Page 70 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

After exchanging greetings, Clodagh offered to go and grab them a drink while Anoushka updated her friends.

‘Thank God he’s okay,’ said Kristy afterwards. ‘Ben’s been threatening to get a motorbike, but I’m hoping this might make him think twice.’

‘Can’t see Molly letting him get one,’ said Brogan before turning her attention to Anoushka. ‘So, you little dark horse, you’re going to be living with Gabe, eh? Well, that’s a turn up.’

‘Yeah, talk about a fast mover,’ said Kristy, giggling and flashing Anoushka a cheeky smile.

‘It’s not like that, you two, as well you know.’ Anoushka quickly glanced around her and leaned towards them. She lowered her voice. ‘Clodagh’s really lovely and means well, but I get the impression she’s quite bossy; still treats Gabe like he’s a little boy – in a loving way. I could see the potential for a lot of little arguments and niggles, which he doesn’t need right now, and that’s the reason I offered to stay with him. And just so you know, if there’s only one bedroom, I’ll be sleeping on the sofa.’ She looked pointedly at her friends who were prevented from saying anything further by the return of Clodagh with their drinks.

‘Here we go.’ Smiling, Clodagh set the tray down on the table before pulling out a chair. ‘Sure, I didn’t think it would be in a hospital where I’d finally get to meet the girl who’s stolen my little brother’s heart. Seems we’ve got quite a bit of catching up to do.’ She stirred her tea. ‘So, when did you two finally get it together?’

Anoushka felt Brogan and Kristy’s eyes swivel in her direction.

‘Good question,’ said Kristy.

43

‘Sure, it’s good to be back home, though it seems strange without the presence of young Bob and his waggy tail.’ Gabe wandered into the lounge area of the lodge, Anoushka following behind with his bag that she’d insisted on carrying for him.

‘Oh, it’s gorgeous in here,’ she said, her eyes taking in the stylish-but-comfortable space that was deceptively roomy, the colour-scheme echoing the palette of the countryside in deliciously muted shades of purples, greens and browns. The heavy tweed curtains at the large bi-fold windows were the perfect frame for the view out over the moors that offered a glimpse of Danskelfe Castle. A collection of Gerald’s landscape paintings looked striking on the walls, while a large, comfortable-looking L-shaped sofa and matching chair sat around a wood-burning stove which had a large basket of logs beside it. She noted Gabe’s acoustic guitar propped up against the wall next to a well-stocked bookcase. At the other end of the room was a state-of-the-art kitchen painted a rich shade of pea-green, a dining table and four chairs set out in the corner. Portia had captured countryside chic – with a heavy emphasis on comfort – perfectly. ‘I’d heard Portia had done a really good job of the lodges, but I hadn’t expected them to be as fabulous as this. She’s very talented.’

‘Aye, she is that. Just wait ’til you see the bathroom. The bath’s enormous; big enough for two.’ He gave a comedic waggle of his eyebrows, making her laugh.

‘I’ll take your word for it.’ She set his bag down on the floor by the door, feeling suddenly awkward, the prospect of them spending several days together under the same roof suddenly feeling very real. ‘I’ll just go back to the car and get my stuff.’ She smiled up at him, tucking her hair behind her ear.

‘Oh, course, yeah. I’ll give you a hand.’

‘It’s okay, you stay put; I can manage.’

‘I won’t hear of it. Despite what Clodagh might think, I’m not an invalid; don’t let her convince you otherwise.’

‘Okay, I won’t, but—’

‘No buts. My headache’s gone and I’m only left with a few aches and pains, nothing major. Clo’s just fussing, which sometimes winds my parents up and gets them worried. You being here has stopped that, for which I’m very grateful. And, it goes without saying, it’s not the only reason I’m glad you’re here.’ He smiled happily back at her. ‘Anyway, come on, let’s get you settled in before Caro gets here with the Bobmeister and all hell breaks loose.’

She didn’t mention how she’d seen him grimace as he climbed in and out of her little car for fear of niggling him, but she resolved to make sure he avoided lifting anything heavy.

Anoushka had just finished hanging her things in the wardrobe of the smaller bedroom when Caro arrived. Gabe opened the door and Bob flew in on a wave of unbridled enthusiasm, bounding about his dad and whimpering excitedly.

‘Hey there, fella, it’s grand to see you but you might need to calm your jets a wee bit or you’ll trash the place. Then what would Lady Davinia have to say, eh? She’s not exactly your biggest fan right now.’ Gabe laughed and ruffled Bob’s ears.

‘Welcome home, darling.’ Caro pulled him into a gentle hug. ‘Mwah, mwah.’ She air kissed each cheek, doing the same with Anoushka. ‘And don’t worry about my mother, those shoes Bob chewed were hideous; he did her a favour.’ She gave a wicked laugh.

‘Well, thanks for bringing this young man over, I hope he’s behaved himself,’ said Gabe, easing himself down on the sofa. Bob parked himself in front of him, his eyes closed in happiness as Gabe stroked his head. ‘Take a pew, Caro. Got time for a cuppa?’

‘Just a quickie, darling. Sim should be here any minute; he had to nip over to the Sunne before he came here.’

‘And how’s Sim doing? It must’ve been a horrible shock, him seeing Gabe come off his bike,’ said Anoushka as she made her way over to the kitchen to make a pot of tea.

‘Yes, he was jolly shaken by it. Says it’s put him off going out on his bike for a while. Can’t say I’m devastated about that; my heart’s always in my mouth when he goes out for a ride on that thing.’

A knock at the door made their heads turn. Bob gave a half-hearted bark but was reluctant to leave Gabe’s side.

Caro strode over to the door, opening it to see Sim standing on the porch, a large cool bag in his hand which Caro immediately relieved him of. ‘That was quick,’ she said as he followed her in.

‘All right, mate. S’good to see you up and about. Flaming hell, you frightened the bloody life out of me when you were lying unconscious on the road.’ Sim headed over to him, resting his hand gently on Gabe’s arm. He plonked himself down on the chair, concern in his eyes as he appraised his best mate.

‘Hey, it’s all good now. Thanks for looking after me, pal.’

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