‘Gosh, I need to stay here more often. This will keep me going until this evening. Thank you, this looks amazing.’
‘I’ve heard counting puffins is difficult work so this might help you get through the day. You’ll need to leave soon?’
‘I’ll grab a quick shower after this and then head up to the cliffs.’ Verity glanced towards the window. ‘Not a cloud in the sky. It’ll be a beautiful day.’
Sam nodded towards the kitchen counter. ‘I’ve left you some sun cream. You’ll need it as you won’t feel the burn up on the cliffs with the breeze from the sea. You should also cover up your shoulders, and there’s a cap there, too, if you need to borrow one.’
‘Aww, you do look after me, don’t you?’ His kindness gave her a warm, fuzzy feeling and she smiled as she tucked into her breakfast. Within ten minutes Verity had devoured the lot and whilst Sam loaded the dishwasher she grabbed a quick shower. As soon as she was ready, she found Sam with his coat on, waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. ‘I’ve got a delivery at the restaurant so I need to get going but this is for you.’ He handed her a flask and a carrier bag.
Verity peeped inside the bag. ‘You’ve made me lunch?’
‘It’s just a sandwich, crisps and fruit to keep you going.’
‘You, Sam Wilson, are a keeper! You’ve thought of everything.’ Without thinking she leaned across and kissed him on his cheek, then lingered for a second looking at his lips. ‘One day you’ll make someone a good husband.’
As soon as she said the words, she noticed his smile slip slightly.
‘Sorry, did I say something wrong? I was just joking. No one has ever done anything like this for me before…’ It was true – in all the time she had lived with Richard he’d never made her lunch or worried she’d get sunburnt.
‘No, honestly. It’s okay. You have a good day and I’ll see you later. I can’t wait to hear all about it. You still have your key?’ She nodded and watched him leave the cottage and disappear at the end of the drive with Jimmy at his heels.
Verity realised her words had instantly and completely changed Sam’s mood. He’d opened up about his family and his grandfather’s death but he’d never opened up about his past love, Alice. Verity was left wondering what exactly had gone on there.
ChapterThirteen
Ashort while later, Verity walked down the lane. In the tearoom garden Clemmie was setting out the tables ready for the day ahead.
‘You’re going to be busy with such a glorious day forecast,’ trilled Verity, leaning on the wooden gate and getting Clemmie’s attention.
Clemmie spun around. ‘Aren’t we just. Afternoon tea is already fully booked! Thankfully, Grandmother is back and helping today. Which reminds me, I was going to catch you today?—’
‘She remembers my granny, doesn’t she?’ asked Verity, hopefully.
‘She does and she can’t wait to meet you. Come round after we close.’
‘We know who sent the postcard.’
Clemmie stopped what she was doing and walked over towards her. ‘You do?’
‘It was Joe Wilson. The W is for Wilson. We?—’
‘You keep saying “we”. Who is this “we”?’
‘Sam and I…’
‘So, you’ve forgiven him for calling you an idiot?’ teased Clemmie.
Verity rolled her eyes. ‘I found a signed book my granny gave to Joe – in Sam’s cottage.’
‘And what about the secret?’
‘That I’m not sure of yet, but maybe your grandmother can shed some light on it for us. I’ll be back later to find out. In other good news, I can pick up the van today.’
‘That’s fantastic news! Did you stay at Sam’s last night?’ Clemmie wanted all the gossip.
‘Don’t look at me like that. My travelling van is back up on her wheels today so I’ll have a roof over my head again…though I have to say, there’s nothing wrong with Sam’s roof.’
‘You’re smiling and there’s a glow about you. Is that the first flush of love I’m detecting?’ Clemmie narrowed her eyes.
