‘But that’s just it, you’ll leave, go back to Staffordshire and all that will be left are the memories⁠—’

  ‘What if I tell you I love Puffin Island?’

  ‘I’ve heard it all before.’

  ‘What if I tell you’—she moved away from him, slowly reached inside her bag and pulled out the keys of the surgery flat—‘that these are the keys to my new flat…hopefully?’

  Sam’s eyes widened. ‘New flat?’

  ‘My new flat on Puffin Island.’

  Verity watched the expression on Sam’s face as the penny dropped.

  ‘Where?’

  ‘Above Cliff Top Veterinary Surgery. And not only that, I also have an interview this afternoon for the position of veterinary assistant.’

  ‘That’s brilliant, Verity!’

  ‘I’m doing everything in my power to stick around.’

  ‘You’re being serious, aren’t you?’

  She nodded. ‘Deadly.’

  ‘Cooper would be mad not to take you.’ Sam stood up, pulled her in for a hug and squeezed her tight. When he let go, he cupped his hands around her face. ‘I’m so glad you’re staying.’

  ‘Me too.’

  He bent his head and kissed her softly on the lips.

  ‘What’s happening here?’ she asked.

  He pulled away slowly. ‘I think, just like Pete, Betty and yourself, I’m making a fresh start.’ He smiled. ‘And I promise I’ll go and talk to someone, because I don’t want to mess this up.’

  ‘This?’ she queried, moving her finger between them.

  ‘Yes, this,’ he said, mimicking the motion.

  ‘I don’t want you to mess it up either.’

  ‘I think I’d be an idiot not to take a chance with you.’

  ‘I think you’d be an idiot not to, too.’ This time Verity leaned in and kissed him first. ‘I have got one thing to say to you, though.’

  ‘Which is?’

  ‘Luckily for you, it’s not a leap year.’

  Sam grinned. ‘You’re not funny.’

  ‘Just a little,’ she replied.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  It was just before three p.m. and everyone was gathered at Blue Water Bay. No one knew what the result of the voting would be, except Cooper, who’d counted the votes. He was standing at the edge of the sand talking to Pete. As soon as he spotted Verity, he gestured for her to come over.

  ‘What did you think of the flat?’ asked Cooper.

  Verity took the keys out of her bag. ‘To be honest, Cooper, I just have one major complaint.’

  Cooper’s smile dropped as he looked at Pete then back at Verity. ‘Complaint?’

  ‘The view through those bifold doors was just terrible. I really couldn’t put up with it on a daily basis!’ She laughed.

  ‘For a minute there…’

  ‘I’d love to take the flat if that’s okay with you, and if the rent is manageable.’

  ‘Glad to hear it, because I have this for you.’ He handed her an envelope. ‘Pete and I had a discussion and we think this is a fair monthly price.’

  Verity opened the envelope and looked at the figure written on the piece of paper within. The rent for the flat was a few hundred less than her own home that she was renting out. With her wage from the new job – if she got it – she would be able to manage perfectly. She held out her hand to Cooper. ‘Deal.’

  ‘Fantastic! I’ll get the contract drawn up and we can have it signed by the end of the week.’

  ‘Perfect. I’ll see you at four p.m. for the interview.’

  ‘You will. Speaking of the time…’ Cooper checked his watch and said goodbye before walking off towards the microphone stand that was positioned on the jetty.

  Pete leaned in and whispered, ‘I think the job is in the bag.’

  ‘I hope so,’ replied Verity. ‘I can’t believe this is happening. And by the way, I need to apologise to you. I didn’t make it back to the cottage to help you out.’

  ‘Where have you been?’

  She grinned.

  ‘You made everything okay with Sam?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear that.’

  Their conversation was interrupted by Cooper switching on the microphone. Verity spotted Sam at the front of the crowd and caught his eye. He grinned at her, the two of them sharing the secret that only minutes earlier they had been wrapped in each other’s arms and had almost forgotten the time.

