Page 41 of Lime Tree Hill

Tayla looked around the room and smiled as everyone lifted their glasses in a toast then yelled, “Speech, speech.”

“Wow, when Ned asked us to come over for a drink,” Mitch said, “I didn’t expect it to be a full-on party, but thanks, Maggie and Ned, for hosting this impromptu gathering. As you all know by now, Tayla and I took a trip to Petrie Bay yesterday and came back married. While I was going to tell you all soon, this is a nice way to do it. So thanks for coming, guys, and please enjoy your evening.”

“Right,” Ned said. “I better put the steaks on the grill. Go show off your wife. She deserves it.”

Mitch put his arm around her waist, and as they weaved their way into the crowd, he introduced her to so many people, she didn’t know how she’d ever remember their names.

As the evening progressed, Mitch stayed by Tayla’s side until she went to help Maggie with the dishes.

“You realize we’re going to have to do this all over again when Jean and Barry get home,” Maggie said as they stacked the dishwasher.

“I was just thinking the same thing. Thank you, I’ve really enjoyed my night.”

“Well, Mitch has been like a son to us. It’s the least we could do.”

“There you are.” Mitch looked around the kitchen, his gaze settling on Tayla. “I came to help, but I guess you’re all done.”

“We are,” Maggie said. “Time to take Tayla home.”

“Yes. I have work tomorrow, and I’m a little tipsy. And, I have to get on that four-wheeler.”

“Do you want me to go home and get the car?” Mitch asked.

Tayla looked at him and smiled. “Where’s the fun in that?”

With goodbyes over, she climbed on the Can-Am behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist and held on tight. And as Mitch pulled away, Tayla rested her head between his shoulder blades and smiled.

He stopped outside the garage door, and as he climbed off, she missed the warmth of his back. She sat for a moment.

He offered his hand. “Are you okay?”

“Um…yeah, great.” She looked skyward. “Wow, look at those stars. It’s such a beautiful night. I could just sleep here.”

He chuckled. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed.”

“But weren’t we going to call your folks?”

“Maybe tomorrow. I think someone’s had one glass too many.”

“And…I ate way too much. Man, Ned cooks a great steak, doesn’t he?” She giggled as he helped her down. “I won’t be able to do up my jeans if I stay here much longer.”

In the kitchen, Mitch poured her a glass of water and handed her two paracetamol. “Here, you better take these.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine, really.” She threw back the pills and drained the glass. “I’m off to bed. Goodnight.”

“Sleep well.”

She went to step away but turned back. “Hey, Mitch?”

He looked up from putting her glass into the dishwasher.

“That was a great night, wasn’t it. Neat people, amazing food and wine.” She paused. “I like it here.”

He flashed an amused smile. “I’m glad.”

She pointed toward the hallway. “Anyway, time for bye-byes.”

“’Night, Tayla.”

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