‘That makes two of us.’
‘So, what shall we do today?’ asks Tomas.
‘It depends on the snow. I was supposed to go to the solicitor’s to sign some papers, but I’m not sure we’ll get out.’
I leave the cosy duvet and the warmth of Tomas’ body to take a look out the bedroom window.
‘Hmm, definitely looks like a snow day to spend at home. Don’t think we’re going anywhere.’
‘Oh really, that’s disappointing,’ laughs Tomas.
‘Yeah?’
‘I can’t possibly imagine a better day than being stuck at home with you in the snow.’
We both smile, and then I get back into bed. We spend the morning snuggling under the duvet and only get up to grab a cup of tea to bring back to bed. This must be the most delightful morning ever.
‘I don’t know that I’ve ever had a more enjoyable day of doing nothing,’ I say.
‘This is certainly the best snowstorm I’ve ever had,’ says Tomas.
I kiss along Tomas’ chin, which is starting to get a five o’clock shadow. I stop to look at him for a moment.
‘I don’t know what’s going on between us, but how can it be possible to feel this close to someone you haven’t known for long?’
‘You know, sometimes, people are made for each other. Even when they’ve lived different lives, like we have.’
‘Why did I not meet you years ago?’ I say, looking into Tomas’ eyes.
‘Because some things are worth waiting for, Olivia.’
Tomas throws the duvet over us, and we sink into its depths and the day goes by in a lazy love-making haze.
Chapter Thirty-One
When we get up the following morning, I can see that the time has come to think about returning to the outside world again. The sun is shining, and the snow has started melting. In some ways, I am disappointed. I could hold Tomas captive here for a while longer. I am tempted to keep the curtains closed and have Tomas blissfully unaware of the change in the weather, but I realise I need to visit Dewi to finish off the paperwork, especially now that I have put the order in for new windows for the mill, and they need the deposit. Why did I have to be so practical?
‘I think it’s starting to thaw. I might be able to introduce you to Dewi by the afternoon if it continues,’ I say.
‘I’d love to meet him, after all the things you’ve told me about him. He sounds like a very kind man, getting you that Christmas jumper and everything. Which, by the way, will always be my first impression of you.’
‘Oh dear. That’s terrible,’ I laugh.
‘No, it’s not. You were so normal and natural. As soon as I saw you, I thought how lovely you were.’
‘Lovely?’
‘Yes, kind and not pretentious. You have this aura about you, so sweet and approachable. Like someone I could trust. What did you think of me when you first saw me?’
‘I guess something similar. You look kind and approachable. I thought you were quite hot, though, actually.’
Tomas laughs. ‘Well, I can tell you that I felt the same way about you too. I regret not sorting things out with Milena sooner and being much firmer with her. I should have been, and I’m sorry you were caught in that crossfire. I knew as soon as I saw you that you were someone very special, and I never wanted to lose you. Can I let you into a secret?’
‘Of course. We’re both being honest here.’
‘When we first met, do you remember how I said that you reminded me of someone? It wasn’t true. I just made an excuse to stop you and find out who you were. That sounds weird, doesn’t it?’
‘No. That’s quite funny. I wasn’t sure what you thought of me.’
