Oliver grinned. ‘I saw the announcement on social media.’
‘Pre-orders are already in the thousands. It’s surreal. And we’ve set up a launch night at the café on publication day. I’ll be signing books, and everyone gets a free slice of torte.’
‘Free cake? That’ll cause a stampede,’ Oliver teased.
Clemmie laughed. ‘Probably. But it felt like the right way to celebrate.’
‘It’s perfect. Just like you handled everything after the competition. You were incredible, Clemmie.’ His expression softened. ‘I’m really proud of you.’
She reached for his hand across the table. ‘I couldn’t have done it without you.’
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Oliver said, ‘I’m glad we told Lady Rosalind some of the truth about Henry Aberford.’
‘Me too, and I’m grateful that the allegation of cheating was quickly dropped and my name cleared,’ Clemmie said. ‘No doubt Lady Rosalind and Bunny had something to do with that.’
‘Without a doubt,’ Oliver agreed. ‘I told you Lady Rosalind was a fair person.’
‘Dare I ask how it’s going with Fiona?’
‘It’s in the solicitor’s hands so hopefully it will all be done and dusted soon. But let’s not spoil this night talking about her.’
‘Agreed. I’m just glad it’s all over and things worked out. I can finally breathe again.’
Oliver lifted his glass. ‘To new beginnings.’
She clinked hers against his. ‘And to this moment. No matter what happens next.’
They drank, letting the warmth of the evening wrap around them, holding on to every second as if time itself might pause if they wished hard enough.
The last spoonfuls of clementine torte were eaten. Oliver looked at his watch. It was time to leave and Clemmie knew it.
Bracing herself, she briefly closed her eyes. ‘Go on. I know you have to go.’
Oliver exhaled. ‘I truly get why you could never leave this place, why you love it here. These people, the way they keep each other’s secrets and protect the island’s own. It’s remarkable.’
Her throat tightened. ‘Oliver…’
Neither of them wanted that conversation. It was too difficult.
‘Damn the timing,’ she replied, trying to lighten the mood.
‘It’s been a hell of a couple of weeks, Clemmie Rose,’ he murmured, standing and pulling her into his arms.
The dam broke, and the tears came fast and hot as she clung to him. ‘A year is a long time, Oliver.’
‘It’ll go fast,’ he promised. ‘This isn’t the end.’
He kissed her deeply and she kissed him back just as fiercely, unwilling to let go.
Finally he pulled away, breathing hard, and cupped her face. ‘I have one more secret to tell you before I leave.’
She looked up at him. ‘What is it?’
‘Just in case you still wonder, it was me who nominated you for The Royal Baking Competition. I didn’t nominate Fiona, she just assumed I did, and I never put her straight. As they say, “You have to pick your battles.” My guess is that Lady Rosalind nominated her.’
She froze. ‘What? You nominated me?’
He gave her a lopsided grin. ‘I knew you would smash it, though I wasn’t aware we’d open a box of secrets! But I’m grateful for this whole experience. It brought us back together.’ He pressed his forehead to hers.
