‘I think I’m actually going to make this happen.’

  ‘I think you are. What happened to Emmie? I thought I saw her.’

  ‘Emmie has gone home. It’s okay. We are okay. I think we had a moment … a good moment.’

  Isla touched her arm. ‘You have made us all think and each and every one of us will help to get this project up and running.’

  ‘And I second that,’ added Nolan, smiling at them both.

  Flynn tapped Nolan on the shoulder and he left Bea and Isla standing alone. Bea brought the conversation back to where it was before Nolan appeared.

  ‘If they haven’t spoken for years, how do you think it’s going to pan out?’ asked Bea.

  ‘I’m actually beginning to worry. I can still feel animosity on my mother’s part, though I’ve got no clue what has gone on between them except that my mum moved thousands of miles away as a result.’

  ‘That must have been some argument. Surely after all these years it’s time to move on?’

  ‘You’d hope so. At first, I thought it was a good idea to surprise Granny at The Lakehouse but now I’m not sure.’

  ‘There’s always two sides to every story, and sometimes when arguments have gone on for so long, people just push all the hurt to one side and it’s harder to make things right. What does your mum think about surprising Martha?’

  Isla looked sheepish. ‘I’ve not quite told her that part ... or the whole truth. In fact, I’ve had to tell a white lie to get her here. I’m going to have to face the music very soon and I’m not relishing that thought, but, in my defence, she’s my mum and I know, deep down, she wouldn’t want to miss this.’

  ‘Which is understandable. It’s tricky,’ said Bea.

  ‘What’s tricky?’

  Both of them jumped out of their skin. They spun round to see Martha standing behind them, staring inquisitively. They’d kept their eye off the ball and Martha had sneaked up behind them.

  Isla was quick to think on her feet. ‘We said sticky! We sampled Rona’s sticky buns in the teashop at lunch, and they were delicious.’

  ‘They were,’ agreed Bea, but the look on Martha’s face suggested she wasn’t buying Isla’s answer.

  ‘Something is going on. I can feel it. Everyone is being weird around me.’ Martha waggled her finger. ‘You do know I’ll find out what is going on.’ She gave Isla a look that meant business before turning around and walking towards Meredith and Fraser from the pub.

  ‘Yikes, that was close,’ whispered Isla.

  ‘Too close,’ agreed Bea.

  ‘Right, let’s mingle.’

  Bea spotted Nolan and made a beeline for him. ‘Thank you for helping out. It’s much appreciated.’

  ‘You don’t have to thank me. I want to see this project up and running as much as you.’

  For a moment, Bea hoped he meant he was sticking around, but this project wouldn’t be up and running overnight and she knew Nolan would probably be long gone by then. ‘Refreshments?’ she said, wanting a comforting cup of tea.

  On the way towards the refreshment table Bea received praise and pats on the back from the villagers.

  ‘They love you,’ whispered Nolan.

  ‘I wouldn’t go that far but I have to say, standing in front of the community, it was lovely to see everyone taking on board what I was saying, and I quite enjoyed it. I’m going to spend tonight at the B&B but tomorrow I want to go back to my attic room. I’m going to upload all the information that we’ve collected tonight to my laptop. I need to arrange meetings with Flynn and Jack, and of course the council. I’ll also need an architect to design the new rescue centre and hopefully within the next couple of months we can get the planning permission and set the wheels in motion for everything else ... and you –’ she pressed a finger to his chest ‘– you better come back and check it out once it’s all up and running.’

  ‘You try and stop me. You do know I think you are remarkable, don’t you?’ Bea could feel herself blushing slightly. She wasn’t used to anyone giving her compliments. ‘You turn up here, distraught because your life became a sudden mess, and did you sit and wallow? Absolutely not. I know you’re going to get Heartcross Rescue up and running no matter what it takes, and lives will be saved because of you.’

  ‘Anyone would have done the same.’

  ‘But they didn’t. This was down to you.’

  ‘And I second that.’ Bea hadn’t realised that Amy and Lucas were standing right behind them. ‘What you did for Lucas … we’ll never forget, and I know it’s not much but can I give you this? It’s a cheque to start off your fundraising. I wasn’t sure who to make it out to so I wrote it out to The Little Blue Boathouse.’ Amy handed over the cheque and looked down at Lucas who was pulling at her top.

