Love Triumphs All

By Cherrill Clough

Evan Andrews, twenty-six, is a real Adonis as far as his new girlfriend, Cynthia, is concerned, as well as all the others around her. He is pleasant, extremely handsome, and a real Mr. Nice Guy, and many think he is a male model or an actor. Standing six-foot-one, with a bronze, taut body from working at the gym, he is really eye-catching attractive, but he scored a job as a courier and enjoys it very much. After six months, his boss invites him to his daughters twenty-first birthday; and when he and Cynthia meet, the fireworks go off, and they are smitten with each other.
Cynthia is brunette, beautiful, has a happy personality, has a good figure, and is the apple of her fathers eye.
After meeting Cynthia, Evan asked her on a date the following week, and she accepted. Her brother, Lyle, came over from Egypt, where he has been travelling and met up with his school mate, Pete, who was also invited to the party and felt he also would like to see Cynthia as she had grown up since he saw her four years ago and gone from a plain, skinny teenager to this attractive, sexy young woman.
Lyle could see the jealousy coming from Pete when she accepted the date with Evan, and from then on there were problems, and on New Years Eve, Pete decided that Cynthia is his and did something about it, which caused massive problems for the Preston and Andrews families as he abducted Cynthia, and no one knew where he had taken her.
Time went by, and finally Cynthia was found and had to fight to live as she had not eaten a morsel in eighteen days, praying she would die knowing she could never be found where he had taken her.
It was touch and go for her to live, and over a long time, she had to learn to live and walk again.
This is a heartfelt story of what jealousy can do and how it can make someone unbalanced; how the people of Australia, thanks to the media, along with her family and friends, stood by her while she was fighting to stay alive; and how a deep, meaningful love triumphs all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Nov 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499024814

Cherrill Clough

Hello, I am originally from New Zealand but have spent the last thirty-three years in Australia. I was an airbrush artist for thirty-eight years, doing photo restoration and portrait colouring; in Real Estate for twenty-three years; and in between, I opened a small restaurant in the Regional City of Maryborough, where I still reside, and loved it. I can say it was the most enjoyable time in my life. I opened my own real estate agency in 2003 and closed in 2013 to retire at seventy and continue writing wholesome family stories for easy reading. I am an avid reader myself and enjoy Sundays to sit with a good book. Enjoy. —Cherrill Clough

Book preview

Chapter one

T he Queensland heat is blistering and has been for days if not weeks. No one had expected it to stay so long, the winds, blowing gustily, bringing more heat each time, the air cons are working day and night to overcome the dreadful searing temperatures, now up into the mid forties. Everyone feels exhausted with this terrible heat, and trying to get up for work the next day is difficult, after very little good sleep in a sweat soaked bed, even the shower, although only on cold, comes through tepid and not at all refreshing.

Being Monday, Evan Andrews, twenty six, is due to start his new job today with a courier company, and is really looking forward to it. After he showered, downed his breakfast and collected his lunch, he kissed his mum Evelyn goodbye, she wished him Good luck and enjoy your first day Evan and off he went on his Harley motorbike to his first days work in ages.

He has always worked since he left college at eighteen, but when the world financial recession came in 2008, he was left high and dry as the company he had been working for closed part of their workplace, therefore, culling staff and Evan happened to be one of the unfortunate ones to go. He has dabbled in a few jobs, but they didn’t fit, he seemed to be there one day and the place would close shortly after. This did not look good on a resume, so for the last few months he bided his time and moved back in with his parents until he is sure he would like the next job he could at least enjoy and stay on. Fortunately, he doesn’t smoke, so he paid his mum board from his dole money and she looks after him well. He has a healthy bank balance, but hasn’t wanted to use too much as he wasn’t sure how long he would be off work. The last four months have flown by. He was then recommended by the last company he worked at, for his new courier job. ‘I must ring Alan and thank him for putting them on to me’ he thought, as he was riding to the job.

