‘How are you feeling?’ asked Verity, slipping her hand into Sam’s as they walked down Lighthouse Lane.
‘It’s been a hell of a week but for good reasons.’
Verity smiled. ‘I have to say it’s been one of the best weeks of my life.’
‘I suspect the next one will be even better. You’ll be starting your new job and moving into your flat.’
‘I can’t wait.’
Verity’s interview with Cooper had been successful and two days later the postman had wandered up the cliff top path and headed straight for her van.
‘Miss Verity Callaway?’
‘That’s me,’ she’d replied, taking the envelope from his hand and immediately noticing Cooper’s logo stamped on the front. After ripping open the envelope she’d quickly scanned the words and taken off towards Cliff Top Cottage without shoes on, waving the letter in the air.
Pete had opened the door to a very excited Verity.
‘I got the job! I actually got the job! I can’t quite believe it!’
But Cooper had offered her a lot more than the position of veterinary assistant. He’d asked her to be the Practice Manager as well, because instead of a part-time surgery he wanted the practice to be open full-time.
‘Congratulations!’
Verity had hugged Pete then turned and begun to run from the cottage. ‘I need to tell Sam!’
‘Put some shoes on first!’ Pete had shouted after her.
‘And you and Pete are friends now. I’m happy about that.’ Verity squeezed his hand.
‘I am, too. It did us good to all sit in the same room and talk through everything – Pete, Betty and I.’
‘Have you forgiven Pete for falling in love with my granny?’
‘You can’t help who you fall in love with.’ Sam gave Verity a heart-warming smile and lightly nudged her shoulder with his.
‘I like the fact that you both met with the company that’s designing the barriers.’ Verity was delighted to see Sam and Pete working together. All animosity had lifted.
‘A genius suggestion by yourself.’
‘I wouldn’t go as far as genius, more like common sense.’ She grinned.
When they reached the bottom of Lighthouse Lane, Verity could not believe her eyes. She stood still and looked all around. ‘Wow! I wasn’t expecting that.’
‘It’s an amazing sight, isn’t it?’ Hundreds of fishing boats were lined up as a mark of respect, and dotted all around the bay were firepits, and fairy lights hanging between poles hammered into the sand.
Parked at the side of the bay was a fish and chip van. Sam pointed. ‘On this night, every islander eats fish and chips from the van as a mark of respect, because my grandfather was the best fisherman of his era around these parts.’
All of the islanders were gathered at the bay, and as Sam walked onto the sand all heads turned towards him. He didn’t let go of Verity’s hand as they made their way towards the front of the crowd. Betty walked over to meet them and enveloped Sam in a hug, and, as soon as she let go, Pete stepped forward and shook Sam’s hand. Verity swallowed the lump in her throat. Even though she’d never known Joe, it was heart-warming that all the islanders would come together to remember him in this way. She slipped in next to Pete as Sam stood in front of the crowd and Cooper passed him the microphone.
‘Thank you all for coming to pay your respects to my grandfather, Joe Wilson. He was a huge part of this community and on the fiftieth anniversary of his death we have come together once more.’ Sam glanced at the photograph of Joe on the nearby easel. ‘I really wish I’d got to meet him…’ He swallowed then paused to compose himself. ‘There are people standing amongst us today who knew my grandfather and they only ever have good things to say about him. It’s no secret that Pete was my grandfather’s best friend, and I’m pleased to say that, thanks to Verity’s arrival on the island, the rift between myself and Pete has started to heal. I hope that one day we too will become the best of friends.’
Pete nodded his agreement and Betty placed her hands on her heart. Verity knew she must have hoped for years that they would bury the hatchet, but had thought this day would never come.
‘As usual, we have the fish and chip van waiting to feed you all, and Cora and Dan have set up a drinks tent, so please help yourself. But before you grab your refreshments, I’d like to tell you a story…’
Verity knew that Sam and Pete had agreed that the truth of the night Joe died should be shared. Sam explained the tragic chain of events. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when the islanders realised that Joe had jumped into the sea thinking he was saving his best friend. Pete joined Sam at the front of the crowd as the story concluded, and together they unveiled a brand-new plaque that had been engraved and mounted on the harbour wall, honouring Joe and his sacrifice. Just before Sam was about to wrap up his speech, he glanced at Betty. Verity saw her disappear from the crowd and wondered what she was up to.
‘I’ve got one more thing to share with you all.’ Betty had reappeared, holding two guitars.
