‘I know. Dad jokes, what can I say?’
‘Go on, tell me another...’
‘Knock, knock.’
‘Who’s there?’
‘Muffin.’
‘Muffin who?’
‘Muffin in this world is sweeter than you.’
‘Groan! Maybe we should quit while we’re ahead.’
‘Well, if you insist.’
She grinned so hard that her cheeks started hurting. ‘Moving swiftly on from dad jokes, I was ringing to say that, since I let you down today, how about I arrange a date for us? But, before I go on, I want to point out that I’ve never asked a man out in my life. This is definitely a first, so I’m being brave here.’ Clara waited a moment to gauge his reaction.
‘What an honour. Go on. I’m all ears.’
‘How would you like to go for a walk along the river with me? I have a day off tomorrow and that is absolutely confirmed. Nothing will get in the way this time. Is it too last minute for you?’
‘Not at all. Sounds wonderful. Have to make the most of the sunshine. In fact, I should have thought of that instead of a movie. The cinema is probably better saved for cold, dark evenings.’
This remark made Clara think about the future. Would they be together in a few months as the leaves changed colour? She hoped so.
‘Not at all. Any date is fun with you, Tom. I’m so glad you can make tomorrow. You know what? In that case, I’ve a joke for you.’
‘Go on.’
‘Knock, knock.’
‘Who’s there?’
‘Lettuce.’
‘Lettuce who?’
‘Lettuce go out on a date.’
‘Oh, Clara. That’s terrible. Even worse than mine.’
‘We’re a right pair then. Maybe we’re better talking about other stuff and staying off the jokes.’
* * *
Indeed, the next day when Clara met Tom at the agreed weeping willow that gently leaned in on the riverbank, once more they chatted easily about all sorts of things. From a discussion about the best steak and kidney pies in Oxford, to the beauty of the birds they spotted along the river walk.
‘You know, there are said to be fewer than four thousand pairs of kingfisher across the UK. How lucky we are to see them down here. We must live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world,’ said Tom.
As Clara agreed with Tom, he took her hand in his and she felt as though it belonged there. Was this why relationships hadn’t worked out with anyone before? Was it God’s will for her to wait until she met the right man? The old adage ‘better late than never’ sprang to mind.
The couple walked along the towpath, admiring the boats that were moored on both sides. Clara pointed to a particularly pretty bright blue barge with a red roof. A man with a big bushy beard and a bandana tied around his head worked on the tiller in just his denim shorts.
‘Isn’t that one gorgeous?’ said Clara, pointing over.
‘The man in the skimpy shorts or the boat?’
