Chapter 46

CHAPTER 46

J ackson

I wake early on opening day, with Luca snuggled into my side and his arm across my chest. I know I need to move, but I'm content to enjoy the moment for a bit longer. I can't resist brushing my fingers along his arm, smiling at how much life has changed since I found myself in Larchdown a few months ago. Luca stirs under my touch and looks at me. It will always take my breath away how beautiful he is. His gentian eyes are dark in the half light. He looks almost like he's from another world.

"How are you feeling?" I ask, knowing that this could be a stressful day for him. I'm nervous enough myself, thinking of a million things that could go wrong.

"I'm okay. Glad I have you here." He smiles.

"I'll be by your side all day." As the owner of the gardens, all the focus will be on him—I'm just the gardener.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me."

"It's my pleasure." I get up, giving him a kiss on my way, knowing that if I stay any longer with those deep blue eyes gazing at me, I might never make it out of bed.

After a quick coffee and breakfast, I leave Anna and Luca in the kitchen and head out for a last check over everything. We've borrowed a small marquee from the village council for light refreshments for the few invited guests and press. The caterers are just arriving when I open the gates, and I wave them to the correct place. Ben and Keith have made some special cakes to celebrate, and Keith arrives to drop them off before returning to help Ben with the bakery before they close early. He promises he'll see us later.

All too soon, it's ten o'clock and people start arriving.

The next few hours go by in a whirl. I stay close to Luca, answering any questions he can't answer about the plants—which aren't many, as once the decision was made to open, he was in the garden a lot, helping, and asking questions himself.

He poses for a few press photos, but I try to stay out of them as much as possible. This is his day.

As the day wears on, I can see him relax. I guess being in front of people isn't new to him, from the exhibitions he's held.

The support from the village has been fantastic and I think most of them have turned out at some point. Darla declares she's hosting a celebration party in The Arms that evening, and we promise to be there. I see Harlen, Ben, Keith, Len, Old Pete, and even Cole comes to say hello.

Later in the afternoon, I get a message that the caterers need help.

I check with Luca that he'll be okay, and he nods his affirmation before I go to see what the problem is. The catering team have been extremely busy, and they've run out of water. I need to refill a couple of carriers up at the house.