Oliver laughed. ‘You still make me smile, Pippa Pickles.’
Pippa pointed a stern finger at Oliver, which didn’t match the smile curling up the edges of her lips. ‘Hey, what did I tell you about calling me that? OllieOnions.’
‘Why you—’
Oliver’s body language showed her he was about to reach for her and tickle her, the way he used to back in high school when they were dating. She screamed an excited yelp and ran towards the dogs with Oliver close at her heels.
When she got closer to the figure, she could see it was Reverend Townsend. He was now down on his haunches, stroking both dogs, giving them a hand each. He looked up at Pippa and Oliver as they jogged towards him.
‘Good morning. What a wonderful greeting I’ve just received from these beautiful puppies.’
Pippa raised her hand in greeting. ‘Good morning Reverend. I’m sorry if they jumped up on you. They’ve only just met each other for the first time and they’re a little excitable.’
The Reverend shook his head, dismissing her apology. ‘No, they didn’t. They were very well behaved. I love puppies so much. I really miss my Trixie.’
‘I’m sorry to hear of your loss, Reverend. What breed of dog did you have?’ asked Oliver.
The Reverend chuckled. ‘Oh, it wasn’t a recent loss. Trixie left me twelve years ago. She was a Jack Russell, but they are like family aren’t they? Pets leave a whopping big hole in your heart when they are gone. It’s so lovely to meet new puppies, though.’ He looked at Pippa. ‘I didn’t know Brett had gotten a dog.’
Pippa shook her head with a smile. ‘No, it’s not dad’s dog. Ginger is mine.’
The Reverend ruffled Ginger’s fur. ‘Ah, a perfect name for you, puppy.’ He ruffled Jess’s fur and looked up at Oliver. ‘And what is this little puppy named young man?’
Oliver pointed to his own chest. ‘I’m Oliver Oney Reverend.’
‘Onions,’ Pippa said under her breath so that only Oliver could hear. Oliver nudged her in the ribs and she stifled a giggle.
The Reverend’s face lit up. ‘Oliver. I didn’t recognise you with your own facial fur.’ They all laughed. The Reverend stood up straight and pointed down at Jess. ‘What is your little girl called Oliver?’
‘Jess.’
The Reverend stroked Jess’s head. ‘You are a pretty little thing.’ He turned his attention back to Pippa and Oliver. ‘I haven’t seen you two in the village for a long time. Are you dating?’
Both of them quickly stole a look at each other before shaking their heads. ‘No-no. We’re both working in the pub for a few weeks, helping out,’ said Pippa.
‘Ah, right. Pity, we could do with a lovely wedding to look forward to.’ Pippa’s eyebrows shot up and Oliver beamed at her. ‘I’ve been trying to boost the community spirits for a while now, doing this and that. The last thing we did as a community was months ago. I organised a best dressed property competition. The residents seemed to enjoy that, but I’ve not had a chance to do anything else since then.’
Pippa tilted her head as she remembered the uplifting effect the bunting had had on her when she drove into town. ‘Is that why there is knitted bunting strung up on the beachfront handrail and on the houses there?’ The Reverend nodded with glee. ‘They were the first thing I noticed when I drove in. They are beautiful’
‘Ah, I’m glad. We really need something else to raise spirits. Things just haven’t been the same since lockdown.’
Oliver nodded. ‘I know, I agree.’
The Reverend gestured towards the dogs. ‘What about a local puppy competition? The pups could be scored on looks, obedience, and skills.’
Pippa looked at Oliver at the same time as he turned to look at her. ‘We could hold it at the pub,’ he suggested.
‘Yes, and we could offer free doggy dinners to anyone dining there before or after the competition, beamed Pippa.’
‘Yes.’
Reverend Townsend looked from Pippa to Oliver with a smile. ‘Are you sure you two aren’t dating? You seem to be very much in sync with each other.’ Pippa’s cheeks heated. ‘This is fantastic. I knew there was a reason the Almighty sent me on an early morning walk along the beach today. If you get a poster done, I’ll pop it up on the vicarage door and mention it in the weekend sermon.’
Oliver nodded. ‘Great. I’ll design one today, Reverend.’
‘The Reverend nodded. ‘Righto. I’m off to Katherine’s cafe while I get a chance.’ He shook his head. ‘It’s a shame Katherine won’t be there for the summer season. I’ll really miss those sausage twists.’
Pippa’s mouth dropped open. ‘What? But the café has only been open for a couple of years.’
