Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
A fter enjoying a quick and refreshing lunch of salad, grilled chicken and warm flatbread, Dilly felt a surge of excitement as she got into her car, eager to drive across to Sea’s End and pick up the keys from the solicitor. She rubbed her stomach. ‘It’s me and you for ever,’ she said. As she drove, she let her mind wander, imagining the lighthouse in all its seasonal glory.
In summer, just like it was now, the lighthouse would be bathed in golden sunlight, the salty sea breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers and the sound of puffins mooing from the cliffs. The warm evenings would be perfect for watching the sunset from the top of the tower, the sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink, the ocean shimmering like molten gold below. She could see herself hosting friends for drinks, thinking there was so much fun to be had high up, mingling with the distant cries of seagulls. Autumn would bring a different kind of beauty, with the surrounding landscape decked in rich tones of red, orange and yellow. She envisioned taking long walks along the beach, collecting seashells and driftwood, then returning to the lighthouse to curl up with a good book after she bathed and rocked her baby to sleep, as the shorter days faded into chilly, star-filled nights. In winter, the lighthouse would transform into a cosy refuge from the stormy seas and biting winds. She imagined the waves crashing dramatically against the rocks outside as inside she would light a fire, wrap up in a thick blanket and hear the rain lashing all around. Springtime would see the cliffs bursting into bloom with kidney vetch, clusters of small yellow flowers sitting on top of woolly cushions, along with thrift, the pink sea clover that carpeted the cliffs every year. The air would be filled with the scent of rain and blooming flowers. She imagined opening the windows to let in the fresh air, the sound of birds returning from their winter migrations, the cliffs once again filled with a puffinry of puffins.
Dilly couldn’t wait to experience it all and now she would have the bonus of enjoying it with her own little human by her side. Her heart swelled with happiness at that very thought. As she pulled up outside the solicitor’s office, she was filled with excitement, and it wasn’t long before she was driving back over the causeway, a huge smile lighting up her face. She’d done it, she’d gone and bought a lighthouse. This wasn’t just a property, it was the first true home she had bought entirely on her own. Regardless of how successful her artwork might become, the Puffin Island Lighthouse would always be her home. It was a symbol of her new beginning and she couldn’t wait to get inside.
As she drove slowly along Lighthouse Lane, the narrow road lined with quaint cottages, bespoke shops and a stream that ran at the side of the cobbles, Dilly spotted Clemmie and Amelia standing at the gate of the tearoom. She pulled up alongside them and lowered her window, shaking the set of keys triumphantly. ‘Keys to the lighthouse!’ she announced, unable to contain her excitement.
Amelia and Clemmie rushed over, their faces lighting up with joy. ‘Congratulations!’ Amelia exclaimed, clapping her hands. ‘I’m so happy for you! We can’t wait for the housewarming party! We were just wondering whether Pierre would get an invite!’
Before Dilly could respond, Clemmie dashed back into the tearoom, returning moments later with an oversized cake box. She handed it through the car window, grinning from ear to ear. ‘What’s in here?’ Dilly asked, lifting the lid with curiosity.
‘A homemade Victoria sponge cake with a twist,’ Clemmie revealed proudly. ‘It’s topped with the freshest strawberries I could find, made just for you during my break. You’re going to have plenty of visitors at that lighthouse in the coming days, and what better way to welcome them than with a delicious slice of cake?’
‘And…’ Amelia chimed in, holding up a bottle bag with a playful smile, ‘I know we might have overdone it with the Prosecco at art class, but you’ll need something bubbly to toast your new home. A little celebration is definitely in order!’
Dilly reached out and took the bag. ‘This is the reason you’re my favourite friends. Thank you both. Why don’t you all come around for dinner once I get the place cleaned up and some furniture to sit on?’ Dilly suggested.
Amelia’s eyes sparkled. ‘We thought you were never going to ask! Just let us know when, and we’ll definitely be there!’ She pointed towards The Story Shop. ‘I need to get back to work, but huge congratulations, Dilly!’
As soon as Amelia disappeared inside the shop, Clemmie turned back towards Dilly. ‘So, how did it go with Dr Sandford?’
‘He was wonderful. He’s arranged a scan for me tomorrow, so I’ll finally find out when she’s due.’
Clemmie’s eyes twinkled with amusement. ‘You still think it’s a girl? Are you going by yourself tomorrow?’
