Page 54 of Fairy Cakes in Winter

I set the fairy wings and tiara on the counter next to a tray of fairy cakes, shrugged my coat on, and waved before stepping outside into the frigid February night.

Scott walked beside me, his face partially hidden by his scarf. I couldn’t see his expression in the dark, but I could feel the tension coming off him in tsunami-like waves.

We made our way down New Bond Street in silence, turning to walk along the riverside. I snapped a photo in my mind of the lights from Pulteney Bridge glowing on the water and the imposing abbey on the right. I knew the way to the station so well now. I knew the college was on the left next to the Catholic church with the imposing spire. I knew the sidewalks were impossibly narrow, and I knew that I did not want to say good-bye at the train station.

No way.

I stopped abruptly, shoving my hands into my pockets.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“What time is your flight?”

He knew this already, but I answered anyway. “One p.m. My mother wants to be at the airport three hours earlier. We’ll be leaving around nine o’clock.”

“Right. I remember.” Scott rubbed my shoulder and ran his fingers through my hair. “You forgot your wings.”

I swallowed hard as I met his gaze. “You keep them. They won’t fit in my suitcase anyway. I’d have to wear them on the plane and everyone would stare—or worse, ask questions, and you know how I feel about talking on planes. Or planes in general.”

He smiled wanly. “You’re gonna be fine.”

I nodded and tried to think of something intelligent to say, but my mind went blank. My heart was cracking in my chest as I stood there. I literally ached all over. How was I supposed to walk away now? What was my last line here? I wished I had a script, because I was lost.

Utterly…lost.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “Thank you for…being you. For being kind, for taking a chance, for letting me help. Thank you for…everything.”

“Theo…”

“I was afraid to come here. I was afraid of traveling and afraid I’d spend too much time worrying about all the changes I’d be coming home to, but now…I wish England wasn’t so far ’cause I’m—I’m really going to miss you.”

He swept me in a monster embrace and held on as if he’d never let go. “I’m gonna miss you too, baby. I’ll be in Seattle again in the spring. I’ve been thinking about it and…I can make a trip to San Francisco too, and—”

“No.” I pushed out of his arms and swiped at the tears streaming down my cheeks. “Let’s not do that. I don’t think I’m made for casual long-distance affairs. I’m possessive and prone to wicked fits of jealousy and…I don’t want you to ever regret me.”

“I will never ever regret you, Theo,” he said vehemently. “Never.”

I pulled at his coat, flung my arms around his neck, and kissed him as if my life depended on it.

When I stepped aside, we were both breathless and raw. It was time.

I zipped my jacket to my chin and flashed a teary smile. “I love you. And I wish you all the best things in life. Good-bye, Scott.”

12

Scott

A cold wind whipped along the river, sending a chill along my spine as I watched Theo’s figure disappear in the shadows. I stood there longer than necessary. He was gone. Probably sitting on the train now, listening to the usual spiel about the stops along the way and the safety reminder on replay. “See it, say it, we’ll sort it.”

We’d chuckled about the language differences—crisps and fries, motorways and interstates, boots and car trunks. The list was endless and entertaining to a couple of starry-eyed Americans with a limited amount of time to spare.

And now the train was probably moving along the tracks. He’d take the window seat so he could see the sights…even though it was dark. If I were with him, I’d take the aisle and stretch my legs out. I’d put my arm around him and…

He was gone.

When the next gust of wind tore along the street, I pulled my scarf over my ears and started walking. Problem—I couldn’t go to the bakery. People would be there. They’d want to talk. Tell me how great Theo was, what wonderful things he’d done for the community in such a short time. I’d have to nod and smile, and I’d done enough of that tonight.