Page 112 of Lime Tree Hill

“Anyway, I have something for you. Here.” Mitch handed Tayla the thick white envelope he’d pulled from his pocket. She looked at the inscription.Mitchel Harrington.It was obvious by her expression that she recognized Norman’s fluid hand.

“What is this?”

“Read it.”

Tayla turned the envelope over, opened the flap, and removed the letter. She unfolded it and scanned the text before flicking her sight to the top of the page. Mitch studied her expression with interest.

“…I’ve met a girl who’s stolen my heart. You will know who I mean. With her unique style and poise, she’s not easy to ignore.”Tayla caught his gaze and frowned. “Who does he mean?”

“Keep going. You’ll see.”

She read in silence, her expression alternating between amusement and concern. When she reached the last paragraph, she found her voice again and continued aloud, “If we lived in a society where elders chose life partners for their offspring, she would be my choice for you. Your loving grandfather, Norman.”

Tayla looked at Mitch and frowned. “Does he mean me?”

“Who else?”

After scanning the page once more, she folded the letter andreturned it to the envelope. Handing it to Mitch, she asked, “When did you receive this?”

“It was in the top drawer of his writing desk when he died.”

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.” She smiled sadly. “He struggled to sustain relationships in real life, but he loved fictitious romance. I remember when we binge-watchedThe Bridges of Madison Countythree times in the same week. Apart from Audrey Hepburn, he always said Meryl Streep was the most beautiful woman in film.”

Mitch gazed across the cemetery toward the coast. He’d watched that movie with Norman too and had been so embarrassed by the bathtub scene that he’d made a beeline for the bathroom as soon as it started. “The old guy wanted us to be together,” Mitch said.

“He wanted a lot of things that had no basis in reality.”

Mitch took her hand. “I want it too. Being apart doesn’t work for me, Tayla. And I don’t want to pressure you, I just want you to know how I feel.”

“Even when our relationship is based on a lie? You didn’t choose me, Mitch. I don’t want to be a convenience just because I crashed into your life through a set of circumstances neither of us planned.”

“I get that. But my grandfather chose you, and for once, his perception was spot on. Norman may have been a pigheaded recluse, but he understood love and loss. His awareness never ceases to amaze me.”

Tayla nodded her agreement, but it was clear she was still struggling with her doubts. Pressing her to make a decision right now would only push her away. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Don’t stay away too long. It’s lonely without you in my arms.”

He stood, headed back to the Hilux and jumped inside. She kept eye contact as he peered through the windshield, her brows knitted together with concern. And as he shifted the gear lever intoreverse, he remembered the leather jacket he’d bought her, wrapped up on the passenger seat, and wondered if she would ever share his bed again. Ever sit at his table.

Ever come home.

Throughout the following day, that thought stayed front and center in his mind, but when he walked into the kitchen after work, a large jar of shortbread sat on the counter with a handwritten note that said:

Your many acts of kindness have

never gone unnoticed.

Love you.

Tayla. xx

49

PANCAKE ROCKS

Mitch:Meet me at the pancake rocks. Sunday 5 p.m.

Mitch:And I know what you’re going to say.

Tayla:What’s that?

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