‘Where do we go now?’ asked Bea.
Nolan pointed. ‘We stay on the left of the river and head for the bridge, where we turn around and make our way back to The Little Blue Boathouse. Once all the boats are in position, I believe something spectacular happens.’
Everyone had assembled back on The Hemingway, Martha surrounded by all her family and friends, and after passing around some opened bottles of champagne they gathered in a group behind Nolan at the wheel. Nolan took Bea’s hand then slipped his arm around her waist. She felt the excitement zipping through her body as the boat began to move towards the front of the parade. The atmosphere was electric as a voice over the Tannoy alerted the spectators and fellow boats to their arrival.
‘Here comes The Hemingway leading today’s River Festival parade. The Hemingway is a spectacular boat that frequented the waters of the River Heart at the very first Rival Festival and was owned by Morgan Hemingway. Today, the captain of the ship is Morgan’s grandson, Nolan Hemingway.’
Beaming, Nolan stood still, acknowledging the crowd with a wave.
‘Look at this turnout! I’ve never seen so many people,’ exclaimed Bea, glancing towards the riverbank.
‘They’re all here to wish me Happy Birthday!’ shared Martha, making everyone laugh.
‘How do you feel, leading the parade?’ Bea asked Nolan.
‘Damn proud – and all the better for you being by my side.’
* * *
Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Nolan turned round to find Gwen standing behind him, her arms open wide. ‘If it wasn’t for you sailing back here then the past might never have been resolved. It’s time for new beginnings for everyone.’
As Gwen hugged Nolan tight, he looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with Bea. ‘New beginnings,’ he repeated.
Gwen rejoined Isla and Martha, and Nolan turned towards Bea.
‘My grandfather would have loved today.’ His voice wavered as he took a quick glance towards the sky.
Bea swallowed. ‘He’s with us all in spirit.’
At that very moment, the brass band on the riverbank began to play. Horns sounded out continuously and the spectators began to wave at the boats from the banks and the bridge.
‘And we are off!’ hollered Nolan, nearly deafened by the cheers behind him. ‘Cheers, everyone!’
‘To The Hemingway,’ cheered Martha. ‘And everyone who has sailed in her.’
Everyone stood on deck waving their flags and drinking their champagne.
Nolan looked over his shoulder and fought back the tears. He’d sailed into Heartcross on a mission to find his grandfather’s first love and what he had discovered was a brand-new family and friends and a girl who made his heart beat faster. Life couldn’t get any better than this. He thought about Hannah. He knew she would approve of Bea. He turned to face her. ‘I never planned to settle anywhere. I thought I would end my days sailing from bay to bay…’
‘And now?’ asked Bea.
‘I’ve found happiness, a family, I’m about to start an exciting business venture… And that’s all down to you.’
‘You never know what’s around the corner, but for me, I’m glad it’s Heartcross.’
The spectators were still cheering and clapping as The Hemingway motored past the jetty and took its place in front of The Little Blue Boathouse. Martha’s family and friends lined the side of the boat, waving at the crowd on the bank.
Nolan pulled Bea to him. ‘I do think you’re an absolute superstar and I’m so proud of you for making Heartcross Rescue happen. If there’s a position available to be your right-hand man, do let me know.’
‘You have the job!’
‘Martha! Nolan! Bea! Look this way!’ Aidy Redfern had brought photographers and a TV crew.
With their arms wrapped around each other’s waist, they stood in a line, with the rest of Martha’s guests standing behind them. As a line of photographers clicked away, Bea knew she was well on her way to cementing the future of Heartcross Rescue as well as her own.
‘It’s been a rollercoaster of a few weeks, hasn’t it?’ she said, swinging a glance towards Nolan.
‘It has. Life is certainly not dull with you around!’ he replied, kissing the top of her head. ‘Look!’ His voice rose as he pointed up to the sky above The Little Blue Boathouse.
