Page 81 of The Wisteria Tree Cottage

‘Oh,’ River smiled. ‘That is good news.’

‘What’s good news?’ Star asked.

Meadow glanced at Heath and he nodded.

‘Me and Bear, we’re—’

‘Mated for life?’ Star asked.

‘Yes,’ Meadow said.

Star looked at Bear, who nodded.

Star grinned. ‘Finally!’

Then she turned her attention back to the plan she was drawing out on a piece of paper. That was it, as far as Star was concerned. No big deal.

‘Right, we have something far more important to discuss,’ Bear said, giving Meadow a wink. ‘Operation Catch Snuggles. It seems our little canine friend has a sore paw and I think we need to catch him sooner or later so we can have a look at it and make sure it doesn’t get infected. We’re going to get some sausages and meat from Alex, if everyone can carry some around with them that will be a start.’

‘What about my trap idea?’ Star said, pointing to her elaborate design that looked like it had come straight from an episode ofThe Road Runner ShoworTom and Jerry.

‘We’ll call that plan B,’ Bear said.

CHAPTERFIFTY-FOUR

‘I want to know everything,’ Indigo said, sitting down next to Meadow in the office. Bear hadn’t come in yet, he and Star were going out to look for Snuggles with various food treats to tempt the dog.

‘I’m not telling you everything,’ Meadow laughed.

‘I don’t want the sordid blow-by-blow,’ Indigo said. ‘Just how it happened.’

‘Somehow we were each other’s first kiss when we were doing the kiss speed dating last night, I knew straightaway it was him and I think he did too. We didn’t move on for our second kiss, we just stayed in the darkness kissing each other for twenty minutes and it was wonderful and lovely and hot as hell. Then, wonderfully, he ended up being my match on the dinner-in-the-dark event too but it wouldn’t have mattered if he wasn’t, we’d already told each other how we felt. We skipped dinner, came back here and…’ Meadow gave a contented sigh. ‘It was utterly magnificent.’

‘Awww, you two were meant to be together, I could see that almost from the first moment I arrived here. I’m so glad you’ve finally told each other how you feel.’

‘I am too.’

The phone rang and Indigo picked it up.

There was someone else she needed to tell too. She logged in to her Connected Hearts profile and wrote a message to AstralSurfer.

So last night, me and my best friend finally declared our feelings for each other and I have never felt happier in my entire life. We just fit together in a way that I share with no one else. He is my soul mate, I have no doubt about that. Thank you for all your help.

His reply took a few moments to drop through.

I’m so happy for you, honestly. This is wonderful news.

Meadow smiled.Thank you.

I guess this is goodbye then.

She frowned. She hadn’t thought of it like that.

I’d like to stay in touch, it’s been great chatting to you over the last few days. We can still be friends, if that’s what you want. You have given me such wonderful advice and I’d love to return the favour when you meet the woman of your dreams, give you the female perspective. I promise not to bombard you with how loved-up I am.

He took a while to respond this time.

OK, that sounds good. I better go.

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