He Levelled the Garden, Made Flowerbeds for Marie, Built a Summerhouse, and Brought a Man’s Touch to…

He levelled the earth, made flower beds for Rebecca, and built a gazebo at the end of the garden. Even in the house, you could feel the steady touch of a mans hand. Yes, truly, Rebecca had made the right choice in a husband. Absolutely the right one. And on top of everything else, Andrew earned good money. He was always trying to make Rebecca happy with little presents.

You didnt even love me at first, did you? Married me without love. So now youll leave me, now that Im ill

Ill never leave you! said Rebecca, hugging Andrew. Youre the best there is, and Id never let you go

He could hardly believe it. Andrews mood was darker than ever.

Rebecca had been married for twenty-five years, and even after all that time, she still turned mens heads. Shed been popular even when she was youngeveryone chased after her at school, even though Rebecca was never exactly a beauty.

Regardless, she never divorced her husbandeven though he was a right old character.

No, Rebecca stayed with David until the day he passed. Theyd raised their daughter, Kelly, and watched her marry. Her husband whisked her off to Italy, and now they sent back beautiful photos and invited Rebecca to visit. Somehow, she and David never made the trip. Perhaps Rebecca would go one day. But that was that for David.

Rebeccas husband died in a car crasha thoroughly senseless business. Later, people said he probably took ill at the wheel, heart gave out, lost control.

Perhaps he fainted? Rebecca wondered aloud.

Well never know, sighed her friend, Sarah, a doctor. Cause of death: multiple injuries, not compatible with life.

Rebecca was in shock, and Sarah helped organise everything.

She even got all the details through her contacts. David was buried, and Rebecca was left alone in the big house theyd built together over a lifetime.

For two, the house had seemed cosy, even welcoming when guests arrived. Alone, it was cavernousand sometimes a burden for a woman by herself.

A house is still a house. And sometimes, a mans hand is needed

Kelly came home for her fathers funeral. She spoke with her mother about selling the house, finding a flat, and maybe even having Rebecca move in with them.

No way! Rebecca declared. I didnt spend years building this house just to sell it. And Im not interested in your Italy either. Ive seen enough of it in photos

Mum!

Oh, Kelly, dont be so cross! Rebecca smiled through tears. Just pulling your leg.

Well, if youre joking, maybe things arent so bad.

It was all a bit complicated. Much like Davidhed been a caring and loving husband, but his moods were mercurial. When he was down, he could drain Rebeccas patience to the last drop. Later, hed apologise, and Rebecca, always easy-going, never dwelled on it. Somehow, they made it work. Twenty-five years! Enough to make anyone dizzy.

Kelly stayed a while, then off she went. Her husband was busy, and she hurried home to keep their home going. Rebecca remained alone.

But knowing herself, she understoodthis wouldnt last.

And she was right. She grieved for months, but when the tears dried, she realised she already had a small group of hopeful admirers weaving themselves into her life again.

Even Rebeccas mother had once wondered about her daughters appeal.

What do they see in you? Theyre practically stacked up at the door! Youre not exactly a classic beauty, at least…or am I missing something?

Youre kind, Mum. Rebecca would smile, slicking on lipstick. Beauty isnt everything. Means nothing, really. A woman should be charming and have that certain spark.

Off you go, then, her mother would laugh. Or your suitor will get tired of waiting.

Another will come, Rebecca would shrug with indifference.

Now, nearly thirty years on from that talk, nothing had changed. Women always moan there arent any decent men leftnone to marry after forty.

Rebecca never understood that problem. At forty-six, she had two suitors alreadyand both were solid men.

Her heart drew her to Thomas. She was taken in by his looks and their conversationscharming, intelligent, always interesting to talk to, and pleasant company in public.

But Thomass real gift was for talking; Rebecca could listen to him for hours, butwith her years and experienceshe understood that he wasnt a man to build a life with in her big house.

