‘Pickle! If you carry on like this, I’ll be sending you next door to live with Libby.’ Guy’s voice was firm.
Pickle barked one last time and Guy leaned forward, scooped her up under his arm and headed back inside his lodge.
Hearing Guy speak her name made Libby smile, and knowing she was on his mind caused a tiny flip in her stomach. Climbing back into bed she pulled the duvet up to her chest and closed her eyes. The moment she met Guy she was intrigued by who he was, and wanted to know more about him and his personal life. The next month was going to be a lot more interesting with him around. A fleeting thought took her by surprise: what would it be like to be on the arm of Guy Hart? She instantly gave herself a little shake. That couldnothappen. Her path had been chosen for her ten years ago and after all the heartache she’d suffered, she’d vowed never to put herself in that position again.
And she wouldn’t.
But there was no doubt that Guy was the last thing on her mind before she fell asleep…
ChapterFour
Bashing the top of her boiled egg with a spoon, Libby was feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep. It didn’t take long to finish her breakfast and after washing up her dirty plate and mug, she brushed her teeth and sprayed herself with perfume. Glancing out of the window, she noticed it had finally stopped snowing. It was bright outside and according to her weather app the temperature was minus four outside.
Slipping on her coat, and slinging her bag across her body, she placed her hat on her head and wrapped a scarf around her neck. Feeling ready to face the icy outdoors she stepped outside and shook the snow from the branches of the Christmas tree standing tall by the front door. When she returned later, she had every intention of throwing some decorations on it.
Burying her chin in her scarf she walked across the grounds of Starcross Manor towards the main entrance. For the past few years, Heartcross Castle had set up an ice rink in the castle grounds for the tourists and villagers to use during the festive season but this year it had moved to Starcross Manor. As she contemplated the backdrop of Heartcross Mountain and the Manor House, Libby wondered if the bride and groom could ice skate. It would be a magical moment to include them skating in their wedding video.
Now heading towards the high street, she reflected that this village really was perfect in every season. In the distance smoke was spiralling out of the chimney pots of the whitewashed houses on Love Heart Lane, and all the fields of Foxglove Farm were veiled in a layer of white candy-floss snow. The frost had polished the trees and the bushes with its glittering silver sheen. It was pure winter magic. A sign erected at the foot of Love Heart Lane listed the new businesses that occupied the barns at The Heart of the Village, which had opened since the last time she’d visited. There was definitely going to be a crêpe with her name on it after she’d introduced herself to Florrie.
With her hands buried deep inside her pockets Libby headed across the bridge that linked the village of Heartcross to the town of Glensheil and noticed a familiar figure walking towards her. The sight of Guy pulling Pickle on the sledge was just as hilarious the second time, the dog sitting upright with the wind tossing her ears, her nose in the air. She sported a red fleece coat to match the sledge, and Libby couldn’t help but smile. Guy was focused on the road in front of him, and on avoiding the mounds of snow piled along the edge, so didn’t see her coming.
‘Good morning,’ trilled Libby as she approached him.
He lifted his gaze. As soon as he saw her, his eyes sparkled and his smile grew.
She pointed and gave a little chuckle. ‘Is this the latest fashion accessory for dogs?’
Guy rolled his eyes. ‘I must have the only dog in the world who doesn’t like going for a walk. People keep pointing at us and taking photos. Pickle is about to become the latest TikTok sensation.’
‘A very well deserved honour.’ She laughed. ‘You can’t really blame them. It’s a very comical sight.’
The second Pickle heard Libby’s voice she was up dancing on her hind legs, bum waggling, tail wagging. Libby bent down and scooped her up in her arms. ‘I think you’ve got the right idea. I mean, when you can have your own chariot and be pulled along, who would want to get their feet wet in the snow?’ Libby gave her a quick hug before placing her back on the sledge.
‘Don’t go encouraging her, she’s a diva at the best of the times. Also, why is it that when humans talk to puppies, their voice rises an octave and they sound all babyish?’
‘It’s one of the mysteries of life.’
‘Where are you heading? Despite the weather, it’s quite busy in town.’
‘I’m just off to the fabric shop then I’m going to have a look around The Heart of the Village. I believe there’s a pet shop there; you might be able to get Pickle some Wellington boots.’
‘You really aren’t that funny.’
Libby pinched her thumb and forefinger together. ‘Just a little.’
‘The jury is still out,’ he said. ‘I best get this one back.’ He hesitated. ‘I don’t suppose you have plans this afternoon?’
The only things that Libby had planned this afternoon were chasing Flynn for the file on the competition winners so she could familiarise herself with their background, and decorating the Christmas tree outside the front door of her lodge.
‘Nothing, absolutely nothing.’
‘If you’re free I’m walking over to the deer park. I’m hoping to shoot some fantastic footage before the snow begins to fall again.’ He glanced up at the sky, which was still looking heavy with snow. ‘But it might not be your thing,’ he quickly added, giving her the option to decline.
The invitation had left a warm flush running through Libby’s body and she paused for a moment, trying to calm her racing pulse.
‘I mean, if you’re here with someone else, they are more than welcome to come too,’ he said, interpreting her silence for hesitation.
‘No, I’m on my own, it’s just me.’ Libby noticed the corners of his mouth immediately lift, and turn into a full-on smile that had such intensity it made her heart beat faster. He was a vision of total gorgeousness and Libby had to remind herself to breathe. How did he do that?