Dilly hesitated, then nodded. ‘I don’t have much choice. But I’m planning on telling Dad tomorrow night after I’ve had the scan. He’s coming around for dinner. I know it sounds daft, but I want to make sure everything is okay before I tell him.’
Clemmie reached out and squeezed her arm. ‘If you want company for the scan, I can come with you.’
‘Would you? I didn’t really want to go alone.’
Clemmie grinned warmly. ‘Did you think Auntie Clemmie would miss seeing the first glimpse of the baby? Just text me the details, and I’ll pick you up. You don’t have to worry about a thing.’
‘Thank you,’ Dilly replied. The thought of having Clemmie by her side at the scan made her less anxious. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’
Dilly drove down to Blue Water Bay and as she caught sight of the lighthouse a sense of pride and joy washed over her. As soon as she parked, she couldn’t control the smile on her face as she glanced at the large, jangling bunch of keys in her hand. She climbed out of the car, and walked around the side of the lighthouse towards the front door.
‘Woah! Where did you spring up from?’ To her utter surprise, standing on the doorstep was Max, decked out in the shortest shorts she had ever seen, paired with a frilly apron reminiscent of that worn by Betty in the tearoom. In one hand, he brandished a feather duster with a flourish and by his feet was a bright orange bucket filled with cleaning equipment. Dilly couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows, her gaze trailing from the bright pink feather duster to his pinny to his legs. ‘Nice pinny,’ she said, smirking as she took in the absurd sight. ‘But what exactly are you doing here?’
Max grinned, striking a dramatic pose as if modelling for a 1980s cleaning advert. ‘Your dad sent me over. For the next hour or two, I’m at your complete disposal, madam. Chief cobweb sweeper and spider catcher, reporting for duty!’ He gave a mock salute with the feather duster, his expression full of mischief.
Dilly burst into laughter. ‘Well, you certainly look the part,’ she teased, still chuckling. The sight of Max in his ridiculous outfit, combined with his drop-dead gorgeous looks, made her heart leap. He leaned in and kissed her. She didn’t stop him even though she knew she should.
‘What have you got there?’ Max asked, eyeing the cake box with an exaggeratedly curious look.
Dilly rolled her eyes playfully. ‘Cake,’ she stated, as if pointing out the obvious.
‘And what sort of cake might that be?’ Max pressed.
‘Victoria sponge with added strawberries,’ Dilly replied.
Max’s eyes lit up. ‘My favourite!’ he declared.
‘My guess is anything in this box would be your favourite,’ she joked. ‘We can’t let the worker go hungry though, now can we?’ He reached out eagerly, and Dilly handed him the cake box with a grin. As she turned to unlock the front door, she felt a flutter of excitement. She slid the key into the lock, looked up at the towering lighthouse and took a deep breath. ‘This is it, home sweet home for us,’ she murmured, turning the key and pushing the door open.
‘Us?’ Max quipped with a gleam in his eye. ‘I think it’s a bit early in the day to ask me to move in. It’s been what, twenty-four hours? I know you’re a fast mover, I mean you dragged me into that bedroom and kept me at your beck and call all night, but still…’ He grinned mischievously.
‘Any complaints?’ Dilly asked, steering the conversation in a different direction, flustered by her slip-up. She couldn’t be talking to the baby in front of Max when he still didn’t know about it!
He put the cake box down on a nearby table then pulled her towards him. ‘None whatsoever.’ He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. ‘Is it a proposal next?’ He shot her a playful grin, clearly enjoying himself.
Dilly burst into laughter. ‘Shut up!’ she exclaimed, shaking her head.
‘There’s only one way to shut me up.’ He had that playful look in his eye as he lowered his lips to her. ‘Welcome to your new home,’ he said, kissing her briefly before pulling away slowly, leaving Dilly wanting more. ‘I think you need to stop distracting the worker.’ He bent down to the bucket and pulled out a pair of bright yellow Marigolds.
‘They suit you!’ she said, watching as Max put them on. ‘Come on, let’s explore and see where we should start with the cleaning.’
‘The bedroom?’ he suggested.
Grabbing the feather duster, Dilly playfully swatted him. ‘You’re impossible!’
Max picked her up and spun her around in the middle of the room before she chased him up the spiral staircase, their laughter echoing through the lighthouse.
