Winter Magic in Port Berry (Port Berry #3)

Chapter 27

Will

Will was blown away by the support he received from his new friends in Port Berry. He hadn’t expected many to turn up for his grandmother’s funeral. Perhaps a couple of her carers, maybe Ginny, seeing how she grew up next door, but Jed had rallied the troops, and Robson had laid out a small spread at the Jolly Pirate.

Sitting in the corner of the pub by the open fire, Will stared at the crackling flames and wondered if Ginny hadn’t turned up because she no longer wanted reminders of Sweet Cherry Lane. He hoped that didn’t include him. Could his existence make her think about that house?

It was all such a mess. He had an idea what to do to make things right with Ginny, but the surprise he had in store was a long shot, he was sure.

‘Hey, how’s it going?’ said Spencer, joining him. ‘You’ve got the best seat right by the fire. It’s always cosy in here this time of year, and a little quieter, but that won’t last long, what with the big birthday bash we have here on the twentieth each year.’

Will lowered his cup of tea. ‘Oh, what’s that for?’

‘I’m surprised Jed hasn’t mentioned it. It’s his birthday, so he normally tells everyone.’

Will glanced over at Jed propped up at the bar. ‘Ah, there has been a lot going on.’

‘Doesn’t normally stop him. He’s like a big kid on his birthday. Anyway, the reason it’s a big to-do is because it’s not just his birthday that day. It’s also Luna’s and Robson’s.’ Spencer leaned back and smiled. ‘So you can see why we go all out.’

‘Just when you think the present buying is over.’

Spencer laughed into his glass of lemonade. ‘I know, right. January needs to be a time for peace and quiet and nothing going on.’

‘Doesn’t help your business much.’

Spencer circled a finger in the air. ‘Had a few funerals this month already.’

Will nodded. ‘Thanks for the flowers you made for Babs. They were really nice.’

‘No worries.’

‘Have you always wanted to be a florist?’

Spencer shook his head. ‘It was my aunt’s place, so Lottie and I just carried on with it after she passed away.’

‘Makes sense.’

‘What about you? Did you always want to be a sailor?’

‘Not really. I didn’t have much going on in my life, and a mate told me about Sea Cadets he went to, so I joined that and went from there.’

Spencer looked over at the doors that led to the front beer garden. ‘Even though I grew up by the sea, it never called to me.’

Will was glad he had memories of a home on a ship. He often felt the freedom of the open sea calmed him, and he was glad whenever Jed offered him a short trip around the harbour. ‘Might have to consider buying my own boat.’

‘Good luck with that. I’ll stick to flowers.’

Will smiled and sipped his drink. ‘As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.’

Spencer leaned closer to the table. ‘I’ve got some other plans for this year.’

‘Okay, now I’m intrigued, especially as you’re whispering.’

Spencer laughed. ‘I haven’t told anyone yet, that’s why. Lottie will make a big deal out of it, and I’d rather just stay under the radar, so to speak. No doubt she’d ask me to do one of her interviews for the Hub’s website. Hey, you could do one about life at sea. Although her chats are usually well-being related, but I’m sure there’s an angle there.’

‘Mental health and the military. I’ll speak to her. But meanwhile, what’s going on with you?’

‘Ever since Lottie had her accident, it made me think about working in mental health care. She’s a really positive person, but even she had her moments in the beginning when she found out she’d never walk again.’ Spencer wrinkled his nose. ‘I haven’t got much in the way of exams under my belt, as I didn’t take school very seriously, so last year I started an evening course in mental health care for kids at a local college.’

‘Good for you, Spence.’

‘Thanks. It hasn’t been easy keeping it a secret. But with help from Debra at the Sunshine Centre, I managed to get a work placement there.’ Spencer glanced over at Lottie sat by Samuel sharing a plate of chips. ‘My sister started going there for art therapy, and I told Debra I’d like to help out, and she was the one who pointed me in the direction of the college.’

