Page 117 of Moonlight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall

They swayed to the music in the distance. Under the moonlight, the world around them shrank until Lily could see nothing but Jack in front of her.

‘I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed you all these years,’ he said, bringing her close to press his cheek against hers.

She closed her eyes as they danced cheek to cheek, relishing the warmth of his body and the feeling of having him so close. The moment was perfect.

‘I love you.’

Lily opened her eyes with a start. Had she just imagined that?

She turned to look at him. ‘What did you say?’

He stared at her, his face so close to hers. ‘You heard me.’

He loves her? She could barely breathe, unable to take it in.

But what if he were to hurt her again? What if he were to leave her again? She knew her poor, battered heart couldn’t face being broken a second time. The old wounds and heartache came rushing back and she couldn’t think to say anything. She felt frozen and could only look at him.

She saw the hurt revealed in his eyes as she stayed silent, still trying to find the words. Any words.

Jack abruptly let go of her and walked away.

Lily, still frozen to the spot, could only watch in despair as he went.

47

Breakfast the following morning was a noisy affair, with everyone full of life and gossip about the album launch.

‘The reviews are amazing,’ said Sam, scrolling through his phone.

‘Course they are,’ said Mick, reaching out to pick up the marmalade from the kitchen table. ‘You did great, love.’

He grinned up at Lily, who managed to smile back as she brought over the teapot.

‘They even mention Willow Tree Hall,’ said Sam to his grandad.

‘Glad to hear it,’ said Arthur, taking a sip of his tea.

‘Jack’s cocktails have given me a headache,’ moaned Howard.

‘That wasn’t the apple cocktails,’ Sam told him. ‘That was the tequila slammers you did later on.’

Mick laughed. ‘Yeah, what a night!’

‘I don’t know where you all get the stamina,’ said Annie, carefully coming down the steps into the kitchen.

‘I’m famous for mine,’ said Mick.

‘Me too, darling,’ said Rose, with a naughty giggle. ‘Here, sit down, Annie darling. I’ll make you a cup of tea.’

‘I’d better not,’ Annie told her. ‘I’m having the baby. My waters broke five minutes ago.’

The whole kitchen went silent for a second before bursting into life. Everyone rushed around, helping Annie outside towards the car. Sam was flapping and trying to remember where his car keys were.

Once they’d all left, it was only Lily left behind in the silent kitchen. She sank onto a chair in grateful relief at letting her smile finally drop. She had barely had any sleep, spending the night tossing and turning before getting up at dawn. She had tidied up most of the party debris by the time the family had finally risen.

It was a grey, drizzly day, which suited her miserable mood.

Jack had told her that he loved her. And she hadn’t said a word in return.