‘Yes. You think I could end up on my rear, with no place to go and very little else.’
‘I wouldn’t put it quite like that,’ he calmly objected.
‘There’s no need to worry, Dad, honestly. I might be head over heels in love, but I’m still me, Emma. Haven’t I always been feisty, sticking up for myself?’
He grinned. ‘Yes, you have.’
‘Well then,’ she said, then added, ‘and Felix is a decent man, Dad. Why do you always think the worst?’ Her voice showed more concern than accusation.
‘Because I’m your dad and I worry about you? Because it’s my job?’
She smiled, touched by his words. ‘Maybe it’s time to concentrate onyou. You and Bunty.’
‘Maybe,’ he answered.
‘OK, well if that’s everything, I need to get back to keepingthe big houserunning. Bye, Dad.’
‘Bye, love.’
He looked at his phone. Emma’s face appeared as his background photo. His daughter, who had just announced was ‘head over heels in love’. That said it all, didn’t it? She had her life to live, and so did he. With a spring in his step and a new feeling of optimism, he collected his belongings and started to load the car. Once done, he locked the front door of Fishers Cottage for the last time and bid a final farewell.
As expected, the news of Jasmine’s twin pregnancy spread like wildfire throughout Samphire Bay. After informing their families, Jasmine and Robin were happy for all to know. When Robin told Jack he was in fact about to be father to two babies and not just one, he threw his head back in amusement.
‘You don’t do things by halves mate, do you?’ he’d chuckled.
‘I may need more time off though,’ warned Robin, wanting to be clear from the start.
‘I know,’ Jack nodded, ‘no worries.’
Together they’d decided to employ a small group of builders. Renovating the warehouse into apartments had been an ambitious project from day one, but neither regretted taking it on. Instead of being overwhelmed by the task, they had done the sensible thing and sought help, and having been in the trade for so long meant they had contacts and knew who to employ.
As predicted, both sets of parents had been thrilled by the news of the twin babies. So much so, Jasmine wondered how excited they were going to be once they were born. Her mum had already reached fever pitch and her fussing had gone into overdrive. It was at this point that Jasmine started envying Felix Paschal living on a peninsula, cut off by the tide. How peaceful it must be, she thought, and how convenient. Visions of being bombarded by future grandparents sprang into her mind, filling her with a turbulent mix of glee and dread. Then again, she more than likely would need a helping hand. Having two newborn babies wasn’t going to be easy and at some point Robin would have to return to work. Luckily she would be able to continue working from home, albeit maybe not take as much on, but being a freelance graphic designer meant she was her own boss who could plan her own schedule and workload.
Already they’d designated which would be the nursery room in her cottage. Originally, Jasmine had planned the smaller of the two remaining bedrooms. Now, it was to be the bigger bedroom, allowing space for two cots as well as the rocking chair which Robin had inherited from his grandmother. Also, in order to make room for Robin moving in, they’d had to rearrange Jasmine’s bedroom. Moving the king size bed to the opposite wall of the window meant that another wardrobe could be placed beside hers and, as an added bonus, they had splendid views of the bay. Not that either of them envisaged having time to sit in bed admiring it.
‘What with two babies and a warehouse to convert, I’m going to be well and truly knackered,’ said Robin as he was unpacking his clothes.
‘Yep,’ Jasmine replied with a grin.
Robin smiled devotedly at her. She was beginning to show. The swell of her abdomen was evident in the denim dungarees she wore. Never had he loved her more. The very thought of this wonderful woman carrying his children filled him with awe. He’d do anything for her, anything forthem. Which meant he needed to make more money, quick. Yes, he was due to earn a pretty penny once the warehouse renovation was completed, but that was at least a year off, with help. He’d need money well before that. Becoming a father wasn’t going to come cheap and, despite Jasmine’s good intentions, he didn’t really think she’d have the time or energy to continue working.
So, he too had decided to sell his apartment and gain some welcomed cash. The work and finish that had gone into his home was of top quality, the fixtures and fittings all done to a high spec. Plus, having a balcony which gave such stunning views of the sea was also a good selling point. Robin knew full well that it wouldn’t take any time at all for his apartment to sell. Samphire Bay was a premium location. People tended to stay once settling there, which meant property very rarely came on the market and was in high demand.
Instead of going through an estate agent, Robin had chosen to put it on the market himself. By advertising in local newspapers, magazines and online, he’d already gained much interest and had arranged a few viewings. A part of him had wished he’d never sold the cottage next door to Jasmine’s. He and Jack had renovated that property and at the time had had reservations selling it. It was bigger, as they’d converted the attic space into a loft bedroom with sky-light windows, and now he couldn’t help but think that would have made an ideal nursery for his twins. When saying as much to Jasmine, she’d disagreed.
‘But I wouldn’t have had Bunty for a neighbour.’ Then she gave a little laugh. ‘You could always renovate the loft here too, in time,’ she quickly added at seeing his face.
‘Yeah, ’cos I’m gonna have lots of time on my hands, aren’t I?’ he replied dryly.
‘No, I meant when they’re,’ she pointed to her bump, ‘a bit older.’
‘Hmm, maybe. The extra room would mean we’d never have to move,’ conceded Robin, who refused point blank to even contemplate leaving Samphire Bay. Seeing Jasmine frown, he explained, ‘If we had any more children.’
Jasmine’s eyes widened. Did he want a house full? Before she could respond, they were interrupted by a knock at the door. She looked out of the window to see Bunty at the back and, opening it, called for her to come inside.
‘Door’s unlocked, we’re upstairs!’
Bunty made her way up and joined them, looked around the bedroom and smiled.