‘So what will you be doing exactly? Working at the centre?’

‘Only part-time. I’m still needed in the shop, and I like my job at Berry Blooms. But I used to help out at Scouts, so I thought with my clean police record and the mental health care certificate, I could focus more on the kids that attend.’

Will nodded. ‘I’ve already signed up there for summer activities. You know, the adventure stuff.’

Spencer bit his lip as he chuckled. ‘Rock climbing.’

The thought of Ginny trapped on the side of the cliff had a shiver run the full length of Will’s spine. He was sure he’d never get over that day.

‘Sorry,’ added Spencer. ‘I shouldn’t joke.’

‘Ah, it’s okay. At least we survived.’

‘Bloody hell, mate. What a nightmare.’ Spencer sipped his drink. ‘I might have to go climbing with you myself.’ He sat up straight, shifting closer again. ‘This is the type of stuff I want to do with the kids. The ones there won’t join the Scouts. Debra told me. No confidence or their anxieties get in their way. So I want to work with them and see if I can get them outdoors building camps, mixing with people, that sort of thing. I know they’ve got it in them.’

Will agreed wholeheartedly. He’d witnessed first-hand what the members of the Sunshine Centre were capable of, and the younger ones too. ‘Emotional support goes a long way, Spence.’

‘It certainly does. So that’s what I’m currently working on. I need some sort of set-up that works well for the group Debra has in mind.’

‘I can always help with that. You just let me know if and when you need a hand, and I’ll square it with Debra.’

Spencer raised his glass to clink it with Will’s mug. ‘Cheers, mate. Oh, and keep this between us for now. I will let Lottie know, but I just want to wait until I’ve got some more cover for the shop. The last thing I want is for her to think I’ll leave her to it alone.’

Will gestured over at Samuel. ‘I don’t think your sister will ever be alone, judging by the way he makes eyes at her.’

Samuel raised his head to look over their way. ‘Why do I get the feeling I’m being spoken about?’ he called.

‘Because you are,’ said Spencer, grinning.

‘Saves everyone else from being gossiped about,’ said Lottie, flicking a chip over at her brother.

‘Oi! No throwing food,’ boomed Robson from behind the bar.

Lottie wriggled a hand in the air. ‘Sorry.’ She narrowed her eyes at her brother. ‘What are you saying about the love of my life?’

Samuel beamed, snuggling into her arm. ‘Yeah, what you saying about me?’

Spencer winked at Will. ‘Oh, just how gorgeous those golden eyes of yours are.’

Will laughed as Samuel fluttered his eyelashes.

‘They’re amber,’ said Lottie. ‘And they’re mine.’

Samuel whipped his head her way. ‘Oh, is that right?’ She giggled as he tried to tickle her before leaning in for a kiss.

Spencer shook his head as he turned back to Will. ‘What a load of old mush.’

Will breathed out a laugh into his tea. ‘Do you know what they all say about you?’

Spencer frowned. ‘No, what?’

‘That you’re allergic to love.’

‘Oh that, yeah, it’s true.’

‘Seriously?’

Spencer nodded, grabbing a cheese sandwich from the plate Sophie brought over. ‘I’m happy on my own.’

‘So he says,’ said Sophie, sitting next to Will.

‘I am.’ Spencer tapped his chest. ‘There is nothing wrong with single life . . . Oops!’ He swallowed his food and apologized to Will.

‘What are you saying sorry to me for?’

Sophie leaned into his arm. ‘Because of you and Ginny.’ She glanced at the door. ‘I thought she would’ve come today,’ she mumbled.

‘It’s okay,’ said Will.

‘Oh, you two are as daft as each other,’ snapped Sophie. ‘Go and find her, Will. Go on. Make this right. We’ve got the big birthday party soon, and I want to see the pair of you dancing together.’ She narrowed her eyes as she tipped her head to stare up at him. ‘Did you know it was Ginny’s birthday the other day?’

