Page 100

‘I’m wondering about you and me . . . making a go of it. Putting down our roots together, so to speak. So that Will can come and visit . . .’ And he finally stops talking and looks at me.

I smile again and then shake my head.

‘Ah, okay.’

‘Oh, no, not because I don’t want to be with you.’

‘No, it’s okay. I shouldn’t have assumed you might feel the same as me.’

He begins to turn away.

‘I do. I do feel the same.’

He turns slowly back.

‘You do?’

‘I do!’ I nod and pull him towards me.

‘You do . . .’ And a smile begins to grow on his face, the wrinkles around his eyes creasing up.

‘But Will isn’t going anywhere,’ I say, the tears of happiness and relief welling up again.

‘Will’s staying?’ he asks cautiously.

I nod again. ‘If he wants to. Lara’s with him now, talking to him. Seeing if he wants to stay and live here with me.’

Saying the words aloud, I feel as nervous as a puppy on its first walk out. After a moment, I realize I’m holding my breath.

And then Horse reaches around me, picks me up and twirls me round, with the puppy still under my arm. He slowly lowers me, my body pressing against his; I slide down against his leather waistcoat and jacket to finally touch the ground.

‘I can’t think of anything more perfect for two people I’ve come to care about,’ he says. As he bends down to kiss me, Elf leans in and licks his face, making us break away, laughing.

‘So, it looks like we’re spending Christmas here at Christmas Tree Farm together after all! If you’ll stay.’

‘Actually, I picked up a few things for a Christmas meal earlier today, while Lara was at work. Just in case you did want to spend it with me,’ he says.

‘I knew there was a reason I wanted you to stay,’ I laugh. And he does too: a deep, throaty laugh that sends shivers through my body.

‘I’ll let my friends know that I’ve got plans.’

‘Horse! Gwen!’ I hear the shout from the gate of the forest, and we both turn to see Will catapulting towards us through the branches as fast as he can. Behind him, Tegan is trying to keep up and Dinky is not sure which way to bounce.

Lara brings up the rear, smiling widely, watching Will as he dashes across the yard. We brace ourselves.

And he throws himself into a hug with me, Horse and the puppy. Elf is ecstatically licking the air, unable to decide who to lick first.

Finally, Will pulls back.

‘Is it true? What Lara told me?’

I nod, choked.

‘If you want it to be.’

‘We’re going to stay here, living at Christmas Tree Farm? I’m going to stay with you forever?’

‘Yes.’ And the tears stream down my face.