The day went by far too quickly for both of them. Peter knew that it would be hard on Olivia- this place was so precious to her as it reminded her of good times with her Mum. And she had decided to share it with him- what did that say about how she regarded Peter? It said a lot if she was willing to bring him here when they didn't know that much about each other- well not enough in Peter's eyes.

They'd spent most of the day wandering aimlessly around the gardens at Tatton Park. The place was a world away from their everyday hustle and bustle, but somehow they had both needed this day away- Olivia especially as she was missing her Mum.

'This place is wonderful Olivia… your Mum had great taste in days out'

'She did, but this place was more than an average day out for her. She grew up coming here with her family, and every year on her birthday she would bring me here without fail. It became a tradition. I scattered some of her ashes in the Japanese Garden. Besides the lake, this was her favourite place in the park'

'Where's that?'

'Just here…'

Without realising, Olivia put her hand in Peter's and pulled him into the Japanese Garden. Peter found himself not knowing where to look. The garden itself was shaped like a tea garden and it was simply mesmerising. From the plants and the tress to the stones lining the mock Arched Bridge over the stream- nothing looked out of place.

'This is…'

'I know, the Japanese portray many scenes, both mythical and factual, but all must harmonise with nature. The important elements of plants, stones and rocks are carefully placed to produce a natural balance. All the stones and rocks are selected for their form, particularly their representative shape. I've seen a mound to be built topped off with white stones representing the sacred snow-capped Mount Fuji, the most important mountain in Japan. I could spend all day in here'

'I can tell… how do you know all this?'

'My mum. She absolutely loved it here- she said it was her break from the real world, an escape from real world. I haven't shown you the best bit either yet'

'She sounds an incredible woman your Mother'

'She was'

'What's the best bit?'

'Follow me'

Olivia put her hand in Peter's again and they set off down the footpath towards the bridge over the stream. As they went over the bridge, they stopped for a moment and Peter glanced down into the water. Below the ruffled water surface was a fish: small, yet fast. Without visible effort it moved from plain sight, glimmering in sun, into the reeds Peter thought this place was magic.

'Koi Carp, be lucky if you see one again. My mum wanted to get some for our house.'

Peter shook his head as they walked over the other side of the bridge. There were a few stone steps and then the ornate doors that you would only have found in Japan. Olivia lead Peter up the steps and opened the doors. The room was covered from floor to ceiling in Japanese art. Scatter cushions littered the floor in an almost praying fashion.

'It's a mock Shin-To Temple. This is my favourite bit. My mum often sat in here with me and we had a heart to heart about our feelings, so now I thought it would be our turn.'

'What?'

'Peter… I told you earlier that I hope you will be a huge part of my life in town, but I can see you're frightened. Don't you think I am as well?'

'Frightened about what?'

'Whatever this is that is developing between us. The way you ran out on me in the restaurant and couldn't ask me what you wanted to on the phone. The way you had to ask me out in a letter- I think that says it all.'

'That I'm useless?'

'That you are most certainly not useless. You are the most considerate, thoughtful person I have ever known. The fact you wanted to tell me all those things and ask me out".

'Olivia…'

'Let me finish. You know what would be the easiest thing… When I got your letter in the restaurant- stay quiet and say nothing. Do nothing. But i can not when there is a chance that I could be happy.'

'Olivia, I don't know what you're getting at…'

'I could be happy I think… Peter, I have never been like this with anyone before and I have never felt like this about anyone before, and I know we are nowhere near there yet… we both have ghosts and skeletons in our closets that we need to bury and make peace with, but I really want us to try.'

'Try at what?'

'I think we could be happy, because what I need and what I want are both standing in front of me. And I think you're the same. If you want this too, want me you can have it in a heartbeat, but I need you to tell me".

'Olivia…' The words were on the tip of Peter's tongue but he couldn't bring himself to say them.

'Please Peter, I need you to tell me what you want'

'You. This. Us' Peter whispered the words but Olivia heard it all and her mouth broke out into a grin.

'You do?'

'Y…Yes".

' I could be happy. Being here makes me feel closer to my mom, and closer to you.

'She'll always be with you Olivia'

'I know, but right now I feel as close to her as I have ever done'

Olivia stepped closer to Peter and her breath became ragged. She knew she had to do this- she has been dying to do it all day.

'What are you doing?' Peter's words were rasped and hoarse.

'There are other ways of expressing yourself that don't involve talking'

Olivia closed the gap between them and the second their lips met, their worlds had collided completely. There was no going back now.

COMMENTS AND REVIEWS ARE WELCOME