‘It’s that I have one last wish. Not all my wishes have come true yet.’
‘What is it?’
‘That you’ll come and stay with me in Prague. Otherwise, I may have to leave the business and follow you to Wales.’
‘You’d do that for me? Give up your dream for someone you’ve just met?’
‘As your aunt said, sometimes you don’t need to spend a long time with someone to know they are the one. I know that you’re the one for me, and I won’t let the distance get in our way.’
I move over to kiss Tomas. I don’t think I have ever met anyone in my life who would give up their dreams to be with me. It is the evidence I need to see that Tomas is nothing like Craig. I can trust him.
‘Oh, but we can’t have you give up your dream for me, now, can we?’ I say.
‘No?’
‘Nope. You know, the mill would make the perfect holiday home. Admittedly, it’s a bit isolated, but I’m sure people would love to stay in this lovely setting to escape the rat race. I can’t promise, but I’ll make some enquiries about letting it out for holiday rentals. That way, I could maybe spend more time in Prague with you, and we can make sure we’re doing the right thing.’
‘You’d do that for me?’
I realise that I would definitely do that for Tomas.
‘Yes, I would. I think that’s fair enough. We both get to keep our dreams but can also be together.’
‘Now that sounds like the best compromise I’ve ever heard,’ grins Tomas, and then we make love as I try to commit every precious moment to memory, knowing he is leaving tomorrow.
Chapter Thirty-Three
When I wake up the next morning, there is no sign of Tomas in bed. I feel a rush of panic. What if he has gone to the airport without saying goodbye? Did he mean all the things he said last night, or was it really too good to be true? I tell myself that Tomas is a man of his word, and I must have faith in him. If he said all those things then he must have meant them.
I turn over and face the bedroom door, which has been left open. He must be around here somewhere. I listen carefully to see if he is banging around in the kitchen, but I don’t hear anything. Then, suddenly, I hear the latch on the front door. Is he sneaking out or in? I can’t be sure. I sit upright to listen, and then I hear the water running in the kitchen.
‘Tomas,’ I shout.
‘Yeah, I’ll be up in a minute.’
I feel relief that he hasn’t run out of here, and I tell myself that I am right to trust him.
When he finally appears around the bedroom door, he’s holding a mug of tea he has made for me.
‘Thought you’d fancy tea in bed.’
‘That’s very kind of you. What a nice way to wake up.’
As he hands me the tea, I notice his hands are red and feel cold.
‘You’re icy cold. What have you been doing?’
‘Oh, nothing. It’s cold downstairs. I got the fire going ready for you before you get up.’
Leaning over to kiss him, I tell him how thoughtful he is.
‘I’m so lucky to have met you.’
‘I’m so lucky to have met you,’ says Tomas.
‘No, I’m lucky.’
‘No, I’m luckier to have my beautiful Olivia,’ laughs Tomas.
