Epilogue
Two Weeks Later …
‘Thank you!’ Mrs Simmons beams as I pass her a small brown paper bag tied with a lacy ribbon.
‘Thank you ,’ I reply in earnest.
As I wave her off, I draw my eye around the bustling village green. A colourful banner declaring Lily Vale Village Summer Fair swings between two trees in the gentle breeze. Today has been such a wonderful success, and there’s still a couple of hours to go!
Finn suddenly emerges through the crowd, deftly dodging through as he balances two iced coffees and brings them over to my stall.
‘You’ve almost sold out,’ he says, surveying my nearly empty stock.
‘I know, can you believe it?’
He plants a soft kiss on my cheek, causing it to blush. ‘Of course I do. Your candles are awesome, I knew you’d do well today.’
Grinning, I return his kiss with one of my own, this time on the mouth.
The last fortnight as Finn Morton’s girlfriend (girlfriend!
I’m still not quite used to that word) has been wonderful.
The bubble hasn’t popped yet, and I’m starting to tentatively believe it might never.
Finn is unlike any man I’ve ever known - so considerate and creative, he even hand-painted my stall sign for me with his oil paints.
I have to admit, it was a bit scary at first, having someone around who couldn’t do enough for me, but I’m slowly relinquishing the grip on my hyper-independence.
It’s early days, of course, but since we spent the two previous months getting to know each other, it feels as though our timeline is a little ahead than usual.
Lucy and Alex return from their honeymoon tonight, (two whole weeks in Greece -sounds like total bliss!) and I’m hosting them for dinner at my new cottage.
Bit by bit, I’ve been moving my things out of the storage unit I rented - with the help of Finn, since I still don’t know how to drive - and now the house is beginning to feel like mine.
I still can’t get over how much space I have, compared to my poky old flat, the Preston cottage may as well be a palace.
Another hour at the Summer Fair, and The Cheeky Chandler’s stall is completely empty. It’s just as well, the fair is pretty much over now - the rides are slowing to a stop and all around me, stall-owners are beginning to take down their signs.
Together, Finn and I disassemble my stall, and he effortlessly carries the table and boxes to his car.
‘Thanks for all your help today,’ I tell him as I slide into the passenger seat. ‘Truth be told, I was really nervous, you know, this being my first event and all.’
‘You don’t have to keep thanking me, Leesh.’ He flashes a gorgeous smile. ‘I’m your boyfriend, boyfriends do things like this.’
A rush of warmth floods my tummy, surging all the way to my fluttering chest. I never thought I’d be this girl, the one who gets all soppy and the fuzzies whenever her boyfriend calls himself his, but here I am, melting in the car seat like ice cream on a hot day.
We’ve got to get to the shops for ingredients for tonight’s dinner, but since it’s a beautiful day and the fair was such a success, I’m easily convinced to stop for a pint at The Pheasant’s Nest. We set up camp in the beer garden, soaking in as much of the sun as we can as we lounge on our picnic bench, sharing a bowl of cheesy chips and sipping our Meadow Golds.
‘So, what’s next for The Cheeky Chandler?’ Finn asks, popping a chip into his mouth.
‘Well, there’s a craft fair in Gladeswood town centre all next weekend, and soon enough, Simmons Farm will be hosting their pumpkin patch event. I’ve already spoken to Tabby about securing a spot there, too.’
‘You’ve done so much in such a short time, Leesh.’ He shakes his head, a smile of respect and disbelief dancing across his face. ‘You’re incredible.’
Embarrassed by the praise, I toss a chip at him. ‘Shut up!’
But it’s him who shuts me up. He grasps my hand and yanks me out of my seat so insistently, it’s a wonder I don’t end up on the table between us.
There’s little time to breathe as he kisses me with such fervour, a small sigh of pleasure escapes me.
The foam from our pints mingles on our lips, and the tiny bubbles tickle and send my stomach loop-de-looping like a roller coaster.
I still can’t believe it - I swore I’d never open my heart to anyone, and with such ease, Finn Morton found the key and now holds it in his hand, protected like a precious jewel.
It’s still true that no one knows what the future has in store, and you can’t expect fiery passion if you’re too afraid to get burned.
Even so, I trust Finn, because when we kiss like this, when I look in his eyes - I know I hold the key to his heart too. And I intend to look after it for a very long time …