Winter Magic in Port Berry (Port Berry #3)

Chapter 21

Will

‘Might have some more work for you, Will,’ said Shaun, entering Lottie’s back garden.

Will glanced up from clearing away some plastic packaging. ‘That’ll be great, thanks.’ He figured the more to keep him busy while he sorted the tearoom the better.

Over the last few days, Will had really sorted out his head, knowing exactly what path he was going to take. Doing a bit of hard graft, even though most of it was him being the dogsbody, helped keep his fitness levels up.

What with it coming up to Christmas, Will assumed the job would be in the new year. ‘Is it local?’ he asked, slinging a rubbish bag over his shoulder.

Shaun grinned, placing a gloved hand close to his lips. ‘Samuel’s bought next door. It’s a surprise for Lottie, but we’ll make a start next year.’ He muffled his laugh as he added, ‘Another one to knock through.’

Will stared over at Ginny’s fence as Shaun went back to work.

Someone asked him to make a cup of tea as they passed by, which was a welcome relief. The air was turning bitter, and he still hadn’t got over his rotten cold, quite sure it had moved to his chest.

Clearing his throat, Will set about making a brew for the workers. The new kitchen cabinets were at different heights, making life easier for both Samuel and Lottie, and now Will, as doing anything on the lower worktops gave him backache.

Paint charts were on the side, so he had a nosey, thinking he needed to be as creative as Lottie. She seemed to have her home all figured out. What a shock she would get once Samuel hit her with the news he’d bought Ginny’s. Lottie would have to start over with her decorating plans.

Perhaps Will could get her input for his shop. He knew gingham would be involved, and something with coastal vibes. Never mind he spent twenty-two years of his life as a sailor, he couldn’t copy Ginny’s café.

Will placed down as many mugs that would fit on a tray, then walked around the house, handing out the tea.

‘Ooh, lovely, thanks, mate,’ was his feedback.

He nipped to the loo to spend a minute coughing his lungs up, then washed his hands and went into one of the quieter bedrooms; his head was aching. Perhaps it would be best if he cut his day short. Not only was he feeling rough, he was sure the others wouldn’t want to catch his germs, especially just before time off to spend Christmas with their families.

I need to buy some presents.

The thought had completely slipped his mind. He was definitely going to buy Mabel a little something, as she was so good to him, and seeing how he was having dinner at the pub with his new friends, he’d have to buy them a gift too, but what?

Chocolates?

It was always an easy buy but lacked thought. He went to the window to stare out at the sea. Perhaps he could buy starfish keyrings or something from the RNLI gift shop.

Not a bad idea. I could . . . What on earth?

Across the road, by the cliff edge, was Ginny. What she was doing, he couldn’t say. She appeared to be on her knees, stretching out an arm.

‘What are you doing, woman?’ He breathed out a laugh, watching her for a while. Then he noticed the black cat. ‘Ah, I see.’

The wind blew up, flapping a piece of green netting on the scaffolding.

Will thought he’d better report to Shaun that it needed securing, but just as he went to turn away from the view, his heart plummeted as he witnessed Ginny tumble over the cliff.

‘Ginny!’ he cried, hurtling down the stairs and running out the house. ‘Call 999,’ he yelled to Shaun as he passed him at the front door. ‘Ginny’s fallen over the edge.’

Shaun said something, but it was lost in the wind.

Within seconds, Will was lying flat, peering over the drop. Every single part of him locked into rescue mode. The last thing he expected to see was Ginny hanging on to the side of the cliff. He was certain her lifeless body would be down in the rock pools. The tide was out, but he knew, even if in, she’d be in trouble if she slipped.

‘Ginny, hold on. Don’t you bloody move a muscle.’ He heard a whimper, but she didn’t look up.

Will checked over his shoulder to see Shaun talking on the phone while heading his way. At least the emergency services were on their way, but sod them. He couldn’t wait. ‘I’m coming down to you, Ginny. Don’t move, okay.’

Ginny didn’t move an inch. Her fingers were practically part of the rock, her grip was that tight, and her boots were wedged into small crevasses.

Will carefully lowered himself over the edge, knowing full well how dangerous it was without a safety harness, but he couldn’t think about that. Ginny couldn’t fall.

Each slow and steady move brought him closer to her shaking body. He could hear she was crying, but he had to stay focused on where to place his hands and feet next. He was so pleased the cliff had many nooks and crannies, making a rock climber’s life so much easier. Any other time, he’d be in his element.

