Chapter 46
The last of the summer days nudged into early autumn.
As the nights drew in, a cool breeze rippled the shore of Samphire Bay.
All the colourful flora that had once burst vibrant with life, faded into muted shades.
Golden and bronze leaves swayed from branches, while the hedgerows withered, soon to decay.
A still quietness hung in the air, as if bracing for the winter ahead.
The sky still offered warm, amber sunrises, magnificent lilac-pink sunsets and indigo nights studded with bright stars.
Samphire Bay was an enchanting place, whatever the season or time of year, proving to be a haven for those who lived there.
And nobody believed that more than Tara, who walked barefoot along its sandy coastline.
She breathed the sea air in deeply, filling her lungs with its salty freshness.
All was calm, both outside and personally within.
She’d come full circle. From being the harassed, single mother, full time doctor and wronged wife, she was now a happy, loved mum, part-time doctor and partner to a caring, supportive man.
Jack was compassionate, showered her in compliments, praised her, made her feel good about herself.
The last few weeks had taught Tara a lot.
Mostly how much her son was changing. The mood swings were few and far between now, thank goodness.
She was watching him grow, amazed at the rate puberty had kicked in.
He was almost as tall as her now, and his body was nowhere near the thin and lanky streak it had been.
Calum was filling out, developing a physique and his voice had broken, making him talk deeper.
Tara loved every inch of her boy who was maturing into a lovely young man.
She was so, so proud of him. His brain as well as his body was ageing.
Calum knew his own mind and wasn’t influenced by anyone – something she and Richard had soon learnt.
But she was glad. It meant their son couldn’t be manipulated by his father.
After all, it was Calum who had put a stop to his ridiculous attempt to take him away from her.
He was also proving to be intelligent, gaining high exam results.
Tara had been delighted when he announced he wanted to study medicine.
Since then, Calum had remained focused, already shortlisting the universities he wanted to go to.
Lancaster was at the top of that list, so it seemed he too had fallen under Samphire Bay’s spell.
As Tara slowly meandered up the beach, she caught sight of The Cove, Jack’s fabulous home.
She smiled to herself, remembering the first time she’d seen it whilst out jogging.
How much had changed since then. Their relationship was getting stronger by the day.
It was important to her that Calum had also gelled well with Jack.
The two shared a lively banter and they all rubbed along nicely together.
Calum had even worked for Jack and Robin from time to time in the holidays.
His strong build enabled him to shovel sand, mix cement and carry bricks.
Jack had been keen for Tara to blend in with his family too.
After hosting a very elaborate dinner party for them all, Tara had been truly welcomed into the fold.
Austin, in particular, had made a fuss, eternally grateful for her practically saving his life.
Jack’s mum couldn’t do enough for her either.
She clearly approved of the relationship and had high hopes for the future.
Even Natalie, Jack’s sister, treated her with an easy familiarity, often making each other laugh as the two shared the same sense of humour.
Then there was Richard. Tara gazed out to the still, slate-blue horizon and contemplated further.
He’d changed too. Perhaps inevitable, given the fact he was now a dad again.
And an older one at that. His daughter had made an early entrance into the world, being born prematurely at seven and a half months.
Anastasia Aria (really?) had been the constant sole attention of her adoring parents.
Calum fully expected to be roped in for babysitting duties given time, but didn’t mind.
Having a baby half-sister meant the pressure was off him, and she really was a sweet tiny tot.
Making her way up the shoreline, Tara turned into the cove that nestled Jack’s house.
The kitchen light was on, showing Jack busy preparing their evening meal.
She marvelled again at his ease, overseeing pots and pans on the oven range, adding and tasting ingredients.
As if sensing being watched, he suddenly turned and saw her through the window.
He smiled and gave a wave. She waved back and made her way up the wooden steps inside.
‘Hey, you,’ he said, moving to kiss her.
‘Hi. Something smells good.’ She breathed in the delicious aroma coming from the oven.
‘Creamy lemon king prawn linguine, with samphire, roasted tomatoes, spinach and capers,’ he proclaimed with pride.
He’d made a real effort, but then again, he always did.
Jack loved having someone to cook for, and Tara was extremely appreciative of it.
‘Pour us a glass of wine, will you?’ he asked, checking a pan on the stove.
Tara went to the shelf for the wine glasses, where another framed photo stood, next to the one of Jack with his dad and sister outside The Cove.
It was of them, holding their Godchildren, Barny and Jemima.
Robin had taken it on their christening and wedding day.
Tara couldn’t help but smile at it. They looked good together, grinning up at the camera, cheeks touching. Who knows, maybe one day…
‘Cheers.’ She passed him his drink.
‘Cheers,’ he saluted. Their eyes met. For a moment they stood staring at each other.
He could lose himself in those mesmerising green orbs in a flawless porcelain complexion.
She was beauty personified, both inside and out.
He was intoxicated. At least now she was beginning to recognise how special she was, well, certainly to him.
Tara had developed a self-assurance and confidence he hadn’t seen before.
He hoped he’d contributed towards it. Both their lives had reached an equilibrium since meeting.
He was content. For the first time in his life, Jack was happy to just be, no longer chasing the next thing, whether it be a work project or soulmate. He’d finally found it.
‘What are you thinking?’ Tara asked, taking a sip of wine.
‘How wonderful you are,’ he replied with a sexy smile. ‘Come on, dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Let’s go on to the balcony.’
They made their way out and stood overlooking the bay. Dusk was setting in and the last of the hot-pink sun was gradually disappearing, casting violet streaks across the sky.
‘It’s amazing, isn’t it?’ said Tara in wonder.
‘It is,’ agreed Jack, then turned to face her.
‘Samphire Bay is an amazing place. It’s a place of second chances and happy ever afters.
I told you, didn’t I, that everything would work out?
Nobody’s allowed to be sad in Samphire Bay.
It’s against the law,’ he told her, the corners of his mouth twitching.
‘Yes,’ she replied, wrapping her arms around him, ‘a place of happy ever afters.’ She held tight against his warm, solid body and blissfully closed her eyes.