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“The family who sold it to us was related to that woman who runs the local café — June Clements.”
“Really? I always thought you bought it from someone on the mainland.”
“I’m not sure where he ended up, but he was linked to June in some way. I can’t recall how exactly. And the funny thing is, we only found out about the place because your mother and June were friends. But soon after we moved in, they stopped talking over some argument they had. I still don’t know what it was about. Your mum wouldn’t say.”
“Interesting… I wonder what it was over.”
Dad shook his head. “I don’t know. But I wonder if those photos belong to the fellow who sold us the house. And if they do, we could probably ask June to get in contact with him. She might know where he is now.”
“Good idea,” Bea replied. “Thanks, Dad.”
“You know, I’m proud of you,” he said suddenly.
Bea blinked. She hadn’t expected the kind words, and they brought a rush of emotion. “Thanks, Dad. What for?”
“You’re strong, and you handle whatever life throws your way. You don’t let it get you down or bury you. Your mother was a wonderful woman, but she didn’t know how to deal with her emotions, or with hardship or stress, the way that you do. I’m glad you’re here.”
Bea reached out a hand to squeeze her father’s. “That means a lot to me, Dad.”
“And the offer still stands — I can take out that Preston fellow anytime. You just say the word.” His winked.
“Even with your bad back?”
“A bit of anti-inflammatory medicine and I’m good to go.”
She shook her head, laughing even as the tears welled. “That’s good to know, Dad. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“You and Dani can stay as long as you like. Family sticks together through the hard times.” He offered her a half smile. “This is your home.”
“I’m grateful. I honestly don’t know where I’d have gone if it wasn’t for you. Coral Island feels more like home to me than any other place has. I’m only realising it now. I wish I’d understood that years ago.”
“It wouldn’t have changed anything,” he said. “You’re a loving and loyal woman. You’d have stayed with him even if you’d known.”
“Perhaps you’re right,” she replied, knowing deep down that he was. Even if she’d had the foresight to see where her marriage would end up, she’d have stayed to do whatever she could to save it. And maybe Dad was right—nothing would’ve been different than it was now.
Dad stood with a groan and straightened his back. “I’m going to take a hot shower and see if it helps ease a bit of the muscle pain.” He shuffled towards the master suite.
Bea flicked off the television and pulled a small throw rug up over Dani’s legs. With a yawn, she wandered into the kitchen and put the kettle on to boil. While she was fixing herself a cup of instant coffee, hoping it would taste better than it had the day before, she noticed Bradford sitting out on the deck, talking on his phone.
His tall, gangly frame didn’t quite fit in the slouching Adirondack-style chair with its bleached timber frame. A beer bottle stood on the table beside him. She pushed open the back sliding door and stepped outside. The wind whistled around the eaves. The hum of the ocean filled the air, and the sweet scent of salt filled her nostrils.
He told the caller goodbye and put down his phone, glancing at her from where he sat. “Hi, sis. Did you have a good day on the tools?”
She took a seat next to him. “It was fine. We got a lot achieved.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“You still angry at me?”
He shrugged. “I guess so. But I won’t hold it against you.”
She chuckled. “Thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome. I see Dani isn’t feeling well. Anything serious?”
“Just the flu.”
“Well, I’d better steer clear. You know how sick I get when I catch anything.”
