‘That really isn’t Sam’s style. Like I said, he’s protecting himself.’

  ‘I can understand that. I’ll just have to keep living in hope that there’s a decent man out there for me.’

  ‘Talk to him. It might be easier now the truth is out about Joe.’

  ‘Why didn’t you ever tell Sam about your hat being in the water?’

  ‘I suppose because Sam was so angry, and because it meant I’d have had to go into the whole story about Hetty and why I was late for my shift. Even after all these years, the memories still feel too raw.’

  ‘And now?’

  ‘I thought I’d done something wrong to make her leave, and then, with Joe’s passing, my sadness and grief consumed me. But now I know the reason she left, I understand. I just wish I’d heard it from her.’

  ‘It may all have been too difficult for Granny too.’

  ‘I get that…and she probably assumed Betty would tell me the truth at some point.’

  They finished their tea and were lost in their own thoughts for a while, Then a voice bellowed from the cliff path, ‘Pete, why aren’t you down at The Island Hall?’

  Betty was standing on the cliff path, waving her arms. She hurried towards them.

  ‘Get yourself down to the bay. You’ve had a hell of a lot to say about the barriers in the last six months…’ She trailed off as she glanced towards the cottage. ‘Nice flowers, and thank God you’re chucking away those dusty old rugs. What’s brought all this on?’

  ‘Closure, new start.’

  ‘Glad to hear it. Welcome back, Pete!’ She pressed a swift kiss to his cheek. ‘Now come on, I’ll see you down there.’ Betty disappeared as quickly as she’d appeared.

  Pete chuckled. ‘Despite everything, friends are the best thing that can ever happen to anyone. Even though she’s bossy and we have our differences, Betty does make the best lemon drizzle cake and the finest breakfast I’ve ever tasted. I’d best show my face.’ He stood up.

  ‘How are you feeling about the vote?’

  ‘This is not to be repeated, as I don’t want people thinking I’m softening in my old age, but I can see it from both sides. I just want everything to be settled and drama-free.’

  ‘I understand that feeling. I hate to tell you, but you’re already a softie. I could see that from the moment I met you, even though you shouted at me to remove myself from the cliff top.’

  ‘I’m sorry about that.’ He gave her a smile.

  ‘What’s your plan for later?’

  ‘I’m going to sand and paint these windows and get this cottage back to life, and at three o’clock I’ll make my way to the harbour and hear the result.’

  ‘Do you want any help? I’m not the best at painting but I can’t go wrong with the sanding.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Absolutely. It’ll stop me checking my emails every two minutes or waiting for the postman to find my van.’

  ‘Cooper will interview you, without a doubt.’

  ‘I hope so,’ replied Verity, crossing her fingers. ‘Give me a second. I’ll get changed and come with you to The Island Hall.’

  Ten minutes later they wandered across the bay. The wheels of democracy were fully in motion, the islanders filing towards the temporary voting station. The whole thing was being taken very seriously. Betty was holding a clipboard and checking everyone’s ID at the door, even though she knew them all. Verity was greatly amused.

  ‘Good morning!’ she called to Clemmie and Amelia, who were walking down together.

  ‘There she is! We’ve heard rumours that you’re applying for a job with Cooper?’ Clemmie linked her arm through Verity’s. ‘How blooming marvellous.’

  Pete leaned in and whispered, ‘That’s the joy of living on a close-knit island. Don’t think your business will ever be your own again.’

  ‘I won’t!’ Verity laughed.

  As they approached the door Betty greeted them in an official manner and ruled a thick biro line through their names on the list. ‘ID, please.’

  ‘I’m your granddaughter! Surely you don’t need to see my ID?’ protested Clemmie.

  ‘This is official island business. I’m not leaving anything to chance or having any votes disqualified on my watch.’

  ‘Are you being serious?’

  Betty held out her hand and a bemused Clemmie handed over her ID. Once Betty was satisfied, she turned towards Verity. ‘Unfortunately, you’re not a resident of the island…yet.’ She gave her a heart-warming smile. ‘So you can’t vote this time.’

  Verity smiled and held up crossed fingers. ‘Next time!’

