Epilogue
Beth hadn't minded winter in Welby. In fact, she decided she loved it almost as much as the summer. The waves crashed in with far more force, the seagulls cried out their complaints against the wind that swirled around them and the little town was almost empty of tourists. But she still loved to walk across the beach, the sand swirling at her feet as she gazed out to a stormy sea, Jake’s hand in hers.
Over the last few weeks, summer had begun to make a cautious appearance, the sun peeping out from behind the clouds and the sea turning a dazzling blue. Beth stood by the door, taking a deep breath, relishing the salty air and the smell of the sea.
‘Ready?’ asked Lavinia, appearing in the doorway holding a plastic bag. ‘I've made some sandwiches and some cookies. And there’s a thermos of tea and some lemonade. Do you think that will be enough? Shall I add some cake as well? Maybe I should have bought some…’
‘It's enough,’ said Jake with a grin, taking the bag. ‘We’re only driving to the airport.’
‘I know but you've got such a long journey ahead of you and who knows when you’ll next be able to get a decent egg sandwich. Perhaps I should have put some cheese and pickles in there as well. Shall I…'
‘Lavinia, darling girl. Stop fussing. They have food in airports you know. And on planes.’ Taking her hand in his own, Sam lifted it to his mouth to drop a kiss on her fingers. ‘They’ll be absolutely fine without any cheese and pickles.’
‘Well, if you're sure,’ said Lavinia doubtfully. ‘I can always get some…’
‘Thank you,’ said Beth, throwing her arms around the ample frame and kissing a soft cheek. ‘Thank you for the food and for everything else and for worrying about me. But Sam's right, we have everything we need.’
She glanced at Jake standing by her side, waiting patiently for the goodbyes to finish. She certainly had everything she needed, right here.
He smiled, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer to him.
‘And we need to leave now, Lavinia, or we’ll miss the plane.’
A flurry of goodbyes followed, kisses all around and a few tears from Lavinia as Jake put their cases in the back of the car.
‘You’ll have an amazing time,’ said Sam, his eyes twinkling as he kissed Beth one final time. ‘And don't forget the postcards.’
‘Absolutely not!’
It was Beth's intention to send one from every location they visited, starting with the small island in the Seychelles where they were going to stay for a few days and look for fairy terns and giant tortoises, before diving in the crystal-clear waters to see the manta rays and dolphins.
Walking around the car, she paused before climbing in, looking out to the marina where the boats bobbed and swayed and then further out to the horizon where she could see the occasional white-capped wave begin its journey into the curved bay.
She took in a last breath of Welby air. ‘I’ll be back soon,’ she whispered, ‘I’ll always come back,’ and she slipped into the front seat, leaning over to press a kiss on Jake’s lips.
‘Ready to go?’ he asked softly.
‘Ready to go,’ she agreed happily and they waved goodbye one last time and drove off to begin their very own adventure, following in Aunt Lizzie’s footsteps.
The End