Bea poked her head through the hatch and was met by the sight of Julia laden with an armful of dresses.

  ‘We have every colour under the sun!’

  ‘You’re not wrong,’ remarked Bea, hurrying down the ladder. ‘Look at these, you could open up a clothes shop.’

  ‘I know,’ she laughed, ‘Flynn said exactly the same thing. If any of these fit, wear what you wish and I’ll grab the rest back from you on Monday.’

  ‘This is brilliant, thanks so much.’

  ‘You’re welcome, and I’ll see you at the dinner. In the meantime, I need to track down Flynn.’

  ‘I’ve just seen him disappear onto his boat with Nolan.’

  ‘Oh, that’s right, they’re having a meeting. I’ll catch you in a bit. I hope one of those fits.’

  Julia left The Little Blue Boathouse and Bea racked her brains, trying to remember if Nolan had mentioned anything about a meeting with Flynn.

  Climbing back up the ladder she laid the dresses out on the bed.

  Each one was fit for the occasion but one in particular caught her eye and she knew it would look utterly gorgeous and be the perfect attire for a birthday meal at the world-famous restaurant The Lakehouse. The dress was a grey, shimmery satin, gathered at the waist and hanging just below her knees. As she pulled it over her body she gasped. It was a perfect fit.

  ‘Cinderella will go to the ball,’ she murmured, giving a little spin in the mirror. After applying her make-up and tying her hair up in a messy bun with the loose strands framing her face, she slipped her feet into her ballet shoes.

  Feeling a million dollars and grateful to Julia, Bea locked up The Little Blue Boathouse and made her way towards The Hemingway. She had never had girlfriends who helped you out at the drop of a hat. It was wonderful.

  Stepping onto the ramp of the boat, Bea shouted out, ‘Anyone home?’ and looked around, but Nolan wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Standing on the deck, she shouted again. Then the bathroom door opened and Nolan appeared, his hair soaped up into a wild-looking mass. He grinned. ‘Why is it every time it’s inconvenient people knock on the door?’

  ‘Er, there is no door, and this wasn’t the welcome I anticipated, but I don’t mind it one little bit.’ Bea ran an approving eye over Nolan’s wet, toned torso and stopped at the towel wrapped around his waist. She leaned forward playfully and Nolan panicked, thinking she was going to whip the towel from him.

  ‘Don’t you dare! There’s too many boats around and kayaks coming past.’

  Bea laughed. ‘You’re no fun sometimes.’

  ‘Go and pour yourself a drink whilst I get changed. By the way, can I just say you look absolutely stunning?’

  Bea gave a little twirl. ‘Why, thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself,’ she replied, giving him a cheeky wink.

  ‘I’ll be ten minutes max.’

  Pouring herself a glass of prosecco, Bea stood on the deck and looked all around. There were so many boats it was difficult to see the town of Glensheil in the distance. Each one was decorated in a carnival theme and they had begun to get themselves in a line ready for the boat parade that began in the early evening.

  ‘Right, I’m ready,’ Nolan stepped back on to the deck and Bea playfully whistled. ‘Very impressive,’ she said with a smile, tilting her head up to kiss him as he entwined his fingers around hers. With their eyes locked, he gave her the warmest, sexiest smile, and there it was again, that jittery feeling in her stomach of the first flush of love mixed with the dull ache of knowing he would soon be gone.

  As Nolan straightened the birthday banner that had flapped over in the light breeze, Bea tried to ignore the ache in her stomach but it was still very much there. While she was getting ready, she had toyed with the idea of telling him how much she wanted him to stay, and that having him by her side made her feel like she’d won the lottery because he was everything she’d ever wanted. But her head and her heart were currently fighting each other, her head telling her that she needed to let Nolan do whatever he needed to do to heal, and her heart telling her to fight for him and tell him how she felt.

  Her heart won. She owed it to herself to say what she felt. She’d spent the whole of her last relationship not being able to express her feelings. If she didn’t say how she felt, how would Nolan ever know?

  ‘Do you think Martha would like the painting of my grandfather and her for her birthday?’

  ‘I think that’s a great idea,’ she replied, standing beside him and sipping her drink.