  Bea was overwhelmed. ‘I can’t thank you enough.’ She gave a tiny squeal as she waved the cheque in front of her. ‘We are now off the starting blocks. This is brilliant.’

  ‘And I think Lucas wants to give you something too.’

  Lucas was wearing the cheekiest of smiles as he reached into the pocket of his shorts and pulled out a handful of empty sweet wrappers and coins. ‘My pocket money.’ He cupped it in both hands and held it up towards Bea. ‘There’s seventy-five pence,’ he said proudly. ‘There was a pound but the village shop had some gobstoppers and they wanted to be eaten.’

  Bea laughed and bent down in front of Lucas. ‘You’re a very special boy. When I get these lifeboats up and running, I think you should come back and have a special trip on one of them, because if it wasn’t for you looking for treasure then all this wouldn’t be happening.’

  ‘Can I, Mum, please?’ Lucas looked up at his mum with the most adorable hazel eyes.

  ‘Of course you can.’

  ‘Yes!’ squealed Lucas, high-fiving all three of them.

  ‘Our holiday ends in the morning but thank you very much for all that you have done and all you’re doing.’

  Full of emotion, Bea nodded at Amy and smiled at Lucas. She didn’t trust herself to speak, knowing she was close to tears. She watched them walk away with Lucas looking back over his shoulder one last time and waving.

  ‘Those gobstopper sweets look just the business. I might take a trip to the village shop,’ Nolan said.

  Bea laughed, which was just what she needed. Looking around at the gathered community members, she slipped her arms around Nolan, who gave her a much-needed hug.

  ‘Heartcross Rescue is going to save so many lives,’ he said.

  ‘And that’s the reason I’m going to work so hard to get this up and running.’

  ‘And you’re going to see the project through. That’s going to take more than a few weeks in Heartcross though, isn’t it?’

  Bea looked up at him. ‘I am and it is.’ For the first time in ages, she felt passion in her belly. She was raring to go.

  ‘Bea, could we get a photograph for the local newspaper please?’

  Nolan gave her a gentle push. ‘This is the start of the publicity. Get in there and shout “Heartcross Rescue” from the rooftops. There’s no time for shyness.’

  ‘You’re absolutely right.’ With a smile on her face, Bea posed next to The Little Blue Boathouse.

  ‘We just need a quick interview from you and then we can get this article written up,’ Aidy said, pulling out his mobile phone.

  ‘No problem,’ replied Bea.

  The next evening, Bea and Nolan were sitting at the table in the living room of the B&B. Yesterday had been a huge success and, browsing through the pieces of paper that the villagers had completed, Bea couldn’t believe the amount of support that had been offered. ‘I think we have a crew. There are enough volunteers to actually make this work, and look…’ She gave a tiny gasp and tapped the piece of paper in front of her. ‘Flynn and Andrew Glossop have said they will donate initial funds to put the crew through training.’

  ‘You’re going to be so busy. This is all amazing. Making the water a safer place is a priority and you’ve made everyone understand this. It’s going to take some doing but I know with you behind it it’s going to be a huge success.’

  Bea looked up at him. ‘Thank you,’ she said.

  ‘What are you thanking me for?’

  ‘For building me up, encouraging my growth. Letting me be me.’

  ‘You don’t need to thank me for that, that’s just how you are. You’re brilliant. You do know that, don’t you?’

  ‘It’s nice to hear compliments and be appreciated.’

  ‘And that’s how it should be. Come here.’ Nolan stretched out an arm and pulled her in close. Wrapped in his arms she felt safe. He hugged her tight and she closed her eyes briefly and smiled.

  ‘I think you’re going to need a personal secretary with all your meetings,’ he said, breaking the silence.

  That was the furthest thing from Bea’s mind at this moment. All she could think about was that the River Festival was creeping closer and, with it, Nolan’s departure.

  As she pulled away, she placed a hand on his chest. ‘Listen. What’s that?’

  ‘I can’t hear anything.’

  ‘Shush. That.’

  There was a commotion in a ground-floor bedroom. They stood up and walked to the door.

