Page 78 of Welcome to Pennycress Inn

‘Oh, lovely.’ Mrs Oakley picked up her handbag as Laura walked around and picked up their suitcase.

‘I’m happy to carry that.’ Mr Oakley indicated the luggage.

‘Thank you, but no, it’s all part of the service.’ Laura grinned, making a rubbish attempt at hiding her excitement.

‘Well, thank you. And you serve breakfast?’

‘We do indeed and I may be biased, but I wholeheartedly recommend the French toast,’ she called over her shoulder as she led the way up the stairs, grateful that the suitcase was relatively light. ‘I hope you enjoy your stay. And please join us inthe garden for the opening party if you’d like to.’ Laura smiled as she shut the bedroom door behind her.

Pausing at the top of the landing, she resisted the urge to do a little celebration dance – the inn was officially up and running!

‘All settled?’ Richie took the stairs two at a time to join her.

‘Yes.’ She grinned. ‘And I think they liked the room. Or else they said they did.’

‘That’s amazing.’ Richie led the way back down. ‘Jackson is looking for you.’

‘Oh, right.’ She nodded.

Richie paused halfway down and looked back at her. ‘I’m proud of you, you know.’

‘I know.’ She flicked her hair back over her shoulder before laughing.

‘And I think you and Jackson make a great team.’ He rubbed the back of his neck. ‘You make a great couple.’

‘Aw, thanks. I know you weren’t particularly over the moon when we got together, but I appreciate you being supportive.’

Richie nodded slowly. ‘That was only because I was worried about what would happen if you broke up, but I can see that you’re meant to be, now.’

‘Thanks, Richie. That means a lot.’ She joined him on the step below and wrapped her arms around him. ‘I really do love Jackson.’

‘I know.’ Richie grinned. ‘And he’s still waiting for you, so we’d better go out to the garden now.’

Laura nodded and slipped her arm through her brother’s. ‘Are you and Jane still coming to stay next weekend?’

‘Absolutely! There’s French toast on the breakfast menu, right?’

‘There is indeed. Though I don’t know how Jackson will keep up with cooking breakfast here and then working at the pub, alongside finishing up renovating next door.’ She smiled.Jackson had been happy to put his own renovations on hold whilst he’d helped Laura here, but now, she was looking forward to helping him for a change and putting some of her newly discovered DIY skills to the test once more.

As they walked through the hallway towards the back door, Laura frowned. She couldn’t hear any of the laughing or chatting that there had been when she’d left the garden party. People hadn’t gone home already, had they?

Stepping in front of her, Richie threw the back door open before standing aside.

Laura froze in the doorway. Jackson was standing on the decking in front of her, their guests gathered around the steps, all quietly watching and waiting. ‘Jackson?’

‘Go on then. Go to him.’ Richie chuckled and nudged her forward.

Glancing back at her brother, Laura turned back to Jackson and walked slowly towards him. He held a small burgundy box in one hand. He wasn’t, was he? He wasn’t about to propose? She swallowed.

‘Laura.’ Taking her hand in his, Jackson knelt down, one knee on the decking. ‘I’ve dreamt about this for a very long time now and can hardly believe the moment has come.’

He was! He really was! She squeezed his hand as she spoke, her words coming out in a whisper. ‘Nor me.’

‘You are kind, funny, genuine, beautiful. You are my soulmate.’ Jackson glanced down at the ground before shaking his head and opening the ring box to reveal a platinum band, a small but perfect diamond, sitting delicately in the middle. ‘I had a whole long speech prepared, but what I want to say is: you’re my other half and will you do me the honour of marrying me? Please?’

Bringing her free hand to her face, Laura wiped at the happy tears and nodded. ‘Of course.’

‘Phew!’ Carefully taking the ring from the box, Jackson slid it on her finger before standing and drawing her in towards him as the silence around them filled with applause, whoops, and a chorus of ‘congratulations!’

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