The Guestbook at Willow Cottage. Holly Martin

have enough pity from the locals without you joining in too. It was nice to be treated normally for a while. Though I felt like I owed you an explanation for my reticence which is why I told you.

      I don’t feel guilty for moving on. My life shouldn’t stop just because Nick’s did. And I’m not concerned about what people will think. They can think what they like. Most of them will be happy for me and those that aren’t I don’t care about anyway.

      Nick’s family will be supportive too. They wouldn’t expect me to sit in mourning for the rest of my life. No the reason I’m holding back is purely the thought of being with someone that isn’t Nick. It feels very weird.

      Knock on my back door when you wake up, maybe we can go for a drive.

       WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY. THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO SEE THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE BACK ON ANNIE’S FACE SO WE DROVE DOWN TO GREAT YARMOUTH AND WENT TO THE PLEASURE BEACH. WE SPENT THE DAY RIDING THE ROLLERCOASTERS, RACING EACH OTHER ON THE GO-KARTS AND EATING CANDY FLOSS AND FISH AND CHIPS ON THE PIER. THE HIGHLIGHT FOR ME WAS HER GRABBING ME IN THE HAUNTED HOTEL.

      Ha ha! I was holding you because you were clearly scared, I was offering comfort. I had the best time today, thank you so much.

       MMMM FINALLY A KISS!!

       MONDAY:

       THE BUILDERS ARRIVED AT SEVEN THIS MORNING, OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE KEEN TO GET THIS CASH BONUS.

      Tuesday:

      Barney, I’ve just taken a last minute enquiry for half term next week, do you think you’ll be out by then. No worries if not.

       YES I SHOULD BE. THE HOUSE IS STARTING TO LOOK AMAZING. THERE ARE A FEW THINGS HERE AND THERE THAT NEED TO BE FINISHED BUT I’M KEEN TO MOVE IN NOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I’M GOING TO MOVE IN ON FRIDAY SO I’LL BE OUT OF YOUR HAIR THEN.

       I WOULD LOVE YOU TO COME OVER AND SEE IT. I’LL MAKE YOU DINNER SATURDAY NIGHT IN MY NEW KITCHEN AND IF TRAVELLING BACK ACROSS THE GREEN IS TOO FAR FOR YOU, YOU COULD ALWAYS STAY OVER AFTERWARDS.

      Dinner will be lovely, though I think I can manage to find my way back across the green again.

       WELL IF YOU’RE SURE, I’D HATE FOR YOU TO GET LOST.

      I’ll think about it.

       WEDNESDAY:

       I’M OFF TO BUY NEW BEDDING FOR MY KING SIZE BED, CAN’T WAIT TO SLEEP IN IT ON FRIDAY IN MY NEW HOME AND HOPEFULLY CHRISTEN IT ON SATURDAY.

       Barney, can I just remind you, you’re supposed to be taking things slow.

       Sophia Lorenzo.

      Sophia!!! I’m more than capable of saying no if I’m not ready.

      And Barney, please don’t write things like that in the guestbook, other people will read it after you’ve gone.

       SORRY. BARNEY X

       Me too. I worry about you that’s all. I’m sure Olly would be worried too if he knew.

      Which is why he doesn’t need to know. Olly would have me dressed in black and mourning his brother for the rest of my life. Is that what you want too?

       No of course not, I’m pleased that you’re having fun, really I am. I just don’t want to see you hurt or rushing into anything you’re not sure about. I love you and if you’re happy then I’m happy. Sophia x

       And Barney if you hurt her I’ll have your testicles on a plate.

       DULY NOTED.

      Sophia, you do make me laugh. I’d be quite proficient at serving Barney’s testicles on a plate myself if it comes to that, I am a culinary queen after all.

       ERM FEELING QUITE NERVOUS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY TESTICLES NOW. MAYBE SOPHIA WOULD LIKE TO CHAPERONE OUR DINNER ON SATURDAY AND ESCORT YOU BACK SAFELY ACROSS THE GREEN AFTERWARDS. THEREFORE YOUR CHASTITY AND MY TESTICLES REMAIN INTACT.

      That won’t be necessary.

       THURSDAY:

       HAVE SPENT A VERY LONG DAY UNPACKING BOXES AND CLEANING IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE MY HOUSE A HOME. EXHAUSTED. I’VE JUST GOT BACK HERE VERY LATE TO FIND A CHICKEN PIE FRESHLY COOKED AND JUST IN NEED OF REHEATING FOR MY DINNER. ANNIE I MAY ACTUALLY BE A LITTLE BIT IN LOVE WITH YOU.

       FRIDAY:

       THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HOSPITALITY OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR DINNER TOMORROW NIGHT, WITH OR WITHOUT THE DESSERT.

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