‘Hey, love, you come here often?’ he joked, reaching her side.

‘Will?’ It was as though she’d only just realized he was there.

‘I don’t know about you, but I’m freezing my arse off on this rock. How about we go home and make some hot chocolate?’

Ginny’s breathing was shallow and her lips blue. It wasn’t good. Will knew he had to move fast.

Shaun called over the edge. ‘Will, I’m throwing some ropes down. They’re secured this end.’ And with that, two sturdy ropes came tumbling his way.

‘Ginny, I want you to use one hand to hold the rope.’

Her head moved the tiniest bit.

Will had strong upper-body strength. Years of training had served him well. With his feet secure and a good grip with one hand, he used the other to tie the rope around his waist, then he moved so his body was touching hers.

‘I can’t move,’ she mumbled. ‘Please, don’t touch me.’

‘It’s okay, love. I’ve got you. You’re not going anywhere but up.’

‘We’re going to fall.’

Will started to loop the second rope around her arm, as that was the only gap he could see. It would have to do. ‘I happen to be a skilled rock climber, thank you very much. No one falls on my watch.’

‘Will . . . I can’t . . .’

‘It’s okay. What I want you to do is look at your right hand.’

That slight shake of the head was back.

‘Come on, Ginny. You can do it. Just look up at your right hand.’

It took a second, but she looked up.

‘That’s great. Now, you see that dip in the rock just above it? I want you to place your hand there.’

‘I can’t.’

‘You can. It’s called rock climbing. All you have to do is find the gaps.’ He placed one arm around her back, leaning in as if to hold her up.

‘What about my feet?’

‘Once you have a good grip with your hands, you can slide one foot up and feel for something you can use as a ledge.’

Ginny started to cry again. ‘I can’t move.’

‘Okay. It’s okay. How about you let me slide this rope under your other arm? It’ll make a good harness.’ Before she could respond, he started to move into her, working slowly while she shook on his body. ‘Here we go. Nice and secure you are now.’

‘I don’t feel it.’

‘Did you just laugh? I heard a chuckle. You’re just messing with me, aren’t you, love? I bet you have a rock climber’s badge tucked away indoors with all your other adventure awards. I know your type. Adrenaline junkies.’

‘Will, I want to go home.’

He glanced up to see Shaun’s head dipped over the cliff. ‘That’s exactly where we’re going. So, remember what I told you. One gap in the rock at a time. No fuss. No frills. Just you, me, and the cracks. It’s like climbing a ladder.’

‘A ladder?’

‘Yeah, you can do that. I know you can. So, right hand first. Go for it. Touch it. Test it. That’s it. Solid, yeah?’

Ginny looked only at her hand. ‘Yes.’

‘Good. Try and find somewhere to place your foot. Give it a little test. Make sure it holds.’

‘Found one.’

‘Good. Okay, now let’s start climbing. Don’t think about anything other than the next hole in the wall.’

‘Oh, I moved.’

Will smiled, really wishing he could cradle her into his arms, but she needed to be free to climb, and the cliff was perfect for a novice.

The sea whooshed close to the rock pools and shingles below, and light snow fluttered around them in the icy wind. Sirens suddenly filled the air at the same time a helicopter flew over.

‘Keep going,’ yelled Shaun, holding both his arms down. ‘You’re almost at the top, Gin. You’ve got this.’

Ginny was shaking terribly, but she was moving up, and that was all that mattered to Will. He could hear muffled voices and knew the helicopter was on standby.

‘Don’t pull so fast, Shaun,’ Will called, seeing Ginny edging away from his care. ‘Slow and steady.’ He came face to face with Ginny. ‘Don’t want you covered in scrapes, do we?’ He could already see marks on her cheekbones and forehead.

‘I’m climbing a cliff,’ she muttered.

‘That you are, love, and doing a fine job of it too.’

‘Not sure I want to do it again.’

Will grinned. ‘Ooh, I don’t know. With these skills, you would make a good teacher. Just next time use the safety equipment, yeah?’

‘I knew I forgot something.’

Will laughed, then his chest tightened, causing a major coughing fit. He gripped the rope, feeling himself being pulled upwards. It seemed like Shaun had no more patience, either that or the firefighters had gained control of the only harness Will had.

‘Will?’ Ginny’s voice was filled with panic.

