‘Trumpets.Drums.Dot’s piano.The lot.’
Ren leaned over, pressing a kiss to my temple.‘Nothing we can’t handle, Sunshine.’
Music and chatter spilt from my parents’ house and it felt suspiciously like déjà vu, except Ren wasn’t inside waiting for me this time.I wasn’t running late.And he wasn’t my best friend any more.He was right beside me, his hand clasped around mine, as we both stared at the door, willing it to open of its own accord.
‘Ready?’ he asked
‘One more minute.’
Ren nodded, squeezing my hand.
A familiar face popped up at the window – Liam’s daughter, Abigail, hair curled from the curlers Kat bought her for her twelfth birthday.Ren and I locked eyes, horror shining there.
‘Abi, don’t—’
It was too late.
‘They’re out here!’ she yelled.‘Standing on the step.Like weirdos.’
My eyes squeezed shut as I could hear shuffling and shushing echoing behind the door.
‘Here we go,’ I muttered.
Ren kissed my forehead, a soft laugh rumbling against my hair.‘It’s not a trial, Lyd.We’ve got this.’
The door swung open.Mum stood beaming, with half of Everly Heath stacked behind her – Dad, Pat, Mary and Nigel from the deli, John the butcher, Ravi from the hardware shop.Jack hovered by Kevin, Ren’s dad.Even Amy, Gen and Claire peeked out from the back, all bright eyes and sly grins.
They took one look at us – looking at the way Ren was turned in to me, my hand tight in his – and the chorus began: gasps, sighs, Dot, the old piano teacher yelled,‘What a handsome couple!’
Ren tucked me closer, warm and protective.‘Want me to take this one, Sunshine?You’ve done enough today.’
I leaned in, and whispered, ‘Give ’em hell.’
Ren turned, his voice clear and commanding.God, someone get me a fan.
‘Right.I’m going to say this once, then that’s the end to all the rumours flying about, all right?’
There were open-mouthed nods and mutters of approval.
‘Yes, we both climbed a load of mountains together, and yes, it was amazing.Yes, we shared a tent.No further questions.’
My shoulders shook with silent laughter.
‘Yes, we’re buying Everly Heath Farm, and we’re fixing up the cottage and living there.Together.The farm will be converted into a hotel, restaurant, and bar – and the best gym you’ll find for miles.Run by the best trainer you’ll find, too.’
He glanced at me, eyes warm.I couldn’t help but beam.
‘No, you can’t have freebies.Support local businesses.It’s going to cost us an arm and a leg.’
I snorted.God, he sounded like Liam.
He glanced down at me, brushing a kiss over my temple.
‘Best for last, Sunshine,’ he murmured.Then, louder, ‘Yes, we are together.Yes, we got together on the hiking trip.Yes, it took us so long because I royally fucked up.Again, no further questions.But I’ve loved Lydia Williams since we were kids.’
Ren glanced down at me, his eyes shining with…love.
‘And half of you already knew how gone I was for her, so this won’t be a surprise.’
