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Chrissie snickers. My face grows hot as the rest of them, including my mother, look at me.
“Shall I tell them?” Evie asks, “or do you want to?”
“I don’t really want anyone discussing the size of Titus’s appendage, thank you very much.”
“Good grief,” my grandmother says. “Evie!”
“Exactly,” I scold. “Someone please change the subject.”
“How much longer do you have here?” Abigail asks.
“Just under two weeks.”
“What’ll happen then?”
“I’ll get on a plane in Auckland and miraculously land in London, I’m guessing.”
“You know what I mean. What’s going to happen with Titus?”
“I don’t know,” I say. I bite my lip for a moment. “He said he wants to marry me.”
They all stare, shocked, then erupt in a thrilled cheer.
“He hasn’t asked me formally,” I add. “And I think we need to spend some proper time together first. But he’s said he’s going to when everything’s sorted.”
“What does that mean?” my mother asks.
“I think maybe he’s going to suggest we live in Wellington, or even the South Island.”
“Aw,” my grandmother says.
“I know.”
“Would you move back here?” Elizabeth asks.
I hesitate. “I’d think about it. I’d miss England. I love it there, and I adore my little school. But I want to be with him. It’s not an easy decision.”
Elizabeth rubs my arm. “It’s funny how often things work out. Come on. Why don’t we get back to the guys? I’m sure they’re missing us.”
“I think I’ll go back to my room,” Mum says as we all start getting up.
“Saxon will be disappointed,” Evie teases.
Mum blushes scarlet. “Evie! I’m a married woman.”
“While the cat’s away…”
“And he was only joking,” Mum scolds.
“I don’t think he was,” I say with a laugh. “Titus said Saxon doesn’t give a… damn what anyone thinks, and if he liked a woman, her age wouldn’t stop him.”
“I’m not listening to this,” Mum states, but I can see she’s flattered. “I’m off to check on Joanna. Goodnight everyone. See you tomorrow.”
“Yes, I’m off too,” Grandma says, and some of the others excuse themselves.
The rest of us go back to our rooms and change into our swimsuits and bikinis, then grab a blanket and meet by the stargazing platform before we head off to the hot pools.
Ooh, it’s cold tonight. It’s nearing ten o’clock, and the sky is clear of clouds and full of so many stars it makes me catch my breath.