‘I’m okay,’ he lied, moving her a little faster in case his chest infection took over again.

Whoever was up top, heaved Ginny the rest of the way, leaving Will to help hoist her up from below, and before he knew it, he was lying by her side on the grassy verge.

‘You’re a hero, mate,’ said Shaun, patting his shoulder, but no, Will was simply relieved.

He sat up, looking around at the flashing lights, mounds of people, and paramedics surrounding Ginny. The hovering helicopter flew off as Samuel pushed his way through the rescue workers.

‘You all right, Will?’

Will scrambled over to Ginny, but the medics had her on the gurney and were taking her over to the ambulance to check her over.

Lottie whizzed to the vehicle. ‘Is she okay? Please tell me.’

‘I’m fine, Lott,’ said Ginny, just as Will reached her side.

‘Does she need stitches?’ he asked the female paramedic.

‘It’s not deep. A butterfly stitch will do.’

Ginny tried to touch her head, but the medic lowered her hand.

‘Let’s get you cleaned up,’ said the paramedic.

‘Can I go home?’ asked Ginny.

‘She lives right there,’ said Lottie, pointing at their houses. ‘I can look after her.’

‘Me too,’ said Samuel, holding Lottie’s shoulder.

Will started coughing his guts up again, gaining attention from another paramedic.

‘I need to look after Will,’ said Ginny.

‘I’m fine,’ he called, being checked over. ‘Just a cold gone to my chest.’

He was told he’d need to see the doctor for some antibiotics, and when he said he hadn’t signed up with a local surgery yet, Samuel got on the phone immediately and arranged for a private doctor to come to his house within the hour.

‘Well, that’s one sorted,’ said Lottie. ‘Can we take Ginny home now, please? I want her snuggled on the sofa in her PJs for the day.’

Ginny climbed out of the ambulance as soon as her head was patched. ‘Honestly, I’m okay. Just shaken, that’s all. Lottie’s right, I need a bit of peace and to settle down for the day.’ She turned to Lottie. ‘Have you seen Lucky?’

Lottie gestured towards Ginny’s house. ‘Yes, she’s inside, where you should be. Come on.’

Will watched Ginny head towards her house with Lottie and Samuel. Shaun was informing the police about the accident, and half of Port Berry was racing up Berry Hill to find out what the pandemonium was about.

He flopped to the kerb, cupping his aching head. He could do with his PJs and a snuggle on the sofa as well.

Jed sat to his side. ‘You okay, son? You’re the talk of the village already.’

Will wasn’t sure how he felt. It was all such a whirl. How he had just climbed down a cliff without protection was beyond him. ‘I know I was stupid—’

‘You weren’t stupid. You were brave. And you saved our Ginny.’

He met Jed’s serious eyes. ‘I just couldn’t wait.’

‘It’s okay. It’s over now. Don’t you let any what-ifs take over. You saw danger, and you did what you’ve been trained to do. Mission complete. Now, what you sitting here for? Go see the woman.’

Will looked over at the crowd dispersing. ‘I think the police want to talk to me.’

‘Come on. I’ll go with you.’

Shaun approached as they met the police. ‘I’ve explained what happened. Just let them know what you saw.’

Will turned to the waiting officer. ‘She tried to save her cat but slipped.’ He pointed back at Lottie’s. ‘That’s what I saw from the window.’ He started coughing again, and Jed took over with the chatter.

It took a while for the emergency services to clear out, and Shaun told his workers to call it a day.

Samuel came over just as Will was about to head off too. ‘Hey, no you don’t. The doctor is on his way. I told him to come to Ginny’s. Come on, let’s get a hot drink inside you, if nothing else.’

Will was too tired to argue, plus Jed had already gripped his arm, leading the way.

Inside Ginny’s living room was Sophie and Alice snuggled on the sofa with Ginny. Spencer was on his knees lighting the fire, and Robson, Matt, and Lottie were in the kitchen, making tea.

‘Everyone’s gone home,’ said Jed, entering the warmth.

Ginny shot upright. ‘Where’s Will?’

He raised a hand her way. ‘I’m here.’ He glanced at Samuel, who walked in behind him. ‘Waiting for a doctor, apparently.’ He went to say something else, but Ginny flung herself at him, wrapping her arms and legs around his weary body.

Sophie waggled her hand. ‘Okay, everyone in the kitchen. Let’s give them a moment.’ She quickly herded her friends and grandfather, then closed the living room door.