A t seven he pulled into the driveway, parked his bike, and saw the manager get up from his desk and introduced him to the other five drivers already there. They all shook hands and welcomed him to the company, saying just to ask if he needed to know anything. Wallace, the manager, gave Evan his clipboard with all the addresses on and what article to go with each number, then the receiver of the goods has to sign the board then he goes on to the next. Wal (as he is called) went with him to his van and Evan couldn’t believe how big it is, air conditioned and the latest model.

This van arrived Saturday Evan, so keep it as you see it please son. This is yours, and you alone can drive it, it must be back in the yard by four everyday.

Thanks Wal, I will sure keep it pristine. When do you want me to start?

Right now Evan, I will show you where to collect your goods, the warehouse boys have got the load ready, and you have to load and check off everything as you put it in the van, once that’s done, you sign your time out here and showed him where to clock in, it stamped the time on the card, so they know what time he had left the yard for his deliveries and when he returns. Do you understand son?"

Yes thanks Wal, I think I have it all in my head. When I arrive back I clock in again?

Yes that’s right, come to the office first. There is no time limit, just do the job as quickly and comfortably as you can.

Shall do Wal.

Maurie who is the head of the warehouse saw Wal talking to the new guy and nodded when he saw Wal point Evan in his direction, they shook hands and Maurie welcomed him aboard the company.

Have you worked here long Maurie?

Just on twenty five years mate, and I have come up from cleaning the floors to Manager of the Warehouse.

Wow, that’s amazing. It sure pays to stick to something you like isn’t it?

Yes son, actually you have come highly recommended, and is very unusual in this business, but we look for steady, pleasant drivers, who don’t fluster in the traffic. There is always a deadline, but we always want our guys to be pleasant when delivering to the public and you seemed to fit that bill perfectly.

Thanks Maurie.

This stack here is yours and when you get to know your way around the suburbs, you will be faster. I have put a map for you on the passenger seat and the parcels are all numbered for you, so that will help you know the ropes.

Thanks again Maurie, that will be most helpful.

Well you pack your van and we will see you in a couple of hours. Did you clock out?

Yes, when Wal showed me what to do.

Great, then start packing the van and off you go.

T he van is brand spanking new and has the smell of new about it. Evan is pleased with the start of the morning and headed off to the different destinations he had to go to, enjoying the freedom of not being stuck in an office all day. The air con is a blessing, as by nine am it is up around thirty degrees already and when he opened the van door, each time he alighted, it would hit him fair in the face with the exhausting heat. By ten thirty he had delivered all the parcels and is on his way back to the warehouse.

He clocked in again and Wal came out and asked how it went.

Great thanks Wal, there seemed to be no problems I am aware of. Most people were very pleasant actually.

That’s good son. No there have been no complaints he retrieved the clipboard from Evan, checked all are signed, then signed it off. The guys are having morning tea, so I will take you there and you can give the copy of the waybill to Maurie. He handed Evan the paper and they strolled over to the staff room for a morning cuppa.

Finished already Evan? That was good timing son.

Yes, I didn’t have any trouble finding the places. Here’s the copy of the waybill Maurie.

Thanks mate and he put it on a clip file.

They all had a cuppa and someone had brought a cake their wife had made, so it was a good morning tea and an enjoyable chat. By the time they were nearly finished the other drivers had arrived and all asked Evan how he went. Fine thanks.

During the day he had three deliveries and the last is at three and while he is out Maurie rang him on his van phone and asked him to go to another warehouse and collect a special delivery parcel and bring it back with him. This other warehouse was at least another fifteen minutes further away, so he did as he was asked, and by the time he had made his deliveries, he arrived back at four thirty.

Wal was there and Evan walked over to him with the special delivery parcel and said Maurie had rung him to collect this and he is sorry he is a bit late.

That’s fine son, it must be important for Maurie to have asked you to get it today.

