Page 33 of The Sunrise Sisterhood

‘No, not at all!’ he replied kindly. ‘I didn’t mean to insult you. But may I say something? As a friend?’

Liz relented. He was a lovely gentle man. ‘You may.’

He was quiet for a second, as if selecting exactly the right words. ‘I just want to say that there might be someone else out there for you. To go on this next part of life’s adventure with you. Don’t give up on love, that’s all I’m saying.’

She nodded slowly, thinking of Viv and how she had launched herself back into the world of dating. ‘You’re right. I know you’re right. It’s just hard to know how to start.’

‘Tell me about it,’ he replied with a grin. ‘It’s been eight years since I lost Rachel and I’m gradually coming round to the idea of someone new, but it has been so long since I last asked a lady out on a date, I wouldn’t know where to start.’

The ferry had arrived, and a handful of people were disembarking. She and Patrick stood aside to let them pass before he handed her the basket.

‘So you don’t believe in soulmates then?’ Liza asked. ‘That there’s only ever “the one”?’

‘I suppose I don’t,’ he said, looking surprised at himself. ‘Because that would mean accepting that we’re all only capable of being loved unconditionally by one person. Which is terrible odds, don’t you agree?’

She smiled. ‘If you put it like that, it does seem a bit harsh. Perhaps we should do what your aunt suggests and start dating.’

Patrick rubbed a hand through his hair. ‘Crikey.’

Liz blushed, realising he’d misunderstood her. ‘I didn’t mean each other! I mean throw ourselves into the dating arena. Don’t look so worried, it might be fun. We could both give it a go and compare notes.’

‘Oh, I see.’ He gave her a crooked smile. ‘Although I suppose—’

‘Are you getting on?’ the ferryman called.

‘Yes! Hold on!’ Liz waved at him and turned back to Patrick. ‘It’s all websites and apps these days. The girls will know how to do me a profile. What do you think?’

He looked down at his shoes. ‘I think I’m terrified.’

The ferryman handed her into the boat, and Liz settled on the bench at the bow.

‘Me too,’ she said, wincing. ‘But let’s do it anyway.’

Patrick was still on the jetty, waving to her. ‘I’m not sure websites are for me, I think I’d rather ask a real—’

The engine started up with a roar and she missed the end of his sentence, but it sounded as if he already had someone in mind. Good for him, Liz thought, waving back. Patrick Delmarge was quite a catch; once he dipped his toe into the dating pool, he wouldn’t be on his own for long.

Agatha and Camilla were right, of course. Mike Marriott was an idiot who didn’t deserve her, and it was about time she put him out of her mind and focused on finding someone who did. Online dating. What on earth would Jen have had to say about that? Liz laughed softly under her breath, imagining how Jen would have probably whooped with delight. About bloody time, she’d have cried. And Jen, she acknowledged as the ferry carried her back to Salcombe, was usually right.

Chapter Ten

Clare

Clare heaved a happy sigh as the first glimpse of North Sands beach came into view through overhanging branches of the trees edging the path.

‘Look at that, Ivy.’ She stopped for a second, catching her breath, and bent down over the buggy to straighten Ivy’s sun hat. ‘That’s Mummy’s favourite beach in the whole world.’

Ivy clapped enthusiastically and Clare began to move again, eager to feel the sand between her toes.

It was busy down there, but she’d known it would be. The sand was soft, the water sparklingly clean, there was parking and refreshments and nice clean loos – what more could you want? The tide was out and the beach was stretched to its golden fullest. Groups of all sizes and ages were gathered in clumps, playing ball games, tucking into cool boxes, kids splashing in the shallow water. Good wholesome family fun.

And that was what they were, she and Ivy, a family, she thought, looking down at her daughter fondly; a little one, but a family, nonetheless.

She’d travelled all over the place in her time; a major perk of teacher life was the long holidays. She’d topped up her tan on beaches in the Caribbean, the Med and even Southeast Asia. But the golden sand of this beach held a special place in her heart. So many happy hours had been spent with Mum here. This was where she’d taught her to swim and had whole days pottering with her bucket and fishing net, collecting shells to make words on the sand, and having stone-skimming competitions. It was even where, one dark, drizzly January day with the wind scrubbing harshly at their faces, Clare and Liz had come to scatter her mum’s ashes. It would always be their place.

Ivy smacked her hands on the front of her buggy and babbled excitedly, and Clare felt a sudden lightness in her heart. This was what she’d come for, to see her little girl’s face full of joy and excitement. The world had turned again, time to make new memories, with her own child.

‘Oh wow! I’d forgotten how gorgeous this beach is.’ Skye caught them up and tucked her phone in the pocket of her denim shorts.