Page 92 of The Christmas Dog Sitters
‘I’m glad you let me find out for myself. Her last chapter was about finding somewhere to heal and grow.’ I recalled wiping away a tear in bed whilst reading Olivia’s account of how she had moved to The Duck House after Sophie had died. She described it as the perfect place to heal all wounds and learn to live again.
He took hold of my hand. ‘Are you excited about the future?’
I grinned. ‘I don’t think “excited” comes close to how I am feeling right now. Last night after Maddie told me about our business venture, I nearly wet myself with joy.’
Ben laughed. ‘Do you have a name for this new business?’
‘Harpers,’ I said. ‘Maddie wants us to use the west wing as she says it holds a lot of bad memories for her. I think we will start as a posh café and see what happens. We will also open the grounds to the public. This is like a dream come true for Maddie and me. We’re going to speak to Abi and Darren in the bakery to see whether they’d be interested in supplying the bread.’
‘I love the name,’ he said, draping his arm over my shoulder. ‘What about Layla and her housing situation?’
‘Maddie is letting her stay at the house until she can find somewhere. She’s going to be a live-in housekeeper.’
‘That’s great to hear. Layla deserves a break.’
‘She does and I am so happy for her and Zac. He will have a little playmate once Maddie and Josh’s little one arrives.’
Ben wrapped his arms around my waist. ‘When do you want me to come to London with my van and help you pack up your flat?’
I leaned into kiss him. ‘As soon as possible.’
‘What will be my payment?’ He arched his eyebrows suggestively.
‘An overnight stay in The Duck House with me,’ I said, before kissing him with such passion and vigour, we both nearly fell over in the snow.
‘Will you be my girlfriend?’ Ben asked, once we’d stopped laughing and regained our composure.
‘Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend.’
Holding hands like a pair of loved-up teenagers we made our way back to the manor house. As we trudged through the snow I looked up at the sky and silently thanked Olivia, my soul sister.
You did get my smile back, Olivia. He’s perfect. Have fun up there with Sophie. We will never forget you both.