Evan clocked in, passed him his clipboard, he checked it, signed it off and they walked over to Maurie together.

Maurie, young Evan is back with your special delivery mate.

Thanks Evan, it was getting close to them closing, so you did well.

Do you want me to deliver it now?

No son, you head off home and we will see you in the morning. Had a good day?

Yes thanks, very good.

See you tomorrow then. and Evan walked over to his motor bike, put on his helmet and took off for home with a great sense of self satisfaction.

Evan’s dad Bryan was in the shower when he arrived home and Evelyn was keen to know how his day went.

Well mum, got a brand new van and it is just delivering parcels, they seem a nice lot of blokes really.

That’s lovely darling, I wondered how you were going.

Well the van has air conditioning, thank goodness, as they said the temperatures today reached forty two, no wonder it was a blast each time I got out of the van. I felt my face sizzle every time.

Bryan walked into the kitchen. He is the same height as Evan and has a real likeness to actor George Clooney with his salt and pepper hair neatly cut and very attractive. Hello Evan, how did work go today son? so he explained all to his parents and how he felt a good bit of self satisfaction for a good days work for once.

Yes it was good of Alan to put you forward for the job Evan. That’s the good thing when you have a good employee, you will always try to help them out. He told me it was the first job that came to him that he thought would suit you, and it seems he may be right.

Yes, they seem like a nice lot of blokes working there.

That’s good, want a coldie?

That would be great thanks dad. I will just pop in and have a quick shower to freshen up. See you in a few minutes and he trotted off downstairs to his flat for a shower and ten minutes later the two men were enjoying a cool refreshing ice cold beer on the veranda, chatting about their day and perhaps the future.

Evelyn came out to be with them and brought herself a glass of white wine, frosting the glass from the coldness of the fridge. What a steamer today guys, I felt I was going to faint a couple of times and went and lay down on the couch.

Yes love, it was the worst so far. Think of poor Adelaide with forty seven. It seems unreal really, doesn’t it? What about the poor tennis players at the Open in Melbourne this week, the heat on the court would be in the fifties I would say.

I heard they had to postpone a few games and had them later.

Yes mum, I heard that also. I am totally amazed they can stand such heat. The conversation continued on about the heat then Evelyn said dinner is ready and they went back into the cool Queenslander house to enjoy their chicken and salad dinner.

Chapter two

M onths passed, the hot weather was left behind with some cooler temperatures coming through and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The rains had come, the brown crispy lawns and gardens had greened up again and the flowers, although autumn, were enjoying the coolness once again.

Evan is still enjoying his driving job and has made some great acquaintances from his deliveries. He looks forward to seeing some of the engaging people he met in his daily deliveries. To some it would have been somewhat monotonous or boring but Evan made it pleasant and played his favourite tunes on the van CD player. He always seemed to be in good spirits and it showed to all who met him.

Evan could you come in to the office when you get back came over the phone above the radio speaker. Evan always went to the office to clock in, ‘It must be something else’ he thought.

When he arrived Wal was waiting for him and waved him in.

Is everything alright Wal?

Yes Evan, fine, I was just going to see if you would like to come to my daughter Cynthia’s twenty first on Saturday night. We are having it at the RSL club and thought you may like to come along and join in.

That’s very nice of you Wal, I would love to join you. I thought your daughter lived in Darwin?

She did until a week ago, and has decided to come home again. She is staying with Helen and I at present, and her brother Lyal is coming home to be with us all as well, so we decided to call a few friends of theirs from college and ours and give her a party.

Where has Lyal been?

Lyal is everywhere Evan, he has been around the world a few times backpacking, picking fruit and vegies type thing, no single abode, just move on every few weeks. He’s now twenty four and doesn’t seem to want to settle, so it’s best he gets it out of his system I say. We keep in touch by email and phone and when we said we were giving Cynthia a twenty first he said count me in and he will be a surprise on the night.

Well if I can help, just let me know. I would be glad to be of service.

