Page 41 of A Winter Wish

I glance at him. He’s gazing at the bonfire, his face in profile, and my eyes are drawn to his lovely strong jawline and the firmness of his lips. A delicious shiver runs through me at his nearness. ‘News?’

He turns with a modest smile. ‘My offer on the stables has been accepted. I had a phone call on the way here.’

My eyes widen. ‘Oh, Rory, that’s brilliant! Congratulations. Wow, that’s amazing.’

‘I know.’ He laughs in disbelief. ‘I’m going to own the stables. You can pinch me if you like.’ He holds out his hand, but instead of pinching him, I instinctively grab hold of his arm and hug it to me, laughing happily, so excited for him. Grinning, he wraps his arm around me and when I turn towards him, it feels so natural to go in for a big, full-on hug.

‘I’m so proud of you,’ I murmur, as he holds me tightly against his chest and my pulse leaps into overdrive in response. ‘Not that I’m entitled to feel proud.’

‘Yes, you are.’ He chuckles softly. ‘You’re the one I told about my dream. And you’re the one who encouraged me to take the plunge by letting me know I wasn’t completely crazy. If anyone’s entitled to feel proud, it’s you, Clara.’

We pull away, smiling into each other’s eyes, and I whisper, ‘Well, in that case, I’mveryproud.’

‘Thanks.’ He takes my gloved hand and squeezes hard. And then he doesn’t let go.

We sit side by side, staring into the dying embers, and the most incredible feeling of deep joy and contentment starts to ripple through me. I have to catch my breath at one point, it’s so intense, and I find myself wishing I could bottle this feeling, to cheer me when life gets too tough.

I want to sit here forever, wrapped in our cosy bubble for two, my hand curled in his, the night made even more magical by the starry sky, the moonlight and the still-glowing, smoky embers of the fire. And Rory’s fabulous news, of course...

The noise of a car engine pierces my mood. I turn my head as Shaun’s headlights bump onto next-door’s driveway.

Rory looks down at me, but in the semi-darkness, I can’t quite make out the expression in his eyes.

‘I’d better go,’ I whisper, even though the last thing I want to do is move. ‘I said I’d pop over when Shaun got home.’

He nods and sets my hand free. And when I get to my feet, I sway a little because the feeling of crazy light-headedness is still there.

‘You okay?’ he murmurs.

‘I think so.’

We smile at each other and it might be wishful thinking, but when the last flickering flames illuminate his face for a second, I imagine I catch a trace of wistfulness in Rory’s eyes.

My feet seem frozen to the ground but it’s nothing to do with the sparkling frost I’m standing on.

It takes all the will-power I possess to leave Rory’s side and walk over the grass, in the direction of the gate...

CHAPTER NINETEEN

It’s the following evening and Lois is all excited because Rory is taking her out for dinner at her favourite restaurant. (I have a feeling it’s payback for him daring to spend Bonfire Night without her.)

Rory arrives on time, smelling delicious and looking gorgeous in a dark grey suit, white shirt and blue tie. As I let him in, I call up to Lois and she says she’ll be down in a minute.

Her handsome date parks himself at the kitchen table to chat to me, loosening his tie and casually stretching out his long legs, giving me the benefit of his twinkling-eyed smile as he studies me. My poor heart feels like it’s about to give out at the sight of him, so I try very hard to focus instead on the dinner I’m making for Bertie, Irene and me.

‘That looks good,’ he murmurs.

‘Pasta carbonara. Made the real way with eggs and Parmesan and pancetta.’ I show him the pan. ‘It’s Bertie’s favourite.’

He leans forward and takes an appreciative sniff. Then he glances outside, where it’s blowing a gale and rain is dashing itself against the window. ‘Lucky you. Staying in.’ He grins ruefully. ‘This kitchen is always so cosy. Do you think Lois would mind if we gave the restaurant a miss?’

‘Oh, not at all. Whatever makes you think that?’

We look at each other and chuckle– a purely affectionate response to the idea that Lois would willingly give up a glam night out for pasta at home in the kitchen.

‘Ah, well.’ He gets to his feet. ‘Better go and see how she’s getting on or we’re going to lose the table.’

‘Ta-dah!’

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