Tripping on Love by Carrie Stone Page A

heater roared loudly as it fired up hot air into the balloon. It was going to be a magical experience. Edward came jogging back towards me.
    'The pilot's ready, we need to go now whilst the wind is behind us.’
    I followed Edward towards the carriage of the balloon and felt my stomach flip. I didn’t have a problem with heights but surely being ten thousand feet above ground in a wicker basket couldn’t be safe, could it? I pushed my fears aside.
    Edward unhooked the basket door and I stepped inside the surprisingly spacious box. It was wide enough to lay down. I’d heard of the mile high club, but what about the hot air club? I remembered my off-white thong and quickly put the thought from my mind. The pilot joined us and secured the door.  
    'We're off' he shouted before unleashing more fire from the burner to encourage heat into the balloon.
    We gently rose from the ground and I felt the temperature of the air change around me. Edward stepped close to the edge of the basket and pulled me in front of him.
    I watched from within the safety of his embrace as the ground began to slowly appear smaller beneath us. A great peace and calm descended over us; it felt as if we were floating on air. The view of London stunning, basked beneath us in sunlight. I pushed myself back against Edward, feeling his broad chest against my shoulders. 
    'You OK babe?' he asked , concerned. I smiled as I turned to look at him.
    'I'm more than OK. I'm so happy right now' I said honestly. Edward squeezed me tightly in his embrace and I wanted to stay there forever.
     

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
    The balloon set down in the gardens in front of a large stone castle with turrets. Extensive rows of rose bushes and leylandii formed thick hedging and colourful bordering. The property and grounds had looked impressive from the air amongst the surrounding countryside; yet up close it was even more spectacular.  An expansion of greenery playing host to a medieval building. I was expecting Robin Hood to appear from the bushes at any moment.
    We stepped out of the balloon basket, into the lush garden and I immediately felt the early afternoon sun rays burning into my skin. I couldn’t wait to explore the main house. Edward had told me that the owners weren't in residence but that wouldn’t stop me from taking a peek through any available windows.
    'That was the best experience I’ve ever had.' I turned to watch as the balloon slowly deflated before us and floated limply to the ground. Edward picked up the blue box and carrier bags.
    'Well I hope you've worked up an appetite' he said , heading towards the left side of the castle.
    Up ahead in the far distance I could just about make out an elaborate gazebo area, moderately covered with honeysuckle and wild ivy. Nearby stood a wrought iron table and chairs. Gently shaded from the sun and surrounded by be ds of brightly coloured flowers, it was the perfect location to lunch. Edward was striding confidently towards it.
    Following behind him and enjoying the sunshine, I began to envision myself standing in the gazebo in an exquisite bridal dress, hair curled and an antique platinum band on my finger. It would be an idyllic location for a marriage ceremony. I had always assumed I would marry on a beach in an exotic location but now I’d seen the castle, my mind had been swayed. I didn’t know anybody that had married in a castle. Only Cinderella, but she was hardly a realistic contender. I tried Edward's surname against my Christian name.
    Mrs Elizabeth Wainwright.
    It had a certain 'je ne sais quoi' but it didn’t sound as elaborate as I hoped my married name would be. Called out over the speaker of a doctor's surgery waiting room, it wasn't a name that would make people want to crane their heads and take notice. I wanted something different. Unique. Perhaps I could consider keeping my own surname and having a double barrelled? Mrs Elizabeth Saunders Wainwright. No, that wouldn’t do. It was more suited to a