The Holly Project (22 page)

“Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.”
– PAPYRUS

“Are we going by boat?” I asked, smiling broadly.

“Of sorts. Hope you’re not afraid of heights?” He winked and I laughed.

“I’m pretty sure heights aren’t an issue at sea level.” Squeezing his hand, I felt the warmth resonating through my body, knowing we were going back to the place it all started.

“I remember that day so clearly,” he said, taking his hand from mine then wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

Being late July, the cold winter winds were biting. Nestling into his side, we walked the short distance along the jetty to where Gary was waiting with his seaplane.

“Feels like another lifetime.” I glanced down at my charm bracelet, where the tiny hummingbird swung alongside the oyster.

“How’s the leg? You know I’m more than willing to carry you.”

“My leg is fine, but thanks for the offer.” I nudged him and he pulled me in closer. “I’m really looking forward to going back to the Hummingbird.”

He kissed my head. “Me too.”

Gary helped us into the seaplane and before we knew it, we were airborne. I was still blown away by the beauty of the city seen from above, but I think I might have squealed less than I did the first time. I was content to enjoy the fact that almost a whole year had passed since we last took this journey, and we were still together.

The difference this time was that we were officially together, madly in love and deliriously happy.

Six months had passed since the horrible incident at the building site. Thanks to a gun defence lawyer, Rachael avoided a criminal record – it couldn’t be proven that she meant for me to fall. I refused to spend any time worrying about whether justice had been served. It was of no consequence to me. She was back in London, out of the picture and I had the man.

The cast came off my leg in early March, six weeks after leaving the hospital. The bone had healed well and after a few months of hydrotherapy, I now felt completely back to normal.

Ryan had been my rock. At times, his overprotectiveness had irritated me. For several weeks after the cast was removed, he wouldn’t let me carry my things or help out around the apartment –
our
apartment. When I first left the hospital, he had insisted I move in with him so he could take care of me. I never moved out again. We were going to spend every night together anyway, so it made sense. I was sad to leave Audrey and Zara, but they were happy for me, and we saw each other all the time anyway.

When the Aqua Vue project was completed, Ryan sold all the apartments, abandoning his plan to keep one for himself. The incident with Rachael had tarnished the building for him, and there was no way in hell I was going to live there. I still suffered nightmares. At first, I would wake up in a cold sweat almost nightly. Ryan would sit bolt upright, as if he had been waiting. He would talk to me until I was relaxed enough to fall asleep again. He loved me with everything he had, and for the first time in my life, I felt I had everything to give in return.

The seaplane landing on the choppy waters snapped me back to the present.

“What were you thinking about?” Ryan asked, as we motored towards the Hummingbird jetty.

“I was just thinking about the last six months. Well, the last year really. A lot has happened since the last time we were here.”

He leaned over and kissed me. “Some good, some bad and some just plain ugly. But we’re here now, and we face it all together from here on in. Deal?”

“Deal.” I kissed him again, then let Gary help me down.

Gemma came rushing over and hugged us both. “Welcome back. I’ve missed you guys.”

“Hey, Gem,” I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “How are you?”

“I’m great.” She grabbed my hand and dragged me down the jetty. I glanced back at Ryan, picking up our bags. He smiled at me.

I did a double take as the private beach came into view. I could have sworn I recognised a few people. Looking more closely, I was shocked to see Audrey, Zara, Jason and Aspen. They held up a banner.

“Happy birthday Holly!”

“Oh my God!” I exclaimed, holding my hands over my mouth.

I turned back to see Ryan’s reaction. He was right behind me, looking smug.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” I poked him in the chest, laughing.

I stopped laughing when Ryan dropped down on one knee, a small blue Tiffany & Co. box in the palm of his hand. My hands went back to my mouth as my brain went into shock. Ryan gently took hold of them.

“Holly,” he choked out, then cleared his throat. “This has been a really big year for both of us in many ways. The most important moment of my life came exactly one year ago when I saw this stunningly gorgeous woman in a café, staring out the window. I knew immediately there was something special about her. It was love at first sight for me. We’ve had our ups and downs, but for me, you’re it. You are the love of my life. You are my everything.”

Tears flowed freely down my cheeks. I was nodding like a crazy person.

“I have to ask you first,” Ryan laughed.

“Sorry,” I choked.

“Holly. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

I nodded again, smiling like a Cheshire cat. “I will. Of course I will. I love you so much.”

Ryan stood up and managed to slip the ring on my finger before I leapt into his arms. “I love you too. Obviously.”

With the sound of squealing and clapping in the background, we kissed. I wanted to stay like that forever. Enveloped in his arms, warmth spread throughout my body. He was my forever. He was my same page person.

Happy birthday to me.

To my dad. Thank you for loving Mum with an unwavering fierceness that inspired this story, for always picking me up on my grammar and for teaching me the joy of finding spelling mistakes in restaurant menus.

To my husband and our three sons. My heart grows bigger every day because of you.

To my sisters and friends, here and around the world. Thank you for your love, support and encouragement. Many of you became a very special part of my writing journey. I am blessed to have you in my life.

Thank you also to Lucy Fenton and Kristin Albright, my two author friends who were always willing to share their own writing and publishing experiences. I really appreciated it.

And finally, a special mention to my friend, GJ Walker-Smith. Your writing inspires me. Your guidance and friendship has changed my life. Thank you for all your help and for giving me the confidence to pursue this dream.