He Turned the Garden Into a Dream, Built Her Flowerbeds and a Gazebo, Made Their House a Home—No Won…

Hed levelled out the earth. Built flowerbeds for Caroline, even set up a lovely little gazebo in the garden. The house itself felt the touch of a strong, capable man. No, Caroline had chosen her husband well. Absolutely. On top of it all, Simon earned good money and was always trying to make Caroline happy with little gifts.

You never really loved me, Simon once said quietly. You married me without love. Youll leave now that Im ill, wont you

I wont! Caroline cried, wrapping her arms around him. Youre the best man I could wish for! Ill never leave you

He struggled to believe it. Simons spirits had sunk terribly low.

Caroline had been married for twenty-five years, and in all that time, she’d kept catching mens eyes. Even as a girl, she was always the one boys chased after.

And that was saying something even in school, nearly every boy tried to win her over. Yet Caroline had never been a classic beauty.

Despite her husbands flaws for Simon was never an uncomplicated man she never left him. She stayed by his side until the end. They raised a daughter together: Abigail. She married young and moved to Italy with her husband, sending home beautiful photographs and inviting her mother over. But Caroline and Simon never quite made the journey. Perhaps, one day, Caroline would go. But for Simon that was it.

Simon died in a car accident. Such a senseless way to go They said later that, most likely, hed felt unwell while behind the wheel. His heart must have given out, he panicked and lost control.

Do you think he might have blacked out? she asked.

Well never really know now, sighed her friend, Helen, who was also a doctor. The cause: multiple injuries, incompatible with life.

Caroline was in shock. Helen helped her organise everything.

Through her contacts, Helen learned all the grim details. Simon was buried, and Caroline was left alone in the big house they’d spent their lives building.

For two, especially with visitors round, it never felt too big. But for one woman for Caroline it was immense, a burden.

A house is still a house. It needs a mans touch.

Abigail returned for her fathers farewell. She brought up selling the house, getting a flat, perhaps her mother could move to Italy with them.

Absolutely not! Caroline exclaimed. I didnt build this house just to sell it off. And Ive seen your Italy, thank you very much

Mum!

Youre a silly thing, Abigail! Caroline smiled through her tears. Just teasing.

Well, if youre joking, maybe things arent so bad as they seem.

Nothing was ever simple. Simon had been complicated too. He was a caring, loving husband on the one hand; on the other, one ruled by moods. When the blackness descended, Simon could drain every ounce of patience from her. Later, hed apologise, repent, but Caroline never dwelled on such moments. That was how theyd lived. Twenty-five years! Enough to drive anyone mad.

Abigail stayed a while before heading back her husband busy, so she hurried home to keep the family fires burning. Caroline was alone again.

But, knowing herself as she did, she realised it wouldnt last.

She grieved for half a year, and after wiping away her tears, she found she was already surrounded by a few would-be suitors.

Even Carolines mother, years before, had marvelled at how in demand her daughter was.

What do they all see in you? Theres always a crowd! And yet, youre no great beauty or am I missing something?

Mum, youre kind, Caroline would reply, touching up her lipstick. Beautys nothing but an empty word. A woman must be captivating. With a spark.

Go on, off you go out, woman, her mum would laugh. Or your suitor will get tired of waiting and leave.

Let him, another will come, Caroline would say with a shrug.

Nearly thirty years since that conversation, and nothing had changed. Women still complained that there were no good men left, no one to marry after forty.

Caroline never understood that problem. At forty-six, she found herself with two suitors, both good men.

Her heart leaned toward Mark. Charming, polished, bright a delight to talk to, and handsome enough to take anywhere. But he was better at talking than doing. Caroline, with her age and experience, knew: a man like that wasnt for her not for this big house.

The other, Simon, was plain but dependable. The sort of man who could drink a barrel at a party, but put things right with his hands, fix anything, make fires burn high. Strong, reliable, steady quiet, unless hed had a few ales, then he’d tell stories and jokes and carry on cheerfully.

He could drink, no doubt about it, but the next day hed be right as rain, pouring cold water over himself and getting things done. He wasnt a talker, but he was dependable. Caroline chose him.

Mark was hurt that his polished speeches had got him nowhere, and left quietly.

Caroline married Simon, and he was over the moon. At the wedding, he had too much to drink, sang songs, danced with abandon.

My word, Caroline, said Helen, smiling. Barely a year since Simon passed, and already youre married again. Nothing ever changes! Some women couldnt pick up a man if they went looking all day with a lantern, and you only need to step outside.

Why not say it What do they see in you? Youre not even much of a beauty!

No, I wont say it. But its always amazed me, how you draw people in.

I dont know what they see in me, Helen. Go ask my mum.

Caroline winked at her friend and went off dancing with her new husband hed come over just then and pulled her close. She waltzed, banishing the last of her doubts as she moved.

So what if Simon was a simple man? He was strong, clever with his hands, and not too bad on the eyes. And if he was mostly silent, maybe that wasnt such a bad thing.

If shed picked Mark what then? Pretty words don’t put food on the table.

Within a few months, Simon turned Carolines patch of earth into an enchanting English garden uprooted old trees, levelled the ground, built beds full of blooms, put up a wooden gazebo. The house itself echoed with the strength of a man dedicated to a home.

No mistake shed chosen well.

Simon earned good money too, always trying to surprise Caroline with thoughtful gifts.

She compared this short chapter of her life with twenty-five years in her first marriage, and sincerely wished shed met Simon sooner. A golden man!

In the warmer months, theyd grill in the evenings, dine in the gazebo, where Simon set a solid wooden table and benches.