  ‘That’s good then because I’ve already wrapped it up.’

  ‘Nolan,’ she said, her heart beating nineteen to the dozen. ‘Nolan.’ Her chest heaved.

  But Nolan was looking across at the riverbank and grabbed Bea’s arm. ‘Here they come. Quick, cue the music. Here’s Martha!’

  Bea looked up and there was the birthday girl walking alongside her family with her close friends following behind. With the moment lost, Bea did exactly what Nolan had asked and cued the music from the music player that he’d connected at the back of the boat, so that as soon as Martha stepped on to the ramp, ‘Happy Birthday’ played out. The surrounding boats began to cheer and clap, leaving Martha with a huge smile on her face.

  ‘All aboard,’ shouted Nolan, handing out the drinks as they all filed onto the boat. ‘Here she is, the birthday girl!’ he exclaimed, kissing Martha on both cheeks. ‘Happy birthday!’

  Martha looked radiant, her eyes sparkled and the smile on her face said it all.

  ‘You look stunning. Happy birthday, Martha,’ said Bea, air-kissing Martha, who gave a little shimmy in her dress.

  ‘And so do you, my dear. I love that dress, it suits you.’

  ‘Thank you,’ replied Bea, giving Julia a thankful smile as she sipped her drink.

  Close to emotional tears, Martha had her arm linked through Gwen’s as they stood and admired the banners that hung from the sides of the boat and the clusters of balloons that were dancing in the light breeze. ‘I can’t believe you’ve gone to all this trouble for me.’

  ‘It’s our pleasure,’ said Bea.

  ‘And if you had told me when I was twenty years old that I would be travelling to my special birthday dinner on The Hemingway, I would never have believed you. It’s a funny old world.’

  ‘Isn’t it just,’ replied Nolan, shaking the hand of Drew as he stepped on board. ‘If you’d told me I was going to travel to Heartcross and find a family, I would never have believed you.’

  ‘And if you’d told me that my mother and I would be back on speaking terms, then I would definitely not have believed you.’ Gwen nudged Martha lightly with her shoulder.

  ‘All’s well that ends well. And can I just say, with past troubles put behind us, it makes my life a whole lot easier,’ added Isla.

  ‘And mine,’ chipped in Drew, giving Isla a wink.

  ‘Have we all got a drink?’ asked Isla, looking around at everyone. ‘Because I would like to propose a toast.’

  Stood in a circle with Martha in the centre, everyone raised their glass. ‘Firstly, I’d like to say a huge happy birthday to my grandmother, Martha. You have filled my life with fun, laughter and despair on many occasions.’

  Everyone laughed.

  ‘You’re the kindest and most compassionate person I know and in the past week we’ve all discovered how brave you were back in the past to keep your baby against all odds.’

  Gwen leaned in and squeezed Martha’s elbow. Her mother was close to tears.

  ‘My granny, my best friend. We love you very much and you mean everything to us. We all hope you have a fantastic birthday. Having your family and friends standing here today, ready to celebrate with you, shows how much we all love you.’

  ‘Or they are just after free food and drink,’ Martha said to Drew, who pretended to look hurt.

  ‘Happy birthday!’

  Everyone echoed Isla’s sentiments and clinked their glasses.

  ‘Are we ready to get this show on the road?’ shouted Nolan over the excited chatter.

  ‘Yes, captain,’ they cried in unison.

  Nolan handed his glass to Bea as he detached the ramp from the riverbank and raised the anchor.

  ‘How you doing?’ Isla asked Bea.

  ‘Not wanting this day to end if I’m truly honest.’ She kept her voice low. ‘I’m trying not to think about it. I’ve asked him to slip away when the time is right because I can’t take goodbyes.’

  ‘He’ll be back. He has us here now and I think he would be mad to leave you behind. Anyone can see the chemistry between the pair of you could light up the whole of Scotland.’

  Bea smiled. ‘I hope he’ll be back but I know he has to do whatever is right for him.’

  ‘And look around this boat. You arrived on a whim for a two-week holiday and now you’re managing The Little Blue Boathouse, not to mention project managing Heartcross Rescue. We are all your friends and here for you no matter what. That’s what I love about this community, it’s like no other, even if I’ve never actually known any other.’ She gave a small laugh.

