‘You did. But I’ve stopped being one. Mine and Marina’s solicitors are going to get together for a chat, but thanks to you, I’ll come out ahead – and there’s the sponsorship money I’m owed for half of my dog being a star on the internet. Plus four puppies.’
‘Four puppies? That’s great.’
Devon grinned. ‘You’ve never had a puppy, have you?’
She shook her head, beaming back at him. ‘How hard can it be? Look at Tess. I’m much better at this dog-owning lark. Mind you, I had some help.’
With a tremulous smile, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him with a feather light touch on his lips. ‘Thank you, Devon. For bringing her back.’ Tears shimmered in her eyes.
He took her face in both his hands. ‘I think I deserve another kiss . . . it took me hours to drive to Kent and back.’
She dropped another kiss on his lips.
‘And the traffic was absolutely dreadful.’ He raised an eyebrow in challenge, his hands sliding down to rest on her shoulders.
She kissed him again.
‘And it took me for ever to find Mrs Bosworth’s sister’s place.’
Ella rolled her eyes and stepped forward, slipping her arms around his neck and, pulling his mouth down to hers, pressed her lips with gentle insistence.
Their protracted kiss sent Tess into a tailspin of delight and Ella could feel her thrusting her head between their legs trying to squeeze through and join in.
Devon’s mouth roved over hers, his hand slipping down her back to her waist to hold her closer. ‘Bloody dogs,’ he muttered as Tess almost pushed him over. ‘Although Dexter’s going to be delighted.’
‘Thank goodness they get on,’ teased Ella. ‘It’s an important consideration, you know.’
‘You’re an expert on canine matters now, are you?’
‘I’m getting there.’
‘So four Labrador puppies wouldn’t faze you?’
Devon let out a shout of laughter at her horrified expression.
‘Steady on!’ said Ella. ‘Let’s just take one dog at a time.’
She stooped to pat Tess who promptly collapsed at her feet, her tongue hanging out with what Ella decided was definitely an adoring grin.
‘Where did the ribbon come from?’ asked Ella, spotting Magda’s trademark silver-grey ribbon tied around Tess’s collar.
Devon’s sheepish shrug made her smile. ‘Thought it made a nice touch. Although to be honest Magda gave it to me ages ago, with this.’ He pulled out a crumpled piece of navy blue card. ‘I’ve absolutely no idea why.’
Ella took it from him, smoothing out the creases as she stood in the circle of his arms.
Love and friendship come in many guises,
Steadfast and true
Loyal and honest
Pure and genuine
May you enjoy all three
Blessed be
‘Blessed be indeed.’ She sighed as his arms tightened around her, closing the circle to hold her fast. She closed her eyes, herbreath suddenly catching as she realised this was where she belonged.
