Page 107 of Twin Flames

‘No. It’s a surprise.’

‘Oh, go on. Tell me!’

‘No. Be patient. I promise you’ll love it. I’m sorry about your daughter by the way. I can’t imagine how hard it is. You must miss her terribly.’ She squeezed his hand.

‘Fortunately, I don’t have to.’

‘Oh. Why’s that then?’

‘Jane is still my daughter. She’s at university. She’s the same; only older. It’s remarkable—no idea how it worked out as it did, but people always did remark that she took after me.’

‘Wow! I was worried about Jane but wasn’t sure how much you’d remember. So were you married to her mother? I’m scared to ask.’

‘Yes, until Jane was five years old, and then we split up. Her mother remarried, but I’ve been close to Jane throughout. I can only remember bits of it so far. Edward said I’ll remember more as time goes on.’

Cara nodded. ‘That’s brilliant news. Thank goodness. Although, I might have guessed there would be another marriage in the mix somewhere,’ she teased.

‘I seem to be the marrying kind, don’t I?’

‘Indeed, you do!’

Cara smiled. He could have been married fifty times, but she cared not a jot. He was free now, and they were together. That was all that mattered.

They turned into a long driveway, lined with tall willow trees. Cara slowed down and then stopped next to a sandblasted sign that read,Willow Manor.

She turned to look at George.

‘Remember this?’

‘This is it! Are we home?’ said George. ‘Edward told me about Willow Manor. Looks as though I have a house in York, after all.’

‘Yes, we’re home. For one night, anyway. I’m so happy you remember.’

They parked and entered the lobby of the Tudor style country hotel, holding hands.

‘Let’s hope they have a room for us for the night.’

‘Cara?’

‘Yes?’

‘I love your surprises.’

‘I love you,’ she said, kissing him, and linking her arm through his.

They arrived at the front desk to enquire about a room. A tall man with dark, glossy hair, turned to them, and smiled. It was a present-day Carlos.

‘Welcome to Willow Manor. How may I help you?’ he said.

George and Cara looked at each other, stunned.

‘That’s it. I’m texting Eddie. There’s no harm in giving time a little helping shove, is there?’ she said, as Carlos organised their check-in.

‘Absolutely not,’ said George. ‘Go for it.’

Carlos handed them a key, and they walked up the old winding staircase.

As they opened the door to their room, a greyhound appeared at their feet, wagging his tail. Cara bent down, delighted. She stroked him, and he rolled over for her to tickle his tummy.

‘Look, George, look. It’s Cornelius; you gave him to me as a present to celebrate our marriage in Tudorville.’

‘Hello, beautiful boy. It’s been a while.’ He stroked the dog’s shiny head. Cornelius barked, excited by all of the fuss.

They entered the room, and Cornelius immediately settled down on the rug at the foot of the bed, snuggled up and fell asleep.

They were home.