Blue Skies Over Wildflower Lock (The Wildflower Lock)

Chapter 82

‘So this is Johnny,’ her mother said as she sat down on the sofa.

Immediately, the collie dropped his head onto her and lapped up the attention.

‘I know I need to find him a home, but honestly, I’m not sure I can now. At least, not with someone I don’t know. He’s special.’

Daisy had filled her mother in during the car journey back to the boat, and now she was home, there was nothing left to do but stew over what a mess she’d made of things.

‘You can’t play that game with yourself,’ her mother replied. ‘There are a hundred what ifs, and not a single one matters. The only thing that matters is now. And Yvonne is in hospital. She’s in the best possible place. You made sure that happened. I’ve rung Nicholas too. He’s going to ask around the lock, see if there’s anyone there who can put us in touch with Yvonne’s relatives. He thinks she’s got a nephew down in Heybridge that he’s going to check out too.’

‘Thank you, Mum.’

Daisy didn’t have any more words to give. She was exhausted. Her whole body felt drained. It wasn’t even seven o’clock, and she was ready for bed. Though what she was going to do in the morning, she had no idea. She could hardly get to Slimbridge without Yvonne on the boat with her, which left only one option – telling Theo. The thought filled her with dread. He wouldn’t blame her for what had happened with Yvonne, she knew that, but she couldn’t help thinking how cross he would be at the constant stream of lies she had told him to keep the trip a secret. Not to mention all the risks she had taken. He was likely to be furious at her for being so irresponsible. And he would be absolutely right. She had been irresponsible. The entire trip was rash and reckless and now she was going to have to spend money she didn’t have getting the boat back to Wildflower Lock. She just had to pray the weather stayed good, so she could earn enough money to cover all her bills when she got back.

‘Well, I should head back,’ her mother said, putting her mug down on the coffee table as she stood.

‘You’re going?’ She didn’t mean to sound like a whiny child, but she hadn’t expected her mother to drive all the way to find her, only to turn around and drive back home again. And she knew the boat held some pretty strong memories for her, but surely she could push them aside for one night?

Her mother’s face dropped as she read Daisy’s expression.

‘I’m sorry, love. I’ll be back in the morning, but I’ve left a load of stuff at work that has to be sorted by the end of tonight’s shift. I didn’t give them much warning when I left.’

‘Sorry, you’re right. I wasn’t thinking,’ Daisy said. She knew she should feel gratitude for the fact she’d come at all, but she didn’t want to be left on her own. Even with Johnny by her side.

‘I’ll be back first thing in the morning,’ her mother assured her. ‘You need an early night. Fix yourself something to eat and get a proper night’s sleep. I might be up before you’re even awake.’

Daisy smiled, grateful that her mother wasn’t abandoning her altogether. And it wasn’t like she would be the best company, anyway. All she wanted to do was curl up and close her eyes.

‘Thank you, Mum,’ she said, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. Her mother was right. Daisy needed sleep. And then she would face tomorrow head-on. Whatever it brought.