‘Abe, I wanted to tell you something. I know it’s only been a few months, but I think I’ve fallen in love with you. I never expected to find love a second time around, I didn’t even think I wanted it. But how could I stop myself when I met someone as wonderful as you? I love you, your family and everything in Amsterdam. I am so happy and content. My life here really is a dream come true, and you’ve helped to make it that way.’
‘I’m glad to hear that. I was worried for a moment about what you wanted to say. I love you too, and I want you to know that this isn’t something I would ever say unless I really mean it. So, I want you to know that I really, really mean it.’
Abe takes hold of my hand and kisses it.
‘You know, it’s like we were made for each other. You are the yin to my yang,’ he says.
‘I love that. We were made for each other, and you are my yang. Goodness, everything is so perfect. I never imagined things would fall into place like this. It’s incredible.’
‘Maybe it’s this houseboat. I always felt like it had a nice energy. Henrik had many happy years here. He was ninety-eight when he died, and that was on holiday. Nothing bad ever happens here. I know this sounds strange, but I believe this houseboat chose you. It knew you needed a new start in life and now you have it.’
I look around at the houseboat and almost start to believe Abe’s theory. It did pop up at the strangest moment, and everything started changing from then.
‘Yeah, at the time it felt too good to be true, how it found me all the way over in Wales. Stranger things have happened, I suppose.’
‘If it did choose you then I want to thank it. The best thing you ever did was move in next door.’
‘Isn’t that the truth? I can’t even imagine what I would have missed out on if that advert hadn’t popped up. It doesn’t bear thinking about.’
‘It’s quite spooky how it’s all worked out. There had to be some luck involved.’
‘Abe, maybe you’re right. This is a lucky home.’
I take my glass from the table and make a toast to Abe and thank him for everything he has done for me. Then silently, I make a toast to the houseboat too.
‘Thank you, little houseboat, for everything.’
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Eighteen months later
Debbie stands by the canal with a big smile on her face. I run down and give her the hugest of hugs. Oh, how I have missed her. It feels like forever since she was last here.
‘I can’t believe I’ve had to come to you again. That’s what happens when you refuse to come home, even for a holiday,’ says Debbie.
‘Well, I’m busy with my stall. Don’t want to let my regulars down, plus I’m having far too good a time with this one,’ I say, looking over at Abe.
‘I can see that. Look at you! Doesn’t she look well, Nigel.’
‘You do look well, Sandy. Great to see you here. Finally, I can see where you ran off to when you sold up.’
‘Yup, welcome to Amsterdam andNew Beginnings. You are going to love it here, just like Debbie and I do.’
‘Well, I must admit my first impressions aren’t bad. I’ve already heard there’s a Heineken tour somewhere around here. I’m looking forward to that, and the Sex Museum. I’ll have to visit those two places.’
Debbie and I grin at each other. How did we guess those would be first on his list of attractions to visit?
‘But, anyway, first things first, let’s see this houseboat of yours,’ says Nigel, still standing on the side of the canal. ‘You going to invite us in then, or what?’
‘Of course. Sorry. Do you want Abe to give you a hand with your bags, Debbie?’
‘No, it’s alright. I can manage them all.’ Nigel looks at Abe and introduces himself, speaking very slowly.
‘I am Nigel. From Wales.’
‘You can speak properly, Nigel. Abe speaks very good English.’
‘Oh, tidy.’
