"Are you surprised, my love?" she asks me sweetly as we part, taking the opportunity to wipe up some of the tears that have spilled. I nod my head quickly, unable to answer right away. I love my mum so much; I've missed her so much.
"That boy of yours," she gestures to Rhodes, who is talking with Bianca and Josie while Briella plays with his hair. He carries her in his arms, rubbing her back softly, and out of the corner of my eye, I can see Eloise staring at him as fondly as I am.
"He's a lovely young man. He reached out through Zoe, wanted it to be a nice surprise for you. Sent a car up for me and everything. I like him," she tells me with a warm smile. I'm thankful he reached out through my friend. Mum gets nervous with new people trying to talk to her.
"I think so too," I say with a grin before Zoe rushes over and hugs me tightly.
"Oh, it's been too long, my little friend." Her tall frame crowds me as she hugs me, her long red hair falling over my face. She still lives in Highcliffe, so it's been months since I last saw her in person.
"I'm so glad you're here; I had no idea," I splutter out with a grin. I'm still in shock that he's done all of this. As I come to terms with it, everyone comes over to greet me.
"I can't believe you told him," I admonish Poppy as she squeezes me tightly. She rocks me from side to side as her laugh fills my ear.
"I know, right? I can't believe we pulled it off. He is so crazy into you, girl, trust me," she tells me quietly, her cheeky nature shining through her sincerity. I laugh a little before she lets me go, and Eloise immediately hugs me. I don't think I've been hugged this much in one day before.