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After another delicious moment, she pulled away again. “But I thought you were coming in July!”
“Couldn’t wait that long, Princess.”
She still looked stunned. “And what about the Philippines?”
“I’m heading there next month, after Luke’s baby is born.”
They wheeled his bags out to the entrance, Sarah’s dad soon pulling into the loading zone, a broad grin on his face as he parked and opened the door.
“Like your surprise?” he asked his daughter as they drew near.
Sarah’s cheeks pinked as she glanced across at Dan and smiled. “I love it!”
After shaking hands with James, Dan stowed his bags, then settled in the back seat, holding hands with Sarah as her dad drove them back to their house.
Sarah still seemed dumbfounded. “But when did you sort this out?”
“A few weeks ago, when it became clear we weren’t making the playoffs.”
She squeezed his hand, eyeing her father in the rear vision mirror. “Dad, you’re so sneaky! I didn’t know you and Mum could keep such a secret.”
Her father laughed, and Dan grinned before a yawn escaped.
“Are you tired?” She shot him a sympathetic look and squeezed his hand.
Oh yeah, but he couldn’t let her know just how little he’d slept. Massive excitement levels hadn’t made falling asleep an easy task, then there’d been the usual passenger and plane service noises. Dan kissed the back of her hand. “Tell you what, that flight’s long.”
“It is, but I’m so glad you’re here!” Her green eyes shone in delight as she almost danced in her seat.
His smile grew sappy. Oh yeah, that long flight had definitely been worth it.
* * *
He was here!Sitting next to her! Here! She couldn’t stop looking at him, and he seemed similarly afflicted, staring back, big grin fixed in place. Yep, the same dark hair, beautiful brown eyes, and that smile that made her insides wobble. This was just the nicest surprise ever. Seeing him made her world complete. His arms around her, his lips on hers—it was all so very right.
They soon arrived back at her home, collecting his bags to walk inside where her mother greeted him with a hug. Rebekah, Joe, and the girls were introduced next. Sarah bit her lip. How would her big sister act? She’d been so excited at the news of their reconciliation.
“Good to meet you.” Rebekah gave her a wink, then a none-too-subtle thumbs-up as Dan was introduced to Joe and the girls. Sarah rolled her eyes at her sister.
They moved to the living room, chatting about his trip and making small talk for a while. Dan glanced around the room. “I didn’t realize there’d be so many people here.” He spoke to her mother. “I don’t want to be any trouble. I’ll go stay at a hotel.”
“You can stay in my room tonight.”
Oops. Not quite what she’d meant to say. Her cheeks heated at the startled looks thrown her way. “I mean, I’ll sleep on the couch.”
Dan turned to her. “Sar, you can’t do that. I’m guessing I’ll be so tired I’ll sleep anywhere. I’m happy with the couch.”
“Daniel, we’ve got it sorted. We know that flight is exhausting, and you won’t want to be interrupted by little people in the morning. Stay in Sarah’s room for the next two nights; she’ll sleep on the couch, then on Monday when Bek and Joe leave, you can have the guestroom.” Her mum gave a decisive nod and quick smile.
The rest of the day passed in catching up and cuddling. That night they enjoyed a big barbecue outside under the vine-covered pergola. Dan seemed to be settling in well, despite his exhaustion, laughing and joking with Joe and the girls and chatting amiably with her parents and Bek. Sarah smiled. He seemed so comfortable, fitting in with her family like he belonged. As they ate the steak, prawns, salad, and pavlova, they discussed their plans for the next two weeks. Everyone offered their opinions about what to see and do until Sarah could tell the noise was starting to overwhelm their guest.
She leaned closer to him. “Is there any place you want to go? Or are you happy if I take you to some of the best tourist spots?”
She tried to contain the shiver as he smoothed her hair behind her ear, his eyes warm. “I’m happy anywhere, Sar, as long as I’m with you.”
* * *
Dan wearily settledinto the freshly made bed, glancing over at Sarah’s bedside table. Amongst the perfume, jewelry, and knick-knacks, she had a silver frame containing the identical photo from their visit to Niagara Falls that she’d used for his CD. The joyous smiles pictured raised an answering one from him. How good to be finally here.
