Page 26 of Autumn at the Cornish Garden Café

But when he met her eyes again, she was smiling, and she placed a hand on his chest right over his heart.

She blinked, her lashes framing her beautiful amber eyes. ‘That was really something.’

‘The dancing?’ he asked, his voice gruff with longing.

‘And what almost happened then…’ She let out a small nervous laugh, then she licked her lips. ‘Are you thirsty?’

‘I could use a drink.’

‘Shall we go and get one?’

‘Good plan. I’ll grab our jackets because we’ll feel the cold now.’

When he joined her again, he helped her into her jacket then she took his hand again. They walked back along the beach and up to the refreshments stand, holding hands as if they did this every day.

And right then, it felt natural to Henry. As if his hand should always have been holding hers.

16

ROSA

Across the beach, the fire pits flickered, their red-orange glow painting dancing shadows on the sand, the logs crackling and sending showers of copper sparks into the night sky. Stars, like diamond dust scattered across a never-ending indigo canvas, twinkled above. The moon cast its silvery light on the dark, undulating sea, creating a shimmering pathway to the distant, hazy horizon. The salty tang of the sea air mingled with the wood smoke — a warm, comforting scent.

Most of the villagers had gone home now or made their way to one of the village pubs, but Rosa and Henry remained, sitting on a log that smelt of seaweed and smoke, while opposite them Christopher sat in a camping chair that Henry had found for him with Bobby at his feet. Vinnie was reclining on a picnic blanket on the sand. They all nursed cups of mulled cider and were relaxed and sated after a supper of fish and chips smothered in salt and vinegar that they’d eaten from the paper. It had been a wonderful day and Rosa had enjoyed herself; now she was sleepy and contented.

‘I have had the best time,’ Christopher said. ‘I’m very grateful to you three for involving me in your day.’ His voice wobbled and Rosa sat forwards.

‘Christopher, there’s no need to thank us. We’re friends and friends involve one another in things.’

‘It’s been some time since I’ve been involved in anything. It’s my fault, I know. After I lost Dolly, I shut myself away. I couldn’t bear to think that life could go on without her. I felt guilty for living, if that makes sense. Guilty that I was still here when she was gone. How could I get up every day, wash, eat and drink, walk in the fresh air when my beautiful girl was in the ground?’

‘Oh Christopher…’ Rosa shook her head. ‘It must be so hard.’

‘It is terrible and yet … I know she would want me to keep going. I always said to her that after I was gone from this world, she was to keep living and to make the most of every day. She was to enjoy herself for as long as she could because I couldn’t bear to know that she wasn’t happy.’ He rubbed his chest. ‘I wanted her to live. I always wanted to go first because I told her the thought of living without her was too awful to bear.’

‘That’s understandable,’ Henry said. ‘When you find the one, you don’t want to be without them.’ He glanced at Rosa and her breath caught in her throat.

‘Exactly that.’ Christopher gave a small nod. ‘Being without Dolly is painful. I miss her so much it’s a physical pain. But I can also hear her telling me I’d better not waste a day of life being sad because time waits for no one and I’ll be joining her soon enough.’ He reached down and patted Bobby’s head and the dog peered up at him, love and devotion in his dark eyes. ‘After I lost her … I shut myself away and lay in bed, wanting to give up, but then this little chap came and licked my face, my hands, my feet, and I knew I had to get up for his sake. I couldn’t lie there while he was hungry, thirsty, or in need of a visit to the garden. And so I got up, and I went about my day. I was like a zombie…’ He sighed. ‘But I did it. Then I did the same the next day and the day after that and soon a week had passed. I got through the next two weeks and the funeral and then six months had gone by. Now it’s been two years, and that seems incredible. How have my arms not held my Dolly for two whole years?’

They all fell silent as they contemplated Christopher’s question. His loneliness was palpable and Rosa wished she could help him heal his heart, but she also knew that while she could be there for him, she could never bring his Dolly back.

‘I decided when that thought hit me that it was time to clear the house,’ Christopher continued. ‘I went to the bookshop and met Rosa and now … I can hardly believe it, but I have three new friends. It’s almost like Dolly sent you to me so I could enjoy my final days.’

‘What do you mean final days?’ Vinnie’s voice rose, and he placed a hand on Christopher’s knee.

‘Just a figure of speech, lad.’ Christopher smiled. ‘I meant it as in … I know I don’t have long left but now I have friends who have encouraged me to attend the harvest festival and to eat, drink and be merry. And I have had a blast. Honestly … It means the world to me. You’ve been so kind looking out for me today and recently and I feel happy. It’s been a long time since I could say that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’ He placed a hand over his heart, and Rosa’s eyes stung. She felt like she would start sobbing at any moment, so when Henry reached over and took her hand, she flashed him a grateful smile.

‘It’s a pleasure, Christopher,’ Henry said. ‘We’re grateful for your friendship too.’

‘What do I have to offer?’

‘More than you know,’ Rosa said. ‘You’re kind, funny and we love listening to your stories about your life and what Porthpenny was like in years gone by.’

‘It’s fascinating.’ Henry nodded. ‘Plus, Rosa and I are relatively new to the village and so we’re delighted to have made friends with you, too. It works both ways.’

‘Anyone for another drink?’ Vinnie asked, then he stifled a yawn.

‘I think I should probably head home soon,’ Christopher said as he finished his cider. ‘I’m rather tired and I think Bobby is too.’

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