’t call like she normally does I don’t know.”

Henry bounded through to the bedroom to call his mum and Jean took Terry’s hand and smiled. “This is going to be fun. Shall we make a big production of it or just slip it into the convo.”

“Don’t know, luv. Let’s see what kind of mood she’s in when they get here before we decide anything…I’m sorry, Jean. Don’t know why I’m getting worked up over it. Why should I worry what my ex thinks?”

“Because you know she still cares about you, and worries. I think a part of her still loves you, and I can fully understand that. I know that I would feel the same. I’ve been in love with you for a long time, boss.”

Terry pulled Jean onto his lap and kissed her. “I didn’t know that, Jean. Why didn’t you let on?”

“You weren’t ready for a commitment, Terry, and I’m a patient woman.”

They were kissing again when Henry came back out onto the terrace. Smiling for a few seconds, he loudly cleared his throat hoping to startle a reaction out of them, but they just looked over at him and smiled.

“They’ll be here next Friday, dad.”

“That’s great, son. How about I take some time off while they’re here this time?”

“You can do that at short notice, dad?”

“RHIP, mate. What’s the point of owning the business if I can’t play hooky once in a while.” He tickled Jean and smiled. “You want some time off too, luv?” Terry was relieved that he could finally show his feelings for her in front of Henry.

“Ooh, yes please, boss. Who you got in mind to watch the shop?”

“I was thinking of Anton. He’s been working so hard honing up his people skills for the last six months. I don’t have anything heavy on my schedule, so it’s just the day-to-day running of the office. Henry, you do realise that if an emergency crops up I’ll have to deal with it.”

“Yes, dad. I just hope it doesn’t, that’s all.”

“Terry, why don’t you call Dino on Monday? He can be backup for Anton. If you tell him why he’ll most likely tell you to take twice the time off than you have planned.”

“I think that’s one of the reasons I love you, Jean,” he replied, kissing the tip of her nose.

Jean blushed and looked over at Henry and was relieved to see him beaming with delight. Terry had told her he loved her, and Henry was pleased. What more could she ask for.

~*~

The next week went by in a flash with Terry and Jean organising the office for their absence. As Jean predicted, after Dino had spent half an hour ribbing Terry about his love life on the phone, he told Terry to take all the time off he needed. Things were quiet in the US office and he was more than happy to fly down if Anton needed any help or advice.

Thursday night arrived and Henry was getting excited. As much as he liked to think of himself as a man these days, he couldn’t wait to get a cuddle from his mum. He looked over at his dad. Jean had decided to leave the men to themselves for the evening and Terry was very quiet.

“Fancy going out for a beer, dad?”

“Hmm?” Terry muttered in reply.

“C’mon, dad. You’re not really reading that book. You’ve been staring at the same page for 20 minutes. Why don’t you go round and see Jean?”

“She thought you might like to spend the evening with me before your mum and Michael get here in the morning, mate.”

“Then spend the bloody evening with me and not lost in your own little world. Get changed, we’re going for a swim, then we’re going up the Cross for a couple of hours.”

Terry grumbled as he headed off to his room, but as he changed he realised he was being stupid. One night away from Jean wasn’t the end of the world. He’d make sure that Henry took Penny and Michael out for dinner the following night, and he’d take Jean to the concert at the OH she had told him about. He’d had the tickets reserved for a couple of weeks and was looking forward to it.

After a relaxing swim, they went back to the penthouse to get changed, then headed out into the warm evening. Terry had decided not to take the car, knowing how rowdy the Cross could get. They could always walk back, or get a cab if Henry had too many.

It never ceased to amaze Terry how his son managed to find the best places to go in the area, and he was soon relaxing and enjoying the time with his son. At the end of the evening, it turned out to be Terry that needed a helping hand home, and Henry helped him out of the cab and into the apartment building, propping him up against the back wall of the lift as he hit the penthouse button.

Leading Terry into his room, he helped him lay down on the bed and just loosened his jeans to make sure he was comfy. Kissing him lightly on the forehead, he said “Night, dad,” quietly, and made his way to his own room. Setting his alarm extra early, he had a quick shower and got ready for bed.

The next thing he knew, the alarm seemed to be screaming in his ear. He sat up slowly and looked at the time. 5:30am. Did he really need to be up this early? Of course he did. He had to make sure Terry was up and sober enough to drive out to the airport.

