‘You say that, but I just can’t get closer to you because I know it’ll hurt when you go. I can’t deal with any more upset.’
‘So you like me a little bit then?’ Verity teased.
‘Of course.’
She leaned towards him and rested her forehead against his. She smiled. ‘Someone very wise once told me that sometimes in life, you have to just let go, go with the flow and see what happens. We may get our hearts broken – but what if we don’t? I truly believe it was fate that I found that postcard and it brought me here, to you. No matter what happens, meeting you, spending time with you, has been one of the greatest joys of my life. No matter what happens, I’ll have the best memories.’
‘But that’s just it, you’ll leave, go back to Staffordshire and all that will be left are the memories?—’
‘What if I tell you I love Puffin Island?’
‘I’ve heard it all before.’
‘What if I tell you’—she moved away from him, slowly reached inside her bag and pulled out the keys of the surgery flat—‘that these are the keys to my new flat…hopefully?’
Sam’s eyes widened. ‘New flat?’
‘My new flaton Puffin Island.’
Verity watched the expression on Sam’s face as the penny dropped.
‘Where?’
‘Above Cliff Top Veterinary Surgery. And not only that, I also have an interview this afternoon for the position of veterinary assistant.’
‘That’s brilliant, Verity!’
‘I’m doing everything in my power to stick around.’
‘You’re being serious, aren’t you?’
She nodded. ‘Deadly.’
‘Cooper would be mad not to take you.’ Sam stood up, pulled her in for a hug and squeezed her tight. When he let go, he cupped his hands around her face. ‘I’m so glad you’re staying.’
‘Me too.’
He bent his head and kissed her softly on the lips.
‘What’s happening here?’ she asked.
He pulled away slowly. ‘I think, just like Pete, Betty and yourself, I’m making a fresh start.’ He smiled. ‘And I promise I’ll go and talk to someone, because I don’t want to mess this up.’
‘This?’ she queried, moving her finger between them.
‘Yes, this,’ he said, mimicking the motion.
‘I don’t want you to mess it up either.’
‘I think I’d be an idiot not to take a chance with you.’
‘I think you’d be an idiot not to, too.’ This time Verity leaned in and kissed him first. ‘I have got one thing to say to you, though.’
‘Which is?’
‘Luckily for you, it’s not a leap year.’
Sam grinned. ‘You’re not funny.’
