‘She’s one tough old bird is Ellen Kellow. Don’t you worry.’

He liked how Bella tried to soothe her friend’s anguish.

‘You want me to drive you to the hospital?’ He displayed the keys in his palm, knowing he would do anything for this girl who so loved her family.

She shook her head. ‘Mum said it wouldn’t do for us all to crowd the place when the nurses and whatnot are trying to do their job. I’m going to stay here.’

‘I got to go,’ Bella sighed. ‘Who knows how much longer Luuk will be here before he gets the call and has to take off. Let me know how Granny Kellow is.’

Ruby nodded. ‘’Course.’

‘Are you going to miss him?’ Jarvis teased.

Her response, however, was anything but jovial. Bella hopped off the wall and stared at him with tears in her eyes. Then, putting her hand flat over her heart and with a voice shot through with emotion, she said, ‘More than I can possibly say, Jarv.’ Then she turned and walked briskly up the road.

‘Reckon she’s got it bad,’ Ruby observed, as she, too, jumped down on to the cobbles.

‘It happens. And often when you least expect it. Do you know what I mean?’ He held her gaze as his heart thudded.

‘’Appen I do know what you mean.’ The corners of her mouth lifted in a half-smile. Her question when it came was quiet. ‘Will you . . . will you stay here with me today, Jarv? I don’t want to be on my own.’

‘’Course I will.’ He reached for her hand, which fitted nicely inside his own.

‘We can go shopping another day.’

‘We can that.’

As they stepped over the threshold of Kellow Cottages, he smiled at her; this loud-mouthed beauty stood out to him like something brightly painted in a world of sepia. It was in that moment he realised that he had been holding a candle for a memory, not a person. Merrin was an idea, but her sister . . . she was the real deal. It was true, there were many things he missed when he was on the water, but mainly, he now saw with clarity, what he missed was Ruby Mae.

CHAPTER TWELVE MERRIN

CHAPTER TWELVE

MERRIN

‘Oh, hey Mum, I’m glad you’ve called.’ Merrin tried to keep the bubble of excitement from her voice, knowing it would only invite a barrage of questions that she would be unable to answer to her mother’s satisfaction – if, that was, she confessed to one measly kiss received only an hour or so since.

Ooh! So, do you like him?

I don’t really know yet . . .

Are you seeing him again?

I don’t know, it’s early days . . .

When can we meet him?

Not any time soon, Mum . . .