56. Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Six
I t was an extraordinary morning: the sun warming the ground in misty clouds, the water of the lake turquoise, above it a rainbow of pink, purple, yellow and electric blue courtesy of the butterflies and dragonflies who danced through the air.
‘There’s a treat for you in the kitchen,’ I said, as a bleary-eyed Bertie walked in to the living room. I hugged my cup of coffee, as transfixed by the view outside as I had been every morning for the past month.
‘Wow, coco-pops! Thanks, Mum!’
‘It’s a special day today, so I thought you deserved a treat. How are you feeling about the concert?’
‘Good. Did you hear me practising last night?’
Funnily enough, it was hard to avoid the sound of a blasting cornet in a small log cabin. I pitied the poor woodland creatures whose peace had been shattered since Pat moved out and we moved in. ‘Yes, it’s sounding great.’
‘Did you know Michael’s a drummer? He’s going to play drums for the band today.’
‘No, I didn’t know, but that sounds wonderful.’
‘Is Dad still coming today?’
‘Yes, I think so.’ Bertie had settled quickly into the shared custody arrangements, enjoying his weekends in the city, but equally happy to come home to our oasis in the woods. My relationship with Rob remained cordial, checking in regularly about Bertie, but keeping some distance when it came to our personal lives.
It had been Bertie’s idea to invite Rob and Nicola to the fundraiser, and I was curious to see what they made of Lowen Farm. Six months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to imagine Rob here, but he had changed so much recently I suspected he wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb as he once might have.
‘Aren’t you having breakfast?’ asked Bertie.
‘I’m too nervous to eat.’
‘You always say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.’
‘All right then, I’ll have a piece of toast.’ My stomach was fizzing with nerves. It was important everything was perfect at the fundraiser, as securing the interest of potential investors was crucial to the future success of the lake project. Pat had funded a prototype treehouse, and it was very impressive. Inside, if it weren’t for the leaves fluttering against the large windows, you’d think you were in a comfortable cabin at ground level. It contained a double bed, sofa, rainwater sink and a wraparound balcony to make the most of the views.
Bertie had been begging to have a sleepover in the treehouse. I’d promised he could stay in it with his friends the following weekend. I couldn’t risk them doing any damage in there before the deep-pocketed investors had seen it.
I was buttering my toast when Seb knocked on the door. The past month had been torture. He’d kept to his word about taking things slowly, and other than a few stolen kisses, our relationship had stayed firmly within the bounds of friendship.
‘I’ve written out a to-do list,’ I said, as he walked in and poured himself a coffee. ‘Maggie, Stephan and Harry are coming down at ten to set up tables for the stalls. Are you OK to take care of the water sports?’
‘Yes, I’ll set out a dedicated swimming area using buoys, and Carly has agreed to play lifeguard for the day. She worked a brief stint at a leisure centre so has all the relevant qualifications. I’ll alternate the kayaking and team building sessions throughout the day, and anyone can take out the rowing boat so long as they sign a waiver agreeing to do so at their own risk.’
‘It sounds like you’ve got everything under control.’
‘I hope so. What else is on your to-do list?’
‘Harry’s friend Zoe is coming to set up her face-painting stall this morning. I’ve left Mel in sole charge of the entertainment. Maggie’s enlisted a couple of local teenagers to keep drinks topped up and make sure we don’t run out of cakes. They’re coming over at lunchtime so she can give them their instructions. I need to hang bunting, fairy lights, make sure copies of our business plan are strategically placed around, and give the cabin a tidy in case any investors want to come back here to discuss sensitive money matters.’
‘And Pat’s running a nature trail?’
‘Yes.’
‘And how about you, Bertie? What will you be doing today?’
‘Having fun,’ said Bertie, stuffing a spoonful of cereal into his mouth.
‘And playing his cornet in the band,’ I said.
‘I’m looking forward to hearing that.’
‘I’ve been practising,’ said Bertie.
‘Have you?’
‘I’m surprised you haven’t heard it,’ I said.
Seb winked at me.
‘Right, all the guests are arriving at two, so let’s get going!’
‘I’m having a shower,’ said Bertie.
‘OK, but don’t be long.’
‘And I need to borrow you for a moment,’ said Seb. Seeing my panic, he added, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll only take a couple of minutes and then you can get straight back to your to-do list.’
‘All right then,’ I said, casting one nervous glance at the long list over on the table.
Seb took my hand and, without another word, led me outside.
‘Where are we going?’
‘Shh.’ He put a finger against my lips, then lifted my hand and kissed it. With a gentle tug, he pulled me towards the lake.
I hadn’t been able to see it from my window, but now I noticed something standing up from the grass just above the shingle beach, covered in a sheet. I gave Seb a curious glance, but he simply grinned back at me.
When we reached the object, he stopped and turned to me. ‘Do you remember when we first started working together, Harry said we needed a better name than the lake project ?’
I clapped my hand against my forehead. ‘I totally forgot about that.’
‘Then it’s lucky I didn’t.’ Seb’s eyes flicked between me and what I now realised was a wooden sign. ‘I hope you like it… maybe you’ll think it’s not that imaginative… obviously we can change it if you hate it…’
‘Seb, show me,’ I said.
He stepped forward and pulled off the sheet. Beneath it, a rustic wooden sign had a border of beautifully painted leaves, butterflies, and dragonflies. In its centre, in green lettering, read An tyller lowen , and beneath it, in brackets, the happy place .
‘ An tyller lowen is Cornish for the happy place ,’ said Seb, rubbing his palms against his shorts.
‘Yes,’ I said with a laugh, ‘I’d got that.’
‘So, what do you think? Is it too much of a mouthful?’
‘It’s perfect.’ I ran my hands across the beautiful sign, tears of happiness filling my eyes. ‘I love the design, was it…’
‘The planning officer from the council, yes. His artistic talents have come in very handy lately.’
‘An tyller lowen,’ I said to myself, my fingers tracing the outline of a butterfly’s wing. ‘When did you do all this? When did you decide on the name?’
‘Your dad was the first one to give me the idea, un lugar feliz , a happy place, remember? Then, the day you came to see me after Bertie had run away confirmed it. I knew then that whatever happened between us, this would always be our happy place, and I also knew how important it was to share it with other people. The name came to me, so I asked a friend for the Cornish translation, contacted our pal at the planning office, and here we are.’
I stepped towards Seb, almost drowning in the love I felt for him at that moment. ‘Seb.’ My fingers reached out to touch his face, but I pulled them away as a shout reached us.
‘Cooee! We’re ready and reporting for duty.’
We turned to see Maggie, Stephan and Harry appearing from the trees.
Seb laughed, put an arm around my waist and whispered, ‘there’ll be time for us later, but for now, your minions await.’
I smiled up at him, then turned my attention to my friends. ‘Come into the cabin, the to-do list is in there.’