ChapterTwenty-Four
‘It’s much nicer exploring the island when you’re not fighting the weather.’ Theo’s hand was in hers as they walked back down the cliff path.
‘It does help,’ Pippa agreed, still smiling at the puffins as their heads popped out of the burrows.
They wandered down to the harbour first. The tide was halfway in, rocking the small fishing boats gently from side to side. A couple of fishermen were coiling ropes as their dog raced up and down the harbour wall, skidding to a stop whenever one of the men whistled.
Pippa took it all in, confident this was a place where she could see herself living.
From the harbour they wandered past Puffin Pantry, its blue-painted deli front already attracting a small queue. The chalkboard sign outside promised pastries and charcuterie boards. ‘That sign is making me hungry, and that smell.’ Shesniffed the air and sighed happily.
They followed the path towards Castaway Cove and the sea opened up beside them. It was surprisingly clear, and for the first time Pippa could see the faint outline of Sea’s End across the water. They walked past the glamping site next: a handful of wooden huts tucked under a row of trees. Bright bunting was strung between them, gently lifting in the breeze.
Pippa’s face warmed with a smile. ‘That is adorable. I love bunting!’
Theo glanced sideways at her. ‘I’m starting to think it’s a sign.’
‘Of what?’
‘That you might already be halfway to becoming an islander.’
She scoffed lightly. ‘I’ve only been here a few days.’
‘That may be all it takes,’ he said, entirely serious. ‘You either feel drawn to a place or you don’t. There isn’t much in between.’
They walked on behind Puffin Island Farm, where the cows and alpacas were scattered lazily across the fields, enjoying the lush grass. The track curved around Cockle Bay Cove, a sheltered strip of sand behind the rainbow pastel cottages. Smuggler’s Rest Hotel sat just above the waterline, its garden full of people sitting out on the comfortable-looking chairs, enjoying a beer in the sunshine.
‘It’s very charming. All of it,’ Pippa murmured.
Theo grinned. ‘I can’t argue with you there.’
‘The Clock House.’ Pippa looked out at the cove then back at Theo. There was excitement bubbling in the pit of her stomach. ‘I think… I think I’m going to put in an offer.’
Theo’s head snapped round. ‘If I was in your position, I’d do the same.’
‘Just to test the water,’ she added quickly. ‘If I don’t get it, fine. If I do… then maybe it was just meant to be.’
‘Some thingsarejust meant to be.’ He stopped walking, looked deep into her eyes, and pulled Pippa in for a hug. He lingered, holding her tight.
‘You aren’t going all maudlin on me, are you?’
He pulled away slowly. ‘The timing is good for you, but not so good for me.’
‘Put a smile back on that face. I’m hoping that in between all that jet-setting around the world you’ll find the time to visit me. Puffin Island is the perfect holiday destination, after all…’
‘I will always find the time, and I won’t just be back for this scenery… well, maybe this scenery…’ He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips as her stomach let out a huge growl.
They both laughed.
‘I think we’d better get some food. Fancy the pub?’
‘Yes, I think we’d better check out my new local,’ she said.
In no time at all they reached the path that wound towards The Old Ship Inn. Outside the pub, the wooden tables and benches were full of people chatting and enjoying a lunchtime pint in the sunshine, and the sight and smell of the amazing food were making Pippa hungrier, if that was possible. The clear azure sky was a perfect backdrop for the traditional pub, with Blue Water Bay in the distance, and Pippa took a moment to stop and admire the view before stepping inside. The pub was exactly as she’d imagined it would be, full of nautical charm and old-world character, with its low, oak-beamed ceilings and open fireplace, which no doubt roared all day every day in the height of winter. The ambience was perfect: a proper pub, with tourists drinking the local beer and dogs sprawled out at their owners’ feet under the tables.
‘Let’s find a table, then I’ll get us some drinks.’ Theo looked around the pub and spotted a table near the window. ‘Perfect spot. What would you like to drink?’
‘Should we share a bottle of wine? It’s not as though we have to drive anywhere.’
