Page 29 of The Beach Cottage
He grunted. “Oh, yeah. That’s right. But it wasn’t the same thing.”
“No, that’s true. I have to be on my feet all day long now, serving customers. It’s taking me a bit of getting used to. I’m definitely feeling fitter and stronger after the renovations and now the café, but I’m also exhausted all the time. I’ve been falling asleep in my armchair at nine o’clock every night.” She laughed. “Just like Pa.”
Her father quirked an eyebrow. “Hey now, don’t bring me into it.”
“Never mind, Dad. You’re fit as a fiddle. Only you like a good sleep in your armchair—there’s no denying it.”
“True enough,” he admitted. “Although it’s the gardening that takes it out of me. That and my spearfishing.”
“Did I tell you I went fishing with Betsy Norton yesterday?”
His eyes narrowed. “No, you didn’t mention it. I wasn’t aware the two of you knew each other.”
“She gave me a music box Mum dropped years ago. Said you told her to hang on to it to give to me, since I’d appreciate it more. Does that ring a bell?”
He sighed. “Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.”
“Mum loved that thing and carried it in her pocket. She used to pull it out and stare at it going around and around. The music drove the rest of us batty.”
Dad laughed. “Yes, it did. I’m glad Betsy kept it all this time. I didn’t want it—too many memories. And besides, I’d probably have lost it long ago.”
“It was very kind of her. We had fun together.”
“That’s good.” Dad fell silent, his brow furrowed. Bea wondered how he felt about her getting to know Betsy and what his relationship was with the florist. But she didn’t want to pry. If he cared to tell her, he would.
The kids were busily talking to each other in the back seat as Bea parked in front of Dad’s house, updating one another on their semester, their results and how hard their assignments had been. Comparing notes.
“I can’t believe you’re back in first year,” Harry said. “Just like me. I’m going to graduate at the same time as you.”
Dani rolled her eyes. “I’m far more experienced than you, though, since I’ve already done two years of study.”
“It doesn’t matter. You’ll be graduating in four years, just like me.”
“You still have ages to go if you study medicine.”
Harry shrugged as he climbed out of the car. “That’s true. But we’ll graduate undergrad together.”
“Maybe we can wear matching robes,” Dani said.
He laughed. “I think they make you wear specific ones depending on what you study.”
“You’re no fun,” Dani quipped.
They walked into the house without their luggage. They’d be staying at the cottage, but Bea thought they might like to eat dinner with their grandfather in the big house on the point before heading down.
Bradford was there, waiting for them in the kitchen. He was slicing tomatoes when they walked in. He hugged both the kids and then carried a bowl of fresh salsa with a plate of corn chips out to the back deck.
“Let’s sit outside,” he said. “It’s such a beautiful evening.”
When they were all seated, Bea dipped a chip in the salsa and ate. The fresh taste of cilantro, tomatoes and onions filled her mouth and delighted her taste buds. “I can’t believe you made fresh salsa. What has happened to you, brother?”
He sat opposite her with a bottle of beer. “I’m domesticated these days.”
“You’ll make someone a fine husband one day.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “I think I blew my chance at that.”
“I’m sure you’ll get another shot.” Dani filled a plate with chips and salsa. “This is amazing, Uncle Brad.”
