Mr Fiennes Tiffin

twenty.

As the plane ascended into the sky, Jo and I held hands tightly, a shared sense of anticipation crackling between us. The flight attendants moved through the cabin, distributing drinks and snacks, and I couldn't help but keep glancing over at Jo, her face alight with excitement.

"Tell me again how you managed to keep this a secret," Jo said, her eyes sparkling as she sipped on her drink.

I chuckled, leaning back in my seat. "It wasn't easy, believe me. I had to dodge a lot of questions and sneak around a bit. But seeing your reaction made it all worth it."

She leaned over, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. "You're incredible, you know that?"

I shrugged, feeling a bit bashful under her praise. "I just wanted to do something special for you. You've been talking about visiting your parents for ages, and I knew how much it meant to you."

Jo squeezed my hand, and we fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in our thoughts as the hours passed. The flight to Perth was long, but the excitement of our trip kept us both wide awake and talking about all the things we would do once we arrived.

We finally landed in Perth late in the evening. The airport buzzed with activity, but we quickly gathered our luggage and made our way to the arrivals hall. Jo's parents, Elizabeth and Steven, were waiting for us, their faces breaking into wide smiles when they saw us.

"Welcome home, darling!" Elizabeth exclaimed, enveloping Jo in a warm hug. "And it's so good to see you too," she added, giving me a tight squeeze.

"Thanks for having us," I said, smiling as I shook Steven's hand. "I hope it wasn't too much trouble to keep this a secret."

"Not at all," Steven replied with a wink. "We're just thrilled to have you both here."

We loaded our bags into their car and headed towards Jo's childhood home. The drive was filled with lively conversation as Jo caught up with her parents, their bond evident in the easy way they talked and laughed together.

When we arrived at their home, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The house was charming, with a wide verandah and a beautifully kept garden. It was exactly the kind of place I imagined Jo growing up in, full of warmth and love.

After a quick tour of the house, we settled into the guest room. The bed was soft and inviting, but neither of us was ready to sleep just yet. Jo's parents had prepared a light supper for us, and we gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter late into the night.

"So, what do you have planned for tomorrow?" Margaret asked as we finished our meal.

"I thought we'd start with a visit to Kings Park," Jo said, glancing at me for confirmation. "It's one of my favorite places in the city."

"That sounds wonderful," I agreed. "I've heard it's beautiful."

"You'll love it," Steven chimed in. "The views of the city are spectacular, and there's so much to see and do."

We finally retired to our room, exhaustion from the long journey catching up with us. Jo snuggled into my side, her contented sigh making me smile.

"Thank you again for this," she whispered. "It means the world to me."

"I'm just happy to be here with you," I replied, kissing her forehead. "Now, get some rest. We have a big day ahead."

******

The next morning, we woke up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. Jo stretched beside me, a sleepy smile on her face.

"Smells like Mum's making her famous breakfast," she said, slipping out of bed.

We dressed quickly and headed to the kitchen, where Elizabeth was indeed whipping up a feast. We joined her at the table, savoring the delicious meal and the easy conversation.

After breakfast, we set out for Kings Park. The park was stunning, with sprawling lawns, vibrant gardens, and winding paths that offered breathtaking views of the city and the Swan River below. Jo and I strolled hand in hand, stopping to admire the flowers and take in the scenery.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Jo said, her eyes shining with happiness.

"It's incredible," I agreed, squeezing her hand. "I can see why you love it so much."

We spent hours exploring the park, visiting the various memorials and taking in the panoramic views from the lookout points. Jo's parents joined us later in the morning, and we enjoyed a picnic lunch together, the warm sun and gentle breeze adding to the perfect day.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to head back to the house to rest and freshen up before dinner. Jo and I took a leisurely drive along the coast, the ocean sparkling under the late afternoon sun. We talked about everything and nothing, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company.

Back at the house, we relaxed on the verandah with a cool drink, watching the sun set over the garden. Jo's parents joined us, and we spent the evening chatting and laughing, the hours slipping by effortlessly.

That night, as we lay in bed, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment. Being here with Jo, seeing her so happy and at ease, made everything worth it. This trip was already shaping up to be something truly special, and I was grateful for every moment.

Over the next few days, we explored more of Perth and its surroundings. We visited the Fremantle Markets, where we sampled local delicacies and browsed through the eclectic stalls. We took a boat tour along the Swan River, enjoying the stunning views of the city skyline. And we spent a day at Cottesloe Beach, soaking up the sun and splashing in the waves.

Each evening, we returned to Jo's parents' house, where we were treated to delicious home-cooked meals and lively conversation. I grew closer to Elizabeth and Steven, appreciating their warmth and hospitality. They welcomed me into their family with open arms, and I felt truly at home.

One night, after a particularly enjoyable dinner, Steven pulled me aside.

"I just wanted to say how much it means to us that you brought Jo back here," he said, his eyes sincere. "We've missed her terribly, and having you both here has been wonderful."

"It's my pleasure," I replied, feeling a bit emotional. "Jo means the world to me, and I'm glad I could do this for her."

"You're a good man," Steven said, clapping me on the shoulder. "We're lucky to have you in our family."

As the days passed, Jo and I talked about our future, dreaming about the adventures and experiences we wanted to share. We discussed the possibility of moving to London to be closer to my parents, or at least visit more often. The idea of starting a new chapter in our lives filled us with excitement and hope.

On our last day in Perth, Jo's parents organised a small farewell party for us. They invited a few close friends and family members, and we spent the evening reminiscing and enjoying each other's company. It was a bittersweet farewell, but we promised to visit again soon.

As we boarded our flight back home, I couldn't help but reflect on how much this trip had meant to us. It had brought Jo and me even closer, deepening our bond and strengthening our love. It had also given us the chance to reconnect with her family, building new memories that we would cherish forever.

Jo rested her head on my shoulder as the plane took off, her hand clasped in mine.

"Thank you for the best surprise ever," she said softly, her eyes shining with gratitude.

"You're welcome," I replied, kissing the top of her head. "I'm just glad you enjoyed it."

"I did," she murmured, her voice full of emotion. "More than you can imagine."

As we flew back home, I felt a sense of fulfillment and joy. This trip had been everything I hoped for and more. And with Jo by my side, I knew that our journey together was just the beginning. We had so many adventures ahead of us, so many dreams to chase and memories to make. And I couldn't wait to experience it all with her, my girlfriend, my love, my everything.