Coming out of his bathroom he sniffed the air…coffee!! His dad must be awake. He opened the door quietly and walked down to the kitchen.

“G’Day, mate. Sleep well?”

“Morning, dad. You’re up bright and early. I thought I was going to have to drag your sorry arse out of bed this morning!”

“Ah, mate. I wasn’t that drunk. I wouldn’t leave you in the lurch today of all days.”

“I could have always taken the car.”

“Not on your bloody life, kiddo. Besides. I love seeing your mum when she’s just arrived from a long flight. She can show them how to look good no matter what, can’t she?” Terry smiled at his son as he placed a cup of coffee in front of him, opting for tea for himself.  “Thought we’d head out early and pick up brekkie on the way. I feel the need of a fresh baked warm blueberry muffin.”

“Sounds like a plan, and dad…thanks.”

“No worries, mate. It will be good to see your mum again, just don’t let on to her that I said so, okay?”

~*~

They got to the airport in plenty of time and sat in the welcome area to eat their muffins. Henry went to get them a hot drink while Terry checked the arrivals board. The flight from Singapore was ahead of schedule, and they were due to land in about 15 minutes. When Henry got back, Terry had a word with him and then vanished through the arrivals gate. A quick talk with the head of immigration and he was back before his cuppa had a chance to cool off.

“Pulled a few strings, mate. Your mum and Michael will be fast tracked through immigration, quarantine and customs. Head of immigration owed me a favour.”

“Ripper, dad. They’ll appreciate that. I bet they just want to sleep for a few hours.”

“That’s what I was thinking, son. Then they’ll be refreshed for their dinner date with you…my shout.”

“Thanks, dad. I don’t need to ask what you’ll be doing while we’re out on the town do I?”

“Nope, but that’s another thing you don’t need to tell your mother.”

Just then, Terry caught site of a senior immigration officer beckoning to him, and smiled. He nudged Henry and pointed. Henry turned to see his mum and Michael shaking hands with the immigration officer and turning to walk towards him.

“Mum!” he called, rushing towards them. He picked up Penny and swung her around. “Hello, Michael. Good trip?” he asked, shaking his stepfather’s hand.

“As good as it usually is, Henry, thanks. One day we’ll both learn to sleep on a long flight so it will be better. Hello, Terry.” Michael smiled as he held out his hand to Terry, who had just walked up to them.

“G’Day, Michael. Pen.” He took over from Henry in sweeping Penny off her feet and swinging her round, kissing her soundly.

“Terence, there are people watching.”

“Aw, Pen, they’re most likely jealous that I get to kiss a beautiful woman this early on a Friday morning.”

Penny blushed and slapped Terry’s arm. “Still a smooth talker, I see,” she smiled, kissing him chastely on the cheek.

“You look good, Pen.”

“So do you, Terence. Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m fine. Henry makes sure of that, don’t you, son?”

Henry beamed over at his mum and dad, happy that these days they were on friendly terms. Michael cleared his throat before asking if it would be okay to get moving before he fell asleep on his feet. They all burst out laughing and Henry grabbed hold of the baggage trolley, leading the way out to the car.

They managed to hit the expressway before the morning rush hour was in full swing, and were soon back in town and Terry pulled into the underground parking area of the apartment complex. Terry and Henry carried the cases to the lift, and stood back to let Penny and Michael step in first. Then they were on their way up to the top floor and Henry opened up the door to usher them into the penthouse.

Terry went to put the kettle on while Henry took the cases down to the guest bedroom. Penny and Michael made themselves comfortable on one of the sofas, and tried to stay awake until Terry brought the tea in.

“There you go, folks. This will help relax you. Henry’s arranged to take you out to dinner later, so I suggest you take a nap after your cuppa so that you’re nice and fresh for this evening.”

“You not joining us, Terry?” Michael asked.

“No, mate. You came to see Henry, not me. Unfortunately I have a prior engagement this evening, but I’ve taken time off next week if you need driving around anywhere.”

“You needn’t have done that, Terence. Not that it won’t be nice to see a bit more of you than we usually do when we come down. We could have hired a car. We don’t want to put you to any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble, Pen. You’re the mother of our son, and you’re both good friends. I wouldn’t dream of leaving you to your own devices while you’re here. You gave me the excuse I needed to make some time for myself as well. Now, finish your drinks and get to bed. If I don’t see you before you go out later, I’ll see you in the morning.”

