‘Rory?’
‘Yep?’
‘Will you look at the house now?’
Hell, she was like a dog with a bone. It sounded like she’d already set her heart on it, which started to give him a sinking feeling.
‘Will do,’ he nodded his head.
‘And Rory?’
‘Yes?’
‘I can’t wait to see you,’ she blew him a kiss.
‘You too, Pixie,’ he winked back.
*
Later that evening he dutifully opened the link Cassie had sent. A dull, depressing sensation hit him as soon as he saw it. The house was the complete antithesis of what he wanted. A new, modern, soulless structure, totally lacking in character, sitting amongst other identical modern, soulless boxes, hemmed in with ghastly picket fences. Even the name of the estate made him cringe, Bowland Rise. A typical souped-up name, given to building projects coining in on the natural surrounding it was blighting, like blots on the landscape. He gave a heavy sigh. This was going to be far harder than anticipated, if this is what Cassie had in mind. That nagging doubt started to itch again.
Chapter 21
‘So, you’re all packed and ready to go, Fletcher?’ asked Adira, smothering a giggle at how excited he looked, like a child on a school trip.
‘I certainly am.’ He plonked his suitcase down in the hall and looked at the clock. ‘They should be here in the taxi any time now.’
‘You’ve got your mobile phone?’ Jasper checked.
‘No!’ Fletcher hurried into the library where he’d left it charging. He unplugged it and looked at the framed photograph on the shelf behind Jasper’s desk. Where had that come from? He peered closer, vaguely recognising the groom. Then he heard the taxi honking and quickly returned to the hall.
‘They’re here!’ called Adira, just as he came back.
‘Yes, yes, I know,’ said Fletcher checking his pockets and looking round. ‘Right, there’s nothing else I’ve forgotten is there?’
‘Wallet?’ Jasper snorted. ‘You’re going to need it.’
Fletcher gave him a shrewd look.
‘I know that,’ he replied, making Adira smile wryly.
‘Come on then, we’ll see you off.’ Jasper picked up the suitcase.
Adira couldn’t help but chuckle at seeing Lilly and Ruby sat in the back of the taxi waving vigorously. How sweet, she thought, hoping they’d all get along well over the next few days.
The taxi driver opened the boot to put Fletcher’s case in, while Jasper opened the passenger door. As Fletcher climbed in, he suddenly remembered to ask.
‘Oh, by the way, where’s that photograph come from in the library, Jasper?’
‘Jessie left it and Adira thought it was a shame not to display it.’
‘Ready?’ prompted the driver.
‘Aye, let’s get going,’ replied Fletcher, then turned to the twins in the back. ‘Ready, ladies?’
‘Yes!’ they squealed.
Jasper grinned. ‘Have a lovely time,’ he said closing the door.
