‘What?’
‘Ruby. I don’t want to leave Ruby.’
Fletcher closed his eyes. Of course, why hadn’t he thought of that? Ruby was her twin sister; they’d always lived together. It was only natural that Lilly wouldn’t want to leave her behind.
‘But it’s only for a few days, Lilly,’ Fletcher tried to reason.
‘I know, but it still wouldn’t feel right, me leaving her to swan off on a cruise when she’d still be at home, all alone.’
Fletcher considered this, a sadness coming over him. Whilst he understood Lilly’s dilemma, he couldn’t help but feel remorse at what she was sacrificing. He didn’t like the thought of going alone either. The idea of him sailing off solo really didn’t appeal. So, with that in mind, he took a deep breath and prayed he wouldn’t live to regret what he was about to propose.
‘Right then, how about Ruby coming too?’
Lilly’s face shot up in delight. ‘Really? Do you mean that?’
‘Aye, if that’s what it takes.’
‘Oh, Fletcher! Thank you so much.’
*
Cassie was driving back to the hotel. It was her day off and she’d spent the morning in the nearby town of Clitheroe, enjoying a little retail therapy. She’d also made an impromptu visit to the hairdresser’s and had a few golden highlights put into her chestnut hair. Feeling upbeat, she sang in tune to the song on the radio.
As she drove along the country lane leading to the inn, she saw a figure jogging in the distance. Getting nearer, she realised it was Rory, recognising those dark curls and tall, solid frame in shorts and T-shirt. Slowing down, her eyes homed in on his powerful legs pounding the ground. He turned on hearing her car and waved. She wound down her window.
‘Do you want a lift back?’ she called. He shook his head.
‘No thanks. Gotta finish.’ Then he gave her the thumbs up.
‘OK, bye!’
Cassie continued on, glancing in the rear-view mirror. She watched him run effortlessly up the incline. What a powerhouse he was. A hot surge glowed through her.
Last night she’d caught the tail end of his and Adira’s conversation. Basically, Adira had inadvertently dropped her in it, but Rory, very gallantly, chose not to take issue and had let Adira’s remark pass. Getting up from the table, he had asked them both what they were drinking and headed for the bar, leaving Adira and Cassie alone.
‘Why did you tell Rory you had a boyfriend?’ she’d hissed.
Cassie had let out a huge sigh.
‘Sorry, I just got cold feet,’ she replied lamely.
‘Why? Rory’s a great guy.’ Adira sounded almost incredulous.
‘I-I… thought because he lived in London—’
‘It’d be like dating Justin?’ Adira cut in sharply. Cassie weakly nodded her head. ‘Listen, Rory is nothing like Justin, believe me,’ she blazed under her breath. It was the first time Cassie had ever seen Adira look so cross.
‘I know, sorry,’ she gulped, then quickly sat back and tried to look casual on seeing him return.
The rest of the evening had passed pleasantly, despite the rocky start. Adira had told them excitedly about her forthcoming wedding, now brought forward to Christmas. Cassie’s eyes had widened, knowing how much work would be involved to organise the event.
‘How will you manage it? You’ve less than three months?’ she’d squealed.
‘It’s in hand,’ Adira had reassured smoothly. ‘It’s just going to be a small, intimate affair.’
‘Am I invited then?’ asked Rory with a grin.
‘Of course, and you can bring her, if you want,’ she joked, pointing at Cassie. At this Rory had turned to look her full in the face. His blue eyes bored into hers.