  As the others went inside, Verity turned to find Sam approaching. Strangely he wouldn’t meet her eye but walked straight into the building without so much as a hello or a smile. Perplexed, she sat on a nearby bench. The morning had started well but now her mood slumped. Why had he blatantly ignored her? Was he lashing out at her because of her granny, thinking that if she hadn’t left the island when she did, Joe would still be alive? Surely he couldn’t now be blaming her? She managed to persuade herself not to jump to conclusions. She would wait and talk to him as soon as the vote was over.

  Within seconds Pete walked out of the hut. ‘All done.’ He stood by the bench with his hands on his hips. ‘And now I’m ready for a day of spring-cleaning.’ He glanced at Verity. ‘What’s up with you? You suddenly look glum.’

  ‘Sam has just totally ignored me and I’m not sure why. Did you see him inside?’

  ‘I did,’ replied Pete. ‘Surprisingly, he nodded in my direction, which I wasn’t expecting.’

  ‘Why’s he ignoring me then?’

  ‘I’m not sure, but there’s only one way to find out.’

  ‘Do you mind if I wait for him before I follow you back up to the cottage?’

  ‘Of course I don’t mind. But first, put on your best smile.’ Pete had dropped his voice to a whisper.

  Verity looked over his shoulder and saw Cooper walking towards them.

  ‘Good morning, Pete. I bet you’ll be glad when this vote is counted,’ said Cooper, warmly.

  ‘As long as it goes in my favour. Can I introduce you to Verity?’ Pete gestured towards her and she immediately stood up and shook Cooper’s hand.

  ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been hearing good things about you,’ stated Cooper. Verity took a sideward glance at Pete, who tipped her a discreet wink. Had he put in a good word for her? Her suspicions were immediately confirmed. ‘Pete has been telling me all about you and your incredible work helping to save local dogs that have tested their flying skills…and about you getting involved in the puffin count. That’s very brave.’

  ‘It was a real endurance test,’ said Verity with a grin, holding out her arm to show off her puffin wounds.

  ‘Ouch! They did like you, didn’t they? It was funny, just after Pete finished telling me how wonderful you are, I checked my inbox to find I had a job application from you.’

  Verity blushed.

  ‘I’d like to formally invite you for an interview.’

  ‘You would?’ Verity’s eyes widened.

  ‘I would. How about this afternoon? Four p.m. at Cliff Top Veterinary Surgery? I know it’s a bit soon but if it’s inconvenient we can rearrange.’

  Verity clasped her hands together. ‘In the words of the Jackson Five, I’ll be there.’

  Cooper smiled at her enthusiasm. ‘Great! In the meantime, I have a ballot to count and a result to announce, and I also need to somehow try and fit in an appointment with the estate agent.’

  ‘Are you moving?’ asked Pete, clearly surprised.

  Cooper shook his head. ‘I’ve decided to rent out the living accommodation above the surgery. It’s a good space, all appliances are working and the electrics have been checked, so all it needs is a fresh lick of paint. It would be great to have someone permanently on the premises once we’re up and running.’

  At this, Verity exchanged a loaded look with Pete, who nodded towards Cooper.

  ‘What’s going on between you two?’ asked Cooper.

  ‘I could save you a trip to the estate agents,’ said Verity, ‘as I’m actually looking for accommodation. I’m currently living in my travelling van and even if I don’t get the job, I’d make a brilliant tenant.’

  ‘What are the chances of that?’ said Cooper looking at them both.

  ‘I’m heading back up to Cliff Top Cottage with Pete. Maybe I could have a look around?’ Verity asked hopefully.

  Cooper delved into his pocket and retrieved a set of keys, a huge smile spreading across his face. ‘I’ve already read your references and I’m sure we can come up with a fair rent.’

  ‘Thank you!’ She took the keys. ‘I know I’m going to say yes before I’ve even seen it. I’ll bring back the keys when I meet you for the vote result at three p.m., if that’s okay with you?’ Cooper nodded and Verity took off. She didn’t even wait for Pete – she was just too excited to see the flat and couldn’t believe how neatly her life was falling into place.