They all stood up and exchanged hugs all round before Penny and Michael made their way to the guest bedroom. Henry came back after making sure they had everything they needed and sat by Terry.

“So, where’s she taking you tonight, dad?”

“Cheeky bugger. I’m taking her, not the other way around. We’re off to the Opera House to see the concert she’s been hinting about for the last few weeks. I managed to get some good tickets.”

“She’s a lucky lady, dad,” Henry smiled.

“No, son. I’m a very lucky man. Now, let me pop across to see Tim and get you the best table in the restaurant for this evening. You want to impress your mum, don’t you? Don’t give me that look either, I’ll tell Tim to let you pay for it…and I’ll make sure I give you more than enough to cover it.”

“Ta, dad. You know I love you, don’t you?”

“I love you too, son. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me; don’t ever forget that. Now, I need to pop out for a while. Wanna come with or stick around here?”

“Believe it or not, dad, I’ve got some studying to do, so I’ll catch up on that while mum and Michael are asleep. I’ll see you later.”

~*~

The days flew by, and true to his word, Terry made sure that he was available to take Penny, Michael and Henry anywhere they wanted to go, but he very rarely stayed with them for too long. Penny eventually decided to find out what was going on. Terry had dropped them off in Wollongong  in the Illawarra region, and had asked them what time they wanted picking up before driving off back to the city.

“Henry, what’s going on with your father? I thought he had taken time off from work.”

“Ah…it’s not work, mum. I think you should ask dad to tell you what he’s doing. It’s not my place.”

“Not your place…wait a minute…has Terence found himself a girlfriend?”

“Please, mum. Don’t ask me anymore questions.”

“All right, darling. I just hope he hasn’t got himself caught up with a mindless bimbo,” Penny grinned at the look on Henry’s face. “You’re father deserves a lot better than that, but don’t you dare tell him I said so.”

“Thanks, mum. Now, shall we enjoy our day out? We can go on the scenic railway if you like. I don’t think you’ve done that in all the trips you’ve made down here.”

“Whatever you say, Henry. I’m in your territory now.”

“Ta, mum, you’re a real bewdy,” Henry grinned as Penny sighed dramatically at his thickening Aussie accent.

“You’re so like your father,” she told him. “I couldn’t be more proud of you, Henry.”

Back in the city, Terry was enjoying a picnic with Jean at Dawson’s Point, marvelling at how happy and at peace he felt for the first time in years. He leaned forward and kissed Jean on the cheek.

“I’m sorry, luv.”

“For what, Terry?”

“Sorry it took so long for me to be ready. I feel I’ve let so much time slip away, and kept you wondering if I was worth the wait.”

“Oh, Terry, I’d wait a lifetime for you. I didn’t want to push you into anything you weren’t sure of, and I have to tell you something…”

“What, luv?”

“You are more than worth the wait. I love you, boss.”

“I love you too, sweetheart,” Terry replied, kissing her on the lips this time. Just then the town hall clock struck and he pulled away. “Shit…is that the time? I’ve gotta run. Sorry, Jean. I promised to pick the gang up at 5:00.”

“Don’t worry, Terry. It’s a good hour’s drive. You get going or you’ll be late.”

“I’ll help you pack up, and then drop you off home. It’s on my way, and I’m not going to let you make your own way home.”

“My hero,” Jean smiled, as they packed up their hamper and Terry picked it up to carry to the car. He stopped outside Jean’s place and walked her to the door. Kissing her soundly, he apologised once more for having to dash off, and waved as he watched her go in and close the door. Seconds later, he was roaring off towards the Illawarra to pick up the troops.

~*~

Henry had called to let Terry know that they were now in Shell harbour, so he told Henry he would be there as soon as he could, making allowances for the extra 25km south they had gone since he dropped them earlier in the day. He loved the Southern Highlands so it was no chore for him having to drive through this picturesque region of NSW.

As he drove along the highway, he smiled as he thought of Jean. He felt a moment of guilt when he wished that Penny and Michael were heading home so that he and she could be together again. That feeling quickly vanished when he finally caught sight of the three of them sitting on the harbour wall, laughing and joking together as they awaited his arrival.

