Chapter Text
The sun hit Suze’s face. It shined through the highest window. Her nose twitched before her eyes opened to the small piece of warmth she could feel. She groaned, feeling her head pounding from the amount of red wine she drank last night, and slowly turned to see Caz still sleeping beside her. A small smile graced her lips. Slowly, she ran a hand through his hair. Caz didn’t stir. The man could sleep through an earthquake.
She touched his cheek and began to stroke his face. He didn’t react. Suze almost forgot that despite all the bruises and cuts Caz endured from his former career and the stubble he had, his skin was soft. Quietly, she shuffled and rested her head on his chest, using the crown as a pillow for his chin.
Now. A question.
Why were they in the barn?
Cait and Maidie weren’t. Suze remembers tucking them into Muir’s childhood bed and kissing them goodnight. Her mind began to slowly wake up, allowing her to put the pieces together. Suze didn’t drink much. She could never hold her alcohol. Nothing came to mind.
Her eyes scanned the barn. She heard Muir’s light snores behind her at the door, saw Gibbo and Jack huddled in the corner, and Addair was back on the upper floor. She couldn’t see Jennifer or his children. Trots wasn’t here. Probably inside with Simon. As for Rennick, Suze quickly realised that it wasn’t a hay stack they were using as a pillow.
She glanced over her shoulder and saw Rennick’s giant head facing the other way in a deep sleep. Turns out the man’s bubbled flesh was very comfy.
The robin, Ruby, was sleeping on a bean above. The barn cats slept beside the former manager, fighting for a spot around the married couple. Suze made it easier for them and moved away to sit up with a roll of the shoulders.
‘So much for staying in the hotel.’
After giving herself a moment to check her watch - 7:45am - she stumbled to her feet, trying to find her balance, then tip-toeing to the door. Until she noticed Cait and Maidie out of the corner of her eye. Turning, she saw her daughters huddled together, resting against Rennick, who held them close with one of his mantis-like arms. She didn’t know why, but the sight made Suze tear up. In a good way. Her heart felt light again, and her mind wasn’t fuzzy. Well, it was, but the wine was to blame for that.
The joy blocked out any anger she’d usually have towards the girls if she learned they had snuck out during the night. It reminded her of the few times the girls stayed with her late father whilst she and Caz worked. They’d return to find the three on a rocking chair fast asleep as Mary Poppins blared on the television with Cait and Maidie in each arm.
'They’ve been here for most of the night,’ Rennick whispered. He only used his eyes to turn to Suze, not wanting to disturb them. 'I don’t think they knew I was awake.’
'I can take them if you want.’
'No, it’s fine. They’re no bother.’
Suze moved and knelt in front of Rennick. 'How are you feeling?’
'Better, thank you. Think I needed that cry.’
'Everyone’s does sometimes.’
'Don’t tell the others, though.’
'Not a word. I’m going to make a coffee. Want one?’
'Why not? Just black though, please.’
'Okay.’
Suze walked back to the doors and opened them, trying not to wake everyone with the creaking that echoed off the walls. A sharp chill from the breeze caressed her face. Something told her that 1976 was going to be a good year for the McLearys. Just two more days to go.
Zipping her coat up to the neckline, Suze tucked her hands into the pockets and walked into the snow.
Rennick slowly shut the doors behind her. Never did he think that Caz’s wife would be his main supporter. It was nice. She helped him feel calm. He sighed, glanced at the girls, and closed his eyes. Just ten more minutes.
'Black, huh?’ Caz snickered. 'Jesus, no wonder you were such a cunt all the time.’
'Shut the fuck up, McLeary.’