  As she rushed towards the cliff top she heard Pete shouting, ‘I thought you were waiting for Sam?’

  ‘I’ll catch up with him later!’ she called over her shoulder.

  ‘New home and an interview. Could this day get any better?’ Verity murmured to herself, determined not to let Sam’s cold reception ruin her happy mood. As soon as she’d checked over the flat her plan was to find Sam, on the pretence of checking in on Jimmy, before helping out Pete with the cottage.

  Five minutes later she was standing outside the surgery. She waved at Nathan, who was pottering about in his garage. She unlocked the door and stepped inside. The flat was open-plan with a living and kitchen area, and at the back of the room were bifold doors. Verity opened them and found herself on a small balcony. People would pay millions for a view like the one before her, the sea stretching for miles and the cliffs guarded by thousands of puffins. She couldn’t believe she was standing here. She had been lucky that Cooper mentioned the flat to her before anyone else, and she thanked whatever higher power was looking after her for putting her in the right place at the right time.

  The bedroom was a decent size, with built-in wardrobes and a dressing table. A door led to the bathroom. It was everything she needed to settle into her new life. Verity could already picture herself walking the small distance to work and sitting out on the balcony with a glass of wine in the evening. She could easily make the flat feel like home. She couldn’t wait to negotiate a rent with Cooper.

  Full of excitement, she locked the door of the flat and headed back to the bay, which was a hive of activity, full of rowing boats and kayaks, children running in and out of the water, tourists set up for the day with picnic blankets and windbreakers. She noticed The Island Hall was locked up and Betty wasn’t standing guard outside the door anymore, which probably meant the islanders had voted. Sam too was nowhere in sight, and since there seemed to be no activity at The Sea Glass Restaurant, she assumed he must be keeping Jimmy company.

  Five minutes later, feeling a little apprehensive, Verity knocked on the door of Cosy Nook Cottage. Seconds later the door opened. She gave Sam a huge smile. ‘And how’s the patient?’

  ‘He’s asleep.’ He made no effort to invite her in.

  ‘Umm, okay,’ she replied. ‘Is everything okay, Sam? I’m feeling a little tension. Have I done something to upset you?’

  Sam was quiet, and could barely meet her eye. He inhaled. ‘Verity, I can’t do this.’

  Even though Verity knew in her heart what Sam was trying to tell her, she still needed to understand why. ‘Do what?’

  ‘This.’ He wafted his hand between them both.

  Verity forced a brightness into her voice she wasn’t feeling. ‘Can we talk about this? I really don’t want to be in a situation where it’s uncomfortable when I see you, like it feels now.’

  Sam sighed and opened the door. Verity walked in and Sam gestured towards the sofa. ‘Would you like a drink?’

  She shook her head. ‘Don’t go waking up Jimmy.’

  Sitting at the other end of the settee, Sam looked pensive.

  Verity decided to begin. ‘I know you said it was nothing more than a bit of fun, but I’m confused because your actions towards me suggest that it’s not just that. The way you looked at me when we were together…I could see you cared.’

  The second she’d laid eyes on Sam she’d been captivated by his smile, his sparkling eyes, the way he dressed – the whole package. The connection she’d immediately felt between them had taken her by surprise. She was prepared to do anything to make Sam admit that he felt it too.

  ‘I do care but…’

  There was silence.

  ‘What’s stopping you from letting go? Why have you built these gigantic walls around yourself? I’m not that bad, you know.’

  He smiled. ‘I know you’re not, and that’s the problem.’

  ‘Huh? So you’d like me to be horrible?’

  ‘It would make it a lot easier for me.’

  Verity took the plunge. ‘Is this anything to do with Alice?’

  ‘How do you know about Alice?’

  ‘No one has been speaking out of turn. I like you and so I asked Amelia and Clemmie whether you had a girlfriend. They mentioned Alice in passing but didn’t give any details. Are you still in love with her?’

  ‘I’m not in love with Alice.’

  ‘Because I see before me a gorgeous, successful man who deserves to be loved.’

  Sam was quiet for a second and, as Verity watched, blinked back tears. ‘It’s not quite as simple as that.’

