The cottage was tucked away near the hills of Alderley Edge, a stone-walled retreat surrounded by blooming wisteria and lazy spring sunlight.
Standing at the wooden gate with their duffel bags slung over their shoulders and fingers intertwined, they walked up to the cottage.
Standing in the doorway, silent for a moment, just watching the afternoon light spill into the rustic interior, wooden beams, soft cream linens, the gentle crackle of a fire already lit.
Jullian dropped his bag with a sigh. “This might be the best thing ever.”
Grace smiled, toeing off her shoes. “It’s peaceful. And private.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Which means we can finally do all the things we’ve been texting about for days.”
“Oh,” she murmured against his chest, “you mean the banana pancakes?”
“And th
