Yes Chef, No Chef

Epilogue



"The kitchen in our new house is much bigger, Kate," he said putting a comforting arm along her shoulder. "And by the time the builders have finished it'll be a fantastic cooking area for you.”

She knew Tim was right but it still saddened her to see her old kitchen emptied of everything and in its cold, stark, state. A few of her business cards lay on the top of the Island and she idly picked one up flicking it between her fingers remembering the day they’d arrived in the post when Tim and her were apart.

But she hadn't lived here for over three months now; only cooked in the kitchen on a daily basis returning each night to the apartment with Tim. The apartment kitchen was too small to cook and run a business from and she'd been adamant when they'd got back together again that she had no intention of giving up her business plan especially now the bookings were flooding-in. She’d called upon Chrissie several times for help with big dinner parties and they’d become great friends.

Her flat however, hadn't stood empty because Lisa had asked if she could move in for a while and pay her rent. Things between her and Sam had developed slowly and although she hadn’t wanted to move in with him straight away she did want to be close to him so this had been the perfect solution.

Everyone had been amazed at Lisa's transformation and although she would never be a domestic goddess she had thrown herself into doing a little housework and helping Sam down at the vegetable plots, although the yellow daisy Wellington boots she’d bought had caused hysteria from the locals and other gardeners. Plus, she could, with Katie’s guidance at first, cook three meals from start to finish on her own - a feat she was extraordinarily proud of. Sam was more than proud of her he; was absolutely devoted to her and although one of these speciality meals was only cheesy beans on toast he declared that he could eat this every night of his life as long as it was Lisa who was making it for him.

Tim carried the last box to the car while she picked up Lisa’s set of house keys that she’d returned at the weekend when she’d finally moved in with Sam. She tagged them with her own set onto a large key ring to hand into the estate agent for viewings next week.

“Oh, nearly forgot," Tim said handing her a padded envelope, "This came this morning after you'd left."

She recognised the photographer’s logo. "It’ll be the photographs from Sarah’s wedding."

She opened the envelope to reveal an enlarged print of her and Lisa in bridesmaid’s dresses with Simon and Sarah glowing with happiness on their big day. The ivory, silk dress Sarah wore actually hid her four month pregnancy very well but because they were both thrilled parents-to-be it wouldn't have mattered to either of them if it had showed.

"You looked beautiful in that dress," Tim said while punctuating each word with a little kiss while he moved down the side of her neck.

She squirmed and giggled. "And what are you after, as if I didn't know," she asked narrowing her eyes questioningly. "I don't often get compliments like this on a Monday morning?"

“Ah! I’m mortally wounded," he said teasing her gently. "I think it’s time you had your own fabulous dress to wear." He picked up a business card up from the Island and carried on, "And, if you are having a reprint of these cards with our new address on you might as well change your name to Davies at the same time."

Her heart began to thud. "Are you saying what I think you’re saying?"

This was obviously going to be a defining moment between them and she took a deep breath to steady herself when suddenly with one hand holding the edge of the island he dropped down onto one knee.

"I love you, Kate. There’ll never be anyone else for me. Will you marry me?" he asked looking up at her.

Her heart soared with happiness because she was filled with such love for this man. Her eyes brimmed with tears. "Yes, Chef," she said. "Oh yes, indeed, Chef."