Just come along and enjoy yourself Evan. We will be pleased to have you there. Do you have a girlfriend to bring?

Me? no, haven’t been out with a girl for over a year or more I guess. I think I am too soft in nature, they seem to want the loud drinking types today and I want to get my own home and be stable, I don’t go to pubs or clubs, I guess that’s where you meet them, but I am only a very mild drinker, so the pub and club scenes do nothing for me and I really think you grow out of it to be truthful Wal.

You have a good head on your shoulders Evan, you are a fine young man, so don’t think otherwise. You must work out to have a body like you have?

Yes, I enjoy the gym and work out three times a week. I’m not a freak and I’m not gay, but I sure like to keep my body taut. Just my personal preference you might say Wal.

Well it is surely working for you son, you look great. I would have thought some young filly would have snavelled you up by now, you are a very good looking young man.

There have been a few girls over the time, but they seem that stupid giggly sort, or the opposite, that drink all night and you almost have to carry them to the car. One day the right girl will come along, and yes, I will know she’s the one and will have something to offer her.

Well the party starts at seven, with finger food and a supper at ten. We have a band for the night instead of a DJ who plays repulsively loud music, and the band play everything, so should be good. The girl singer is fantastic.

I am really looking forward to it Wal, thanks. Are any of the others coming?

Yes, a couple of the single drivers and of course Maurie and his wife Rose, and a couple of the Warehouse packers who know the family.

Sounds great, at least I will know someone else there.

We look forward to seeing you there son. And they parted company after Evan clocked in, had his papers signed and went over to the warehouse to give a copy to Maurie and say goodnight.

T he following Saturday night Evan dressed in charcoal chinos, good black leather shoes and an open neck white fine striped shirt with his sleeves rolled up above the wrists showing his tanned arms. He looks a real dreamboat, although he never sees himself as that, just always wants to give a good impression. At home, he is like anyone else in his trakky pants or shorts, depending on the time of the year, but he thought a suit may be a bit over the top for a twenty first, so thought he would just wear his navy blazer there in case it gets cool for coming home.

He walked into the kitchen and Evelyn was taken aback by how handsome her darling son looked. You look lovely Evan, anyone special?

No mum, but I think I should put in some effort for Wal. I feel pleased he invited me to the family do really. I am looking forward to the night. Do you think I should wear a tie?

Do you think you should wear a tie?

No, not really, but if you think I should I would.

Well I think you look fabulous the way you are darling.

Good, thanks mum. Where’s dad?

He went to the Bowls Club with his mates to celebrate Bill’s seventieth.

Really mum, you would never know he is that old would you? What are you doing tonight?

I have a bit of sewing I thought I would catch up on, it’s easier when your dad isn’t around, he chats too much and I get nothing done. She said with a smile.

Well I will be home about midnight and don’t wait up for me.

Have a good night darling, see you tomorrow. She stood on her tip toes to reach her sons kiss, as he is six foot one and he gave her a cuddle.

You are a good son Evan, dad and I have been blessed by you and Beth.

Thanks mum we couldn’t have better parents than the both of you. See you tomorrow. He walked out the door to his mother’s car he borrows when he goes out at night.

A rriving at the RSL, it showed on a board the party is in a room upstairs and when he walked in, there are about thirty people there so far and he put his beautifully wrapped present, thanks to mum, on the table with the rest. The room is done out beautifully with streamers and helium balloons of all bright colours standing in groups on the tables, it looks really delightful, cheerful, just the right feeling for this wonderful night.

It is just on seven and he is along with the early arrivals, he was told by Maurie who came over to him. He could see Wal and Helen who he had previously met at work talking to a group excitedly and Maurie said Lyal was due in half an hour and Cynthia has no idea he is coming. Wal noticed Maurie with Evan and came over and they went over to meet and greet the birthday girl.

‘Wow, I had no idea she is so gorgeous’ thought Evan.

