‘Then we might be going to Denbury Castle. Or we might not.’
‘You’re so frustrating, Andrew Steven Kerr.’ My stomach lurched as I said his middle name. I hated this. Was hetheSteven or not? Was he the heart or the head decision?
‘And you are so impatient, Sarah Louise Peterson.’
A few more turns and we were definitely on our way to Denbury Castle, a magnificenteighteenth-century house and 1000-acre estate at which I’d enjoyed many a family day out over the years. Can’t say I’d ever been there before sunrise, though.
‘You were right. Denbury Castle it is,’ Andy said, pulling onto the approach road to the estate. A few minutes later, we stopped in the large, empty car park. ‘Wait here a moment,’ he said. ‘I just need to check that it’s happening.’
‘Check that what’s happening?’ But he was already out of the car and heading towards the visitors’ entrance. I sank back in my seat,enjoying the heat and the low soothing music on the radio. I must have dozed off as the door opening startled me.
‘Good news,’ Andy said. ‘It’s on.’
I pulled on my hat and he offered a hand as I heaved myself out of the car.
‘No more questions,’ he said, still holding my hand. ‘All will be revealed shortly.’
We made our way across the deserted courtyard. I was so used to being there in broad daylight surrounded by tourists that I felt like an intruder. We skirted round the path to the left and I could just make out the dark silhouette of the house in the distance.
‘Are you sure we’re meant to be here?’ I whispered. ‘It’s so quiet.’
Andy squeezed my hand tightly. ‘I’m sure. It’s all arranged.’
We headed down the drive towards the house. And then I saw it – a flash of orange. I stopped dead, mouth open. ‘Is that what I think it is?’
‘It depends what you think it is.’
‘I daren’t say in case I’m wrong.’
‘Then let’s move a bit closer.’
Mesmerised, I crept down the drive towards the lawns. With every step, the sky seemed to get a fraction lighter until my eyes could clearly see something I’d always dreamed of but had never had the funds nor opportunity to experience: a hot air balloon.
‘You remembered.’ Andy had once asked me what would be at the top of my bucket list and I said a hot air balloon ride. Ideally it would be over The Grand Canyon although I’d happily do it over Spaghetti Junction for the experience.
‘I always swore to myself that, when I could afford it, I’d be the one to fulfil that dream for you. Happy Christmas, Sarah.’
‘Oh my God! Andy!’ A lump caught in my throat. ‘It’s the best present ever. I can’t believe you’ve organised this. For me.’ I turned to give him a hug.
‘I’d do anything for you. You must know that.’ His voice was so tender, making my heart race.
I didn’t want to let go and clearly Andy didn’t want to either. I’d been holding back on him as it hadn’t felt right but, at that moment,everything seemed to click into place and every sense was screaming at me to kiss him. I couldn’t fight my instincts.
It felt like we’d never been apart; so familiar and yet new at the same time.
‘Oi, Andy, do you want a ride in this thing or not?’ The unexpected shout broke us apart. We looked at each other and laughed.
‘Thank you,’ Andy said.
‘For what?’
‘For that. I know it doesn’t guarantee anything but you wouldn’t have kissed me like that if I didn’t mean something to you.’
‘Andy, you’ve always meantsomethingto me.’
Andy smiled and gave me another brief kiss. ‘We’d better hurry. Last one to the balloon’s a rotten egg.’
I squealed as I raced after him down the drive.
