Page 118 of The One That Got Away

‘He collected it this morning.’

‘That’s why I heard the door?’ Stella asked and her mum nodded. ‘Wow! You two are good. Devious, but dangerously good!’

‘I thought seeing as it’s for a great cause, you wouldn’t mind. I couldn’t bear to see you moping around the house any more.’

At least I wasn’t the only one who’d been moping. I expected Stella to brush it off, but she didn’t.

‘It’s true.’ She wrapped her arm around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder. ‘I was really sad without you.’

‘Me too. I’m sorry it took so long to get in touch. I wanted to call you sooner, but I needed to organise everything first. And Ifelt really bad about not replying to your text yesterday, but I knew if I did, I’d say something to spoil the surprise.’

‘All is forgiven!’ Stella kissed me softly on the lips.

‘Thank God,’ I said. ‘There’s just one more thing I need to ask you.’

‘What’s that?’ Stella said.

‘Your mum mentioned you’ve been busy setting up your own design business. And I wondered if you’d consider taking on a new client? As you know, we’ve got a new range coming out and we’re looking for someone amazing to create our branding and marketing materials. I sent your sketches to my team and they loved them. Obviously you’ll need to send us a quote and everything, but we’d like you to start as soon as possible. Maybe you could work on it whilst we’re away. What do you think?’

‘I’d love to!’ Stella jumped up and down on the spot before throwing her arms around my neck. ‘Thank you. I won’t let you down!’

‘You’re welcome. And I know. You’re so talented and now more people will get the chance to see that.’

Stella flashed the smile that I loved so much.

‘Awww, you two.’ Heather hugged us, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘I’m so glad you’re together. I always thought you were made for each other. Right.’ She broke away. ‘I’ve done enough third-wheeling for today. I’ll leave you lovebirds to it. Hope you have the best time together. Message me when you land and send pictures!’

‘Will do,’ Stella said. ‘And Mum…’ Stella moved her arms from my neck, grabbed her mum and gave her another big hug. ‘Thanks so much for everything. Without you, I’d never have gone to The Love Hotel, I wouldn’t have been reunited with Max again and I wouldn’t be going to America and Australia! Still can’t believe it!’

‘You’re welcome, darling. Take care of yourself and your lovely man.’ Heather kissed Stella on the cheek. ‘Love you.’ She waved then left the pub.

‘So.’ I took Stella’s hand and led her to two seats that had just become vacant. ‘Fancy grabbing a quick bite and a drink here, then having a little wander around Ted Lasso’s town before we head to the airport?’

‘Sounds perfect!’

‘Oh, and I’ve downloaded the final season on my iPad so we can watch it together on the plane too.’

‘Amazing!’

‘I’m so damn happy. Y’know, I always thought you were the one that got away. But now I know you’ll always bethe one. I love you, Stella Matthews.’

‘I love you too, Max Moore.’

As our lips touched and we kissed again, I was so glad we’d been given a second chance to be together.

And I knew that the second time around was going to be even better than the first.

EPILOGUE

STELLA

Four months later

As the referee blew the final whistle, me, Max, Colton and Natalie all jumped up from our seats and cheered.

‘What a brilliant game!’ Max shouted. ‘That goal Bellingham scored was perfection.’

‘It really was!’ I gushed.

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