Epilogue
SKYE
On reading the weather forecast, I smile brightly. There’s yet another storm brewing. Who’d have thought this unusual weather would benefit my love life as much as it has. The timing of the latest front is perfect for what I’ve got planned.
As I pack up early for the day, I yell out to Paddy that he’s in charge. A couple of weeks back and I’d never have believed I could be this happy handing over the responsibility of running the bakery.
I’m also happier in myself thanks to Seth and our blossoming relationship. Sure, I doubt his counselor had me in mind when she suggested diversion therapy, but who cares? Not Seth and definitely not me.
Soon after, I’m in my mom’s car and on my way to Seth’s place, although not straight there. I’ve got a pickup to make first, and a very important one. Luckily, they’re ready and waiting, if a little sleepy.
With my new partner in the passenger seat, I can’t help but wish I was driving Pinkie Pie. Despite being prone to breaking down; she’d also been instrumental in Seth and me getting together.
Pulling up outside the large roller door, I engage the park brake just as I had that night above the cliff. I’m annoyed the insurance company is taking as long as they are to settle my claim. Even more annoying is that the insurance agent is an old school friend. Surely that should grease the wheels, and all that?
First, they’d put me through the hoops with all their questions, before finally admitting Pinkie Pie’s demisehadbeen an accident. Since then, they’ve been stalling, taking days to return my calls, and generally messing me about.
I’ve only just got the door open when Seth pops up next to me. While helping me out of the car, he glances at the gathering clouds, but rather than freeze, he breaks into a wide grin.
Has he seen my passenger? I was sure I was blocking his view.
“Oh, someone told you…” He doesn’t let me finish, his lips effectively stopping my words where they are.
He eventually lifts his head and then closes the car door without taking his eyes off me. It says beyond doubt that he hasn’t seen my passenger. Before I have a chance to rectify matters, he turns me around and pulls me hard up against his muscled chest.
He then covers my eyes with one of his hands.
It would appear I’m not the only one with a surprise.
On us stepping away from my mom’s car, I start to worry that he’s expecting me to climb the stairs with my eyes covered. However, on hearing the roller door rumbling into action, I know he’s got other ideas.
Could it be he’s got another location in mind? After all, we’ve christened every room in his apartment. I’ve not had a chance to ask before the roller door rattles to a stop and Seth takes his hand away from my eyes.
It takes me a moment to make sense of what I’m seeing.
“But…” I step forward to better stare at the car sitting next to Seth’s truck. “But how? The insurance company wrote her off.”
“They did. There wasn’t a chance I could resurrect your old car. But, it’s the same model. It’s even the same year. The color is a match, too.”
As I walk around Pinkie Pie II, I’m in shock. My old car was never this gorgeous. I’d bought her second hand, but her replacement is like new.
I’m running my hand across the gleaming paintwork when Seth steps up next to me.
“Well, will she do?”
Unable to articulate how well she’ll do, I turn and throw myself into his arms. Not until he squeaks do I pull back, and when I do, I’m even more lost for words. He’s holding up a set of keys.
While I can see one of the keys is for the car, I’m not sure about the second key. If I was a betting woman, I’d say that was a front door key.
“Is that…”
His smile is hesitant as he awaits my response to him handing over a key to his apartment. Never that great with words, I instead show him with my lips what it means to me.
On pulling apart, I’m about to ask him to get the engine started on the truck when I remember my passenger. On my breaking into a wide grin, I get a responding smile from Seth. Unfortunately, it’s one that’s punctuated by a loud clap of thunder.
Blast, taken by surprise, again. We need to move it, and fast.
SETH
