The kiss deepens quickly, growing heated, until we finally pull apart, breathless, just in time to hear Emma’s footsteps approaching.
She finds us leaning against the kitchen counter, flushed and slightly panting, and lets out a delighted laugh.
“You two are just too sweet. Honestly. Can’t stay away from each other for more than a heartbeat! I do wonder how you’ll manage once you’re both back at work…”
Remi and I glance at each other, sheepish but smiling.
“Speaking of work,” she goes on, “as I mentioned earlier, Maude’s off early tomorrow, and Ben and I are reopening the clinic. I hope you don’t mind having the house to yourselves until evening?”
“Not at all, Mum,” Remi says quickly, his voice laced with mischief. “We’ll cope just fine…”
Emma chuckles. “Oh, I’m sure you will,” she says, popping the last few items into the picnic baskets: bottles of water, some fresh fruit, and a couple of wrapped slices of cake for good measure.
Once everything’s ready, Remi grabs an old blanket from the chest by the door. Then he takes my hand and leads me out to the garage, where the bikes are waiting.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to take my mum’s bike,” Remi says, pointing to a rather bright pink one.
I frown. “What’s that supposed to mean? Just because my suitcase is pink doesn’t mean it’s my favourite colour…”
Even though… Well , it kind of is. But I’m not about to admit that now.
“Oh no,” he replies, all wide-eyed innocence. “It’s not the colour, it’s just got the lowest frame.”
I don’t let him finish. Arms crossed, I glare at him.
“Excuse me? Are you body-shaming me right now?”
He bursts out laughing.
“I’m not short, I’m justvertically challenged, thank you very much,” I add, trying and failing to keep a straight face.
“You’re adorable, that’s what you are,” Remi murmurs, leaning in to whisper against my ear as he wraps his arms around me again. And just like that, I melt into him. His mum was right, we reallycan’tkeep our hands off each other. If we’re not careful, we’ll end up stuck in this garage all afternoon.
Eventually, with a bit of willpower, we manage to separate. I do end up taking Emma’s bike; itisthe only one low enough for me, after all.
We strap the baskets to the back, then pop inside to say goodbye. Emma’s at the sink, washing up.
“Have fun, boys!” she calls over her shoulder. “Just don’t stay out too late, we’ve got a dinner reservation for half past seven!”
“Don’t worry, Mum, we’ll be back in time,” Remi says, kissing her on the cheek.
I hesitate for a moment, not sure what to do, but Emma turns, dries her hands, and pulls me into a warm, heartfelt hug.
“I’m so glad you’re here, sweetheart. I haven’t seen Remi this happy in ages. It’s clear you’re someone special.”
I nod silently, too overwhelmed to speak. Then, on impulse, I lean in and kiss her cheek before following Remi outside.
He’s already in the garden, helmet on, waiting for me. As soon as I reach him, he hands me mine. After checking the fit, he insists on fastening the strap himself.
I want to roll my eyes and tell him I’m not a child, but I don’t. I let him because I know these small gestures mean everything to him. And to me.
Finally, we set off, riding side by side along the coastal road.
Before us unfolds the most breathtaking landscape I’ve ever seen. The sky is a brilliant shade of cobalt, blending seamlessly with the deep sapphire of the sea. Golden cliffs drop dramatically into the surf, framed by curling white waves and soft clouds that seem painted into place with delicate, deliberate strokes.
The breeze is cool on our sun-warmed skin as we cycle leisurely beneath the blazing summer sun.
And somewhere along that winding road, I realize something simple and profound: I’ve never felt this happy in my entire life.
