Page 42 of Your Carriage Awaits in Crumbleton
DANNY
Danny pulled into the garage forecourt just as the sun was starting to set. He was knackered. The breakdown had taken twice as long as expected, mainly because the tourist’s car had decided to die in the most inconvenient spot possible—right in the middle of a narrow access road.
Still, at least he knew his dad was home safe and sound thanks to Michelle. She’d sent him a message when they’d got back to the cottage, and he’d breathed a sigh of relief. The amount of comfort those few lines had given him had come as something of a surprise. Just hearing from Michelle had brought a dollop of calm to his stressful evening.
‘You’re being daft, Dalton!’ he chuckled, rolling to a halt in front of the garage doors.
Danny killed the engine of the tow truck and sat for a moment, letting the quiet settle around him. He had so much to be grateful for. His dad was home… and on the mend. Now all he had to do was be patient and wait until the old git was ready to talk about the changes he’d hinted at back in the hospital.
What would it all mean for the garage… and for him?
‘Argh!’
Elvis—who’d been busy bouncing around in the passenger seat, eager to get out of the truck—had chosen that moment to stick his cold, wet nose right into Danny’s ear.
‘You ready to see your Grandpa?’ said Danny. Elvis wiggled his entire body in response.
With a laugh, Danny leaned across and opened the door for him. The excited dog scurried out and immediately bounded off towards the path that would lead him right to the cottage’s front door. It was almost like he could sense Keith was back home.
Danny followed more slowly, keeping his eyes down as he rolled his neck in an attempt to work out the kinks of the day. All he really wanted to do right now was crack open a beer and lounge around in a bath for an hour or two… but first, he needed to check on his dad and face the music. He was bound to get some grief for sending a Singer to pick him up from hospital.
A soft laugh drifting on the evening breeze pulled Danny up short, and he glanced towards the cottage.
Wait… was Michelle still here?!
The sight of the Buick parked outside, and another peal of laughter followed by his dad’s familiar chuckle told him he must be right.
What on earth?!
He might have begged Michelle to act as his dad’s unofficial taxi service, but he hadn’t expected her to stay for hours!
Danny sped up and peered through the kitchen window on his way past. Sure enough, there was Michelle Singer, sitting at the table, talking to his dad, who was ensconced in his favourite armchair.
‘What do you think of that then, boy?’ said Danny, hurrying to the front door before either of them could spot him spying.
The dog, who had his nose pressed up against the front door, glanced up at him. Then he let out a little whine and pawed at the wood.
‘I know! Come on then… let’s find out what’s going on.’ He pushed open the door and stepped into the hallway. ‘We’re back!’
Clearly keen to get to Keith, Elvis shot inside like a furry missile, nearly taking Michelle’s feet out from under her as she appeared in the kitchen doorway.
‘Idiot hound!’ gasped Danny. ‘I’m so sorry.’
‘That’s okay,’ laughed Michelle, steadying herself against the doorframe, looking flustered and all kinds of gorgeous.
It was as much as Danny could do not to scoop her up and kiss her right then and there. He blinked and shook his head. Now wasnotthe time!
‘I can’t believe you’re still here,’ he said, running his fingers through his hair. ‘I’m so sorry… I had no idea it would take me so long to get back. I didn’t mean for you to stay and babysit him!’
‘I was happy to stay, we’ve been having a brilliant time,’ she said with an easy shrug. ‘Pretty easy to babysit, as it turns out!’ she added in a carrying tone, clearly designed to wind his dad up.
‘Cheeky mare!’ Keith yelled from the depths of the kitchen.
Danny smirked, and Michelle giggled.
‘Well… thanks,’ said Danny. ‘Seriously, how is he?’ he added in a lower tone.
‘Knackered,’ said Michelle, her face softening. ‘But he seemed to want some company. I hope you don’t mind that I stayed.’
