Thank goodness the Turners had the good sense to book a proper holiday, if for no other reason than that dress.

“The weather forecast is for bright skies all weekend,” Patrick announced at the breakfast table. “It looks like we’ll have that sunny day at the seaside you wanted on Sunday, Shelagh.”

Still wrapped in her dressing gown, Shelagh put the finishing touches on a picnic basket. “That’s lovely, dear. I haven’t walked along the seaside in years.”

“You went to Brighton for your honeymoon, Mum. That’s not so very long ago. You must have had plenty of walks along the shore then,” Timothy reminded her. Distracted by his sister, he didn’t see the look exchanged between his parents, nor the blush that flooded his mother’s cheeks.

Patrick cleared his throat. “Yes, well, it’ll be nice to get in a few of those hikes in the forest we’d planned, Tim. Maybe this time, we can protect Angela from the S-Q-U-I-R-R-E-L-S this time.” He stood up and carried his dishes to the sink. “Everyone should put a move on it if we’re to leave on time.”

Shelagh glanced up. “Patrick, I’ve put the suitcases in the hallway, and the basket of food is all set. Please load the car, I need to go get dressed.”

“I still don’t see why we need to bring food along,” he muttered. “The hotel will feed us, Shelagh. This holiday is supposed to be a relaxing one for you, too.”

Shelagh thought of the three days of washing, ironing, packing and organizing, and smiled to herself. He did try, she knew. “Well, it won’t be very relaxing for anyone if the children get hungry along the way. It’s not enough to ruin our lunch in Southampton, but enough to keep us happy. And be careful, Patrick, don’t get your suit all dusty. You look very handsome, and I want to show you off. Timothy, could you please wash up the breakfast dishes? I’ll put Angela in her playpen.”

“At least I won’t have to do any washing up at the hotel.” grumbled the teenager.

Shelagh lifted her daughter from her chair. “If you like, we can find a nice cafe in town that could put your skills to work, dear.” She grinned and squeezed his elbow as she passed by.

A quarter of an hour later, Patrick entered their room. “Bags are packed, and the children are set to go, Shelagh. Almost ready?”

She stood up from her dressing table, her hair smooth in its twist, light make-up carefully applied, and her earrings adding an elegant glow to her face. “Almost, Patrick.” She turned her back to him. “If you could zip me up, please?’

For a long moment, there was no sound or movement from her husband, and Shelagh’s eyes danced. “Patrick?” she asked innocently. “My zip, please?”

She felt his fingers fumble, then tug the pull up the length of her back. Turning into his arms, she whispered, “Do you like it?”

Patrick swallowed thickly, and Shelagh pressed a kiss to his mouth. “It’s new,” she told him. “I thought I’d try a new look this week.” She pulled away, suddenly nervous. “It’s not too much?”

Patrick lifted her arm and twirled her slowly to fully appreciate the new look. The dress wasn’t so much a departure in style, but the cut emphasized his wife’s lovely form in ways that made his imagination spark.  “It’s perfect, Shelagh. You’re perfect.” He pulled her close against his body. “I’m so glad I booked two rooms.”

“Dad!” Timothy’s voice called from the doorway. “Could you two hurry? At this rate, we’ll be late for everything!”

Laughing, Patrick kissed his wife quickly. “That boy is going to get rich babysitting his sister this week.”

Shelagh smiled knowingly. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about, Patrick.”

Patrick watched as she walked down the hallway. The way she moved in that dress, he was completely certain she knew exactly what he was talking about.