The hedges that edged the McKnight property had come into view up ahead, and Cara knew from the day before that in just a moment the house itself would be visible.  The sky beyond was still a bright blue, but the wind blowing at their backs and tangling her strawberry tresses promised stormy conditions shortly.<br/><br/>Cara returned Gregory’s squeeze, tightening her arm around his waist. “I wasn’t worried about the phone – I’m sure you would have found another way to get in touch. You’re certainly resourceful enough, tracking me down as you did.”  She knew it couldn’t have been very hard, considering how much they had talked the day before – but he’d gone through the trouble all the same, and that meant a lot.<br/><br/>It didn’t matter how slow they walked – every step brought them inexorably closer to the end of their spontaneous date.  Knowing Meredith would probably be around, Cara stopped well before they could be seen from the house, stepping in front of Gregory and taking both of his hands in her own. She found it hard to meet his eyes, but she did, forcing herself into a reluctant smile.<br/><br/>“I want to thank you again, Gregory.  For all of it – the flowers, and lunch, and taking me to that cove… I’ve never had such an amazing day, and I can’t thank you enough. It was all very unexpected, but I’m very glad you went to all the trouble. Even if you had to sacrifice your phone to do it.” The smile on her face became genuine as a quick laugh escaped her lips.<br/>