She pressed the heel of her hand to her eye. ‘I just feel like such a coward.’
‘You’re the opposite. It takes courage to stop a runaway train, and listen… your mum would agree. You have to do what’s right for you, Pip. Always.’
The knot in her chest loosened as his words settled over her.
‘I will always love you no matter what, and there’s nothing you can do that wouldn’t make me proud.’
‘I love you, too,’ said Pippa, overwhelmed with love for her father.
‘What’s the plan now? Are you going to stay with Rose?’
‘I was going to, but I’ve actually just got a ticket to the Clockmakers’ Convention on Puffin Island, so if I can find accommodation…’
‘I’ve got everything crossed.’
‘And…’ She hesitated, suddenly almost giddy. ‘There’s this raffle thing, Dad. I’ve just entered a competition. I know it’s unlikely, but if I’m lucky and win, I could end up staying in the actual Clockmaker’s Cottage. Like… the famous one. I’ll keep you updated.’
‘Sounds to me like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be,’ he said reassuringly.
By the time she hung up, Pippa’s cheeks were blotchy and her nose was pink, but her heart felt a little lighter.
‘You okay?’ asked Rose.
‘All the better for speaking to Dad.’
‘That’s good. So now we’re email-watching. Not long to go.’
Pippa held the phone between them and refreshed her inbox. Nothing. Refreshed again. Still nothing.
Refresh. Refresh. ‘Another couple of minutes to go.’
Ding.Pippa gasped, then sagged. ‘Oh, for heaven’s sake.’
‘What?’
‘Your car warranty is about to expire!’
Refresh. Refresh.
Ding.Pippa’s eyes lit up, then dimmed. ‘Lose two stone in two weeks with seaweed tea.’
‘What the hell is seaweed tea?’
‘No idea, but it sounds grim.’
Pippa refreshed again.
They sat in silence, waiting.
Refresh. Refresh. Nothing.
Then…
Ding!
Her heart rocketed to her throat. One new message.
The subject line glared in bold black letters:Congratulations! You’ve Won a Stay at Clockmaker’s Cottage!