  Cooper began to speak and Verity and Sam both turned towards him. ‘We all know why we’re here today. The safety of our islanders and visitors is paramount and we want to do what’s best to stop vehicles being trapped on the causeway when the tide turns. Ideas have included posters on the ferries, TV campaigns, radio campaigns and, of course, barriers. Islanders have strong opinions both for and against the barriers, and so the only way to settle this was by an island vote. All votes have now been counted and verified, and inside this envelope is the result.’

  Verity noticed a look pass between Pete and Sam.

  Cooper opened the envelope. Verity was reminded of the BAFTA awards.

  ‘In total we have one hundred and sixty residents over the age of eighteen who were eligible to vote. One hundred and sixty votes were counted. The total number of islanders for the barriers is eighty; the total number of islanders against the barriers is eighty.’

  There was a groan all around. It was a draw?

  ‘What happens now?’ whispered Verity to Clemmie, who was standing next to her.

  ‘God knows,’ she replied.

  Cooper held his hand up to silence everyone. ‘Can I make a suggestion?’

  All eyes were on him, while his own were searching the crowd. Then they found and fixed on Verity. She gulped, not knowing what he was going to say.

  ‘This morning we had one hundred and sixty residents on the island, but this afternoon we have one hundred and sixty-one.’

  Again, there was chatter all around.

  ‘Oh my gosh, he’s not going to make me choose, is he? Please tell me he isn’t going to make me choose,’ Verity mumbled to herself.

  ‘Verity Callaway.’

  All the islanders turned in her direction.

  ‘My suggestion is that Verity has the deciding vote. She’ll soon be moving into the flat above the veterinary surgery and so she is Puffin Island’s newest resident.’

  What the heck was she meant to do now? She supposed she could refuse but then the debate over the barriers would continue to cause unrest. It was an impossible situation as either way she was going to upset Pete or Sam.

  Thinking fast on her feet, Verity began walking towards Cooper. She took the microphone from him and gazed out at the islanders. ‘Hello! I can’t believe how much has fallen into place for me during my time on Puffin Island. I’ve fallen in love with the place. But I have to say – if it wasn’t for me getting stranded on the causeway, I’d be in Amsterdam right now. I was the latest idiot to be rescued from the causeway, when the clock in my van stopped and I read the time wrong and misjudged the tide. If barriers had existed, they would definitely have stopped me driving across the causeway and getting swept up by the tide.’

  Sam smiled. Verity knew he was hoping she would sway the vote in his favour.

  ‘But I’m actually glad there were no barriers…’

  The smile dropped from Sam’s face.

  ‘…Because my destiny was diverted down another path. However’—she took a breath—‘I can see both sides of the argument and I really can’t vote on this.’

  Both Pete and Sam looked confused. She invited them up to join her. As soon as they were by her side, she continued, ‘I have an idea. I don’t know if it’s possible, but surely we can all work together to see if we can make it happen.’ She looked towards Sam. ‘I do think the barriers are a good idea and will help to save lives, but also’—she turned towards Pete—‘I understand your argument fully. So, how about we combine the two ideas? Would it be possible for the barriers to be installed but with an override function that the coastguard on duty can operate? Could there be some sort of key that could manually operate the barriers in case of an emergency?’

  All the islanders were quiet and watched Pete and Sam, who were looking at each other. Sam’s face broke into a smile first. ‘I’m up for discussion on that, if Pete is?’

  Pete nodded and extended his hand.

  Watching them shake hands, Verity was ecstatic. She couldn’t have hoped for a better result. She handed the microphone back to Cooper, who was clearly impressed with her diplomatic skills.

  ‘I’m going to go and get ready for my interview.’

  Cooper nodded and Verity left the jetty to a round of applause.

  ‘Ever thought of running for prime minister?’ Sam asked, appearing behind her.

  ‘Ha ha. That certainly wouldn’t be my dream job. It’s been difficult enough keeping you islanders in check since my arrival.’