‘No, but I would have liked to.’

Spencer shook his head. ‘Don’t worry, mate. She doesn’t like a fuss.’

It wasn’t the point. Will wanted to spend such a day with her. He loved her. There was so much he wanted to share with her.

Right! That does it. I’ve had enough of this.

Will abruptly stood. ‘Where is she?’

Sophie shrugged. ‘Could be at the café.’

‘Or packing her last bits,’ said Spencer. ‘We’re helping her move into the farmhouse soon.’

‘She’s there now,’ called Lottie.

Spencer turned in his chair to face his sister. ‘What have you got, super-hearing or something?’

Lottie poked her tongue out at him.

‘Do you know where it is?’ Sophie asked Will.

He sure did, thanks to Jed pointing it out during a car ride over to one of the Berry Buoy’s houses one night.

‘So what are you waiting for?’ said Sophie, standing to push his elbow. ‘Go get your missus.’

Will had only planned to go to his grandmother’s funeral, then pop into the tearoom to see the new partition Shaun had built. But, as usual, Ginny found a way to occupy his mind and take over.

He climbed into his pickup truck and pulled up at the base of Berry Hill. The sea looked cold and dangerous, even the gulls were quiet. What was he doing going on some hopeless quest when he should be back at the B&B, looking for somewhere to live?

Ginny had made it quite clear he didn’t belong in her world. Was it really down to him to make the first move?

Will huffed at the steering wheel. The least he could do was apologize again. He knew she was troubled, and he knew how important it was for her to have peace and stability. It was something he wanted as well.

The heating started to pump out of the air vents, warming his fingers. He glanced at the tight hold he had with the wheel, then loosened his grip and inhaled deeply.

‘Okay, Willard. What advice would you give to a mate right about now?’

He mulled it over as a gust of wind blew a nearby shrub, catching his eye.

‘Go tell her you’re sorry. Tell her you love her. Show her what you did for her. Lay it all on the line. Today.’

It seemed like good advice, and definitely what he would offer, so why were his knees rattling as much as the bush outside?

Will bit his bottom lip and breathed out a quiet laugh.

Oh, you silly bugger.

With that, he turned the wheel and headed straight for the farmhouse. One way or another he would find out where his next destination would be. He just hoped Ginny was part of the journey.

* * *

The old farmhouse looked about as rustic as it could get, and Will knew immediately she would need help fixing up the place.

He sat at the end of the drive for a bit, assessing her new home. The Henshaws were at the front of his mind, and he could almost hear them cheering him on.

Pulling out his phone, he did a quick check online for their hotel. Perhaps if he could see it one more time, it would help shift his butt down the driveway.

Nothing came up, which was strange. Surely their hotel would be advertised.

‘Oh, what am I doing?’

A sudden desire to see Ginny took over his foot, causing it to press down on the accelerator and get the vehicle moving to where it was supposed to be.

Ginny opened the front door and stepped onto the porch before he’d even had a chance to turn off the engine.

Will tentatively got out of the truck.

‘I was wondering when you would drive down,’ she said, hands on hips. ‘Sat up the top long enough.’

Will realized his mouth was sagging, so snapped it shut.

‘Cat got your tongue?’ she asked.

‘Actually, I have got words to say, thank you.’

Ginny tipped her chin up. ‘Let’s hear them then.’

It wasn’t quite how he expected the conversation to start, but here he was.

‘I’m sorry for having the biggest gob in Britain. And I’m sorry I hurt you. It was never my intention. Alice and I were talking, and the way the conversation was going, it suggested she knew about you and your mum. I was wrong. And I’m truly sorry. You’ll never know how much.’ He waited, but she didn’t speak.

Part two. Say the next bit. Go on.

Will took a calming breath. ‘I love you, Ginny Dean, with all my heart, and I want you to know that too.’

Her arms loosened, so did his chest.

