Page 43 of Last Dance, Second Chance

Nathan helped her out of the car. “I’ll get the canoe off the roof,” he said. “There’s a buoyancy aid for you in the boat. It’s the red one.”

“If I’m definitely not going to fall in, then why do I need a buoyancy aid?”

“For safety, and so that I can get photos of you wearing one.”

Muttering darkly to herself, Jessica put on the buoyancy aid. It smelled mildewy. How did she let herself get talked into these things?

Nathan joined her and put on his own blue version.

“I hate you right now,” said Jessica.

“Come on, let’s get this boat in the water,” he said, ignoring her.

Nathan pulled the canoe over to the canal and gently eased it into the water before getting in himself. “Can you pass me that rucksack?” he asked, indicating a bag he’d left on the path.

Jessica handed it to him.

“OK, now, give me your hand, and I’ll help you in.”

Jessica very gingerly accepted his help and climbed into the canoe, managing to stifle a scream when the boat wobbled rather alarmingly as she did so.

She collapsed onto one of the benches and glared at Nathan.

“See, completely safe,” he said, looking a little guilty.

“I’m not having a good time so far,” Jessica said through gritted teeth.

“You will be soon,” Nathan reassured her, handing her a wooden paddle.

“You expect me to paddle as well!” Jessica said incredulously.

“It’ll be good exercise for your arm muscles.”

“Fine,” grumped Jessica, taking hold of the paddle.

It didn’t take long for Jessica’s bad mood to dissipate. Nathan was right; now that she was in it, the canoe was very stable. It was a glorious sunny day, the light hitting the water was beautiful, and the trees alongside the canal afforded them much-needed shade. The ducks and swans passing by provided some entertainment, as did the people travelling along the towpath. And it was nice to be outside doing something vaguely physical which didn’t involve using crutches.

Jessica smiled and turned her face to catch the sun. “I knew you’d enjoy it,” she heard Nathan comment quietly.

They paddled for about an hour with Nathan at the back of the canoe steering, pointing out things to one another. It was so peaceful and relaxing and they were going at such a lazy pace that Jessica didn’t think her arms were getting much of a workout, though she’d probably have blisters on her hands from holding the paddle.

“Shall we stop for lunch?” asked Nathan. “There’s a good point where we can moor up just ahead.”

“That sounds good.” Jessica’s busy morning meant she was very hungry.

Nathan directed them to a spot with an easy exit point.

“Are you all right getting out of the canoe for lunch? We can stay in it if you’d rather but there’s a nice spot for a picnic on the grass over there.”

“I’ll be brave.”

Nathan stepped out first and tied the canoe up on a mooring, and then helped Jessica out and retrieved her crutches from the bottom of the canoe as well as his rucksack. “It’s just over there.” He pointed to a grassy area underneath a large oak tree.

They walked over and Nathan unpacked the rucksack to reveal a picnic rug and several containers of food. “Are you OK sitting on the ground?” he asked. “Otherwise, I think there’s a bench we can move to a little further along the towpath.”

“I’ll be fine if you can just give me a hand getting down.”

Once she was settled on the rug, Nathan began unpacking Tupperware. He’d brought cheese, salami and olives, as well as a rice salad, hummus and falafels — basically all Jessica’s favourite picnic food. There was also a large tub of strawberries.

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