Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
One week later
V erity straightened Sam’s tie before they left for the bay. Today was the fiftieth anniversary of Joe Wilson’s tragic death, a loss that had rocked Puffin Island both in the past and the present.
It was early evening and as a mark of respect for Joe all businesses had closed their doors so that every resident could attend the vigil.
‘How are you feeling?’ asked Verity, slipping her hand into Sam’s as they walked down Lighthouse Lane.
‘It’s been a hell of a week but for good reasons.’
Verity smiled. ‘I have to say it’s been one of the best weeks of my life.’
‘I suspect the next one will be even better. You’ll be starting your new job and moving into your flat.’
‘I can’t wait.’
Verity’s interview with Cooper had been successful and two days later the postman had wandered up the cliff top path and headed straight for her van.
‘Miss Verity Callaway?’
‘That’s me,’ she’d replied, taking the envelope from his hand and immediately noticing Cooper’s logo stamped on the front. After ripping open the envelope she’d quickly scanned the words and taken off towards Cliff Top Cottage without shoes on, waving the letter in the air.
Pete had opened the door to a very excited Verity.
‘I got the job! I actually got the job! I can’t quite believe it!’
But Cooper had offered her a lot more than the position of veterinary assistant. He’d asked her to be the Practice Manager as well, because instead of a part-time surgery he wanted the practice to be open full-time.
‘Congratulations!’
Verity had hugged Pete then turned and begun to run from the cottage. ‘I need to tell Sam!’
‘Put some shoes on first!’ Pete had shouted after her.
‘And you and Pete are friends now. I’m happy about that.’ Verity squeezed his hand.
‘I am, too. It did us good to all sit in the same room and talk through everything – Pete, Betty and I.’
‘Have you forgiven Pete for falling in love with my granny?’
‘You can’t help who you fall in love with.’ Sam gave Verity a heart-warming smile and lightly nudged her shoulder with his.
‘I like the fact that you both met with the company that’s designing the barriers.’ Verity was delighted to see Sam and Pete working together. All animosity had lifted.
‘A genius suggestion by yourself.’
‘I wouldn’t go as far as genius, more like common sense.’ She grinned.
When they reached the bottom of Lighthouse Lane, Verity could not believe her eyes. She stood still and looked all around. ‘Wow! I wasn’t expecting that.’
‘It’s an amazing sight, isn’t it?’ Hundreds of fishing boats were lined up as a mark of respect, and dotted all around the bay were firepits, and fairy lights hanging between poles hammered into the sand.
Parked at the side of the bay was a fish and chip van. Sam pointed. ‘On this night, every islander eats fish and chips from the van as a mark of respect, because my grandfather was the best fisherman of his era around these parts.’
All of the islanders were gathered at the bay, and as Sam walked onto the sand all heads turned towards him. He didn’t let go of Verity’s hand as they made their way towards the front of the crowd. Betty walked over to meet them and enveloped Sam in a hug, and, as soon as she let go, Pete stepped forward and shook Sam’s hand. Verity swallowed the lump in her throat. Even though she’d never known Joe, it was heart-warming that all the islanders would come together to remember him in this way. She slipped in next to Pete as Sam stood in front of the crowd and Cooper passed him the microphone.
‘Thank you all for coming to pay your respects to my grandfather, Joe Wilson. He was a huge part of this community and on the fiftieth anniversary of his death we have come together once more.’ Sam glanced at the photograph of Joe on the nearby easel. ‘I really wish I’d got to meet him…’ He swallowed then paused to compose himself. ‘There are people standing amongst us today who knew my grandfather and they only ever have good things to say about him. It’s no secret that Pete was my grandfather’s best friend, and I’m pleased to say that, thanks to Verity’s arrival on the island, the rift between myself and Pete has started to heal. I hope that one day we too will become the best of friends.’
Pete nodded his agreement and Betty placed her hands on her heart. Verity knew she must have hoped for years that they would bury the hatchet, but had thought this day would never come.
‘As usual, we have the fish and chip van waiting to feed you all, and Cora and Dan have set up a drinks tent, so please help yourself. But before you grab your refreshments, I’d like to tell you a story…’
Verity knew that Sam and Pete had agreed that the truth of the night Joe died should be shared. Sam explained the tragic chain of events. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when the islanders realised that Joe had jumped into the sea thinking he was saving his best friend. Pete joined Sam at the front of the crowd as the story concluded, and together they unveiled a brand-new plaque that had been engraved and mounted on the harbour wall, honouring Joe and his sacrifice. Just before Sam was about to wrap up his speech, he glanced at Betty. Verity saw her disappear from the crowd and wondered what she was up to.