* * *
The next couple of hours were filled with chatter and the satisfying sound of scrubbing as Dilly and Max worked their way from the top of the lighthouse down to the third level. Max, ever the gentleman, carried bucket after bucket of soapy water up and down the narrow staircase, while Dilly diligently cleaned away years of dust and grime.
‘It didn’t actually look that dirty when we came to view it, did it?’ she asked, taking a breather and opening the window.
‘Just think of the number of dirty shoes that would have traipsed through on viewing day.’
‘There were over eight hundred people according to the local newspaper.’
The pile of dirty rags and dusters grew steadily. When they reached the kitchen, Dilly’s eyes landed on an old-fashioned radio tucked away on a dusty shelf. ‘Look at this. It looks prehistoric! Do you think it still works?’ She took a cloth, wiped it clean then plugged it in and fiddled with the dials. The radio crackled to life as she extended the aerial and music played. ‘Wow! It actually works!’
‘Let’s dance!’ exclaimed Max, taking hold of both her hands.
‘Don’t be ridiculous!’
‘I’m not,’ he replied, not taking no for an answer and leading her into the middle of the room. He glanced back over his shoulder at her and the way he was looking at her made a burst of adrenalin electrify her heart. The spark between them was like no other Dilly had felt, except all those years ago when she was in Max’s company.
‘I don’t think I’ve danced with a man wearing yellow Marigolds before.’ Her eyes quickly ran up and down his body. He was the kind of guy who would turn heads wherever he went, with a good sense of fashion – though admittedly not right now. He was the whole package, and although Dilly had told herself she never wanted another man after Giles, she couldn’t deny that she wanted Max. But that wasn’t surprising. It had always been Max for Dilly.
There was a sparkle in his eyes as he flashed her a gorgeous smile. ‘And I don’t think I’ve ever danced with a woman as beautiful as you.’
Sheer pleasure ran through Dilly’s body. It had been a long time since she’d danced with anyone. Her pulse was racing and she thought she would either combust or melt in his arms. They moved around in circles, every inch of her tingling with desire and the intensity growing between them as he looked deep into her eyes. Max drew her in closer, and she marvelled at how safe she felt with his arms wrapped around her, a feeling she knew she could easily get used to. As the song came to an end, they stayed in each other’s arms and Dilly briefly closed her eyes as Max slowly tilted her face towards his.
She couldn’t stop her eyes from filling with tears.
‘Hey, what’s up?’ he asked softly, his thumb caressing her cheek.
‘I’m just happy,’ she replied.
‘Me too.’ He kissed her softly. ‘I can’t believe we’re here… together. It feels like I’ve known you for ever.’
‘You have… Well, for a long time anyway.’
Max slowly dropped her hands. Then, as if on cue, Queen’s ‘I Want to Break Free’ blasted from the radio. With a mischievous grin, Max grabbed the feather duster and began mimicking Freddie Mercury’s iconic moves from the music video, pretending to clean with exaggerated flair. Dilly doubled over with laughter at the sight of Max hamming it up in his yellow Marigolds.
‘This is how it’s meant to be,’ Max declared, pausing mid-dance. ‘Full of fun and laughter.’ He looked at Dilly, his eyes warm and relaxed, and she couldn’t help but smile back. She felt the same – happy and at ease, except for the secret she was still keeping from him.
‘It’s so easy being with you,’ he added, sincerity in his voice. ‘I can goof around and joke and just be myself.’
Dilly grinned. ‘You can, and with all that dancing, I think it’s time for cake. But I’ve got no tea or milk.’
‘I’ll nip back to the boat house and grab some provisions and a couple of plates and cutlery.’ He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose before heading toward the door.
‘You’d better bring a kettle, too!’ she called after him, laughing as he waved and disappeared down the spiral staircase. ‘And take those gloves off!’
Through the window she watched him walk up the jetty and across the sandy shore towards the boat house. The gentle breeze ruffled his hair and Dilly smiled, a smile she couldn’t suppress even if she tried. Watching the man she had loved from afar for so long, she knew she wanted him to be a constant in her life.
For the very first time, Dilly found herself questioning her decision to keep the baby. It was a choice she had made confidently, certain that it was the right path for her, regardless of the lies she’d have to tell to keep the father’s identity under wraps. But now, feeling the love she felt for Max, she wasn’t sure whether she was prepared to lose him. It made her wonder about the possibilities she hadn’t considered, and that was something she never could have anticipated.