Page 42 of Lime Tree Hill

Making her way to the bedroom, Tayla glanced at her phone as it pinged. She flopped on the bed. It was late. She wanted to sleep. Wanted to rest her head between Mitch’s shoulders as she drifted off.

Lisa:You really do pick your moments, don’t you?

Tayla:???

Lisa:You go off on a whim and MARRY the boy next door when Dad’s out of action. Don’t you think that’s a MEGA shellfish move on your part?

Tayla:Mega shellfish? You mean like oysters or scallops? ROTFL.

Lisa:Stupid phone. You know exactly what I mean. Brat!

Tayla:I do. And point NOT taken. Go to bed. You’re grumpy and SHOUTING.

Lisa:Yes because I’m MAD at you. You can’t just go off and get married without telling anyone. And to Mitch!! Rebound much.

Tayla:Oops. I didn’t get that memo. Naughty Tayla. Goodnight. Love you xx

Tayla threw her phone onto the bed and giggled. She was officially a brat. A married brat. “Wow. Way to go me.”

She thought of Mitch, lying in bed next door. Had he received a similar text from one of his sisters, telling him what a naughty boy he’d been? If he did, would he think it was funny too? And was he thinking of her arms around his waist as they rode home along the river track under the stars?

She hoped so.

19

TULLOCH POINT

Twelve days.Tayla had survived a week and a half under Mitchel Harrington’s roof without wanting to pack her bags. They’d tiptoed around each other with stilted conversation, but when she’d discussed it with Ruby, her sister’s advice was, as always, on point. Think of your time at Lime Tree Hill as a sabbatical, she’d said, a time to take stock and regroup after Hayden. A safe haven of sorts.

The sabbatical part she understood. The safe haven, not so much. In Sydney, Tayla had grown accustomed to having people around. It meant she didn’t have to think too deeply. Just wander along the beach, sipping coffee as she watched the world go by.

However, the solitude of her new home didn’t quite gel. Or maybe it was Mitch that she didn’t gel with. Mitch, with his powerful presence, deep voice, and structured routine. A man who knew what he wanted out of life and how to get it.

As she dressed, Tayla thought fondly of Cherry Grove. The house would never again experience the conversations and laughter of the Whitman clan, and she had to accept it.

It was Friday morning. The week before, Mitch had invited her to join him on a trip to his family home to celebrate his sister Sydney’s twenty-third birthday. Tayla had agreed, but as the dayapproached, her anxiety rose to the surface. She’d never been to Tulloch Point, the small Bay of Plenty town where his family had an avocado and kiwifruit orchard. Andrea and Frank were still in London, but she’d be meeting his friends and youngest sister for the first time.

Tayla walked into the kitchen, stopping at the sight of a teenage girl rummaging through the fridge. She placed two apples on the counter.

“May I help you?”

The girl glanced over her shoulder at Tayla. “Sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was home. Aren’t you guys going to Tulloch Point for the night?” She turned and wiped her hand down her jeans before offering it to Tayla. “I’m Valentina. Mitch’s cleaner. But please don’t call me Val. I can’t stand it. I usually come after school, but we have a sports day and I don’t need to be there until lunchtime.”

Tayla nodded and smiled. “Of course. I’m Tayla.”

They shook, Valentina’s handshake warm, her smile welcoming.

“I know. I mean, he told me you’d be here. And congratulations. I can’t wait to see the photos. I bet Mitch looked amazing in his suit. There’s something about seeing a guy in a different light. Like when they’re always wearing jeans and a tee, and suddenly, they’re rocking a three-piece suit, shiny shoes, and a crisp white shirt. I love a guy in a suit, don’t you?”

The smile widened. “I do. How old are you?”

“Sixteen.” She caught Tayla’s expression and giggled. “But I don’t have the hots for your husband. He’s too old for me. It’s the clothes I’m interested in, not the man. I want to study fashion design and build my own label. I’m saving for a sewing machine. What was your dress like? Please don’t tell me a puffed-out meringue. I couldn’t bear it.” Valentina paused for a breath.

“There wasn’t a meringue in sight. Do you want to see apicture?” Tayla unlocked her phone and pulled up the photos. “Here.”

Valentina held the phone in one hand, zooming in and out with her thumb and forefinger. “Wow…seriously cool. I’ve never seen a wedding dress like it. Is it a skirt and top? I love high necks. The top’s lighter than the skirt?”

“Just a shade, but I flashed my tummy every time I moved, so that wasn’t ideal.”

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