Within twenty minutes the taxi was driving the back way towards the river. The second she set eyes on The Little Blue Boathouse, Bea felt uplifted.
‘Home sweet home,’ she murmured.
Everywhere looked positively gleaming, thoroughly cleaned by the storms of the last few days. Hordes of people were back out on the water taking advantage of the clear blue sky. ‘Heartcross Rescue… I can see it as an extension of this place.’
Julia and Flynn appeared in the doorway, Bea recognising him from social media.
‘Here she is, the hero! It’s great to meet you at last.’ Flynn thrust his hand forward then realised Bea would find it difficult to shake hands. ‘Sorry,’ he immediately apologised. ‘We don’t want you falling over.’
‘Pleased to meet you. I’m sorry about this. I take the job and now for a couple of days I’m fit for nothing.’
‘You have nothing to apologise for,’ said Julia. ‘If it wasn’t for you, Lucas could have been washed away. That river was rising fast.’
‘Anyone would have done the same,’ replied Bea, hobbling inside, where she was greeted by an enormous bouquet of beautiful blooms.
‘For you,’ said Julia. ‘They arrived this morning.’
‘They are utterly gorgeous.’ Taking in the aroma, Bea sat down in the chair and passed her crutches to Nolan.
‘Julia has been filling me in about your ideas surrounding Heartcross Rescue,’ said Flynn. ‘We’ve put it out there for a meeting this Monday and already the majority of the community have confirmed they’re going to be here.’
‘That’s brilliant! Thank you for doing that,’ enthused Bea. ‘I’ve been thinking more and more about this. Is there a local carpenter or builder that could help?’
‘Eleni, my right-hand woman at the B&B, goes out with Jack, who’s part of a family building business, and he will be coming on Monday.’
‘Perfect. Whilst I’m laid up, I’m going to look into potential costs so I can have some figures ready for the meeting.’
Nolan looked at her proudly. ‘She’s got it all sorted.’
‘I love it when a plan comes together.’ Bea crossed her fingers. ‘But I know it’s not going to be easy.’
‘I’ll be here on Monday but I have to disappear now as I’ve got a meeting and Julia needs to get back to the B&B,’ said Flynn. ‘But what are you going to do about the attic room? That ladder might prove a little difficult to climb up for a couple of days.’
All Bea wanted to do was get upstairs, sit back and watch the boats on the river from her armchair, but Flynn was right: for a couple of days it might be a little difficult.
‘There’s a room at the B&B available on the ground floor. It’s yours if you want it,’ Julia offered.
‘I think that sounds like a plan. Thank you.’
‘Are you okay to take over, Nolan?’ asked Julia. ‘With Bea watching over you, I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it, and I’ll be back in a couple of hours.’
‘I’m sure I’ll manage.’
They watched Flynn and Julia walk up the river path before Nolan took his place behind the counter. ‘These are beautiful flowers,’ he said, moving the bouquet to one side. ‘I’ll have a look for a vase.’
‘The staff room is that way. The key is in the drawer of the desk.’
Nolan opened the drawer. ‘This one?’ he asked and Bea nodded.
‘And these flowers are gorgeous. Do I have you to thank for them?’
‘I wish I could say they were from me, but afraid not. There’s a card though.’ He took the white envelope and passed it to Bea before opening the door to the staff room. ‘Do you fancy a cup of tea?’
‘That’ll be good.’ She smiled. ‘Milk, one sugar.’
Opening up the small white envelope, Bea stared at the words on the card. Her heart began to pound.
I want you back, please come home. All my love, Carl xx