  Sam swept her off her feet and kissed her full on the lips. ‘You’re just the best. I’ve got to go over to the restaurant, but come and tell me all about the interview when you’ve finished. There will be a drink waiting for you.’

  ‘I shall do just that.’ She kissed him again before he headed off.

  She turned to find Clemmie and Amelia standing with linked arms in front of her. ‘Er, excuse me.’ Clemmie wafted her hand between Verity and Sam, who had paused a few feet away and was deep in conversation with Pete. ‘What’s going on here?’

  ‘Just going with the flow,’ replied Verity with a wink. ‘But I’ll catch up with you both later. I’m just off for a job interview.

  ‘Good luck!’ they trilled in unison as Verity hurried off towards the cliff path to get ready.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  One week later

  Verity straightened Sam’s tie before they left for the bay. Today was the fiftieth anniversary of Joe Wilson’s tragic death, a loss that had rocked Puffin Island both in the past and the present.

  It was early evening and as a mark of respect for Joe all businesses had closed their doors so that every resident could attend the vigil.

  ‘How are you feeling?’ asked Verity, slipping her hand into Sam’s as they walked down Lighthouse Lane.

  ‘It’s been a hell of a week but for good reasons.’

  Verity smiled. ‘I have to say it’s been one of the best weeks of my life.’

  ‘I suspect the next one will be even better. You’ll be starting your new job and moving into your flat.’

  ‘I can’t wait.’

  Verity’s interview with Cooper had been successful and two days later the postman had wandered up the cliff top path and headed straight for her van.

  ‘Miss Verity Callaway?’

  ‘That’s me,’ she’d replied, taking the envelope from his hand and immediately noticing Cooper’s logo stamped on the front. After ripping open the envelope she’d quickly scanned the words and taken off towards Cliff Top Cottage without shoes on, waving the letter in the air.

  Pete had opened the door to a very excited Verity.

  ‘I got the job! I actually got the job! I can’t quite believe it!’

  But Cooper had offered her a lot more than the position of veterinary assistant. He’d asked her to be the Practice Manager as well, because instead of a part-time surgery he wanted the practice to be open full-time.

  ‘Congratulations!’

  Verity had hugged Pete then turned and begun to run from the cottage. ‘I need to tell Sam!’

  ‘Put some shoes on first!’ Pete had shouted after her.

  ‘And you and Pete are friends now. I’m happy about that.’ Verity squeezed his hand.

  ‘I am, too. It did us good to all sit in the same room and talk through everything – Pete, Betty and I.’

  ‘Have you forgiven Pete for falling in love with my granny?’

  ‘You can’t help who you fall in love with.’ Sam gave Verity a heart-warming smile and lightly nudged her shoulder with his.

  ‘I like the fact that you both met with the company that’s designing the barriers.’ Verity was delighted to see Sam and Pete working together. All animosity had lifted.

  ‘A genius suggestion by yourself.’

  ‘I wouldn’t go as far as genius, more like common sense.’ She grinned.

  When they reached the bottom of Lighthouse Lane, Verity could not believe her eyes. She stood still and looked all around. ‘Wow! I wasn’t expecting that.’

  ‘It’s an amazing sight, isn’t it?’ Hundreds of fishing boats were lined up as a mark of respect, and dotted all around the bay were firepits, and fairy lights hanging between poles hammered into the sand.

  Parked at the side of the bay was a fish and chip van. Sam pointed. ‘On this night, every islander eats fish and chips from the van as a mark of respect, because my grandfather was the best fisherman of his era around these parts.’

  All of the islanders were gathered at the bay, and as Sam walked onto the sand all heads turned towards him. He didn’t let go of Verity’s hand as they made their way towards the front of the crowd. Betty walked over to meet them and enveloped Sam in a hug, and, as soon as she let go, Pete stepped forward and shook Sam’s hand. Verity swallowed the lump in her throat. Even though she’d never known Joe, it was heart-warming that all the islanders would come together to remember him in this way. She slipped in next to Pete as Sam stood in front of the crowd and Cooper passed him the microphone.

