Now, it was Nell’s turn, and for a second, she looked down at his hand holding hers, summoning her strength to get the words that meant so much to her out of her mouth. ‘Tom, you’ve been my friend for so long, it took me a while to realise how much I love you because it was a love so deep and so strong I hadn’t realised it was already a part of me. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you as your wife. I vow to …’ Trying to keep her eyes on his face she willed back the tears obscuring her vision. ‘I vow to be your heart when yours is heavy, your shoulders when troubles become weighty and – and …’ She took another deep breath as the tears began to fall. ‘Your eyes when you can’t see. I love you.’
Without a dry eye in the house, they were declared husband and wife, ready to start the next chapter of their lives. They exited the lounge into a flurry of fake snow from a snow machine Tom had organised without her knowing. As the snow drops danced around her, she couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have a man who cared for her as much as Tom did, even trying to give her the white Christmas wedding she’d dreamed of.
Tom offered her a glass of champagne but when Nell refused, he frowned in confusion. Before he could ask what was wrong, she took his hand and began leading him to the holly bench once more. She couldn’t wait to tell him her news – the best Christmas present she could give – and giggled at the fact he hadn’t noticed anything yet. Her enormous Christmas jumpers had come in handy this time around and with any luck, he’d get to see the face of their baby before his sight failed any more. If he didn’t, she’d describe their baby to him and guide his fingers over a tiny nose, tiny cheeks and soft skin. She’d already pictured it in her mind, careful not to go too far this time. No problems were insurmountable when they were together, there were only different ways of doing things. And as Tom liked to point out, she’d always been just a little bit different.
THE END
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Acknowledgements
So that’s it! The final instalment of my Swallowtail Bay series. I feel quite sad saying goodbye to this lovely place but I’m very excited for the location of my next series and I hope you’ll visit too.
I always find writing the acknowledgements quite hard because there are so many people who go into making a book and I worry about missing people out. Of course, I need to thank my friends and family for bearing with me while I’m beavering away at my little desk in the corner. They’re so understanding and I’m really grateful for their support.
There are also all the lovely folk at HQ Digital. My fabulous editor, Sarah Goodey, always does an amazing job in figuring out what I want to do but aren’t quite pulling off yet. Thank you, Sarah! It’s such a pleasure to work with you and I can’t wait till we can actually meet properly! But I’d really like to thank everyone at HQ Digital from the cover designers and marketing team, the sales guys who have worked hard to get me promotions, and everyone else for everything they do. All your work behind the scenes is really, really appreciated. Thank you also to Lisa Milton Executive Publisher of HQ. You did a fabulous job of keeping us all going during a very difficult and unsettling year and it was always helpful and reassuring to receive your emails.
I normally like to give a shout out to all the book bloggers who spend their time reading and shouting about our books because I wouldn’t be anywhere if it wasn’t for you guys. Thank you!! This time, I’d also like to say a massive thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for her amazing blog tour skills! Thank you, Rachel! We love you!
Turn the page for a sneak peek at
the glorious new novel from Katie Ginger, The Secrets of Meadowbank Farmhouse.
Coming March 2021
Chapter 1
Paris
The sights and smells of the Paris flea market were almost too much for Amelia’s hungover senses to bear. Only her excitement at living in the city she adored and a need to be out of her apartment, led her forwards.
Though the baking emanating from the nearby shops smelled delicious, the aromas changed with every step causing her stomach to roil and calm in equal measure. One minute the strong scents of garlic and onion were overtaken by that of sweet pastries and butter. The crowds wove around her, all heading for the farmer’s market at the bottom of the tiny street or carrying bags laden with fresh produce as they made their way back up the hill. In between, shopkeepers cast open their windows displaying the eclectic range of goods they had to offer. Her eye fell on numerous chandeliers that hung from the ceilings of one store, onto antique vases stood side by side on a small side table. Traditional French furniture lined up outside alongside paintings all stacked together. On the other side of the street, smaller objects like perfume bottles, vintage jewellery and trinkets glittered as the sun hit the windows.
All around, the sound of chatter penetrated her ears, resonating through her
