Page 88 of Happy Days Ahead in the Cornish Village

He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her.

Sinking her head to his shoulder, she closed her eyes. Last night had been difficult too, for another reason, because Jay had been with her and all she’d wanted to do was reach out and take his hand, tell him that she wanted to be with him, but she hadn’t been able to. She had to be strong; she had to stick by her decision. For his sake.

‘I know this probably isn’t the best time to talk about it, but can I ask why you don’t want to keep seeing me?’ Jay’s voice was quiet, his tone uncertain. ‘Why you sent that message?’

‘Because it’s the right thing to do.’ She spoke into his shoulder, her voice muffled against the fabric of his T-shirt.

‘Okay. I understand.’ She felt him nod. ‘But just so you know, it wouldn’t have been my decision.’

What did he mean?

Leaning back, she looked up at him. ‘I did it for you.’

Frowning, he let his arms fall to his sides. ‘In what way?’

‘So, you could get back with Leanne or at least have the choice of getting back with her. So you can be a family again. For Mia.’

Looking away, he shook his head before meeting her gaze again. ‘I’m not getting back with Leanne. That’s never been an option.’

‘But you looked so happy on the beach. The perfect family.’ She swallowed as the image of the three of them came to mind again.

‘I was happy, yes. But I’m not getting back with Leanne. We broke up because she was having an affair. There’s just no chance of us trying again. Besides, she’ll sort it out with Patrick before long. This happens at least every six months or so.’ He ran his fingers through his hair. ‘It’s you I feel a connection with. It’s you who I want to be with.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes, really.’ He nodded.

‘Oh.’ She looked at the floor. Had she really completely misunderstood the situation? Had she jeopardised what she and Jay had for nothing?

‘And I’d like to give us another go. If you want to, of course.’

She looked out of the window, the fire-wrecked pile of wood from the new kennels staring back at her.

‘I don’t know. What if things have changed and you and Leanne do want to try again? I don’t want to be the one standing in the way of Mia’s parents being together.’

He took her hands in his. ‘I understand and I’m really touched that you’d do that for me, for Mia, but the truth is Leanne will be getting back with Patrick…’ he glanced at his watch ‘…probably in just less than forty-eight hours’ time. The relationship I have with her is just friendship. I wouldn’t want anything else now. The best thing for Mia is for her parents to be amicable, to get on. That’s the best gift we can give her.’

‘You’re sure?’ Megan looked into his eyes. She knew he was telling the truth. She could see in his eyes that he and Leanne wouldn’t be getting back together.

‘I’m positive. That scenario is so far off the cards that you’d need a telescope to have any chance of spotting it.’ He chuckled.

Megan nodded.

‘So, what do you say? Would you like to give our relationship another chance? See what the future holds for us?’

‘Yes, yes, I would.’ Megan smiled. ‘I’d also like a shower. I stink like a chimney.’

‘Yes, you do.’ Jay looked at her, his lips twitching as he tried to keep a straight face. ‘But that won’t stop me from doing this…’

As he tucked his forefinger beneath her chin and tilted her head gently towards him, Megan leaned forward, her lips touching his. Yes, she was excited to see what the future had in store for them.

EPILOGUE

Megan pulled open the gate to Wagging Tails and held it open for Jay.

‘It feels strange us both popping in after a full day’s work and not volunteering here full time, doesn’t it?’

‘It sure does.’ Taking the gate, Jay closed it before falling in step with her and taking her hand. ‘Do you fancy grabbing lunch tomorrow after your exam? We can go somewhere nice.’

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