  Nolan gave Bea an incredulous stare. ‘What’s going on in there?’

  Bea recognised the voices of Isla and Gwen, and, judging by her tone, Gwen was far from happy. ‘That must be Gwen’s room, Isla is in there.’

  They loitered outside for a second before Bea nudged Nolan. ‘We shouldn’t be listening.’

  ‘What are they arguing about? Gwen has only just arrived,’ he whispered, eying her.

  ‘Probably the fact that Isla has been a little deceitful in getting her mum here. Martha is going to find out that Gwen’s back, very, very soon, but I’m not sure it’s a secret that needs to be revealed on Martha’s birthday.’

  Nolan raised his eyebrows. ‘You might be right but maybe this forced reunion is the push they need.’

  ‘It still sounds a little raw in there to me,’ admitted Bea.

  ‘What was the argument about? Why won’t you tell me?’ Isla’s voice was fraught. ‘Surely whatever it is it can be sorted out. Granny isn’t getting any younger. Have you ever thought you’re both as stubborn as each other?’

  Bea and Nolan heard a shuffle then the click of the door. ‘Mum. Where are you going? This is your room – if anyone should be leaving, it’s me.’

  Closing the bedroom door and stepping out into the hallway, Isla noticed Bea and Nolan standing there.

  ‘Sorry, we weren’t being nosey, we were just—’

  Isla interrupted Bea. ‘It’s okay, I’ve just admitted to my mum that I got her here under false pretences and as you can see…’

  ‘Not quite the reunion you were expecting?’

  Isla shook her head, looking close to tears.

  ‘Fancy a drink in the communal bar?’ suggested Bea.

  ‘Do I ever.’

  ‘I’m going to leave you girls to it. I’m no good in situations like this but if there’s anything I can do…’

  Isla nodded her appreciation and Nolan touched Bea’s arm. ‘I’ll pick you up in the morning.’

  ‘Thanks,’ she replied.

  Nolan began to walk towards the reception but Bea called out to him and caught him up for a moment. ‘Am I allowed to share the case of Hemingway and Fernsby with Isla?’

  ‘It’s up to you, but it seems she has a lot going on at the minute.’

  Bea nodded her understanding and two minutes later, with double gin and tonics in their hands, Bea and Isla made their way out into the garden. It was a perfect evening for sitting outside.

  ‘You had a very successful night, last night,’ said Isla warmly, taking a sip of her drink.

  ‘I did, but I’m not sure yours is going that swimmingly tonight.’

  ‘I only have myself to blame. I know I’ve been dishonest, enticing Mum over here by telling her Granny wanted to see her and put things right, but I was feeling desperate and time is going too fast. With it being Granny’s eightieth birthday, I just thought if I could get Mum here… But now I realise I shouldn’t have. As Drew says, whatever is going on with them is between them and none of my business.’

  ‘Being a grown-up can be so difficult at times.’

  ‘It’s all a mess. It’s not one of my better plans.’ Isla took a breath.

  ‘You have had the best intentions. You never know, when they clap eyes on each other, all might be forgiven,’ Bea said hopefully.

  ‘What would you do?’ asked Isla.

  ‘If it was me, I would tell Martha straightaway. Whoever was right or wrong all those years ago, let’s hope that after the initial shock of finding out they are both in the same village…’ Bea took a breath. ‘You never know, a miracle might just happen.’

  ‘Thanks, Bea. There’s nothing else I can do except hope for that very miracle.’

  ‘Always here if you need anything. Can I ask, did Martha ever marry? Where’s your grandfather in all this? Could he maybe play peacemaker?’

  ‘It’s always been just Granny. Which isn’t a bad thing because I could imagine her being a handful. Some things don’t change.’ Isla swigged back her drink and smiled. ‘Dutch courage. I know Granny always goes for a walk at this time of night so I’ll go and see if I can catch up with her. Wish me luck.’

  ‘I really do and I hope you can bring your family back together. A walk at this time will be very picturesque. I bet Martha is delighted she found those binoculars and is putting them to good use.’

  ‘I didn’t know they were lost. She’s had them almost permanently attached around her neck for many years.’ Isla stood up. ‘And thank you for the chat. I didn’t mean to dump all this on you.’

