‘Care to explain about Imogen? Davie found out she does have a boyfriend, you know.’
Thom grinned. ‘There’s method in my madness, Mother. And that’s all I’m saying.’
Rita sighed. ‘I raised you better than this.’
‘You raised me brilliantly,’ he said, and winked.
‘I actually don’t want to know another single thing.’ Rita shook her head in mock annoyance. ‘But… I’m going to stay here with Jago tonight so can you make sure you get your grandmother home safely and in the warm before any more shenanigans, please.’
Thom kissed his mum on the cheek. ‘Of course, I love you, Mumsie.’
Later, when the kitchen had emptied and Stan had ferried the slightly tipsy back to Seahaven Bay Farm, Rita leaned backinto Jago’s comfortable sofa. Buttons curled at her feet in his new basket, soft snores punctuating the quiet music drifting from the speakers. He’d already settled in as if he’d always belonged, and Meg, Jago’s sheepdog, had adopted him without so much as a fuss.
Outside, the night was perfect. The full moon hung like a silver coin over the bay, its light spilling across the water, turning every gentle wave into a ribbon of sparkling light. Small boats bobbed lazily, lanterns and fairy lights twinkling like stars scattered across the dark sea. A warm summer breeze whispered through the huge bay window, carrying the faint scent of salt and jasmine from the garden.
She closed her eyes for a moment, letting it all sink in. Earlier, Michael had asked her if she was happy. She’d nodded then, without hesitation. And she could say it again now, even more clearly:yes, truly, I am.
Rita opened her eyes to see Jago kneeling in front of her, Buttons lifting his head in his basket, as if sensing something important was about to happen. From behind his back, he produced a small red velvet box.
Taking a huge breath, Jago began, ‘Rita, you are… the mother-to-be of our children, the heart ofourfamily, the person who somehow manages to hold everything together when all around is falling apart, whilst still making everyone laugh. I have never met anyone as brave, as stubborn, as clever, or as perfectly imperfect as you. I’ve watched you pour your heart into this life, into me, into the people you love, and of course your wonderful retreat and I can’t imagine my life without you.’
He looked down at Buttons, who wriggled and let out a little yap, then fell back to sleep. ‘I want you to know that I will always have your back, you will never have to face this world alone, and I will never let a day go by without reminding you how muchyou are loved. Let’s bring it on, this new little family of ours and create more happy memories together.’
Rita felt tears prick the corners of her eyes, but she refused to look too serious. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and said lightly, ‘You’re laying it on a bit thick for a red velvet box, aren’t you?’
He smiled, unfazed, then opened it, to reveal a delicate diamond and sapphire ring that sparkled as it caught the moonlight.
‘Rita Jory’ – his eyes were brimming – ‘will you marry me?’
Rita blinked, laughter catching in her throat. ‘Yes, yes, a million yeses.’ She quirked one eyebrow. ‘But hang on.’ Jago caught his breath. ‘I’ll marry you… on one condition.’
‘Oh God, here we go.’ Jago showed off his one-dimpled smile.
‘You honour every single weird pregnancy craving that I will no doubt be demanding at odd hours for the next few months.’
‘Deal,’ Jago laughed and kissed her softly on the lips. ‘I bloody love you. I really do.’
Rita pulled away. ‘That’s handy because I feel exactly the same. And at least we know a fantastic wedding venue we can use now.’ She put her hand to her bump. ‘But we won’t be doing that until we’ve met these two.’
Jago laughed. ‘I wanted this proposal to be a lot grander… and I know I promised you a spectacular make-up, and for that I’m sorry.’ Jago kissed her again. ‘But this, well… it felt just right. The right time, you know.’
Rita smiled, looking down at her ring as her hand squeezed his. ‘All it needed was me and you;whereorhowdidn’t matter.’
Jago kissed her forehead. ‘But whatdoesmatter now is the part of the deal that we discussed before.’ He pulled her up.
‘Remind me,’ Rita teased.
‘On the fourth of June, we relight the fire, our fire. One cake, forty-seven candles, and enough lurve to set off the smoke alarms.’
‘Oops, in light of things maybe we need to rephrase that.’
‘See, funny as fuck.’ Jago grinned. ‘That’swhyI love you. Now come on, let’s relightourfire.’
‘Happy birthday to me!’ Rita giggled, giving Jago’s bum a cheeky squeeze as she trailed him to the bedroom.
FIFTY
A couple of days later, in Rita’s kitchen, Thom and Sennen were just getting ready to say their goodbyes when there was a knock at the door.
