Helen
Nigel followed her. ‘I guess they’re all out. They’ll be back soon for your party.’
‘I still don’t understand why we couldn’t have had it at our house.’
‘I love the cottage but it’s a too cosy to cram everyone in.’
‘But we did it for your birthday.’
‘The weather wasn’t as good then. I thought we should take advantage of the garden as it’s a beautiful day.’
‘I suppose so. What is that?’ she asked as Nigel pulled a piece of black fabric from his trouser pocket.
‘A blindfold.’
‘How come you own a blindfold?’
He chuckled. ‘Don’t ask.’ He walked behind her. ‘Can I?’
‘Why?’
‘I’ve got a surprise lined up for you.’
‘What are you up to? I’m not sure I like this.’
‘I’m not going to let anything bad happen. You trust me, don’t you?
‘I guess. You know I’m not good with surprises.’
‘You’re not good with anything where you’re not in complete control, but I promise you’ll be fine with this.’
‘Go on then.’
He tied the blindfold tightly over her eyes.
‘This better be worth it, Nigel Farnham.’
He put her arm through his. ‘Come outside with me.’
Nigel slowly led her out of the back door and onto the terrace.
‘We’ve reached the steps that go down onto the lawn,’ he said.
‘I can’t remember how many there are.’
He slipped his arm around her waist, presumably for extra support. ‘I’ll tell you when we get to the bottom. Ready?’
‘Okay. Where’s Rocky gone?’
‘He’s safe in the boot room. I didn’t want him tripping us over.’
‘Oh Nige! He won’t be happy in there.’
‘He was lying calmly on the mat when I left him. I’ll fetch him in a minute so he doesn’t miss the fun. Last step now.’
She could feel the ground under her feet change to something squidgy. ‘Are we heading back to the cliff path?’
‘Not quite.’
‘How much further?’
‘About twenty more steps, then we turn left.’
‘If this is some prank where you lead me around the garden and we end up back in the house, I will not be pleased.’
‘I know you well enough not to do that.’
Helen was trying to work out where exactly they were on the lawn. Had the sound of the wind rustling the trees got louder? It was impossible to be sure.
‘We’re here.’
‘Where’s here?’
‘Patience, woman. You’re about to find out. Stand still.’
She sensed him move so that he was standing behind her, untying the blindfold.
‘Surprise!’ Not Nigel’s voice but loads of voices.
The blindfold fell away, and when she focused her eyes, she could see all their friends and family, lined up at the bottom of the garden with Carrie standing front and centre and Harry and Callum on either side.
But it was what was behind them that really grabbed Helen’s attention.
The tennis court looked like a proper court again. She stared for a moment, taking it all in.
‘Nigel! When did you sort all this out?’
‘They finished a couple of days ago. I wasn’t sure it was all going to come together in time after last week’s rain.’
‘But I thought you were building a padel court?’
‘I am, when I finally get planning permission. But this is for you. Happy Birthday, darling.’