Blue Skies Over Wildflower Lock (The Wildflower Lock)

Chapter 37

It could have been Daisy’s imagination, but she was sure as she walked back towards the September Rose that the dog’s tail was wagging with an even more pronounced vigour.

‘This isn’t permanent, you know,’ she said, looking down at him. ‘We’ll find your owners, and if we don’t, I’ll look for someone who can take you in. But first, I guess I better get you some food.’

Given that the dog was a stray, the vet had kindly subsidised the cost of getting him chipped and treated for fleas, but Daisy still had to pay for the worming tablets herself, and now she was looking at another fifteen pounds for dog food. The vet had also made some comment about them selling actual leads and collars, with a nod to Daisy’s homemade leash, and so, while settling the bill, Daisy had also purchased those extras, too. Owning a dog wasn’t cheap, and she didn’t even own him.

Back at the September Rose, Daisy found Yvonne was outside the boat. A look of bemusement flashed on her face as she saw Daisy approaching, the collie walking perfectly to heel with his new collar and lead.

‘I thought you were taking him to the vet and leaving him there?’

‘It turned out there was a change of plans.’

Until that moment, Daisy hadn’t thought about how Yvonne would feel with a dog on the boat. Daisy knew she wasn’t allergic to them, of course – that much was obvious from the way Yvonne had stroked him. But there was a difference between not being allergic to an animal and sharing your cabin space with them for the foreseeable future. A ripple of guilt fluttered within.

‘It’s not permanent,’ she said. ‘I’m going to look for his owner on the internet tonight. Post up some pictures on lost pet sites. And if we can’t find them, I’ll find him a home.’

Yvonne raised an eyebrow.

‘It’s fine by me. It’s your boat and you can do what you like. But if I were you, I’d have him sleeping out on the stern. You don’t know if he’s house-trained. That’s your decision, though. We need to get going. I’ve booked us a mooring for tonight, but it’s a good four hours of travel ahead of us. I hope your dog can handle boat life.’

As it turned out, he could. The minute the engine rumbled into life, his tail wagged excitedly. He perked up at the boat’s gentle movement and leaned into the rush of cold air, looking for all the world like he was smiling. Daisy couldn’t help but laugh. There was something so refreshing about the energy he brought to the boat.

While Yvonne took the tiller, Daisy used the time to check lost pet sites for potential matches, but two hours later, despite her efforts, she was no closer than when she’d started.

‘He could’ve come off a boat, perhaps?’ she pondered aloud. The heat of the day had subdued into a lovely evening warmth. ‘Perhaps someone came travelling from the continent, where the dog wouldn’t need to be chipped. Is that possible?’

‘I guess so,’ Yvonne replied. ‘So I assume you haven’t had any luck?’

Daisy shook her head. ‘No, nothing at all. I’m going to post a photo of him online.’

Realising she needed a picture, Daisy pulled out her phone and snapped an image. He looked perfectly at ease, gazing out over the water, and she couldn’t help but wonder if the comment about coming off a boat was really that far-fetched. He certainly looked used to being on the water.

Before Daisy could upload it to any of the sites, her phone began buzzing – Theo on a video call.

‘I’d better take this,’ Daisy said. ‘You don’t mind, do you?’

‘Of course not. Just maybe keep an ear out. I’ll yell if I need you.’

Inside the September Rose, Daisy sat on the sofa and was about to open the call when she realised the view behind her was definitely not Wildflower Lock, but a passing vista of factories. Hurriedly, she closed the curtains.

‘Hi, you,’ she said, trying to make her voice sound as natural as possible.

‘Hey. You know, you’re a tough woman to get hold of.’ Theo’s face was grinning back at her, his picture-perfect smile causing a fluttering in her chest. ‘Did you not see my missed calls this morning?’

‘Sorry, yes – I’ve been crazily busy. I’m so sorry.’

‘Well, I guess it’s a good thing the girls were there to help. How did they get on?’

Daisy frowned, trying to work out what Theo was on about. ‘The girls?’

‘They’ve come down to help you, right? Isn’t that why I couldn’t come down and see you?’

Daisy gulped. There was no point in closing the curtains if she couldn’t remember the simplest of lies she’d told Theo to keep this journey a secret.

‘Yes, yes. Sorry. They were. They are. It’s been good. Really good. Busy. Sorry, I’m not quite with it. You know what it’s like after a crazy day.’

‘Well, make sure you don’t stay up partying all night,’ he said, before squinting at his screen. ‘Have you got plans for this evening?’

‘Oh, you know, the usual. Just a couple of bottles of wine, nothing special.’

Daisy could feel her pulse getting faster and faster as she desperately searched for a way out of the lie that wasn’t just more lies.

‘Sorry, Theo. They are all waiting for me. We’re going for an evening walk. Can I ring you tonight?’

‘Sure thing. Though don’t worry if you don’t have time. You enjoy the evening with the girls.’

‘Thank you. I love you.’ A flood of relief rushed through her as she drew to the end of the conversation. It had been a long way from smooth, but she had got through it. All that was left was for him to say goodbye. And his lips were already moving.

‘Love you t—’ Before he could finish the sentence, his words were cut short by a blasting horn so loud, it shook the September Rose.