The Ace of Hearts

Alec had to do something special. Something she’d never expect, after all twenty five years was one hell of a landmark. He thought back to the early days, before they were even married, What did she love back then? He remembered not having a radio in the car and he used to sing to her. She always claimed to love his singing, even though he knew it couldn’t be that good.

They were happy days and they were so in love, could it ever be like that again? The one area where he really let her down was the dancing. She loved to dance but even back then his coordination was all over the place. When they went out she always sat out the dances rather than embarrass him. It dawned on him just how long it had been since he’d sung to anyone and as for dancing, that never really got started. His inspiration came to him he knew exactly what to do to make the day special. He was going to need some help but it was possible.

“I don’t know why I’m bothering .”Amy said to her eldest son. “Your father doesn’t seem interested. He’s hardly been here these last few weeks. I’m beginning to think he’s having an affair. I’m not the woman he married anymore.”

“Take it from me mum, you’ve got no worries on that score. Now you just choose the menu and leave the rest to David and me.”

On the day of the anniversary everything went as planned The boys had booked the Rugby club hall paid the caterers and hired a band. The food was delicious and toast were made. Both sons made speeches praising their parents. Then came the hand shaking with all the well wishers  The band started to play and he saw his eldest son Andrew beckon him to come to the stage.

The band reached the end of the song and the singer came to the Mike to make an announcement.

“The next number is a Chris Rea song, Ace of Hearts, and to sing it we have a guest vocalist. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for one of our guests of honour, Alec.”

Amy gasped in surprise at the mention of his name and she trembled as she saw him make his way to the mike. He battled to keep his nerves under control then the band started to play and all those weeks of rehearsal paid off. Every word he was aimed  at her. When he got to the line “only the ace of hearts can save me now” she dissolved into floods of tears.

When the song was finished his sons helped him down from the stage and he went straight to her.

“Dance with me.” he said.

“But you can’t dance.”

“I can try.”

She stood beside him. he pulled her down onto his lap and soon the electric wheelchair was gyrating in time with the music.

“I love you.”she sobbed.