‘I’m not looking forward to that happening.’
She gave him a sad smile. ‘Me neither.’ Not wanting either of them to focus on their forthcoming parting, she stood, finished her tea and took her mug and plate to the sink.
Joe did the same. ‘Let’s get out of here,’ he whispered as they heard Lettie’s voice leave the bedroom.
‘Yes, let’s. I think the rest of the family will be getting up very soon and I’d rather leave them to have breakfast in peace.’
‘We need to be quick; I can hear them coming,’ he whispered as Brodie called for Lettie to bring the bin bag with dirty nappies. He took Skye’s hand in his and led her down the hallway and out of the back door.
Skye wasn’t sure where he was leading her and didn’t care. She was just happy to be spending time alone with him once again. A surge of panic raced through her. There would be very few moments like these left for them to enjoy before the time came for them to leave. And she hated that thought.
They stopped on the other side of the trees at the end of the garden. Joe led her a short way into the wood and, stopping next to one of the large pine trees, took her in his arms.
‘Why have we come this way?’ she asked, aware the animals were on the other side of the house.
‘I can’t wait a moment longer to kiss you again.’
Skye grinned. ‘I was wondering how long it would take you.’
‘And what would you have done if I hadn’t brought you out here?’ he teased.
She cocked her head to one side. ‘I would have taken it upon myself to show you what you should have been doing.’
Joe laughed. ‘And this, lovely Skye, is part of the reason I have the best time with you.’
‘Because I’m cute and funny?’
‘That too, but mostly because you know what you want and are not shy about making it happen.’
45
JOE
As he walked with Skye around the side of the house to go and feed the animals, Joe still felt the pressure of her gorgeous lips on his. She was such a good kisser, he mused, wishing he had more time alone with her. Then again, they still had a bit more time together on the farm. At least he hoped the Torels wouldn’t expect him to leave straight away seeing as they no longer really needed him and he only lived twenty minutes away. Both he and Skye realised that although Gareth was retired he missed aspects of farming and would probably be only too happy to take advantage of the opportunity to step back into his old work boots and start working with his beloved rescues once again.
Joe looked up at the cloudless sky above the pine trees. ‘Lovely, isn’t it?’
Skye sighed. ‘It’s a perfect day.’
He heard regret in her voice. ‘It doesn’t help when we’re preparing for our time here ending, does it?’
‘No.’ Her voice was quiet.
Turning to her, Joe took her in his arms. ‘Don’t feel too badly,’ he said, wishing he could take his own advice. ‘We still have a bit longer.’
She looked up at him, then rested her head against his chest and put her arms around his waist. ‘I’m not ready for it to end though.’
Neither was he. He could feel her warm breath through his shirt and wished they could stand together like this all day.
‘I am sad about going, but already feel a bit like a guest who’s starting to outstay their welcome here.’
She looked up at him and frowned. ‘I don’t understand. Why?’ She continued, ‘Now the family are all back together and enjoying baby Isla, the dynamics are different. It’s understandable.’
‘It is, but don’t you get the sense that they don’t want to upset us by telling us we’re no longer needed here?’
He watched her as she gave his suggestion some thought. ‘I see where you’re coming from, but I don’t think it is like that. I’m sure they would have said something. Anyway, we’re both leaving very soon and Gareth and Lindy seem happy not to have to worry about the animals for now.’
She made good sense and Joe felt better.
