Stevie and Betty were sitting on the terrace a short while later, the soft, warm night illuminated by the fairy lights and a low-hanging full moon. It glowed a yellow-orange, and Stevie thought it was probably one of the most romantic sights she had ever seen.
They had the terrace to themselves – everyone else was in the ballroom, drinking the champagne that had been brought out on silver platters when Tia and William’s engagement was announced. Stevie and Betty had stayed to toast the happy couple, but Stevie was acutely aware of Betty standing at her side with tears in her eyes. So, as soon as it was polite, she suggested they sit on the terrace for a while to get some fresh air. Stevie had also been acutely conscious of Nick, standing behind his sister and wearing a stunned expression. He did look incredibly happy, though, just a bit shocked.
‘It’s been a fairly successful evening,’ Stevie said. ‘What with Tia and William, and Allegra’s awful review removed.’ Stevie had checked, and confirmed that the others had been taken down, too.
‘You’ll be keeping me on, then,’ Betty said.
Stevie bit back a smile. ‘I am, am I?’
‘You’ll have to.’
‘How do you work that out?’ She was totally planning on Betty continuing to work in the café for as long as the old lady wanted to and felt up to it, but she was having fun, gently teasing her friend. ‘Because of all the new customers?’
‘Because Cassandra is pregnant,’ Betty announced.
‘She never said!’ Stevie’s mouth dropped open for about the twentieth time that evening.
‘That’s because she doesn’t know yet.’
Stevie darted her a swift look. ‘And you do? How?’
‘I just know these things.’
‘Like you just knew Tia and William were in love?’
‘Exactly! Cassandra will have to stop work to have the baby at some point, so are you going to give me a proper job, or what?’
Stevie reached out to pat Betty’s hand. ‘It’s yours if you want it, for as long as you want it. You’re a damned fine baker.’
‘I know.’ Betty smirked.
Stevie let out a laugh. The old woman was incorrigible and she opened her mouth to tell her so, when her attention was caught by a figure leaning against one of the French doors. He was studying her with such intensity it stole her breath. Betty followed Stevie’s gaze.
‘Righto, I think that’s my cue to leave,’ the old woman said, levering herself out of the chair with a grunt.
Stevie nodded absently, unable to take her eyes off Nick. To be fair, he seemed unable to stop staring at her, either.
They stayed that way for several long seconds, then slowly, oh, so slowly, Nick straightened up and ambled across the terrace. He seemed to be in no hurry. It was as if he had all the time in the world, but Stevie wished he would get a move on. She was desperate to hear why he had wanted her to wait.
She got to her feet and waited nervously for him to approach, butterflies doing somersaults in her stomach and her heart thumping so fast and so loudly she felt certain he must be able to hear it.
‘Are you pleased?’ she asked, when he reached her. He was standing so close she could smell his cologne and the heady masculine scent of him.
‘Very.’
He took hold of her hands and pulled her closer, until she came up against his muscular chest.
‘Me, too. They make a lovely couple. Have they decided on a date? I expect they’ll have the wedding here, it’s really lovely, and a perfect venue, and—’
Stevie stopped talking. She had no choice, because Nick had gathered her into his arms, and his lips were on hers and he was kissing her soundly.
She melted into him, letting the kiss sweep her along, until she was almost faint and giddy with it. At some point, he tore himself away long enough to murmur, ‘I love you,’ before he claimed her lips once more.
He loves me, her heart sang, and she found herself with tears of pure joy trickling down her face. He loves me!
When they finally pulled apart, Nick gazed down into her eyes, the emotion shining in his stealing her breath. Gently, he stroked one damp cheek, then the other, and smiled down at her.
‘I love you, too,’ she whispered. She had never felt more certain about anything in her life. Being in his arms, being held by him, felt right, it was as though they had been made for each other.
He continued to gaze into her eyes, his lips inches from her own, and asked, ‘Can I take you out to dinner?’
‘I’d love you to,’ she replied and before she could say any more, his mouth was on hers again, his kiss tasting of love and the future.
Their love and their future, together.