‘Can I, Mum, please?’ Lucas looked up at his mum with the most adorable hazel eyes.
‘Of course you can.’
‘Yes!’ squealed Lucas, high-fiving all three of them.
‘Our holiday ends in the morning but thank you very much for all that you have done and all you’re doing.’
Full of emotion, Bea nodded at Amy and smiled at Lucas. She didn’t trust herself to speak, knowing she was close to tears. She watched them walk away with Lucas looking back over his shoulder one last time and waving.
‘Those gobstopper sweets look just the business. I might take a trip to the village shop,’ Nolan said.
Bea laughed, which was just what she needed. Looking around at the gathered community members, she slipped her arms around Nolan, who gave her a much-needed hug.
‘Heartcross Rescue is going to save so many lives,’ he said.
‘And that’s the reason I’m going to work so hard to get this up and running.’
‘And you’re going to see the project through. That’s going to take more than a few weeks in Heartcross though, isn’t it?’
Bea looked up at him. ‘I am and it is.’ For the first time in ages, she felt passion in her belly. She was raring to go.
‘Bea, could we get a photograph for the local newspaper please?’
Nolan gave her a gentle push. ‘This is the start of the publicity. Get in there and shout “Heartcross Rescue” from the rooftops. There’s no time for shyness.’
‘You’re absolutely right.’ With a smile on her face, Bea posed next to The Little Blue Boathouse.
‘We just need a quick interview from you and then we can get this article written up,’ Aidy said, pulling out his mobile phone.
‘No problem,’ replied Bea.
* * *
The next evening, Bea and Nolan were sitting at the table in the living room of the B&B. Yesterday had been a huge success and, browsing through the pieces of paper that the villagers had completed, Bea couldn’t believe the amount of support that had been offered. ‘I think we have a crew. There are enough volunteers to actually make this work, and look…’ She gave a tiny gasp and tapped the piece of paper in front of her. ‘Flynn and Andrew Glossop have said they will donate initial funds to put the crew through training.’
‘You’re going to be so busy. This is all amazing. Making the water a safer place is a priority and you’ve made everyone understand this. It’s going to take some doing but I know with you behind it it’s going to be a huge success.’
Bea looked up at him. ‘Thank you,’ she said.
‘What are you thanking me for?’
‘For building me up, encouraging my growth. Letting me be me.’
‘You don’t need to thank me for that, that’s just how you are. You’re brilliant. You do know that, don’t you?’
‘It’s nice to hear compliments and be appreciated.’
‘And that’s how it should be. Come here.’ Nolan stretched out an arm and pulled her in close. Wrapped in his arms she felt safe. He hugged her tight and she closed her eyes briefly and smiled.
‘I think you’re going to need a personal secretary with all your meetings,’ he said, breaking the silence.
That was the furthest thing from Bea’s mind at this moment. All she could think about was that the River Festival was creeping closer and, with it, Nolan’s departure.
As she pulled away, she placed a hand on his chest. ‘Listen. What’s that?’
‘I can’t hear anything.’
‘Shush. That.’
