Page 98 of Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm

‘I’m going to give you a thoroughly insensible life, Flora Barton,’ he said, in between kisses. ‘We’re going to be silly and laugh and enjoy life. That’s my vow to you.’

‘I adore you,’ she told him, looking up at him with stars in her eyes.

‘Are you sure it wasn’t just the sexy motorbike?’ he asked.

She laughed. ‘Oh, I’m sure it’s partly down to the bike.’ She grinned. ‘Do I get equal driving duties?’

‘You get everything,’ he told her, holding her close. ‘Including my heart.’

‘I’m glad to hear it,’ she said. ‘Now kiss me again.’

As she drew his head towards her, he replied, ‘Yes, boss.’

* * *

When they drew apart, Flora knew that they were together forever and her heart was full to bursting with happiness. She completely adored him.

‘You know, I did have a leaving present for you,’ she told him, stroking his cheek. ‘But I want to give it to you.’

‘Do I still have to leave to receive it?’ he asked, with a smile.

She shook her head and leaned up to kiss him on the lips. ‘No. But I want you to have it anyway.’

She headed inside the farmhouse to where she had hidden the double package under the stairs. Nico looked bemused as she handed it over to him when she came back outside.

But as he unwrapped the brown paper, his expression went from intrigued to amazed. He brought out the painting, which was of Strawberry Hill Farm. Flora had made sure that she had included the little campsite in the background, as well as the strawberry field.

‘Thank you,’ he told her. ‘It’s wonderful.’

‘I wanted you to take the farm with you, to remind you of us all,’ she told him.

‘I’d have never forgotten you,’ he replied, drawing her close and kissing her with such passion as to leave her breathless.

When they finally drew apart, Flora was almost too dazed to hand over the other package, such was her love for him. But she managed to place the second wrapped paper into his hands.

‘I hope it’s a self-portrait of your beautiful face,’ he told her, unwrapping the paper. ‘Although I’m happier looking at the real thing every day.’ He gave her a soft smile, but as he looked down at the second painting, his face fell.

‘I hope I got the details right,’ she said quickly. ‘I wanted to do the vineyard justice, so I got an old photo from Grams. It wasn’t in colour though.’

She watched Nico take a deep breath as he stared at the painting for a long time in silence. When he looked back at her, there were tears in his eyes. ‘The light. The way the sun peeks through the tall trees. It’s just like being there,’ he told her. ‘Grazie. I was worried that I would start to forget it. You’ve given me back my home. My other home, I mean.’

‘You’re sure it’s okay?’ she asked.

‘It’s perfect,’ he told her, placing it down carefully to draw her into his arms. ‘Just like you.’

‘I love you so much,’ she told him, reaching up to pull his mouth down to hers.

And then she lost herself in his sweet kisses, knowing that she would stay as happy as she was at that moment forever.

60

Nico took a step backwards and stared at the old barn.

‘It’s looking more secure, don’t you think?’ he said.

Joe nodded. ‘I reckon it should withstand any winter storms, if we get any,’ he replied.

Nico was pleased that his friend agreed. The barn had played an important part during the summer for the campsite, as a place to gather and meet people. The cooking area had proved popular for those who didn’t want to head out for something to eat and so he had plans to install a more permanent outdoor kitchen over the winter.