Evan I would like you to meet our daughter Cynthia. Evan put his hand out to shake hands and she leaned over and kissed him.

Hello Evan, I have heard wonderful things about you, and looks like they are all true.

Well thank you Cynthia, I hope I haven’t let you down.

Definitely not, it is a pleasure to meet you.

And me you Cynthia.

The others were all smiles watching what was going on between these two young people who had just met, knowing sparks were flying instantly.

Cynthia, very attractive, five foot five is dressed in a sky blue evening gown with deep blue shoe string straps which criss crossed the bust and a couple of times to the waist where the cords fell down to the front into silver tassels with matching silver tassel earrings, and had silver strap stiletto heels with a small diamante tiara on top of her deep brunette shoulder length hair. She looked an absolute picture, and that was exactly what Evan thought when he was introduced to her.

Cynthia thought the same about Evan. How incredibly attractive he is and pleasant with it. Not look at me I am gorgeous. He is just as her dad described, handsome with a touch of nice guy.

The band has started playing and the singer definitely has a beautiful strong voice as Wal had said, she is also easy on the eye as well. They are singing songs from the seventies and eighties at the moment and kept the volume down so people could meet and greet more easily and everyone thought this was in good taste. Some of the older people are already dancing ballroom style to the very romantic songs the girl is singing.

All of a sudden the music went tata ta tata ta tata ta taaaa and everyone stopped as Lyal was brought into the room by Helen. Cynthia turned and saw her beloved brother and ran to him, putting her arms around him and kissing him for all he is worth.

Hi there sis, happy birthday to you and handed her a small jewellers box which she opened immediately. There is a beautiful gold chain bracelet with charms from all over the world on it.

Lyal thank you it is beautiful, it must have cost a small fortune.

Yes, well it has to, as it was especially bought for you. Everywhere I went I bought you a gold charm of that country and I had it put together yesterday, for you tonight.

Oh Lyal, I will treasure it forever. Thank you and she put her arms around him again and kissed him. Helen helped her put it on her wrist and knew it would have been worth at least two to three thousand dollars. It is just magnificent they all said.

The music started up again and by now there are nearing eighty plus people, and they are all pleased to be there, Evan could tell. All had big smiles and people are being introduced all round. A couple of single boys from the vans are there Vince and Grant and they said hello to Evan, then wandered over to meet some of the stray girls in the room, as there are a few and good lookers they are too.

The finger food started to come out and Evan decided to get a plate and a few things to eat as he never bothered with dinner and getting a bit peckish. Just the smell of it made him hungry. He had no trouble eating the beautiful food, with everyone saying how tasty it is.

When they finished bringing out the food the dance music started up again and Evan went over and asked Cynthia would she like to dance, and she accepted willingly.

It had been a long time between dances for Evan, and he was aware he may stand on her feet, but no, they glided beautifully around the dance floor, chatting away and getting to know one another.

Have you been taught ballroom dancing Evan, you dance so well and light on your feet for a man so tall?

Yes, mum had me take lessons when I was fifteen, then I carried on until I was twenty and really enjoyed it actually. I like the fact of having my partner in my arms, not arm lengths away just standing and wriggling around the floor. You dance well yourself Cynthia.

I had lessons also at college. I was at a girl’s college, we were taught the basics but they certainly worked for me, I was rapt, then when I left school I joined a dance studio in Darwin for a couple of years while I lived there. I always enjoyed this side of dancing also.

What was the draw to Darwin?

My best friend Anna from college lives there and got me a great job as a receptionist with her father’s Dental Practice. I enjoyed working there very much until her dad started hitting on me a few weeks ago, so I decided it was time to come home. I never told Anna, I didn’t want to be the one to let her know her father wasn’t faithful to her mother, so just said I was homesick, thanked them for everything, and came back home. Anna is an only child, so she was thrilled when I went there to live with them and we did everything together, but her dad spoiled it for her and me, but I just couldn’t take the risk, so here I am.

