‘Caro, I’ve walked out on you twice. If you can find it in your heart to take me back, I promise you that I’ll never do it again.’
A tear rolled down her cheek and she brushed it away impatiently. ‘I was waiting for you, Drew.’
He stepped forward, and Caro saw that he was trembling, as if he was afraid to touch her. But when she flung herself into his arms he was there, so solid and unmistakeably real, and hugging her tight.
‘I kept you waiting for too long...’
‘It doesn’t matter. You’re here now.’ She snuggled into his arms. ‘You told me that I was hiding behind my work and you were right. But I’ve changed. I trust you, and I want to be with you.’
‘I’ve changed too, Caro. I was wrong when I said that it wasn’t possible, because loving you has changed me. I want to be with you, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. Go wherever you go—’
‘I don’t want to go anywhere, Drew. I like it here.’
‘Really? You’re not just saying that, are you?’
‘When did I ever just say things? I love it here, Dolphin Cove and the Hungry Pelican, the reindeer...’ She hugged him tight. ‘And you. I love you most of all.’
‘Then you give me no choice.’ He sank to one knee, flashing her a delicious smile.
‘I love you, Caro, completely and wholeheartedly. Please marry me.’
For a moment she thought she was going to collapse under the sheer weight of joy. Tears sprang to her eyes, and Caro could only manage one word. But it was the word that mattered.
‘Yes...’
He caught his breath, pulling her close. If he’d only stand up now she could kiss him properly. But Drew was feeling in his pocket, his other hand finding hers.
‘Yes, Drew... Yes.’ She wanted to say it again.
‘I heard.’ He grinned, holding out a ring that sparkled in the half-light. Caro couldn’t see it properly through her tears, but it didn’t actually matter. If he’d chosen to tie a piece of string around her finger, she’d treasure it.
They both gasped as he slid the ring onto her trembling finger. Caro pulled him to his feet, kissing him. Everything...everything was all right now. They’d made it right.
Drew took her hand, looking at it as if to check that he hadn’t been dreaming and that the ring was still there. It was gorgeous.
‘It’s beautiful, Drew. And it fits me. How did you know what size to get?’
‘I didn’t. The shop assistant tried to talk me out of buying it.’
Caro wrapped her arms around his neck. ‘And they say I’m crazy.’
‘This is the sanest thing I’ve ever done.’
‘Mmm. Me too. Got any ideas about our next sane and logical step?’ She was sure he would.
He wrapped his arms around her shoulders. ‘Since we’re engaged to be married now, I think the least you could do is ask me in for a coffee.’
Caro chuckled. ‘I think I should get you out of those wet clothes. Then make you coffee.’
‘Let’s forget all about the coffee, shall we?’
She clung to his hand, pulling him towards the house. The front door slammed shut behind them and they abandoned their coats and shoes in the hallway. There was no time for anything else but kisses.
‘Oh!’ Caro gasped as he lifted her off her feet, walking purposefully towards the bedroom. ‘Be careful...’
‘It’s all right.’ He was limping a little but his leg held firm. They’d already made the greatest journey, and now it was just a matter of a few steps.
EPILOGUE