‘Thank you so much for saving me.’ Ginny’s mouth was squashed into his neck. ‘I was so scared.’ She started to sob.

Will held her in place as he sat on the sofa. ‘It’s all right. It’s over.’

‘But what if—’

‘There are no what-ifs. Only the present moment.’

Ginny sniffed, pulling her head back, and Will swiped away her dark hair so her covered wound was clear. Their eyes locked, and his heart slowed.

‘You’re safe,’ he added quietly.

‘I feel safe with you.’

‘Yeah? I feel a bloody mess when I’m with you.’

Ginny smiled softly, then cupped his face. ‘I don’t know what to say.’

‘You just need to rest. Your shock is wearing off.’ He smiled back. ‘How you feeling?’

‘Bruised.’

‘You’ll heal.’ He started to cough, slipping out of her hold to move away from her face.

‘You need to heal. The doctor will be here soon.’

‘I could do with my bed.’

Ginny placed his face back into her palms. ‘You can get into my bed. I’ll make you some soup.’

Will assessed her eyes. She looked as worn out as he felt. ‘I’d like that, but I don’t want you to catch my—’

Ginny pressed her lips on his, pulled away slightly, then kissed him again.

Will kissed her back as much as he could before another round of coughing interrupted.

‘Stay with me tonight, please, Will. I’m sorry I was mean to you. I’m sorry for the row about the tea shop. I’m sorry for—’

‘Whoa, whoa! Forget about all that. It doesn’t matter now. Besides, I’m the one who should be apologizing to you for not coming to see you after your mum died. I wanted to, but I was sure you hated me, and I didn’t want to make matters worse for you. I didn’t know what to do for the best. And I want you to know I would stay with you every night. You never have to say please. But, Ginny, I haven’t the energy to—’

‘I don’t want us to do anything. Just sleep, like when we were at the hotel.’

He smiled. ‘Best sleep ever.’

‘I agree. So, will you stay?’

‘I don’t have my things, and you shouldn’t be sitting on my work clothes when you have nice clean pyjamas on.’

‘I can put on another pair, and I can get Mabel to bring you some bits over. She’s probably heard what has happened by now. Everyone will know.’

‘Okay. You got yourself a deal.’

Ginny smiled and snuggled into his chest, pulling a blanket from the arm of the sofa to drape over them. ‘We’ll stay like this until the doctor arrives, then I’ll sort Mabel and your food. We can spend the rest of the day watching telly in bed.’

‘Ooh, yeah. There’s a good film on tonight about mountain climbing.’

Ginny laughed, then started to cry again, and Will held her that little bit closer.

‘It’s okay. You’re safe.’

‘Will?’ She raised her head, revealing her bloodshot eyes and sad expression.

‘What is it, love?’

‘I wondered if it was karma or something.’

He narrowed his eyes. ‘Karma? For what?’

‘Not being good enough.’ She lowered her head, but he tipped her chin back up.

‘You are good enough, Ginny Dean. You’re so much more than that, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.’

‘I’m tired, Will.’

‘I can see, but you’re going to be all right now.’

She snuggled her head back to his chest and sighed deeply. ‘I want to say something about the tea shop. How I overreacted. I’ve been talking with Jan, and I came to realize that the real issue wasn’t with you, it was with my mum. All my life she’d tear down my dreams, snatch them away from me. So when I had the tearoom idea, and you came along and just got on with it, it was a trigger. I felt like someone had stolen a dream, just like she used to. It’s hard to explain, but that’s the gist of it, and I had planned to come see you and explain.’ She sighed, and he took her hand in his. ‘I am sorry, Will. You didn’t deserve how I spoke to you. The way I’ve been treating you.’

Will’s heart went out to her, and he was pleased she had been talking with Jan and clearing her head. ‘I will admit, it didn’t make sense to me at the time, but now you’ve said that, I understand why it affected you so badly. Thank you for sharing that with me.’

‘I’m sorry, Will.’

Will pressed his mouth onto her hair. ‘It’s okay. Everything’s all right, love,’ he whispered.

Because I’m going to make it so.

Muffled voices came from the hallway, the living room door slowly opened, and in slinked Lucky, making her way straight to the rug by the fireplace.

Will tipped his head back, closed his eyes, and told himself to relax. Ginny was safe. He was staying the night. All was right again in his world. He just hoped it would stay that way.