Chapter 5

Irene Robert's ran her hands through the cool blue water while Barry Hyde sat on a striped beach towel on the secluded island where they had spent the day picnicking in secret. Irene's contented smile made Barry feel happy for the first time in a long time. "Fancy a swim?" Barry asked. "Okay," Irene agreed. The water was so calm not even a ripple until Barry chased Irene down the beach and they both plunged in. "I feel like I'm a teenager again!" Irene said laughing as Barry pulled her into a slippery wet embrace. "I know," Barry said huskily.

The pair had been seeing each other in secret for awhile now and Irene was really falling for Barry his wry sense of humour and the gentle loving way he loved her made her weak at the knees. He knew that she had been disappointed in love numerous times and tried to make her feel safe and secure.

When the sun started setting Hyde and Irene got out of the water and dried off and went to sit on the picnic blanket. They lay back and looked at the stars. "Thankyou for today," Irene said her heart full of happiness. "You are so very welcome," Barry said softly. He reached into the wicker picnic basket and brought out a bottle of sparkling non-alcoholic wine. He poured two glasses and slipped a diamond ring into Irene's glass.

"Cheers," Irene said and was about to take a sip when the glittering ring caught her eye. She pulled it out and stared incredulously at the rock on the slender gold band. "Is…is this a joke?" she whispered hoarsely. "No. Irene Robert's…will you marry me?" Barry asked. Irene looked into his worn loving face and smiled happily. "Yes! Yes!" she exclaimed.

They snuggled under a doona that Barry had brought and both fell asleep under the stars the glittering rock on Irene's finger sparkling all night.