  ‘Sometimes it’s good to get it off your chest to someone who isn’t directly involved.’ Bea stretched a leg and wiggled her ankle. ‘I have to say, this ankle is feeling a whole lot better today. I might just take a small walk over the bridge and get some fresh air myself, before I settle down for the night.’

  ‘If you walk over the bridge, you can catch the water taxi back.’

  Bea was thinking that was a good idea and maybe she would get a glimpse of The Hemingway and Nolan on her travels.

  ‘I’ll walk out with you, and I do hope all goes well with Martha.’

  ‘Me too. The wrath of my granny isn’t something I’d wish on my worst enemy. Hopefully I can somehow get my mum and her in the same room, but there’s only one way to do that … emotional blackmail.’

  They walked down the path together and Isla held open the gate. ‘Be careful on that ankle. Don’t overdo it,’ she ordered.

  ‘I won’t.’

  They parted company at the bottom of Love Heart Lane and Bea made her way towards the bridge. There were a couple of private kayaks out on the water but everywhere else was quiet. The Hemingway was still anchored where it always was, by the riverbank, and with numerous paintings sold today, Bea knew that Nolan would be busy replenishing his stock.

  The water taxi was heading from The Little Blue Boathouse towards the far end of Glensheil and Bea knew she had time to walk to the nearby river stop at the end of the bridge. Enjoying the fresh air, she noticed a small aeroplane soaring through the clouds and a banner trailing behind it with the words ‘Freya! Marry me!’ When Carl had proposed, he had used a Moonpig card that he hadn’t even written inside. She should have known at that moment it was never going to last.

  She noticed a woman standing in front of The Little Blue Boathouse and realised it was Martha. Bea watched as she mounted the ramp and boarded The Hemingway.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Nolan was more than a little surprised to see Martha walking onto his boat. Glancing towards the painting, he guessed why she was here.

  He smiled. ‘How are you? It’s a lovely night for a walk.’

  ‘It is.’ Martha looked over her shoulder and up the river path. There was no one in sight except the people on the river taxi. ‘Have you got time to chat?’

  ‘Of course.’ Feeling a slight tension in the air, Nolan gestured towards the seat. ‘Shall we sit?’ he asked.

  Martha nodded and sat down on a chair opposite him. There was silence and he followed her gaze towards the church, its steeple towering at the top of the hill. Her eyes were watery and she was visibly upset.

  ‘Is everything okay?’

  ‘Why now?’ Martha asked hesitantly.

  ‘I don’t understand,’ replied Nolan. He gave her a warm reassuring smile that whatever it was, was going to be okay, even though she looked like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.

  ‘Some things are better left in the past.’

  The mood was sombre and Nolan could guess this had something to do with his grandfather. Taking a bold step, he asked, ‘Martha, did you know my grandfather? The painting in your van of Castaway—’

  ‘Yes, I knew Morgan.’

  ‘Are you Patsy?’ he asked, cautiously.

  Martha nodded. She pressed her hand to her chest and her gaze fell to the floor. ‘It’s been a long time since anyone has called me Patsy. It was your grandfather’s nickname for me, which was silly as it was only one letter shorter than my own name.’ She gave a tiny smile.

  ‘My grandfather always talked about you and that’s one of the reasons I am here. I can’t believe I’ve actually found you. I wish my grandfather was here.’

  Martha’s eyes lifted to Nolan’s.

  ‘When I was growing up my bedtime stories were mainly about the travels of The Hemingway. This boat has definitely sailed many seas.’ Nolan looked around it fondly. ‘I’m sure it brings back some memories for you too.’

  ‘It does.’

  ‘The stories almost always involved secret coves, The Little Blue Boathouse and Castaway Bay. Growing up, I thought it was a make-believe place, and it was only when the village of Heartcross was all over the news a few years ago that I Google searched the place. When I saw the images of the village I realised the stories that my grandfather had told me were true. He always spoke about his time here with you with great fondness.’ Nolan got up from the chair, took the message in the bottle and handed it to Martha. ‘Bea and I found this at Castaway Bay. There was a necklace too.’