Well that was the decent thing to do Cynthia. I applaud your sense of values. I feel if Anna was told, she would be very understanding and thankful with your decision.

Yes Evan, I agree, but why create heartache when it isn’t necessary.

That’s true. Well said. They danced the whole bracket of six songs and quietly enjoyed chatting and being in each others company. Each felt they had known the other forever, and know there is something special between them.

Wal came over and asked Cynthia for a dance, so Helen asked Evan if he would dance with her, and of course he was pleased to oblige and they got along very well.

We noticed you dance very well Evan, have you had lessons?

Yes, a long time ago, but I don’t think it ever leaves you Helen, you just pick it back up automatically when the music starts. Actually, I was saying to Cynthia how well she danced, so we are suited nicely in this field.

It was a surprise for her to come home, but we are thrilled to have her back after three years. She said she was getting a bit homesick, so I guess that happens to some people. Not Lyal though, he has not stopped, every month it seems to be another unusual country somewhere in the world. He is a real character, and a super young man.

The bracelet he gave Cynthia is just beautiful. It meant she was always in his thoughts to get her a gold charm from everywhere he has been. It is certainly a great idea and lovely thought.

Yes, we had no idea he had bought her that until she opened it Evan, it was a complete surprise to us all.

Well she will always have him near her with wearing it Helen. It shows how close he feels toward her.

Yes, they were always close when they were young, and it is wonderful he came back to be with her for her special night.

I agree Helen, a lovely sense of occasion.

We are having a BBQ at home tomorrow at three, if you would like to pop around and join us Evan. We would love to have you. Bring your togs, we have a large pool and all the young ones will be swimming.

I would love to Helen. I will have to get your address before I leave, I haven’t been there before.

I will get it for you before you go Evan. Thanks for a great dance. The music stopped and he walked Helen back to be with Wal.

Stop and sit at our table Evan.

Are you sure Wal?

Absolutely son so he sat down beside Cynthia who is chatting excitedly to Lyal about something, both very animated in what they are talking about. It took a few minutes for Cynthia to notice Evan is seated beside her, when she realised, she smiled warmly and said she is sorry she has her back to him but Lyal has so much to catch up with, she then brought him in on the conversation as well.

Lyal is interesting to listen to, he is almost like an overseas roving reporter with a sense of humour and sometimes he had them in stitches about some of the antics he had seen during his travels. He’s had a couple of near misses in some planes of unknown companies that give cheap fares, and he understands why now, you sure put your life at risk when you board them, so has decided not to use them anymore.

His stories are amazing, and Evan thought he could easily write a book about all this if he sat Lyal down and took notes. He has been travelling now solidly for four years and has just about visited all if not every country in the world, he certainly has circumnavigated it two or more times from what he has said and always on his own. He said he has no one telling him what they want to do or where they want to go, this way suits him and he enjoys every day of his life.

‘What a wonderful outlook, it really suits Lyal’s nature’ thought Evan, but knew it wasn’t for him. He would be too lonely being on his own all the time, he would certainly need company.

Half an hour on, after Lyal had danced with his sister, Evan asked her for another dance. They were joined at the hip from then on, for the rest of the night. They danced, chatted and laughed. Wal and Helen are so pleased they are enjoying being together.

The music stopped as it is ten o’clock, supper is to be served and everyone went over to the laden tables with chicken, lamb in gravy, roast vegies, salads of all descriptions, curry and rice and tiny hot buttered rolls. On the other table are Pavlovas. Chocolate mousse, cheesecakes, trifles, bowls of strawberries and ice cream, and in the centre of the dessert table is a large beautiful heart shaped Birthday Cake. Happy 21st Cynthia with Love is written on it. The floral decorations made from icing are superb. There is a silver key sitting beside the cake about eight inches long with her name and birth date on for her twenty first. It opens, and a long piece of folded paper came out that people signed then it all folds up again and clips back inside the key again. A brilliant idea everyone thought.

