‘Oh, just a chicken coop, some fencing, a few enclosures, probably a new kitchen . . .’ She started laughing. ‘Everything.’
His smile warmed her heart. His words even more. ‘Count me in.’
‘You could even stay at mine while you’re still looking for somewhere to live. Got to be better than the B&B. Although don’t tell Mabel I said that.’
He lowered and nudged her nose with his own. ‘I’d like that.’
‘Really?’
‘Oh yeah.’
There was way too much fizz swirling around her body for her to think straight. All she wanted to do was take his hand and go home. She thought of telling him she loved him, but she daren’t utter the words. Half the time when she looked his way, she worried he might be a dream that would one day fade away, leaving her all alone once more.
Will gently kissed her mouth, wiping her mind of all anxiety. ‘You’ve got me, love,’ he whispered on her lips.
A need surfaced. ‘Promise me you won’t leave.’
He took a moment, seemingly studying her eyes, then his expression softened, and he gently kissed her once more. ‘I promise.’
That was good enough for whatever made her say that out loud. Just being in his presence settled her no end, and now she was as relaxed as could be, until Spencer called out for some more cardboard boxes.
‘Hey,’ whispered Will, tugging her to his arms as she went to get back to work. ‘I’ve got to go see Babs after you and me have had ourselves a cosy lunch, but are we still on for Christmas Eve dinner tonight?’
‘Yes, I got some salmon from Sophie. But I did say I’d join the others at the pub for a drink afterwards. Is that okay with you?’
Will nodded. ‘Sounds like a plan.’
‘I know another one.’
‘Hit me.’
‘You waking up at mine Christmas morning.’
A slight twitch of a grin hit the corner of Will’s mouth. ‘I would say I’ll pack a bag, but most of my things are already at yours, so I guess you’ve got yourself a date.’
‘Just a date?’
He shook his head slightly. ‘No. You get everything.’
Ginny pulled him in for a heated kiss, feeling every part of her being melt into him.
Chapter 23
Will
Will sat in the communal lounge at his grandmother’s care home, staring out at the Christmas lights in the back garden. Cheerful music was playing quietly in the background, and all staff members were in festive tops and party hats.
‘Have a mince pie before they all go,’ said Clare.
He smiled at his gran’s carer and took the treat, even though he was still full from the large lunch he’d shared with Ginny at the café.
‘Doesn’t she look lovely?’ said Clare, nodding towards Babs.
Will had to agree. The young lady adding the finishing touches to his grandmother’s hair had done a grand job, and Babs was smiling, which was the most important thing.
Clare tapped the back of his chair. ‘Best go make some more tea.’
He watched her skip off, then glanced back at Babs, now having a hand massage from one of the spa ladies volunteering for the day.