‘I’ve got one more thing to share with you all.’ Betty had reappeared, holding two guitars.
‘As we all know, my grandfather was in a band called The Men from Puffin Island. Eric, John, Joe and Pete became quite famous in their day, but the opportunity to take the world by storm was tragically taken from them when my grandfather passed. I know that the band never played together in public after that fateful night, but I’m hoping that on this very special day of remembrance I can persuade the remaining members to join me, right here, right now, to perform in my grandfather’s honour.’
All the islanders began to clap and cheer as John suddenly appeared with a keyboard and Sam and Pete took their guitars from Betty.
‘Sam didn’t even tell me about this. Did you know?’ Verity asked Betty as she rejoined her.
Betty smiled. ‘I caught them rehearsing.’
Sam turned to Pete and John. ‘I’d love to become an honorary member of your band for one night only and I can’t think of a better time to perform with you guys.’
The crowd was encouraging, the sound of cheers and clapping growing louder until Pete held up his hand and instantly everyone fell silent. Cooper placed three microphone stands on the sand and they took their positions.
‘This song is dedicated to Joe and a wonderful woman who brought sunshine to our lives and this island, back in the summer of 1972… It’s called “Puffin Compares to You”.’
Verity’s body erupted in goosebumps as they began to play the song that Pete had written for her granny. The whole community was clapping along as Betty took hold of Verity’s hands and began to dance with her, Clemmie and Amelia quickly following suit.
* * *
It was over an hour later that the band finished playing and were given a standing ovation.
Tears in her eyes, Verity looked all around her. There were people in fishing boats waving torches in the air, others drinking and eating fish and chips, or sitting on deckchairs enjoying the music. There were even islanders paddling at the water’s edge. This was what community was all about. Verity was moved that she had been accepted so readily by everyone. Her new life on Puffin Island had begun in the best possible way.
As soon as Sam finished playing, he put down his guitar, ran towards Verity, swept her off her feet and spun her round. She giggled. ‘You were amazing! You were all amazing!’
He kissed her and she realised everyone was watching as they began to clap. He pulled her in for a hug. ‘The postcard from Puffin Island brought you here and I’ll always be grateful,’ he whispered.
Pete handed Sam a beer. ‘You play and sing well. With a talent like that you could go far.’
Sam shook Pete’s hand. ‘I enjoyed every second of playing with you. I hope it won’t be the last time.’ The smile on his face said it all.
‘I’ve got a feeling it won’t be.’ Pete winked.
‘Would you both excuse me for a minute whilst I say thank you to a few people?’ said Sam.
Standing next to Pete and Betty, Verity realised that this was the happiest she’d felt in a long time. Everything had slotted into place for her.
‘I want to thank you,’ said Pete, looking at Verity. ‘For finding the postcard and coming into our lives. It’s because of you the whole truth has come out and we can all finally start to move on. You know, when Betty told me you were Hetty’s granddaughter I immediately thought there was a possibility you could be my granddaughter.’
‘The thought crossed my mind, too,’ admitted Verity.
‘There’s a part of me that wishes you were.’
Verity took hold of Pete’s hand. ‘We may not be biologically related, but if I could adopt you as my grandfather that would make me very happy.’
Immediately the tears welled up in Pete’s eyes. ‘That’s the nicest thing anyone has asked me for a long time. It would be my absolute honour.’ He hugged Verity tightly.
‘You daft pair of buggers,’ cut in Betty, teasing, but her eyes were filled with happy tears.
Sam was suddenly back at Verity’s side. ‘What have I missed?’
‘Nothing,’ replied Verity, slipping her hand into his. ‘All of you are very lucky to have each other.’
‘And we’re lucky you came into our lives. Do you fancy some fish and chips?’
‘I do!’
As they walked towards the fish and chip van, Sam smiled at Verity.
‘Why are you smiling at me like that?’
‘I was just thinking what an incredible woman you are.’
‘I can’t argue with that!’ She grinned, leaning in and kissing him on his cheek.
They stood for a moment and gazed at all the islanders gathered on the beach.
‘I used to wonder what life was all about, but it’s this community right here in the bay. No matter which way the tide turns, true friends are never apart. Can life get any better than this?’
‘Oh yes,’ replied Sam with a glint in his eye. ‘I promise you that it can.’