Caroline, full of barbecue, would squint contentedly like a cat in the sun. Simon would look at her, grinning.

Whats that look for, Simon?

Nothing. Im happy. Thats all.

His first wife had been endlessly dull. He never thought hed meet a woman so wonderful.

For four years, their happiness overflowed. Then suddenly, Simon began to feel off.

He tired quickly, lost weight for no clear reason. And if he drank which he sometimes did he usually felt much worse.

Simon, you must see a doctor! Caroline pleaded, panic rising in her. What are you waiting for? Somethings clearly wrong.

Oh, dont fuss, Caroline. Itll pass on its own!

What is this, the dark ages? What if it doesnt? Or are you like most men, afraid of doctors?

No.

Simon wouldnt tell her what he was truly afraid of: that if he really was seriously ill, Caroline would leave him. She wouldnt want to be saddled with a sick man.

He wasnt a fool he understood why Caroline married him. She hadnt exactly swept into his arms out of great passion, more of a practical match. But he loved her, completely.

Hed first seen her in a shop, flustered, searching for her purse, and instantly fallen for her. There was something deeply touching about her confusion. Hed wanted to protect her for the rest of his life. His own mother, seeing Caroline for the first time, had raised an eyebrow:

Its your life, son. But what do you see in her? She isnt pretty, nor young. You could have any young woman at your feet!

No one else mattered to Simon, only Caroline. And now, with this illness would he matter to her at all?

She never did manage to persuade him to the doctor. One Saturday evening, Helen and her husband, David, were over. The men sipped ale and grilled, the women prepped salads in the kitchen.

Is Simon ill? Helen asked gently.

I just dont know! Caroline cried out in frustration. I beg him to see a doctor, but he wont! Youre the doctor; what do you think? Somethings wrong, isnt it?

Well he looks worse. Hes thin. And his skin seems almost yellow.

Oh God! Helen, please try to persuade him. Maybe hell listen to you. Im desperate. Really desperate.

Helen looked Caroline over seriously.

Caroline do you love him? Only, I remember how unsure you were once

Caroline bit her lip and said nothing.

But Helen didnt get the chance to convince Simon he collapsed at the dinner table. They called an ambulance in a panic; Caroline rode with him. He didnt wake. She clutched his hand all the way, praying.

Simon was operated on almost immediately.

A growth on the liver.

Cancer? Caroline gasped.

Well have to wait for the tests.

The tumour was benign, but it had grown large by the time Simon made it onto the table.

Doctors forbade almost everything hed have a slow recovery, and might never regain his strength entirely. He was no longer young.

Simon sank into a grey fog. His mother, Margaret, visited him at hospital while Caroline was at work, bringing in food he was allowed which wasnt much.

Son, I hardly know you! Margaret scolded softly. You survived, its not cancer; thats something to be glad for. Here, try a steamed chicken patty.

I dont want any, Simon mumbled.

But you must! Why the long face? Is Caroline coming in?

She comes for now.

What dyou mean? Think shell leave, is that it? Dont be ridiculous!

Im finished. Useless. Cant work, cant do anything. Not even fifty until June, and Im an invalid. Who needs an invalid?

Whats going on in here? Caroline appeared, eyebrows raised. Youll wake the whole ward, you two. Afternoon, Margaret.

I ought to be off. Hello, Caroline. Take care now.

Whats the matter? Caroline asked.

Margaret waved a hand and left. Caroline washed her hands and sat beside her sad husband.

Oh, dont be silly, darling. Your arms and legs are fine! What sort of invalid are you, hmm? I read something about the liver, you know?

What?

The liver can regenerate itself. If theres more than fifty-one percent left, itll grow back. Youve sixty percent left! Give yourself time. Things will work out!

Do I have time?

What? Caroline looked puzzled.

Time.

Simon, what is this? Has the doctor told you something I should know? Have you made them keep things from me?

No, no. Its not that

Simon was sent home, and the hardest part of his life began. Anything remotely strenuous left him exhausted, and that was the most frustrating thing.

He had his birthday coming up, which filled him with dread. He could barely eat, couldnt drink. Some celebration!

Caroline pretended not to notice how quickly Simon tired, cheerfully eating bland meals with him.

Caroline he finally admitted, What happens to us now?

What do you mean? she asked gently.

Well Im recovering so slowly. Youre going to leave soon, arent you? If you are, better say now.

Why would I leave you? I love life with you.

Thats only when Im strong, able to work and do things. What’s there to love now? I cant even stand myself.

Nonsense. Pull yourself together!

Im trying! But what is this? Swing a hammer twice and Im flat out exhausted.

Caroline came up behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed her cheek to the back of his neck.

I love you, Simon. I wont ever leave. Recover at your own pace. Let things take their time.

You love me? Really?

Truly.

Caroline is still by Simons side. His recovery is slow, but steady.

For his birthday, Caroline organised a gathering with no strong drinks; he wasnt left to watch others toast without him.

A few friends came, they sat out in the gazebo, played board games.

Youre a lucky chap, Simon, they told him on their way out.

Youll all have a proper drink to my health now, wont you? he teased.

They laughed, said goodnight. Later, he and Caroline sat together on the porch, gazing up at the stars, happy in the silence. That night, for the first time in months, Simon felt a little better.

He started to believe he was really healing. To believe that Caroline truly wouldnt leave him.

He squeezed her tight.

What is it, Simon? she asked.

Everythings all right, he said with a small smile.

At long last, Caroline murmured, and kissed him softly on the cheek.

They were happy.