  ‘Tell me then. Help me to understand what exactly is going on here.’

  ‘Everyone leaves me,’ he blurted. ‘I’m a bad omen. No one sticks around.’

  Verity narrowed her eyes. ‘Do you mean Alice?’

  ‘My grandfather, my mother, my father, Alice. I’m all alone in the world. Everyone leaves sooner or later and I just can’t go through it all again.’

  ‘Do you mean with me?’

  Sam nodded. ‘The second I saw you outside that greasy spoon there was something about you. I hoped we would be on the same ferry and I searched high and low for you.’

  ‘You did?’ Verity was secretly chuffed.

  ‘I did. And then when you turned up here I couldn’t believe it. It felt like maybe we were meant to keep finding one another. But experience has taught me that eventually everyone leaves. I’m never enough.’ Sam’s voice faltered and Verity reached over and took his hand.

  ‘You are enough. Everyone on this island loves you, and hopefully, now the truth is out about your grandfather’s death, you’ll have a bit of closure and the weight will be lifted.’

  ‘There was a lot to take in, but I definitely don’t feel any animosity towards Pete, anymore.’

  ‘That’s good. I genuinely believe Pete wants to be here for you, just like I do. Sam, I have no intention of leaving.’

  ‘But you will. You’ll go back home just like⁠—’

  ‘Alice?’ Verity finished his sentence. ‘Is that what happened? Will you tell me about Alice?’

  Sam took a breath. ‘Alice was here on holiday, I didn’t even notice her at first but she began to eat at the restaurant night after night. She flirted and everywhere I went she turned up. Cutting a long story short, we fell in love and Alice decided she was going to stay on the island. She said it was so different from the hustle and bustle of the city where she lived, and she loved the fact that everyone knew everyone and we were such a close-knit community. Of course, we talked about the future, about making a life together and starting a family. It was the first time I ever began to think I was a part of something, and that I’d found someone who wasn’t going to abandon me as everyone had before. It was hard to let myself be vulnerable – and then it all came crashing down.’

  ‘What happened?’

  ‘On February 29th, Alice had gathered everyone on the bay. I finished my shift at The Sea Glass Restaurant, and walked along the jetty wondering why all the islanders were congregated on the sand. There was a massive cheer when everyone saw me, and from the middle of the crowd appeared Alice, with a microphone in her hand. Then, in front of all my friends and neighbours, she asked me to marry her. I said yes. I was the happiest man alive. Cora and Dan had arranged a fireworks display and we had drinks on the beach. The whole island danced and celebrated until the early hours. I thought that was it, my luck was changing, but a week later she was gone.’

  ‘Gone? Where did she go?’

  ‘She left me a note – she couldn’t even tell me herself – saying that Puffin Island and I weren’t enough for her. She wanted to travel and see the world and wasn’t ready for marriage yet. But it was she who asked me! I can’t even begin to tell you how humiliated I was. I had to go and tell everyone she’d left and the engagement was off. I just don’t understand how someone could change their mind so quickly.’ Sam briefly closed his eyes. ‘It’s one of the reasons I got a dog, because at least they love you for who you are and don’t let you down.’

  ‘Have you spoken to anyone about this?’

  ‘Do you mean a therapist?’ Sam shook his head. ‘Men cope.’

  ‘I’m going to stop you right there. Men need to talk. You’re just as human as I am, and it really helped me to talk to someone objective when I was going through my separation. It’s a safe space and it’s good to get things off your chest. Try it. Give it a go.’

  Sam nodded.

  ‘And we aren’t all like Alice, you know.’

  ‘You say that, but I just can’t get closer to you because I know it’ll hurt when you go. I can’t deal with any more upset.’

  ‘So you like me a little bit then?’ Verity teased.

  ‘Of course.’

  She leaned towards him and rested her forehead against his. She smiled. ‘Someone very wise once told me that sometimes in life, you have to just let go, go with the flow and see what happens. We may get our hearts broken – but what if we don’t? I truly believe it was fate that I found that postcard and it brought me here, to you. No matter what happens, meeting you, spending time with you, has been one of the greatest joys of my life. No matter what happens, I’ll have the best memories.’