Winter Magic in Port Berry (Port Berry #3)

Chapter 22

Ginny

Making up Christmas food parcels in the Hub was keeping Ginny busy all morning. So many people had come in to collect and donate.

Alice was also rushed off her feet, so Ginny plopped her onto a seat in the storage room so she could take a break, knowing her friend’s pain levels had been at level five for the past hour.

Ginny smiled as Spencer entered, carrying two large shopping bags filled with children’s selection boxes.

‘I just cleared the shelf at the supermarket.’ He raised both arms as though doing weight lifting. ‘Let’s get these added to some parcels.’

‘Ooh, I can do that,’ called Alice.

‘Drink your tea,’ said Ginny, shaking her head at Spencer. ‘She’s taking a minute.’

Spencer understood and set about getting involved himself while singing along to the Christmas music playing on the radio.

Ginny went to the front door to adjust some fallen tinsel, then smiled as a woman around her age approached. ‘Morning, chick,’ she said, swinging the door open, letting in the icy air along with the woman. ‘You want a cuppa?’

The woman shook her head. ‘No, ta. Just came to grab some bits.’ She smiled at Ginny. ‘How you getting on since your fall? You look a lot better.’

There was no way Ginny wanted to go over that moment of her life again. It was Christmas Eve now. Mince pies were on the table, wrapped chocolates hanging on the small Christmas tree by the window, and festive cheer in the air. The time for misery and worry was over.

‘I’m good, thanks. Come and have a treat while you’re here.’ Ginny pointed at the tin of assorted sweets.

Spencer tugged on a Santa hat, then handed the woman a small red card. ‘Take that to Sea Shanty Shack and swap it for a chicken. Just let Sophie know if you need small or large.’

Ginny was pleased the subject had been well and truly changed from her cliff horror story. The memory still had the ability to cause a shiver to run the full length of her spine. What would have happened if Will hadn’t climbed down to her side?

‘Would you like a selection box as well?’ asked Alice, poking her head around the door to smile over at the waiting woman. ‘Oh, hi, Janine. Didn’t know it was you.’ She turned to Spencer. ‘Janine’s got two girls, so make sure you pop a couple of those in with her parcel.’

Spencer did as he was asked and handed everything over. ‘Merry Christmas.’

As soon as she left, another woman entered, swiftly followed by two men and an elderly couple.

‘Need an extra set of hands?’ asked Will, closing the door behind him.

Every part of Ginny beamed. Ever since he saved her, she’d not wanted to spend a second away from him, making sure he spent each night in her arms.

‘Here, stick this on.’ She placed a pair of reindeer antlers on his head, then tipped her own to tickle his chin while his head was bent.

Will lifted her mouth to his for a quick peck. ‘Where do you want me?’

Ginny bit her bottom lip as she grinned, knowing exactly where she wanted him.

He gave her a knowing look, then gestured at the small gathering taking up half the Hub.

‘Help Alice in the back room,’ she suggested. ‘Then see if you can bring any more carrots down from Lottie’s.’

‘Excuse me,’ said a meek voice from behind her.

Ginny turned to the middle-aged woman matching her height. ‘Happy Christmas, chick. How might I help you on this crisp winter morning?’ She followed Will with her eyes, then paid full attention to the lady.

The woman pointed at the ceiling. ‘I heard upstairs is going to become an office for the Les Powell Trust. Is that right?’

‘Yeah, that’s correct. Did you want to see Samuel about something related?’

‘I wondered if he might need a cleaner.’

Ginny slid the plate of mince pies towards her, offering one. ‘I reckon he’ll need one. Let me check for you. Have you got a minute to wait?’

‘Got all the time in the world, me. My husband passed away this year, and I don’t know what to do with myself. Someone suggested a part-time job might help. I’m okay for money, not rich but comfortable, so it’s more for my mental health than my pocket.’

Knowing how much work helped her own mental well-being, Ginny nodded. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Rita Callaghan.’

‘Pleased to meet you, Rita. I’m Ginny.’

Rita nodded. ‘Yeah, I know who you are. You’re that lass who fell off the cliff. Saw you on the news.’

Great!

‘Let me just make that call.’ Ginny raised a hand to Spencer, gesturing towards the kettle.

Spencer made Rita and some others a cup of tea, then went back to handing out food parcels and chicken vouchers.

Ginny went in the back room to call Samuel, pleased he said he’d pop down to the Hub in about five minutes. She stole another quick kiss from Will, gaining her a smile from Alice, then went back to let Rita know Samuel was on his way.

The morning was flying by, and the need for two days’ worth of food plus extra treats for the holly jolly season had failed to ease.

‘I wish we could do more,’ said Alice, once the Hub was clear.

Spencer nodded. ‘I know we’re trying to keep everything upbeat here, but blimming heck, it’s so sad seeing people needing this kind of help.’

‘At least that Rita lady got a job with Samuel. Another win for the Hub,’ said Will.

Ginny agreed. ‘Will’s right. We need to focus on the positives, no matter what. People come in here for help, so we can’t cry, and yes, I’m looking at you, Alice Dipple.’

Alice lightly dabbed under her eye with a tissue. ‘Sometimes it gets to me.’