The other, Andrew, was a straightforward, strong bloke. The sort who could drink a pint or two at a party, but could also mend, build, fixreal golden hands, gentle but with strength inside.

Hed be loyal as a puppy with his wife, but if need be, hed move mountains for her. Oddly, Rebecca was less attracted to Andrewwhich, she knew, was foolish.

He didnt flatter her with beautiful speeches. Sober, he was a quiet man; if hed had a drink, he might share a funny tale or a joke, or join in conversation.

Yes, Andrew could hold his drink, but was always back in action the next day. A cold shower, and off hed go. He didnt waste words, but always got things done. And Rebecca chose him.

Thomas, wounded that his words had failed to charm, drifted away.

Rebecca married Andrew, who was over the moon. At the wedding, he drank a bit too much, singing and dancing late into the night.

Well, well, laughed Sarah. A year since David passed, and here you are, married again! Nothing ever changesyou just have to pop out your front door and men come running.

Dare you say, What do they see in you? Youre not even a beauty! Rebecca grinned.

Never mind thatstill, youre strangely popular.

I dont know what they find in me, Sarah. Go ask my mum.

Rebecca winked at her friend and went to dance with her husband. He had just come over to ask her. As they danced, she chased away her last doubts.

So what if Andrew was simple? He was strong, handy, and still quite good-looking too. If he spent more time quiet than talkingmaybe that was even a good thing.

Had she chosen Thomas, what then? Pretty words dont put food on the table.

Within a few months, Andrew transformed Rebeccas garden into a paradise. He removed old trees and levelled the ground, built flower beds and a lovely gazebo. Even inside, the house was tidier and more comfortable, thanks to his steady hands.

Rebecca was sure she had made the right choice.

On top of it all, Andrew was a good provider and tried his best to please Rebecca with gifts.

She compared this brief period together with her twenty-five years in her first marriage, and honestly regretted not meeting Andrew sooner. He was worth his weight in gold.

During the warmer months, theyd cook on the barbecue and enjoy dinner together at the wooden table and benches Andrew had set up in the gazebo.

Rebecca, full of grilled lamb, would squint contentedly at Andrew. He would smile quietly at her.

What is it, Andrew?

Oh, nothing. Im happy.

His first wife had been a bore. Hed never thought hed meet someone so wonderful.

They spent four happy years together, but then Andrew gradually started feeling off.

He got tired quickly. Lost weight without explanation. And if he had a drinksomething he did enjoy on occasionhe felt truly awful afterwards.

Andrew, you must see the doctor! Rebecca insisted, alarmed. What are you waiting for? Something is clearly wrong.

Nonsense, Rebecca. Ill be fine!

Oh, dont be silly! What if youre not? Or are you scared of doctors, like most men are?

No.

Andrew didnt want to admit what really scared him. He feared that if he turned out to be seriously ill, Rebecca would leave. She hadnt married him for love, he was surejust for practical reasons. But he truly loved her, against all odds.

Hed fallen for her the moment he saw a confused woman in a shop, rummaging in her bag for her purseher flustered manner was deeply endearing.

He wanted instantly to look after her, to take care of her for life. Although when Andrews mum first met Rebecca, she said, mystified:

Son, its your life. But what on earth do you see in her? Shes no beauty, and not young anymore. You could have any girl you want!

But Andrew needed no other. If he was ill now, would Rebecca still want him?

She couldnt persuade him to see a doctor. Then one Saturday evening, with their friends Sarah and her husband Peter over for dinner, it happened. The men were out with beers, grilling in the garden. In the kitchen, Sarah said quietly to Rebecca:

Is Andrew unwell?

Im not sure! Rebecca burst out. Im begging him to see a GP, but he just refuses! Youre a doctor. What do you think? He doesnt look well, does he?

Well hes looking a bit rough. Lost weight too. And his skinlooks a bit yellowish to me.

Oh, God! Sarah, please convince him to see a doctor! He might listen to you. Youre a doctor.