  ‘I love it too. This place is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you.’

  As Nolan walked towards the steering wheel, he called over to Martha, ‘Can I have the queen of the ship up at the helm, please?’

  ‘Just a moment,’ said Isla, whipping out a birthday sash from her bag and placing it over Martha’s head. ‘There you go, all ready.’

  Martha made her way to Nolan and stood behind the steering wheel.

  ‘Can you remember how to drive the boat?’ he asked.

  ‘Just like it was yesterday,’ she said, smiling at him. ‘Do you think Morgan is looking down on us?’ She glanced towards the sky then back at Nolan.

  ‘Without a doubt,’ he replied.

  Bea cued the music again as Martha turned the key and started the engine. She pushed the lever forward and The Hemingway began to slowly glide through the water. Everyone on board let out a cheer and Martha saluted; she was enjoying every second of it. With the breeze whipping their hair, their glasses full, everyone had a huge smile on their face. Cheers rippled along the surrounding boats as their occupants waved at Martha.

  Bea slipped her arm around Nolan’s waist and snuggled into his chest. ‘I’ve never seen this part of the water.’

  ‘Wait until you see The Lakehouse, it’ll take your breath away.’

  Martha enjoyed the next five minutes waving to every person on all the boats that bobbed on the River Heart. The atmosphere was electric, with people sounding their horns and shouting happy birthday. As soon as they glided into the open water, Martha turned to Nolan. ‘Take over. I have fizz to drink and friends to talk to.’

  ‘No problem,’ replied Nolan, taking the helm. ‘Go and have fun.’

  ‘And thank you, I enjoyed every second of that.’ She nodded her appreciation and joined Gwen and Isla, who were sitting down watching the view as they sailed past.

  ‘Would you like a go?’ asked Nolan, looking towards Bea. ‘It’s just like driving a car.’

  ‘Would I? Yes please, I thought you’d never ask!’

  Nolan stepped to the side but kept his hand on the wheel until Bea was standing in front of it.

  ‘We’re heading in that direction. This lever slows the boat, if you pull it towards you like this.’ Nolan pulled on the lever and the boat slowed. ‘Push it back up and we travel faster. Have a go.’

  Bea’s hand brushed against his as she took over the controls. She pulled back the lever and the boat slowed, then pushed it so it quickened up.

  ‘Hey,’ shouted Drew. ‘You’ll have me spilling my drink!’

  ‘Sorry,’ Bea shouted, with a giggle. ‘This is so much fun. I can see why you love living on here.’ She kept her eyes on the water, and successfully piloted the boat towards the trees.

  ‘We’re nearly there. When we pass through those trees The Lakehouse is just around the next corner.’

  ‘Wow, look at those!’ exclaimed Bea.

  ‘Secret coves, but this next part will take your breath away. I’ll help because it can get a little tricky around this next bend.’ Nolan stood right behind Bea and reached for the control. She could feel his presence so close to her as he leaned forward and placed his hand on top of hers. ‘We need to slow down completely now.’ Nolan kept his hand on hers as Bea steered The Hemingway through the gorgeous weeping willows that hung over the water’s edge, then around a cluster of rocks.

  ‘This is just beautiful,’ she exclaimed, keeping her eyes fixed on the water in front of her.

  ‘You haven’t seen anything yet.’

  As The Hemingway moved through the calm water Nolan took over for the last stretch. Bea gazed up at the chalk-white rocks that overhung another tiny secluded beach, just like Castaway Bay. Nolan guided the boat to the jetty and pointed to the stop button. ‘Press that,’ he said.

  The engine cut out and everyone on The Hemingway cheered. Bea was in awe. The Lakehouse restaurant stood in front of them with its old-fashioned shutters, purple wisteria and pink roses tumbling all around the doorway. Up on the roof terrace there were tables and chairs overlooking the secluded water.

  It’s breathtaking,’ she exclaimed.

  ‘Isn’t it just,’ replied Nolan.

  ‘Heartcross is the place that just keeps giving,’ she murmured. ‘And look!’

