Second Chances at Samphire Bay (Samphire Bay Village #1)

Chapter 36

As expected, Jasmine’s mother was absolutely overjoyed to learn that Robin was now in fact Jasmine’s boyfriend. Jasmine had told her parents and brother over the phone. Having met Robin’s parents, it only seemed right and proper that her family ought to know too. Insisting that Robin be put on the phone, Jasmine’s mum was positively gushing.

‘Oh Robin, such lovely news! I always liked you, right from the very start,’ she shrilled.

‘Er… thanks Mrs—’

‘Call me Sue,’ she cut in. ‘Such a weight has been lifted off our shoulders, I can tell you, isn’t that right, Mike?’ She glanced over to her husband, who was frantically trying to calm her down.

‘Shush, steady on, Sue,’ he hissed.

‘As soon as you offered to help put her kitchen in, I thought, yes, this is a decent chap, a true gent—’ then her husband firmly grabbed the phone off her.

‘Hello, Robin, Jasmine’s dad here. We’re very pleased and look forward to meeting you again soon.’

‘Thank you,’ replied a relieved Robin.

‘Goodbye, son.’

‘Bye.’

Mike quickly put the phone down before his wife could snatch it back.

Jasmine was in fits of laughter. Seeing Robin blink in bewilderment could only mean he’d experienced the full force of her mum.

‘Sorry about that,’ she giggled.

Robin puffed his cheeks out.

‘Wow,’ was all he could say.

It was early evening and they were about to go next door to Bunty’s house-warming party. Although dark by now, with a nip in the air, it was at least dry. As they walked down the garden path, a crescent moon shone and the sound of crashing waves could be heard in the distance. Bunty’s kitchen was lit up looking cosy and inviting. Perry was there to greet them with a glass of mulled wine when they entered and Emma was playing a keyboard in the far corner of the dining area and belting out ‘Our House’ by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Bunty was taking out a huge dish of chicken curry from the oven, while Jack had been collared by Trish, who was gossiping about the newcomer to Samphire Bay.

‘Apparently he’s installed security cameras,’ she was telling a very bored looking Jack. He turned at seeing Robin and Jasmine and quickly sought his chance.

‘Rob!’ he called and escaped.

Jasmine wandered over to Emma who was just finishing her song.

‘You’re brilliant, honestly, Emma, you should be on stage.’

‘I love doing the pub gigs, but that’s all,’ replied Emma with a grin.

‘More!’ shouted Jack.

‘Any requests?’ laughed Emma.

‘“Pink Champagne”!’ Perry called, making Emma roll her eyes.

‘Not that again, choose another.’

‘“We’ll Meet Again”,’ said Bunty, leaning over the kitchen worktop.

‘Aw,’ cried Jasmine, turning to smile at her, then Perry. The words weren’t lost on him.

Emma started, then they all joined in, swaying in tune.

The end of the song was met with a huge round of applause. Amongst the commotion, Robin gently took Jasmine’s arm and led her out to the back garden. They stood by the hedge, where he’d first clapped eyes on her, smelling the lavender.

Jasmine looked up to the crescent moon, surrounded by stars in the black sky. She breathed in the salty air and listened to the sound of the sea. Perfect. Everything was perfect. She saw Robin reach for something in his pocket. He looked intensely at her, those hazel eyes focusing directly into hers, holding so much love. She thought her heart would burst.

‘Jasmine, I want you to have this.’ He took out a small box from his jeans. Jasmine opened it to find a gold anchor pendant.

‘It’s beautiful,’ she gasped. Then subconsciously her hand reached for the heart charm on her necklace.

‘It’s not to replace the heart you have,’ said Robin urgently, ‘but put alongside it? I want to be your anchor Jasmine, let me love and look after you.’ His voice cracked.

‘Oh Robin.’ A tear ran down her face. He was her anchor, right from the very start, always there, a steady force, keeping her grounded. He was her everything and she adored him.

Jasmine unfastened the necklace she wore and Robin carefully added the anchor pendant. Watching it slip down the chain to land next to the heart, they looked up at each other.

‘Let’s love and look after each other,’ she choked, flinging her arms round him.

As they embraced a gentle breeze passed over them and a faint voice whispered in the air, Well done, Jas.