‘And there’s one more thing.’ He motioned to his truck. ‘But it means taking a short ride with me. You up for that?’

It seemed like forever until she moved towards the front door to lock up.

Will opened the passenger door for her, chewing the inside of his cheek so not to grin as she passed him to clamber inside without making eye contact.

The silence on the drive to Harbour End Road wasn’t as unnerving as he thought it might be. Just the fact she was sitting by his side was settling.

He parked outside the B&B and went to open the truck door, but Ginny touched his arm.

‘Will, there’s something I want to say.’

‘What is it?’

‘I want to apologize for how I spoke to you on Christmas Day at the pub. I was out of line.’

‘I was the one who put my foot in it, sharing your secret.’

‘I know, but I could have handled it better. Again, it was more about my mum than anything else. Having therapy has helped me see these things now.’

‘I’m still sorry for opening my mouth about your business.’

She smiled softly. ‘I’d like to move on from all that now.’

‘Me too.’ He pointed at the window. ‘Follow me.’

Ginny got out the vehicle and went to walk towards Seaview B&B.

‘No, this way,’ said Will, gesturing towards the tea shop, with a roll of the arm.

She didn’t look too impressed when she came to an abrupt halt outside his new business. Okay, so it wasn’t finished, but the sign was up, even if covered by tarpaulin.

‘Now, hear me out,’ said Will, pointing at the dust-covered window.

Ginny folded her arms and shivered, and it was at that moment he noticed she didn’t have a coat on. He quickly whipped off his dark jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

‘Right,’ he added, trying not to shiver himself. ‘You once had a dream about owning Harbour Light Café, right?’

She didn’t respond. Her eyes fixed only on the window of the shop.

Will continued. ‘Okay, well, then your dream changed, but before you could do anything about it, I came along with my own tearoom idea.’

Still no response.

‘So, here’s what I have in mind,’ he added. ‘See what you think.’ He moved away from her side to go over to the door, then with one robust tug on a rope, he pulled down most of the tarpaulin, as some of it refused to budge, not that it mattered. What he wanted her to see was clear enough.

Ginny gasped, and he hoped it was one of delight.

‘Erm, so . . .’ Will swallowed hard. ‘Here’s my proposal. A swap. I take the café, and you have this place. Obviously the café is worth more, so I’ll pay the difference. So that’s my idea. I get to have a business that pretty much runs itself, which is what I wanted, and you get to have your dream.’

She was still staring wide-eyed at the sign. ‘Ginny’s Tearoom,’ she read aloud.

‘That’s just so you get the idea of where I’m coming from.’ Will cleared his throat. ‘You can call it what you want.’

Watery eyes met his. ‘I love it,’ she whispered, shivering into his jacket.

‘I love you, Ginny. I want you to be happy.’ He also really wanted her to be warm. ‘Sit back in the truck. It’s cold out here.’ Before she could respond, he bundled her inside and switched the engine back on.

‘Thank you,’ she said quietly.

‘That’s okay. Your lips were starting to turn blue.’

‘No, I meant for thinking of this. Of me. Swapping shops.’

Will smiled. ‘You take your time and think it over. There’s no—’

‘But the answer is yes. I don’t need time to think. I like your idea. I love the sign. I want to do this, Will.’

He shuffled in his seat so he could face her full on. ‘This is a big step. I need you to be sure. You made that café your life for a long time.’

‘Yeah, well, my life has changed.’ Ginny reached over and placed her cold hand on his, making his heart jump to attention. ‘I want to do this with you.’

‘Okay,’ he managed.

Ginny smiled softly, and he so wanted to kiss her mouth. ‘But first I want you to take me back to the farmhouse, as I have something else I want to say.’

‘Can’t you tell me here?’

She shook her head slightly. ‘I want to talk there.’

‘Okay, buckle up. Let’s go talk.’ He side-eyed her as she pulled on her seat belt. It felt so good to be by her side again, even if it was to talk business.