Before he sat down, Felix dragged over the fire pit from outside his tipi and set about lighting it. Soon, warm flames danced in front of them, adding to Sarah’s feeling of calm.
‘I know I’ve already said it, but I am sorry,’ said Sarah. ‘I can’t promise a personality transplant, but I can promise to try harder.’
‘Sarah, we appreciate your apology, but you’ve said sorry enough. And please don’t change, you’re very good at dealing with difficult customers…’
‘Like my mother?’
An awkward silence developed until Sarah let out a giggle. ‘I can’t believe her, I can’t believe I wasbecomingher!’ Sarah pulled off a very accurate impression of her mother and Marjorie, much to the delight of her assembled friends.
Talk turned to the wedding, stomachs rumbling as Sarah described the food she had planned. A bottle turned into two as conversation flowed as easily as the wine. Darkness settled around them and a distant car horn signalled Bob had arrived to drive Kate home.
‘Kate?’
‘Yes?’ said Kate, pulling on her coat.
‘I know this is cheeky, but would you be able to squeeze an extra guest in next week? Not at the meal, I just mean for the evening do…’
Kate raised an eyebrow. ‘Have you got a hot date?’
‘No,’ laughed Sarah, ‘nothing like that. But I would like to invite my dad down for a visit. He’d love it here. He’d love you,’ said Sarah, waving her arm to include everyone around the fire.
‘Of course he can come,’ said Kate, ‘to the whole thing if he wants.’
‘Thank you, I’ll ask him.’ Sarah surprised Kate by pulling her into a hug.
Kate put her arms around Sarah. ‘I’m glad you’re back,’ she said.
Sarah felt tears prick her eyes. For once, she believed Kate. For once, she trusted that someone would want to spend time in her company.
‘I’m off too,’ said Hattie. ‘Are you OK to start back at work tomorrow, Sarah?’
‘I can’t wait.’
With Kate and Hattie gone, Sarah felt awkward, aware of Felix’s proximity and the unresolved feelings they hadn’t yet tackled.
‘Right, um, I guess I’ll head to bed.’
‘Sarah.’ Felix stood up and pulled Sarah into him. His touch was gentle, but she felt as though all her breath had squeezed out, her brain turning to mush as she slid her arms beneath his coat. They stayed like that for what felt like hours, but was probably only a few minutes. When Felix pulled away, he looked into her eyes, then leaned over and placed the lightest of kisses on her forehead. ‘Sleep well,’ he said, his voice muffled by all they hadn’t said.
‘Night,’ whispered Sarah, releasing her arms and heading into her tipi. She glanced back to see Felix putting out the fire, then climbed into bed, her heart full of possibilities and what ifs. They had given her a second chance, and she didn’t intend to waste it.
Chapter 45
Sunlightstreamedinthroughthe tall glass windows of the hotel bedroom. Tiny silver horseshoes clustered around an open champagne bottle and the room smelled of flowers and hairspray.
‘Here’s to friendship,’ said Kate, clinking her glass against her friend’s.
‘Here’s to romance,’ said Joy, before taking her glass to the balcony for a smoke.
‘This is all rather wonderful,’ said Fran, propped up against cushions on an armchair.
‘Are you sure you’re comfortable enough?’ asked Kate.
‘Goodness me, love, don’t be worrying about me, it’s your big day.’
Kate smiled. Sarah pulled out a small cardboard box and handed it to Kate. ‘Your something blue,’ she said with a shy smile, praying Kate liked the contents.
‘Oh wow, I love them,’ said Kate, examining two delicate earrings. Tiny blue flowers hung suspended in clear domes from silver hooks. Kate held one up to her ear. ‘What do you think?’
