Chapter 23 #2
‘Pros…’ She counted them off on her fingers.
‘A new life. A proper fresh start. New friends, even though no one will ever replace Rose.’ Her voice softened.
‘And there’s the workshop. I can’t stop thinking about The Clock House.
It feels almost like fate. A special island known for its clock history, and then a converted barn suddenly becomes available the same week I show up out of nowhere?
It feels like the universe is giving me a nudge. ’
‘It does seem very … convenient,’ Theo said softly, ‘but some things are just meant to be.’
‘That’s the thing,’ Pippa went on. ‘Even though the rain hasn’t let up since the minute I got here, until now, I still like it.
I’ve barely explored the island properly, and yet something about it feels right.
That has to mean something. I feel like I’ve sacrificed everything I’ve wanted for other people. ’
‘Like not getting married under a clock tower?’ He smiled.
‘Exactly that.’
‘What’s not to like about this place?’ Theo gestured towards the glittering view. ‘And if you did move here and changed your mind, what’s the worst that happens? You simply go back to the place you’ve come from.’
She gave a small, humourless laugh. ‘No, I’ve definitely outgrown that place.
And there’s my work. I need to find my own workshop anyway, so why not this one?
Rob never wanted me to get my own workshop – that, apparently, was a waste of money.
All those lectures about how every penny needed to go towards the wedding …
which, as it turns out, was the biggest waste of all. ’
Theo’s brow creased. ‘Why would he stop you doing something that mattered to you?’
‘Because he didn’t get it,’ Pippa said simply.
‘He didn’t see the point. He always thought it was a hobby, and he often asked why I restore old clocks if I was never going to become a millionaire doing it.
He never understood it isn’t about money; it’s about doing what I love, and this is what I love. ’
‘Exactly that.’
‘I always imagined myself working in a proper workshop. A real space. An old bench, and tools hanging on the wall. Big windows so people could see the projects I was working on. My name above the door.’ She paused. ‘I still want that. That’s my dream.’
Theo nodded. ‘Then you should go for it. There’s nothing and no one stopping you now. Are you able to afford The Clock House?’
She nodded. ‘I have my mum’s life insurance money, and I can get a mortgage.’
‘So what about the cons?’
‘Cons…’ She looked out at the sea. ‘I’m not moving any closer to my dad, but honestly? He’s got a full life. He’s always walking with his mates, playing squash, or booking another holiday in the Algarve. He’s not exactly waiting by the phone.’
‘He sounds like he’s thriving,’ Theo said.
‘He is, and I want that for him. Then there’s Rose, my bestie. But she’s moving away soon, for her partner’s job, so we would be separated anyway.’
‘People who are meant to be in your life will stay in your life.’
Pippa nodded. ‘I want to feel like I’m starting something, not just escaping something. But starting again is … daunting.’
For a moment, they sat in silence, the puffins waddling below them, the sunlight warming their shoulders. She took a sideward glance at Theo. ‘I’m … excited about this place. It’s not something I’ve felt in a very long time.’
He met her gaze. ‘Then maybe that’s your answer.’
‘I need to have a chat with Dad, as I’d have to move fast if I’m going to go for The Clock House. It feels completely life-changing. Completely mad.’
‘Some of the best decisions are.’
‘The causeway will open soon and people will be lining up to view it. I need to make a decision quickly.’
He nodded. ‘That’s true. But you don’t have to decide alone.’
Another puffin waddled past below them, tripped over nothing, and face-planted directly into a patch of grass. Pippa laughed again. ‘I love this place already.’
Theo took her hand and gave it a squeeze. ‘I’m glad we’ve got to see each other again and spend this time together. I don’t think I ever believed in fate until you walked into that cottage. I have to admit, I was secretly chuffed.’
Pippa grinned. ‘I’ve always thought – hoped – that one day our paths would cross again, and we can thank St Swithin’s for making it happen.’
Theo pulled her in, his hand warm at the back of her neck, and was just about to kiss her when a burst of shouting shattered the moment. They froze, lips nearly touching, then spun round at the same time.
Sebastian was pounding on the door of Cliff Top Cottage, fist thudding so hard the frame shook.
‘Horace Vale!’ he bellowed. ‘Come out and speak to me!’
Another heavy thud. Then another.
‘I think he’s drunk,’ Pippa whispered, eyes widening. ‘He’s swaying. God, what time is it?’ She checked her watch. ‘Definitely too early to be that drunk.’ She spotted the curtains twitch, and Pete’s face appeared briefly at the window.
‘He can’t hide forever!’ Sebastian roared, hammering on the door again – and somehow louder this time, the action full of wild frustration.
Theo let out a low breath. ‘I agree, he’s definitely drunk. Should I go over?’
Before she could answer, the cottage door flew open.
Pete stood there, braced, shoulders squared. Even from the cliff path, they could hear the sharp exchange, Sebastian slurring angrily, Pete firing back with clipped, controlled firmness.
Sebastian made one last furious gesture, then staggered away, muttering to himself. Pete stayed on the doorstep, watching him leave, making absolutely sure he didn’t turn back.
As soon as Sebastian disappeared around the bend of the path, Pippa nudged Theo and their gazes returned to the cottage. Horace appeared cautiously in the doorway, peering out and scanning the cliff path, checking the coast was clear, then vanished back inside.
Pete gave the view one final, wary, sweeping gaze before closing the door with a decisive click.
‘Sebastian definitely thinks Horace is guilty of something to do with Andrew Wetherby’s arrest,’ said Pippa ‘There’s definitely more to this story.’,
‘I’m going to talk to my grandfather again, because if Andrew Wetherby was truly innocent—’
‘All hell will break loose!’ cut in Pippa.