  ‘Thank you all for coming to pay your respects to my grandfather, Joe Wilson. He was a huge part of this community and on the fiftieth anniversary of his death we have come together once more.’ Sam glanced at the photograph of Joe on the nearby easel. ‘I really wish I’d got to meet him…’ He swallowed then paused to compose himself. ‘There are people standing amongst us today who knew my grandfather and they only ever have good things to say about him. It’s no secret that Pete was my grandfather’s best friend, and I’m pleased to say that, thanks to Verity’s arrival on the island, the rift between myself and Pete has started to heal. I hope that one day we too will become the best of friends.’

  Pete nodded his agreement and Betty placed her hands on her heart. Verity knew she must have hoped for years that they would bury the hatchet, but had thought this day would never come.

  ‘As usual, we have the fish and chip van waiting to feed you all, and Cora and Dan have set up a drinks tent, so please help yourself. But before you grab your refreshments, I’d like to tell you a story…’

  Verity knew that Sam and Pete had agreed that the truth of the night Joe died should be shared. Sam explained the tragic chain of events. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when the islanders realised that Joe had jumped into the sea thinking he was saving his best friend. Pete joined Sam at the front of the crowd as the story concluded, and together they unveiled a brand-new plaque that had been engraved and mounted on the harbour wall, honouring Joe and his sacrifice. Just before Sam was about to wrap up his speech, he glanced at Betty. Verity saw her disappear from the crowd and wondered what she was up to.

  ‘I’ve got one more thing to share with you all.’ Betty had reappeared, holding two guitars.

  ‘As we all know, my grandfather was in a band called The Men from Puffin Island. Eric, John, Joe and Pete became quite famous in their day, but the opportunity to take the world by storm was tragically taken from them when my grandfather passed. I know that the band never played together in public after that fateful night, but I’m hoping that on this very special day of remembrance I can persuade the remaining members to join me, right here, right now, to perform in my grandfather’s honour.’

  All the islanders began to clap and cheer as John suddenly appeared with a keyboard and Sam and Pete took their guitars from Betty.

  ‘Sam didn’t even tell me about this. Did you know?’ Verity asked Betty as she rejoined her.

  Betty smiled. ‘I caught them rehearsing.’

  Sam turned to Pete and John. ‘I’d love to become an honorary member of your band for one night only and I can’t think of a better time to perform with you guys.’

  The crowd was encouraging, the sound of cheers and clapping growing louder until Pete held up his hand and instantly everyone fell silent. Cooper placed three microphone stands on the sand and they took their positions.

  ‘This song is dedicated to Joe and a wonderful woman who brought sunshine to our lives and this island, back in the summer of 1972… It’s called “Puffin Compares to You”.’

  Verity’s body erupted in goosebumps as they began to play the song that Pete had written for her granny. The whole community was clapping along as Betty took hold of Verity’s hands and began to dance with her, Clemmie and Amelia quickly following suit.

  It was over an hour later that the band finished playing and were given a standing ovation.

  Tears in her eyes, Verity looked all around her. There were people in fishing boats waving torches in the air, others drinking and eating fish and chips, or sitting on deckchairs enjoying the music. There were even islanders paddling at the water’s edge. This was what community was all about. Verity was moved that she had been accepted so readily by everyone. Her new life on Puffin Island had begun in the best possible way.

  As soon as Sam finished playing, he put down his guitar, ran towards Verity, swept her off her feet and spun her round. She giggled. ‘You were amazing! You were all amazing!’

  He kissed her and she realised everyone was watching as they began to clap. He pulled her in for a hug. ‘The postcard from Puffin Island brought you here and I’ll always be grateful,’ he whispered.

  Pete handed Sam a beer. ‘You play and sing well. With a talent like that you could go far.’

  Sam shook Pete’s hand. ‘I enjoyed every second of playing with you. I hope it won’t be the last time.’ The smile on his face said it all.

  ‘I’ve got a feeling it won’t be.’ Pete winked.