Blue Comes Through

Chapter Twenty Two

The navy dress fits like a glove. It's elegant and sophisticated and I slip on heels for the first time in forever. Carey, Clare and I had spent the afternoon at the spa and although I had already been pampered on Friday, I had my hair styled into a messy up do, whilst they had their finger nails painted. We shared a bottle of champagne and the afternoon was girly and decadent and fun. I hardly recognise myself. The up do complements the slash neck of the dress; the lace sleeves reach my elbows and the scalloped lace hemline ends just above my knee.

I'm in the bathroom, in front of the mirror, pushing the delicate silver loops of the earrings into my ears, when Finn appears behind me. He's wearing a three piece navy suit with a white shirt.

"Oh God! We match." I groan as he adjusts his tie, looking at his reflection over my head. The tie is the colour of his eyes. He looks heart stoppingly gorgeous. "We look like Howard and Hilda. This is too twee!"

"We look fine." He dismisses with a grin. "Are you nearly done?" He's pushing his hair slightly to one side, with a little wax. I've never seen him take this much care with his appearance. He's also clean shaven. For the first time, I get the full impact of that square jaw and dimple. His eyes are shimmering and he's tanned and vital and gorgeous. I look at my own reflection. I think I can be forgiven for the hint of smugness in my eyes.

There is the lingering scent of his aftershave and my perfume in the bathroom and my heels tip tap on the ceramic tiles. I finish putting in my earrings and flick another layer of mascara over my eyelashes and freshen my pinky nude lipstick. "There. I'm done."

"You look gorgeous, Maddie." Finn breathes as I step back and into him. He clasps my hips lightly and looks at our reflections. "What a stunning couple we are!" I roll my eyes.

"You have enough confidence for the two of us, that's for sure." I turn and run my hands up the sleeves of his jacket to clasp his biceps.

"You look gorgeous too though. I'd kiss you, but I don't want to mess my lipstick."

He growls and mutters and with a flirtatious smile, I slip out of his hold to go back into the bedroom. I grab my phone, a lipstick and compact and put them into the silver clutch.

We are walking up to Carey and Matt's, where Meg and Chloe are looking after all three children. The plan is to have a drink and go on to the restaurant from there. Will is already asleep in his pushchair. Finn helps me into my coat and his hands linger on my shoulders. This is our first date, albeit with other people. There is an anticipatory buzz for a special evening ahead. I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, before she gets on the plane to the opera. I turn and reach up and kiss him, ignoring my lipstick. I'm tempted to steal her line and tell him in advance, what I great time I've had tonight. I stick to the here and now though.

"Thank you for everything today. I've been spoiled."

"You deserve to be spoiled. I'm glad you've had a good day." He tucks a loose tendril of hair behind my ear and smiles softly. "I've had a good day too. I like spoiling you." He glances at his watch.

"We should probably make a move." He glances down at my shoes. "You ok to walk up to Carey's in those?"

"Yes. I'll be fine. It's not far." I cover Will in an extra blanket and open the door. Finn manoeuvres the pushchair through and we step out into the chilly evening air.

We meet Clare and Tom on the cobbles between our two cottages. Finn and Tom stride on a little ahead with the pushchairs. Molly is also already sleeping.

"She won't wake until morning, now." Clare tells me with confidence. She takes my arm as we tip tap over the cobbles. "Isn't this exciting? It's too long since Tom and I went out like grown-ups."