They didn’t notice him, so he stepped out of the car and beeped the horn, then waved as they all looked his way.

“Dad!” Henry called, loping towards him and giving him a bear hug. “It’s good to see you. Did you have a nice day?”

“G’Day, mate. This is a nice welcome. You’ve only been gone a few hours, and yes thanks, I had a lovely day.”

“What did you get up to, dad?”

“We had a picnic at Dawson’s Point.” Terry replied quickly as Penny and Michael came within earshot.

“Did I hear you mention picnic, Terence? Henry told you about our lunch by Lake Illawarra then,” Penny smiled. “We had the perfect view of some water skiers and it was a lovely way to end a lovely day out.”

“Glad you enjoyed yourself, Pen. Do you fancy stopping off for a meal on the way home?”

“Would you mind terribly if we said ‘no’, Terence? It’s been quite a long day and all I want to do is take my shoes off and put my feet up.”

“No worries, we’ll order take out when we get back, then we can all relax while you tell me all about your day.”

“You can tell us about yours as well, Terry,” Michael chipped in.

~*~

“So, what do you fancy to eat…Chinese, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Italian?”

“You chose, Terry,” Michael replied sitting next to Penny and placing his arm around her shoulders.

“Okie dokie. I’ll go pick a menu and call it in. Be back in two ticks.”

Returning to the lounge room, he flopped down next to Henry on the other sofa and smiled. “Italian…that was the top menu in the drawer. Be about 30 minutes. Anyone want a drink while we wait?”

“Can I be boring and ask for some tea?” Penny asked hopefully.

“Anything you want, Pen. One decaf Earl Grey coming up.”

In the end everyone opted for a hot drink, and they were enjoying their second cup when the door phone rang. “That’ll be the tucker,” Terry said, beating Henry to his feet. “No worries, son. I’ll get it.”

He bounded out to the front door and they could hear his low voice talking to the delivery boy. He went straight to the kitchen, choosing not to cut back through the lounge room. Clattering of dishes was heard and a muffled curse, which made Henry giggle. He was just about to go and rescue Terry when the door opened and Terry came in carrying a fully laden tray…closely followed by Jean carrying another.

Terry grinned at the looks on Penny and Michael’s faces, catching the wink from Henry. “I liked the look of the delivery ‘boy’ and when I realised I’d ordered enough for five, I decided to invite her to stay.”

Penny smiled and started clearing a space on the large low coffee table, then got up as Jean placed her tray down. “Hello, Jean,” she said, giving the new arrival a hug. “Don’t tell me he has you running around in your free time picking up his dinner orders these days.”

“G’Day, Penny. It was no trouble at all, especially when I found out it was Italian and he’d ordered enough for me as well. I had to come by the restaurant, so I said I’d pop in and pick it up.”

They all enjoyed a wonderful meal and were sitting enjoying a coffee when Penny cleared her throat. “Well, Terence, do you have anything you’d like to tell Michael and I before we go home in a couple of days?”

“Don’t think so, luv. You have anything specific in mind?”

Jean nudged him just as Henry let out an ‘Oh Dad’, and he cleared his throat. “Um…okay, Pen. I guess there is something I think you should know. I think I’m in love.”

“Oh, Terence, this is sudden. What’s she like?”

“It’s not quite as sudden as you might think, luv, and yes…” he paused to pull Jean close to his side. “It’s most definitely someone you know.”

Penny looked from Terry to Jean and back before her face lit up with the most beautiful smile Terry had seen on her face since their early days together.

“You’re not upset, Pen?”

“Darling man, why would I be upset? I’ve been waiting for this moment for years. You’ve been lonely for so long…don’t even start to contradict me. You deserve to be happy, Terry.”

“Thank you, darlin’,” Terry smiled, noting for once Pen had used the shortened version of his name. He got up to hug his ex-wife and her husband, then turned to look for Henry as Jean vanished beneath hugs and kisses.

Henry walked through from the kitchen with champagne, which he’d hidden in the back of the fridge, and glasses. “This calls for a celebration,” he commented as he handed the drinks around.

Raising his glass, he cleared his throat. “To dad and Jean and their future.”

“To Terry and Jean,” Penny and Michael echoed.

THE END