  Standing outside The Lakehouse was Flynn, who’d ferried the rest of the villagers to the restaurant. He’d even laid out a red carpet under an archway of cream and gold balloons. As soon as The Hemingway docked, everyone cheered and Martha was the first to step off the boat. Greeted by Flynn, who popped the cork from a bottle of champagne and poured Martha the very first glass, she looked overwhelmed but incredibly happy.

  Inside the restaurant, Bea was completely blown away. Members of staff were circulating with even more drinks and the room was decorated to perfection with birthday banners and balloons. Twinkly fairy lights and lilac roses filled every corner and Bea was momentarily lost for words. ‘I can’t imagine who would go out of their way for me like this when I reach this age.’

  ‘Everyone would,’ replied Nolan, taking her hand in his.

  ‘Nolan, Bea, would you both like to join us at the family table? It would mean so much to me,’ asked Martha.

  ‘It would be our honour,’ they replied at the same time, then laughed.

  Martha was in her element, working the room and reminiscing with all her friends, until Gianni the chef came out and spoke to Flynn, who sounded the gong in the corner of the room.

  ‘Dinner will be served in fifteen minutes.’

  When everyone was seated, Isla stood at a microphone and the room fell silent.

  ‘Thank you all for coming this afternoon to help celebrate my beautiful grandmother’s special birthday. Apparently, I am banned from saying her age.’

  The room laughed.

  ‘Just before we devour the delicious delights of the three-course meal prepared by award-winning Michelin star chef Gianni, I thought it was only fair that we suitably embarrass my granny with a trip down memory lane. The Heartcross community began many years ago and, as the saying goes, once you arrive in Heartcross, you never want to leave.’

  Bea dared to take a sideward glance at Nolan, who was looking in Isla’s direction. She could have sworn he had tears in his eyes.

  ‘It’s an absolute privilege that I get to call you my granny, my family and my best friend. Family is everything to me and us. Not only will my granny be suitably embarrassed but there is a long list of wonderful folks who are taking one for the team this afternoon.’

  There was a ripple of laughter around the room.

  ‘If you look over towards this screen, you’ll see that we have photographs going back to Granny’s childhood, showcasing every step of her life. So, sit back and enjoy the journey … the long journey,’ she joked, giving a tearful Martha a cheeky wink.

  The whole restaurant turned towards the screen as Martha’s life began to play out to the soundtrack of her favourite song.

  ‘Look, there’s The Little Blue Boathouse.’ Bea grabbed Nolan’s knee. ‘And a very young Martha.’ She was posing against the door with her leg kicked back and her hands on her hips. ‘You look like a right handful there, Granny,’ whispered Isla.

  Nolan stared at the screen as images of his grandfather and Martha were projected before his eyes. There they were paddling in the water at Castaway Bay, sitting on the deck of The Hemingway and dancing in front of the bandstand at Primrose Park. Nolan felt sad, knowing that if his grandfather had known about Gwen, everything would have been different. The way he and Martha looked at each other, they oozed true love and admiration. He glanced at Bea out of the corner of his eye. A lonely tear ran down her face and she discreetly brushed it away with the back of her hand, her eyes transfixed on the photographs in front of her.

  Slipping out of his seat, Nolan took a breather outside and walked back down the jetty. His mind and heart were in turmoil. He never thought when he came on the hunt for Patsy that he would end up with distant relatives and a girl that he knew he was falling in love with. Looking up at the sky, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Deep down he knew Hannah would want him to be happy but he was so frightened by the prospect of experiencing such grief again.

  He walked back towards The Hemingway and into his room. Locked in the bottom drawer of his bedside cabinet was an album full of photos of Hannah. He sat on the bed and turned the pages slowly, weeping as he looked over every photo.

  When the slideshow came to an end, a ripple of applause coursed around the room. Martha, who had held on to Gwen’s hand throughout, was full of happy emotion. It was at that moment that Bea turned towards Nolan and found his chair empty. Her heart began to pound as she looked around the room but couldn’t see him anywhere. Martha was up on her feet giving a short speech and thanking her family and life-long friends for coming. The waiters then began to bring the food out, but all Bea could think about was that she’d told Nolan to slip away without saying goodbye.