‘And so do you, my dear. I love that dress, it suits you.’
‘Thank you,’ replied Bea, giving Julia a thankful smile as she sipped her drink.
Close to emotional tears, Martha had her arm linked through Gwen’s as they stood and admired the banners that hung from the sides of the boat and the clusters of balloons that were dancing in the light breeze. ‘I can’t believe you’ve gone to all this trouble for me.’
‘It’s our pleasure,’ said Bea.
‘And if you had told me when I was twenty years old that I would be travelling to my special birthday dinner on The Hemingway, I would never have believed you. It’s a funny old world.’
‘Isn’t it just,’ replied Nolan, shaking the hand of Drew as he stepped on board. ‘If you’d told me I was going to travel to Heartcross and find a family, I would never have believed you.’
‘And if you’d told me that my mother and I would be back on speaking terms, then I would definitely not have believed you.’ Gwen nudged Martha lightly with her shoulder.
‘All’s well that ends well. And can I just say, with past troubles put behind us, it makes my life a whole lot easier,’ added Isla.
‘And mine,’ chipped in Drew, giving Isla a wink.
‘Have we all got a drink?’ asked Isla, looking around at everyone. ‘Because I would like to propose a toast.’
Stood in a circle with Martha in the centre, everyone raised their glass. ‘Firstly, I’d like to say a huge happy birthday to my grandmother, Martha. You have filled my life with fun, laughter and despair on many occasions.’
Everyone laughed.
‘You’re the kindest and most compassionate person I know and in the past week we’ve all discovered how brave you were back in the past to keep your baby against all odds.’
Gwen leaned in and squeezed Martha’s elbow. Her mother was close to tears.
‘My granny, my best friend. We love you very much and you mean everything to us. We all hope you have a fantastic birthday. Having your family and friends standing here today, ready to celebrate with you, shows how much we all love you.’
‘Or they are just after free food and drink,’ Martha said to Drew, who pretended to look hurt.
‘Happy birthday!’
Everyone echoed Isla’s sentiments and clinked their glasses.
‘Are we ready to get this show on the road?’ shouted Nolan over the excited chatter.
‘Yes, captain,’ they cried in unison.
Nolan handed his glass to Bea as he detached the ramp from the riverbank and raised the anchor.
‘How you doing?’ Isla asked Bea.
‘Not wanting this day to end if I’m truly honest.’ She kept her voice low. ‘I’m trying not to think about it. I’ve asked him to slip away when the time is right because I can’t take goodbyes.’
‘He’ll be back. He has us here now and I think he would be mad to leave you behind. Anyone can see the chemistry between the pair of you could light up the whole of Scotland.’
Bea smiled. ‘I hope he’ll be back but I know he has to do whatever is right for him.’
‘And look around this boat. You arrived on a whim for a two-week holiday and now you’re managing The Little Blue Boathouse, not to mention project managing Heartcross Rescue. We are all your friends and here for you no matter what. That’s what I love about this community, it’s like no other, even if I’ve never actually known any other.’ She gave a small laugh.
‘I love it too. This place is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you.’
As Nolan walked towards the steering wheel, he called over to Martha, ‘Can I have the queen of the ship up at the helm, please?’
‘Just a moment,’ said Isla, whipping out a birthday sash from her bag and placing it over Martha’s head. ‘There you go, all ready.’
Martha made her way to Nolan and stood behind the steering wheel.
