Page 73 of The Boathouse By the Loch

‘If you’re still worried about what Robyn’s mum will think of her future son-in-law, please don’t be. She’ll see that her daughter has a lovely home with you at the boathouse, and that you love her very, very much. I think that’s the most important thing.’

‘What’s the most important thing?’ asked Robyn.

David turned in his seat as Robyn walked into the kitchen. She looked from Gayle to David. ‘Did I miss something?’

No more secrets, thought David. Although he rather wanted the puppy to be a surprise, and the bike. ‘We were talking about how you’re not feeling settled in the boathouse. Sorry, I didn’t mean to talk about you when you weren’t here.’

‘Really? You were rather keen to head on down to the kitchen without me.’

Gayle said, ‘I think David wanted my advice.’

Robyn took a seat at the table as Olive darted over to say good morning. ‘Hello, you. I’ve missed having you around.’

David exchanged a smile with Gayle, both thinking the same thing. Robyn would love a dog.

She looked up. ‘So, what do you advise, Gayle?’

‘I think you should have a party.’

‘A party?’

‘Yes, at the boathouse.’

David added, ‘A combined housewarming and engagement party. What do you think?’ he asked nervously. She’d enjoyed organising Gayle’s party, but that had been at Lark Lodge. Would she feel the same way about hosting a party at the boathouse? To his relief, her face lit up.

Robyn said, ‘Can we invite everyone?’

‘You can have whoever you like.’ He exchanged a glance with Gayle who nodded.

Robyn caught the exchange. ‘What are you two up to?’

Chapter 25

‘Don’t you think it’s time to get in touch with your mum?’ Gayle asked.

‘My mum?’

David nodded, glad that Gayle had brought it up before they left Lark Lodge that morning. He turned to Robyn. ‘I know you’ve been meaning to write her a letter, tell her about your new life, and that you’re not returning to college.’

Gayle added, ‘Rather than tell her all about your new life, your business, and your new friends, why notshowher?’

‘Show her?’

David smiled at Gayle. ‘Yes. We were thinking you could invite her to the party. She could come and stay at the boathouse with us and … you know, get to know me, and meet all your new friends.’

Gayle said, ‘What do you think? It’s a great idea – isn’t it?’

‘But what will I say in my letter?’

‘Send her a party invitation, and tell her you’ve got the biggest surprise.’

David nodded enthusiastically. ‘I know this is a big thing for you, telling your mum you’ve dropped out of college, but you’ve got a fantastic life here, with a good job, and great friends.’ Davidavoided the touchy subject of Robyn’s memory loss, and whether she’d even recognise her mum. If she didn’t, that would be another big thing she’d have to tell her mum on top of everything else.

Gayle said, ‘She’ll be so happy for you, just you wait and see. Especially when she meets your wonderful fiancé.’

‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that,’ David remarked.

‘Well, I would,’ said Gayle.

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