‘Can you remember how to drive the boat?’ he asked.
‘Just like it was yesterday,’ she said, smiling at him. ‘Do you think Morgan is looking down on us?’ She glanced towards the sky then back at Nolan.
‘Without a doubt,’ he replied.
Bea cued the music again as Martha turned the key and started the engine. She pushed the lever forward and The Hemingway began to slowly glide through the water. Everyone on board let out a cheer and Martha saluted; she was enjoying every second of it. With the breeze whipping their hair, their glasses full, everyone had a huge smile on their face. Cheers rippled along the surrounding boats as their occupants waved at Martha.
Bea slipped her arm around Nolan’s waist and snuggled into his chest. ‘I’ve never seen this part of the water.’
‘Wait until you see The Lakehouse, it’ll take your breath away.’
Martha enjoyed the next five minutes waving to every person on all the boats that bobbed on the River Heart. The atmosphere was electric, with people sounding their horns and shouting happy birthday. As soon as they glided into the open water, Martha turned to Nolan. ‘Take over. I have fizz to drink and friends to talk to.’
‘No problem,’ replied Nolan, taking the helm. ‘Go and have fun.’
‘And thank you, I enjoyed every second of that.’ She nodded her appreciation and joined Gwen and Isla, who were sitting down watching the view as they sailed past.
‘Would you like a go?’ asked Nolan, looking towards Bea. ‘It’s just like driving a car.’
‘Would I? Yes please, I thought you’d never ask!’
Nolan stepped to the side but kept his hand on the wheel until Bea was standing in front of it.
‘We’re heading in that direction. This lever slows the boat, if you pull it towards you like this.’ Nolan pulled on the lever and the boat slowed. ‘Push it back up and we travel faster. Have a go.’
Bea’s hand brushed against his as she took over the controls. She pulled back the lever and the boat slowed, then pushed it so it quickened up.
‘Hey,’ shouted Drew. ‘You’ll have me spilling my drink!’
‘Sorry,’ Bea shouted, with a giggle. ‘This is so much fun. I can see why you love living on here.’ She kept her eyes on the water, and successfully piloted the boat towards the trees.
‘We’re nearly there. When we pass through those trees The Lakehouse is just around the next corner.’
‘Wow, look at those!’ exclaimed Bea.
‘Secret coves, but this next part will take your breath away. I’ll help because it can get a little tricky around this next bend.’ Nolan stood right behind Bea and reached for the control. She could feel his presence so close to her as he leaned forward and placed his hand on top of hers. ‘We need to slow down completely now.’ Nolan kept his hand on hers as Bea steered The Hemingway through the gorgeous weeping willows that hung over the water’s edge, then around a cluster of rocks.
‘This is just beautiful,’ she exclaimed, keeping her eyes fixed on the water in front of her.
‘You haven’t seen anything yet.’
As The Hemingway moved through the calm water Nolan took over for the last stretch. Bea gazed up at the chalk-white rocks that overhung another tiny secluded beach, just like Castaway Bay. Nolan guided the boat to the jetty and pointed to the stop button. ‘Press that,’ he said.
The engine cut out and everyone on The Hemingway cheered. Bea was in awe. The Lakehouse restaurant stood in front of them with its old-fashioned shutters, purple wisteria and pink roses tumbling all around the doorway. Up on the roof terrace there were tables and chairs overlooking the secluded water.
It’s breathtaking,’ she exclaimed.
‘Isn’t it just,’ replied Nolan.
‘Heartcross is the place that just keeps giving,’ she murmured. ‘And look!’
Standing outside The Lakehouse was Flynn, who’d ferried the rest of the villagers to the restaurant. He’d even laid out a red carpet under an archway of cream and gold balloons. As soon as The Hemingway docked, everyone cheered and Martha was the first to step off the boat. Greeted by Flynn, who popped the cork from a bottle of champagne and poured Martha the very first glass, she looked overwhelmed but incredibly happy.
Inside the restaurant, Bea was completely blown away. Members of staff were circulating with even more drinks and the room was decorated to perfection with birthday banners and balloons. Twinkly fairy lights and lilac roses filled every corner and Bea was momentarily lost for words. ‘I can’t imagine who would go out of their way for me like this when I reach this age.’
‘Everyone would,’ replied Nolan, taking her hand in his.
‘Nolan, Bea, would you both like to join us at the family table? It would mean so much to me,’ asked Martha.