After everyone had their fill the tables are taken away other than the cake table and Wal and Helen with Lyal called Cynthia across to cut her cake. The cameras are flashing constantly and they have the biggest smiles. Wal gave a wonderful speech and said how proud they are of their beautiful daughter and how wonderful it is to have her back home. He said the best gift of all is Lyal coming home for his sister’s birthday and it is a full house again. He and Helen are thrilled to have them back for a while. It went on a little longer then he asked everyone to charge their glasses and toast Cynthia on her 21st occasion, and she cut her cake after blowing out the candles, then gave a lovely speech back to her amazing parents, as she called them, her wonderful brother and said life had been very fulfilling for her in the last few years. She thanked Wal and Helen for all their love and understanding over the past. It was a lovely heartfelt speech, everyone agreed with everything she said calling out Yea Yea, all clapped, raised their glasses and toasted Cynthia.

The rest of the night to midnight is dancing also some boogie disco style dancing that the young ones do and everyone joined in. They did brackets of everything during the last hour and a half, it was a great night had by all. The fabulous music has nearly every guest up dancing at some time during the night, the whole night being a real success.

The band finished at midnight and everyone gave them a standing ovation and clapped and cheered and the singer said they had never had that happen before, and thanked them profusely.

Slowly everyone started leaving. Evan waited so he could get Helen and Wal’s address for the BBQ tomorrow. At twelve thirty a handful are still there and everything left over from supper was put in boxes for Helen to take home and everyone is walking out with helium balloons. It is a fun finish to this wonderful night.

Helen came across to Evan, gave him the paper he was waiting for and said they would be waiting for his arrival around three. He once again thanked her, kissed her goodbye and found Cynthia and kissed her goodbye also, said he would see her at the BBQ, then left and went on home with a warm smile and feeling throughout his taught body.

Chapter three

E van slept well. In the morning Evelyn went downstairs to his room with a mug of coffee at nine, wanting to know how well it went. He spent the next half hour drinking coffee and telling his mother about the great evening, music and company and how he thinks he has found the love of his life.

Evelyn is dumfounded, Really Evan, what makes you say that? I have never heard you ever predict something as profound as your future in such a loose way. You are always steady, know where you’re going, rarely do you wander off your plan you have spent years perfecting, have such a great outlook, and been saving up to build your home to make a future for yourself.

Yes mum, that’s true, but I always wanted someone to share it with me, I had no intentions of being a bachelor all my life, I am twenty six nearly twenty seven, time is going by. When I do meet the right girl it will be about eighteen months before we would marry and that would make me nearly thirty, I feel I would like to start a family and enjoy them while I’m still young. I have no idea what’s ahead of me really, I just made the comment about Cynthia, as she is the nicest girl I have met in many years.

Well darling, I have no doubt you know what you are doing. I hope all goes well for you.

I have been invited over to Wal’s for a BBQ at three, so I will see Cynthia there and we really do get on well.

You won’t be home for dinner tonight then Evan?

No mum, I will be having a BBQ with the others.

Right then, I will bake a banana cake for you to contribute to the meal.

Thanks mum that would be great. He felt he had better agree otherwise she may feel unwanted or whatever some mothers feel when their kids grow up.

No problem darling.

Evan decided to get up as it was heading for ten am and he wanted to see if his dad had any jobs he needed doing before he went out this afternoon.

After a shower he went to the garage, but Bryan wasn’t there, so he wandered down to the back shed where he found Bryan head down, backside up, in the engine of his vintage car he has restored. She is a real beauty, he has spent endless days and nights getting everything just so, it is getting near the finish and he is hoping for himself and Evelyn to go in a rally spread over the long weekend.

She’s looking good dad. You have done an amazing job.

"Thanks son, Eric has made a great job of the paintwork. She looks like she has just come off the assembly line. I