“Not so fast,” Fin replied, interrupting me.
“What?” I hoped he wasn’t expecting me to give the damn Rubik’s cube a go.
“We haven’t finished yet.”
“We haven’t?”
Fin nodded to the card he’d given me.
“Oh my word, I’m so sorry,” I said and sitting back down I picked it straight up. I smiled at the sight of my name, beautifully written on the front of the envelope. Fin would have to be a dab hand with a pen as well. I flipped the envelope over and sliding my finger under the seal, tore it open. The card had a picture of a colourful floral wreath against a navy-blue background, with the wordsMerry Christmaswritten in gold at its centre. I opened it up, expecting to read a seasonal message. Taking in Fin’s words, however, I thought my heart might stop.
I looked from the card to Fin and back again.
Come with me,he’d simply written.
35
“Are you sure you’re all right driving?” Fin asked. “Because you look a bit dazed.”
“What do you expect?” I said, swerving to avoid a parked car. “You’ve just turned my life upside down.”
Fin chuckled.
“It’s all right for you. You’re used to flying across the world at a moment’s notice. I’m not.”
“Like I’ve said, I appreciate it’s a big ask. And you don’t have to give me an answer right now.” He put a hand on my leg. “Of course, you need to think everything through. But what can I say, Holly Noelle? I’ve fallen in love with you.”
Every time Fin said those words my heart sang. After all, I’d fallen for him too. But giving up the only life I’d ever known was scary and I wasn’t sure I could do it. If I’d had more time to get used to the idea, to plan, and to get my head around what Fin was asking of me, then maybe the decision to fly off into the sunset with him would feel more of an option. But my sister was about to give birth and my parents weren’t getting any younger. As for Mum, the prospect of my ten-day holiday had been sufficient to send her into a spin, so goodness knew how she was going to react to any suggestion of me leaving for months or even for good. I sighed, as if the thought of having to tell my whole family that Fin and I weren’t getting married wasn’t bad enough.
“Whatever you decide,” Fin said. “We’ll make it work.”
If he was talking about a long-distance relationship, I wasn’t sure we could. Fin had already mentioned seeing other chefs’ relationships break down on account of them not being able to spend much time with their partners. America is a long way from the Yorkshire Dales, so the two of us would have even less time together. I put my hand on his and as we continued our journey, I couldn’t help but think we were in an all-or-nothing situation.
Vee’s car was already outside Mum and Dad’s when Fin and I pulled up. “I hope you’re ready for this,” I said as I took off my seat belt. I felt sick. I knew I said I wanted some excitement in my life, but now I’d overdosed on the stuff.
“Isn’t it fantastic?” Fin said, taking in all the lights and decorations adorning my parents’ house. “Your mum and dad certainly know how to do Christmas.”
“I think you mean they’re barking mad.”
As if proving my point, before we’d even got out of the car my parents were at the door waiting to greet us. Dressed in matching yellow tights, long green jackets, and green pointy hats with yellow bands, Mum and Dad were certainly a sight to behold. To me, they looked like a couple of extras from a Will Ferrell Christmas movie.
“Look, Joseph,” Mum said. “It’s the two love birds.”
As we approached, Dad outstretched his arm in readiness. “Welcome to the family, son,” he said, shaking Fin’s hand.
I clocked some of the neighbours at their windows, no doubt, straining to get a glimpse of Fin. Mum had obviously spread the word about her esteemed guest and alleged future son-in-law. “Sorry about this,” I said to Fin, seeing that he’d noticed the audience too.
Fin leaned towards me, his voice a whisper. “I’m not worried about me anymore,” he replied. “My concern is with you. Do you think you could get used to this kind of attention?”
Being honest, I didn’t have a clue. As much as I couldn’t deny I was tempted by Fin’s desire for me to travel to America with him, it was a big decision without all the fandom that surrounded him.
Leaving the neighbours behind, we headed inside, where Vee and Mitch came out of the lounge to welcome us.
“I believe congratulations are in order,” my brother-in-law said, like Dad offering Fin a celebratory handshake.
“Yes, congratulations, you two,” Vee said, throwing her arms around first me and then Fin. “So have you set a date yet?”
“About that,” I said, steeling myself to explain.
