Page 35 of Summer at the Cornish Garden Café

‘She’s a good sister.’

‘Evidently.’ Lena drained her coffee. ‘But I should probably get going so you can get ready for work.’

He helped her gather her things then walked her to the front door. They stood there gazing at each other, a thousand words buried in their hearts just waiting to be shared. He placed his hands on her shoulders then moved them up to her face and cupped her cheeks.

‘I wish you didn’t have to go,’ he said softly.

‘I don’t want to go,’ she said. ‘But you have work, and I need to write.’

‘It’s true.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Can I phone you later?’ He wanted to ask to see her, but he also didn’t want to crowd her or overwhelm her. They both had emotions to process and seeing her again this evening would probably be overdoing it. He knew how much he liked her, but he also knew he had to process what was happening between them.

‘I’d like that.’ She moved to her tiptoes and kissed him softly on the mouth then sighed. ‘Right, I’m going. Have a great day.’

‘You too.’

He watched as she walked along the path and then down towards the harbour. When he closed the door, his chest was tight. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy at all.

‘She seems very nice,’ Marnie said from the top of the stairs, breaking into his thoughts.

‘She’s amazing.’ He rubbed at the back of his neck and released a long sigh.

‘But you’re scared?’ she asked as she descended the stairs and stood in front of him.

‘Terrified.’

‘And that’s OK. It’s natural. Normal. But I can sense that she’s a good one, Thomas. She won’t hurt you.’

‘We need to get to know each other better,’ he said.

‘She spent the night! That’s getting to know each other, I’d say.’

‘Nothing happened. We just talked and ate and slept.’

‘Really?’ Marnie’s brows rose slowly.

‘Not that I want to discuss my sex life with you, dear sister, but yes, nothing happened. I don’t want to rush this and ruin it. We both feel the same. We want to take it slowly and see if how we feel is real.’

Marnie rubbed his arm and smiled. ‘That’s very sensible of you, baby brother. I’m proud of you. There aren’t many men like you out there, I’m sure.’

‘What about Bligh?’

‘Oh he’s the best there is.’ Marnie’s smile broadened. ‘I do love him.’

‘I know you do, and he loves you. You’re perfect together.’

Marnie glowed at the praise. ‘I think so. But I want that for you too, Thomas. I long to see you happy and settled with a woman who will truly love you.’

‘That would be nice. But let’s take this one step at a time, eh?’

‘Yes, that’s a very good plan.’ She gave a small nod. ‘Do you think my tea is ready?’

‘It is. Come on and I’ll see if I can find you a biscuit.’

‘I’m going to be the size of a mansion by the time this baby comes.’ She padded off along the hallway and Thomas followed her.

‘Not a mansion, but maybe a shed,’ he teased.

‘A small shed?’ she asked as she sat down, and he handed her a mug.

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