Everyone nodded. Bea began passing out the paper along with some pens, and people began to scribble down ways that they could help. The community was enthusiastic and Bea felt that if they all worked together, they might be able to create the rescue service within the next eighteen months to two years.
‘Thank you all for coming. If anyone has any further ideas or suggestions then do let me know. In the meantime, please help yourself to refreshments. I propose we hold another meeting in four weeks’ time, for an update.’
The crowd was nodding and Bea felt proud of her efforts as she stepped away from the table. Emmie walked towards her with her arms open wide. ‘Bea, you were brilliant!’
‘Thank you,’ replied Bea. ‘In a funny sort of way, I was enjoying myself.’
‘This is a worthwhile cause and if anyone can get this up and running, it’s you.’ Emmie took hold of both of Bea’s hands. ‘I’ve never seen this side of you before. Standing up there … you were full of passion. There’s something different about you that I can’t quite put my finger on.’
‘I’m happy. I feel comfortable and I can just be me here. I know you’re very fond of him, but Carl is not my future. He didn’t encourage my growth. He suppressed my personality. He never let me be me and never gave me the loyalty I deserve.’
‘I’m sorry, Bea. I feel like I’ve let you down. I should have realised that you were unhappy and I should have been a better sister.’
‘It’s okay, honestly it is.’
‘And what about Nolan?’
Bea looked across at him. He was busy collecting the pieces of paper from the community. Every time she looked in his direction her stomach performed somersaults. He was her type of perfect but she knew she had to try and keep a little distance to protect her own heart. ‘Nolan will be moving on after the River Festival and I’ll miss him but I’ll always be grateful to him. He’s taught me how to laugh and enjoy life again.’
Isla popped her head between them. ‘Sorry to interrupt but there’s a taxi for Emmie here.’
‘A taxi?’ questioned Bea, looking at Emmie, who pointed to her suitcase standing against the wall.
‘I’m heading home. I came because I needed to see for myself you’re okay, and you are. In fact, I think you already have this community eating out of your hands. I can see you’re happy here and I really don’t blame you if you want to stay.’
Bea could see that Emmie was holding back the tears.
Emmie continued. ‘It will be a good place to bring the children on holiday and we’ll look forward to seeing Heartcross Life Rescue up and running. And knowing that’s down to our Bea…? I’m very proud of you.’
They hugged each other like their lives depended on it. ‘I’ll see you soon, I promise,’ whispered Emmie. ‘Take care of you.’
Bea watched her sister wheel her suitcase to a taxi and climb into the back seat. She waved out of the window as the taxi drove away.
‘Are you okay?’ asked Isla, who was still standing next to her.
‘I will be,’ confirmed Bea, blinking back the tears.
Isla passed her a tissue. ‘I always have a tissue handy, that’s one of the joys of being a mum.’
‘Thank you,’ said Bea, dabbing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She looked over her shoulder to make sure there was no one else in earshot. ‘And was that your mum that I saw you with today?’
Isla’s smile was wide as they took a few steps to the water’s edge so they couldn’t be overheard. ‘It was, and it’s the first time she’s ever met her grandchildren. I’ve missed her so much. I know we FaceTime but it isn’t quite the same. She’s back for Mum’s special birthday but I’m not quite sure what my grandmother’s reaction will be. Believe it or not, they haven’t spoken for many years, after a family argument.’
Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Bea looked round to see Nolan holding up the collected papers. ‘Firstly, you were amazing, and secondly, wait until you see all of these. I can’t see one villager that hasn’t volunteered in one way or another – there’s offers of financial help, ideas for fundraising… The whole community loved your speech and were singing your praises.’
‘This is absolutely brilliant.’
‘You smashed it out of the park!’
‘I think I’m actually going to make this happen.’
‘I think you are. What happened to Emmie? I thought I saw her.’
‘Emmie has gone home. It’s okay.Weare okay. I think we had a moment … a good moment.’
Isla touched her arm. ‘You have made us all think and each and every one of us will help to get this project up and running.’
‘And I second that,’ added Nolan, smiling at them both.