Spencer held her shoulder. ‘Gets to us all, Al. I’m just so glad we created this place now. The more help we can be, the better. It’ll come in handy having the Trust’s headquarters upstairs as well. Although I’m not sure how Samuel will cope once he’s run out of jobs to hand out.’

‘We can still help with work,’ said Ginny. ‘We know when jobs come up around here before the job centre.’

Everyone laughed. It was true. The Port Berry community had its own methods.

Will put his arm around Ginny, and she happily snuggled into his side, absorbing an overwhelming feeling of contentment.

Spencer raised a finger, moving it in circles. ‘So, is this a full-on thing now?’ He gestured at the blissful couple.

Oh, how Ginny hoped. Having someone at her dinner table each evening, then in her bed at night was fulfilling on levels she couldn’t explain. The company, the friendship, and the love all made her feel she belonged somewhere in the world. It was so much better than she had imagined, and since Will had been sleeping over, she hadn’t had one nightmare.

‘This is an everything,’ replied Will, his words adding to her joy.

‘Aww,’ said Alice, hugging her hands. She glanced up at Spencer. ‘Can’t believe you don’t want something like that, Spence.’

He frowned as he grinned. ‘I’m good, thanks. Anyway, since Lottie’s accident, I’ve changed.’ He quickly raised his finger again. ‘Not that I’m saying I want to settle down. It’s just, well, I don’t see the point in casual relationships anymore. Got better things to think about.’

Alice sat up. ‘Ooh, like what?’

Spencer tapped the side of his nose.

The street door opened, and Matt walked in with a tray of small poinsettias. ‘Lottie gave me these earlier to hand out to any customers wanting to take one home. Thought I’d bring some in here.’ He placed them on the floor by the Christmas tree. ‘How’s it been in here? We’ve had loads in for chickens. Three cheers for the Berry Buoys raising money for those, eh?’

Will fist bumped the air as he cheered, making everyone laugh. He sang a couple of lines from a shanty, then bowed.

Matt clapped. ‘Good to see your lungs are back to normal.’

Ginny patted her chest. ‘Thanks to me nursing him back to health.’

Will grinned. ‘That and the antibiotics.’

Ginny nudged his ribs, and he kissed her cheek, causing their antlers to tangle.

Alice stood, widening her arms. ‘It’s all about love and mince pies in here, Matt. Feel free to join in.’

Laughing, he took a treat from the table. ‘Every time I drop something off to someone today, they feed me something sweet. I’m starting to know how Father Christmas feels.’

‘Yeah, well, you just mind how you go on those rooftops,’ said Spencer, pointing over at the harbour. ‘Mind you, if you do fall down a chimney, we can always send Ginny to the rescue now she’s a pro rock climber.’

‘Oh, ha-ha.’ Ginny shook her head. ‘The only thing I’ll be climbing from now on is the ladder to success.’

Spencer laughed. ‘Oh, is that right?’

They could laugh, but she had plans. Harbour Light Café needed no help whatsoever to bring in the punters, so all she had to focus on was bringing her new home to life in the new year. That was where her success story lived, thanks to Mr and Mrs Henshaw.

She gazed at Will as the others set about helping the next flood of people entering the premises.

‘What’s with the stare?’ he questioned, raising one eyebrow and quirking his lips to one side.

‘How would you feel about helping me with my farmhouse?’

‘What do you need?’

You.

‘Oh, just a chicken coop, some fencing, a few enclosures, probably a new kitchen . . .’ She started laughing. ‘Everything.’

His smile warmed her heart. His words even more. ‘Count me in.’

‘You could even stay at mine while you’re still looking for somewhere to live. Got to be better than the B&B. Although don’t tell Mabel I said that.’

He lowered and nudged her nose with his own. ‘I’d like that.’

‘Really?’

‘Oh yeah.’

There was way too much fizz swirling around her body for her to think straight. All she wanted to do was take his hand and go home. She thought of telling him she loved him, but she daren’t utter the words. Half the time when she looked his way, she worried he might be a dream that would one day fade away, leaving her all alone once more.

Will gently kissed her mouth, wiping her mind of all anxiety. ‘You’ve got me, love,’ he whispered on her lips.

A need surfaced. ‘Promise me you won’t leave.’

He took a moment, seemingly studying her eyes, then his expression softened, and he gently kissed her once more. ‘I promise.’

That was good enough for whatever made her say that out loud. Just being in his presence settled her no end, and now she was as relaxed as could be, until Spencer called out for some more cardboard boxes.

‘Hey,’ whispered Will, tugging her to his arms as she went to get back to work. ‘I’ve got to go see Babs after you and me have had ourselves a cosy lunch, but are we still on for Christmas Eve dinner tonight?’

‘Yes, I got some salmon from Sophie. But I did say I’d join the others at the pub for a drink afterwards. Is that okay with you?’

Will nodded. ‘Sounds like a plan.’

‘I know another one.’

‘Hit me.’

‘You waking up at mine Christmas morning.’

A slight twitch of a grin hit the corner of Will’s mouth. ‘I would say I’ll pack a bag, but most of my things are already at yours, so I guess you’ve got yourself a date.’

‘Just a date?’

He shook his head slightly. ‘No. You get everything.’

Ginny pulled him in for a heated kiss, feeling every part of her being melt into him.