Sarah looked at her friend carefully.

Rebecca do you love him? I remember you being a bit unsure before

Rebecca bit her lip and said nothing.

But Sarah never got the chance. That evening, Andrew passed out at the table. They called an ambulance. Rebecca went with him. He never woke up on the way. She held his hand, praying.

He was taken straight in for surgery.

Theres a growth on his liver.

Cancer?! Rebecca was horrified.

Were waiting for the biopsy results.

Luckily, the tumour was benignbut it was already quite large when Andrew was admitted.

Doctors forbade almost everything, warning that recovery would be slowand perhaps never complete. After all, he wasnt young now.

Andrew fell into a deep gloom. His mother, Mrs Taylor, visited him in hospital.

Rebecca was at work; Mrs Taylor brought food Andrew was allowedvery little, as per the diet.

Son, you look dreadful! she exclaimed. You survived. No cancer! You should be thankful. Here, have these steamed cutlets.

Im not hungry.

You need to eat! Whats the matter? Does Rebecca visit?

She comes for now, Andrew replied.

What? Think shell leave you? Well, shed be daft if she did!

Its all over for me. Cant work, cant do anything. Only fifty in June, and an invalid already. Who wants an invalid?

Whats all this? asked Rebecca as she walked in. Are you shouting so the whole ward can hear? Hello, Mrs Taylor!

Ill be off, I think. Bye, Rebecca. Be good.

Whats happened?

Mrs Taylor simply waved a hand and left. Rebecca washed her hands and went over to her husband.

Whats wrong, you daft thing? Arms and legs work fine. Youre no invalid. The rest will heal. People recover from this, you know!

Do they?

Yes! Liver can repair itself, even if just fifty-one per cent is left. And youve got sixty per cent. Give it time. Itll work out.

Do I have time, though?

Eh? Rebecca was puzzled.

Time.

Andrew, is there something youre not telling me? Have you hidden something from me, got the doctor to keep something back?

No, nothing like that

Andrew was discharged, but it was the lowest point of his life. The smallest bit of work left him exhausted, and it frustrated him deeply.

He had a milestone birthday coming upa thought that filled him with dread. Couldnt eat what he wanted, couldnt drink. What a celebration.

Rebecca seemed not to notice Andrew was worn out, sitting beside him contentedly munching through the diet food.

Rebecca he ventured one day. What will happen to us now?

What do you mean?

I mean Im not recovering quickly at all. Will you leave me? Please, just say it straight.

Why on earth would I do that? I love being with you.

That was when I could still do things, when I could work. Whats good about now? Even I dont like being with myself.

Nonsense. Come on, chin up!

Im trying! But what is this? Two swings with a hammer and Im worn out.

Rebecca hugged him from behind, pressed her cheek to his hair.

I do love you, you know. I never will leave you. Take your time to recover. Let it go at its own pace.

You love me? Really?

Honestly, I do.

Rebecca didnt leave Andrew. He recovered, slowly but surely.

For his birthday, Rebecca organised a party without alcohol so he wouldnt feel left out. A few friends came, and they enjoyed an evening in the gazebo, playing board games.

Youre lucky to have Rebecca, Andrew, his friends said as they left.

I suppose youll go to the pub and toast my health without me? he teased.

They laughed, said their goodbyes. That evening, Rebecca and Andrew sat on the front step, gazing at the stars, happy. That night, Andrew felttruly for the first time in monthsthat he was getting better.

He believed, finally, that hed recover. That Rebecca wouldnt leave him. He hugged her tighter.

Andrew, whats wrong?

Nothing at all! he replied.

About time, Rebecca sniffed and kissed his cheek.

They were happy.

Sometimes, happiness in life means seeing the value in what is real and steady over what merely sounds sweet. Its not always the grand gestures or lovely words that fill a home with warmth, but those patient hands, steadfast hearts, and the simple willingness to stand by each other, come what may.