“You know, you should have brought that old book to the sale,” Olive said. “Someone might have had a giggle over it.”

Natalie pressed her lips together and walked with her mother-in-law to join what seemed like the greater part of their local community gathered for the final session of the fundraiser.

“Hi!”

Laura gasped as Paul stuck his head out of the committee tent and beckoned her in.

“What’s up?” She glanced around – there was no-one else in the tent. “I was just on my way to pack up my gear.”

“I’ve only seen you in passing all day.”

“You were busy. The bike-a-thon was more like a marathon. Some of those kids wouldn’t give up.”

“I was impressed, especially with a couple of boys whose behaviour hasn’t been the best. They threw their hearts and souls into it and raised a lot of money between them.”

“This is a supportive community.”

“I know. When I first moved here I didn’t know how I was going to stick a three-year appointment but now…it feels a bit like home. Especially since I met you.”

He gripped both her arms and gently drew her forward.

Laura glanced around again. “I thought you were keeping us a secret.”

“There’s no-one here.”

Before he even pressed his lips to hers a tingle went through her from head to toe. She melded her body against his. His hands slid around her back and pressed her tightly against him.

“Are you in there, Mr Brown?”

They jumped apart but Nancy had already stepped into the tent. “Well, I never,” she said.

Paul brushed at the front of his jumper and Laura swept some hair back from her face.

“I was just wondering if there were any more announcements to be made before we packed up the sound system.” Nancy took a step back. “But I can see you’re busy.”

Paul cleared his throat. “I don’t know of anything else that needs to be said. It will be dark if they don’t start packing up soon.”

“Right you are.” Nancy looked from Paul to Laura and then smiled a knowing smile. “I’ll be off then. Leave you to it.” She backed out of the tent.

Paul’s face was a picture of surprise. Laura couldn’t stop the giggle that erupted from her mouth. She took his hand and brushed a kiss across his lips. “I hope you’ll cope with everyone knowing about us,” she said. “Because it won’t be long and the whole district will have been informed.”

The startled look left his face and he shrugged. “It’s no big deal.”

Laura grinned. He leaned in and kissed her and then they both broke away, laughing.