Page 87 of The House Sitter

“Okay.” Full of questions, Pippa did as she was told.

Wolfie took a seat at the piano and cleared his throat. As he stretched his fingers over the keys his hands trembled. “Pippa Munro,” he said softly.

Curiosity gave way to anticipation swelling in her chest. “Yes?”

“You ready for a song?”

“Always.” It had been a real joy over the last year to watch Wolfie slowly come back to music, taking precious spare moments to play whatever music was on his mind.

“Good. Because I wrote a little something.” He blushed. “A song of my own.”

“Oh.” Pippa sat up straight, intrigued. She hadn’t known he was writing his own songs. They’d talked about him providing some kind of musical entertainment for guests at the B&B, but Wolfie was still too shy to commit to that, restricting the gift of his music only to people he trusted.

“Yep.” His fingers skittered across the keys. “I’d like to sing it for you now, if I may?”

Pippa nodded, thoroughly intrigued. “By all means.”

Wolfie cleared his throat again, blond hair falling adorably into his eyes. Then, with a nervous breath, he began.

First came deep notes, ponderous and slow; soon followed by a gentle melody infused with joy. Then, a brief pause and Wolfie began to sing:

I thought I knew what life was, I thought I knew what love was.

Thought life was only for running and love was for everyone else

But one girl, with faith, one girl, she said…

She said she’d move to Kent for me,

And then I began to see…

Here, he smiled at her, and Pippa shimmered with admiration. All this time and she’d never once heard him sing. His voice was clear and strong, despite the nerves radiating through each word.

But here’s what I would do for her

Literally anything, because I’m sure,

I’d carry her through the storm, race down that hill

Turn my life upside down to give her a home

I’ll be her home, because she is mine.

But now I have to ask this girl, what is it you could do for me?

Here Wolfie stopped and swivelled on his seat to look at her. He lifted an eyebrow. Somewhat discombobulated, Pippa touched her chest in a ‘who me?’ gesture. He nodded as if to say, ‘yes, you’. When Pippa didn’t answer immediately, he gave her a mysterious grin and turned back to the keys.

It’s quite simple, haven’t you heard?

All I need from you, Pippa Munro, is one word.

In one fluid motion, Wolfie was out of his seat and on his knees before her. From his pocket, he produced a small velvet box.

Pippa clapped her hands over her mouth, barely able to believe what she was seeing. Wolfie flipped the lid of the box, and nestled on a cushion was the most elegant diamond ring. Slim white gold, with a perfect, round solitaire.

“One word,” Wolfie repeated, breathless. “All I need.”

For a brief, beautiful moment, Pippa couldn’t speak. Happiness soared through every inch of her being. “I – I had no idea you were planning – why…” Sheer joy stole her breath away and her words gave out.

Wolfie raised an eyebrow. “Are you seriously going to leave me hanging?”

Pippa laughed. Heart bursting, she held out her hand, nails ragged and work-worn. One word was all Wolfie needed from her, and she was more than happy to give it to him. It seemed a fair exchange for all her tomorrows. “Yes,” she barely squeaked. Wolfie beamed with a mix of relief and joy as he slid the ring onto her finger then raised himself up to bring his face to hers. Before he could kiss her, Pippa placed her finger over his lips. “I hope it’s very clear now that I consider you mine.”

Beneath her fingertips, Wolfie’s mouth curved into a true smile. “Yours,” he said softly. “Always.”