Page 33 of Fast Track to Forever
We order our cones - Kat's is a Gold Rush flavor and mine a Hokey Pokey with chunks of caramel glinting in the warm summer sun. As we walk hand in hand through the Gardens, I can't help but feel grateful for this moment. It's something I've dreamed of for years, never imagining it would actually happen.Kat and I, side by side, facing whatever comes our way. Or maybe just facing our families' disapproval.
I squeeze her hand, and she smiles back, her blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. We reach the lake with its majestic mountains as a backdrop and Kat suddenly breaks away from me.
“Look, Will!” She runs towards the edge of the lake. I start to protest but then she returns with a flat pebble in her hand. “Try this one,” she says with a flourish, handing it to me.
The smooth rock feels familiar and takes me back to all those times we stood here with our friends, testing each pebble's weight before throwing it across the water's surface. Without hesitation, I toss it and watch as it glides smoothly three times before sinking into the cool water.
“Yes!” I fist bump Kat and pull her into a hug.
“I knew it was going to be a good one. I've always loved seeing the joy it brings you, Will.” She smiles, nuzzling into my chest.
I can't help but laugh as I remember that time when Kat tried to climb the Puriri tree to rescue a cat.
“Yep. And then the cat just hopped down. And then I got stuck.” She grins up at me.
Ooops, I spoke out loud. “But you forgot the best part - I climbed up with my arm in a sling just to get you down,” I joke back.
Kat looks up at me with those beautiful blue eyes, and my heart swells with love for her. “Have you thought more about coming to Monaco?” I ask, not wanting to waste any more time apart from her.
She looks down at the path but her smile never fades. “No Hokey Pokey in Monaco, you said.”
I bite my lip nervously. “No, unfortunately not. Unless we try to make our own.”
Kat's laughter echoes through the Gardens and an older couple nearby turns to look at us. She notices and leans into me.
“I’m serious, Kat. I want to be with you. I understand that we may not be able to spend every day together, especially if I'm travelling, but whenever I have the chance, I want it to be with you.”
Kat sighs and that gorgeous smile blooms once again. “I want that too. You make me feel things I never thought possible.”
With a coy smile, she lifts up on her tiptoes and whispers, “Let's do it.” Then she leans in for a kiss and my heart feels like it could burst with happiness.
Chapter 12
28th December
Glenorchy, NZ
Will
The car trunkshuts smoothly and automatically. A new idea forms in my mind. Nikos is Kat’s cousin. What if I could convince him Kat and I are great together? Then, he could convince Kat’s parents. I don’t know how much sway he has with them. Being their nephew, he has more of a chance than me right now.
“Are you sure you're not coming?” I ask Daryl, who's standing arms crossed in the doorway of the Lodge.
“Nope.” He pops the P. “No love lost between Nikos and I. Plus I hate golf.”
“Are you sure you don't mind me going?” John asks, looking worried.
“Not at all, darling. Keep an eye on this one.” Daryl nods towards me.
I cock my head. “You still won't tell me what you've got against Nikos.”
When I met him in town that day he seemed fine. Yet both Kat and Daryl, the two people closest to me, show a clear dislike for him. Kat’s parents seem to like him though. I’m not sure what to believe.
Daryl waves his hand. “Not now. Go! Kat and I are wedding planning.”
For a moment my heart stops. Wedding planning? But I haven't asked Kat yet.
Daryl notices my confusion, looks at John, then looks back at me, rolling his eyes. “You're such a goner.Mywedding, you lemon. Now go!”
