Page 177 of An Unholy Affair
He flashed her a devastating smile. ‘Wedo.’
Eveline held his gaze.Thank you, God. Thank you.
‘So, my darling wife,’ Jack continued, leading her to the door of the hall. ‘You will need to use your imagination, and apply quantum physics, but here is your wedding gift.’
‘Quantum physics?’
‘Yes, you need to appreciate that this moment contains the past, present and future in perfect synchronicity.’
‘O-kay…’
‘This maylooklike a run-down building with a knackered roof. But actually, it’s a completely refurbished church hall, hosting everything from AA meetings to yoga.’
‘But—’
‘I can’t take all the credit,’ he said quickly. ‘As well as some of my—ourmoney, I’m going to put Dad’s bequest into the pot. We also did a whip-round in the church whilst we were waiting for you to arrive, and your new treasurer is currently counting the haul ready to take to the bank next week.’
‘Oh my goodness!’
‘And that’s not all,’ Jack continued, clearly delighted with her response. ‘Estelle’s gran has spoken to the Bishop about the plans and told him that, as well as approving the upgrade, he’s also expected to rubber-stamp the extension.’
‘What extension?’
‘Think of it as “the Gram-Gram wing”. She’s going to pay for it and Finn’s going to help with submitting the proposal to the planners. At the very least, you should get a bigger and upgraded kitchen, but hopefully you’ll also get another meeting room as well.’
Possibilities rushed through Eveline’s mind. With the pews staying for the foreseeable future, finally having enough money to bring the hall back into serviceandmake the space bigger, would be a lifeline for the church and community.
‘This is incredible,’ she murmured. ‘Thank you.’
‘It’s not the most exciting present, or the most romantic—’
‘Oh, Jack, itis! It’s the most thoughtful gift in the world!’
‘For the most thoughtfulpersonin the world.’ He smiled at her. ‘How did I get so lucky?’
She leaned closer. ‘You’re going to get even luckier tonight,’ she whispered.
He brushed his lips over hers. ‘Minx,’ he murmured. ‘I can’t wait.’
36
It was nearly midnight by the time Jack pulled the Range Rover off the narrow road and down a track, the headlights illuminating a fairytale cottage surrounded by trees.
‘I’ll take our bags in, then come back for you,’ he said, turning off the engine.
Eveline unfastened her seatbelt. ‘I can help.’
Jack leaned across the centre console and kissed her. ‘I want to carry you over the threshold.’
She smiled, happily. ‘You really are my hero.’
‘Your Wolf Redwood?’
‘A million times better.’
He gave her another kiss, then pulled away. ‘If I don’t go now, I’ll never be able to.’
Leaping out of his seat, he collected their bags from the boot.
