A Fresh Start In Holly Blue Bay

by Cathy Blossom

  Daisy was aware of Jacob coming to Malcolm’s other side, but she didn’t look that way. As she stroked Malcolm’s back, she could almost feel the dog’s pain. Poor thing. Her tears fell onto Malcolm’s back, but Daisy couldn’t stop crying. She was sure Malcolm wouldn’t mind too much about her tears on his fur.

  Jacob’s hand reached out and brushed softly against her wet cheeks. “Hey,” he said, “don’t cry. Malcolm will be fine soon.”

  Daisy gave him a watery smile. “I know, but you have to let the sadness out now and again. It helps.”

  Jacob said gruffly, “I’m not sure about that. I’m not one for publicly displaying my emotions.” He pressed his lips together and looked down at Malcolm. “Don’t let Malcolm and me stop you from getting on with your day. I’m sure you’ve got plenty to keep you busy. You could follow Mel on his post round. You’ll easily find him, he won’t have gone far yet.”

  Some impulse made Daisy stand up and move over to Jacob’s side. Without saying a word, she put her arms around his shoulders and held him tight. She half expected him to shrug her off. But he didn’t, so Daisy continued to hug him silently. And she didn’t say a word when she saw a few tears plop onto Malcolm’s back. They weren’t her tears this time.

  After a good ten minutes, Jacob patted her arm and said quietly, “Thanks for that. You can let go now. I don’t want people getting funny ideas about us.”

  Daisy whispered in his ear, “Would it be so bad if they did?”

  Jacob slowly turned his head and gazed into her eyes. His voice was thick with emotion as he replied, “I don’t suppose it would.”

  Time seemed to stand still for Daisy as she looked into Jacob’s kind eyes. She still had her arms around his shoulders and she wasn’t going to release him any time soon.

  But Malcolm had other ideas. He suddenly leapt to his paws, spun around and threw himself at the couple, knocking them both backwards. Daisy laughed as the dog began to lick her face happily. She heard Jacob shouting at him and trying to pull him away.

  Daisy put her arms around Malcolm’s neck and pulled him close. She said to him, “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

  Malcolm gave her a sloppy lick on her nose to confirm he was indeed feeling better. Jacob finally managed to pull him away before helping Daisy to her feet.

  Jacob shook his head as he smiled at her. “I’m so sorry about that. He’s not usually that enthusiastic after visiting Dad. You’re having a positive effect on him.” His smile increased. “And you’re having a positive effect on me too. Do you still want to spend time with this mad beast? And I mean Malcolm, not me.”

  “Of course.” Daisy noticed a movement at the other end of the grass path. A man in a black shirt and black trousers was heading their way. She indicated her head in that direction. “Who’s that?”

  Jacob looked over his shoulder. “It’s the reverend of the parish. He’s one of those annoying people who always look on the bright side of life. He never has a bad word to say about anyone, not even the thieves who habitually steal the lead off the church roof.”

  “I like the sound of him already.” Daisy smiled as the reverend approached them with a wide smile.

  “Good morning to you all!” he announced cheerfully. “Isn’t this a wonderful day? A truly wonderful day.” He beamed at Daisy. “You must be the miracle worker who’s going to transform our town. Were you brought here on the wings of angels?” His eyes sparkled with a vibrant joy which Daisy had never seen in a person before. He continued, “Or was it a Ford Fiesta which brought you here?”

  “It was the car,” Daisy replied, “but I do like the sound of travelling by angel wings. I’m Daisy Clarke.” She held her hand out and then quickly withdrew it. “I would shake your hand, but Malcolm has been licking it.”

  The reverend laughed heartily. “Yes, I saw that. Here, let me give you something to solve that problem.” He reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out a small packet of wet wipes. He handed them to Daisy. “You might need some for your beautiful face too. Malcolm was quite generous with his kisses, wasn’t he?” His eyes crinkled up as he looked down at Malcolm. “You never kiss me like that, Malcolm. I’ll try not to be offended.”

  Daisy quickly wiped her hands and face. She shoved the used tissues in her pocket and then held the packet out to the reverend.

  He shook his head. “Keep them, I have plenty.” He patted his pocket. “Years of dealing with my parishioners has taught me to carry supplies of tissues, both dry and wet, everywhere I go. I never know when someone is going to give me an impromptu confession, followed by a flood of tears.” He held his hand out. “I’m Enoch Pendleton. I’m very pleased to meet you, Daisy Clarke.”

  Daisy took his warm hand in hers. “Oh, I saw your family name on those headstones at the front. And the ones in the middle. And some over there.”

  Reverend Pendleton laughed as he released Daisy’s hand. “We Pendletons are everywhere! You can’t get rid of us, even though many have tried.”

  “Oh?” Daisy replied. “I hope no one has tried to get rid of you.”

  Reverend Pendleton let out a heavy sigh. “If I leave here, it will be because of the dwindling numbers of church-goers. I’ve got my regulars, of course, but they’re all getting on and Death is knocking quietly on their doors. It’s the younger generation, you see, they don’t want to come here and listen to me waffling on. But what can I do about it other than pray?”

  Daisy broke into a smile. “I could help. I did a lot of research on this town before I came here. Your church has got a colourful history. With your permission, I’d like to put that information online. I’ve also got some ideas about how to get people to the church. I can’t guarantee my ideas will work, but they have worked in other parishes according to some people I used to work with.”

  The reverend shook his head in disbelief. “You are an angel, an absolute angel. You must tell me everything. Would you like a grand tour of the church, the hall and its grounds? It won’t take long. Then we can have tea and sandwiches.” He began to laugh. “I’ve got some hair-raising tales to tell you about our parishioners from the past, and I’ll even show you where the bodies are buried.” His laugh increased and he waved his hand left and right. “Where the bodies are buried! It won’t take us long to find those!” His laugh intensified and he held onto his stomach.

  Malcolm began to bark loudly, and he wagged his tail furiously as if joining in with the laughter. Daisy started laughing too, and when she looked Jacob’s way, she saw he was smiling and shaking his head at the same time.

  Jacob said, “I’ll leave you lot to your giggles. Reverend, I’ll get on with the roof. There are a few missing tiles at the top.”

  Reverend Pendleton clutched his stomach tighter. “A few missing tiles! Daisy, is he talking about us?” His laugh bubbled out of him like an uncontrollable river.

  Tears were streaming down Daisy’s face as she got caught in the reverend’s chortles and chuckles.

  Jacob shook his head at them and announced, “I’m leaving. All this laughing is getting on my nerves. I’ll be on the roof if you need me.”

  Daisy’s laughter halted. Was he really mad at their laughter? Her fears vanished as Jacob gave her a conspiratorial smile, winked at her and then walked away.

  Reverend Pendleton got control of himself and wiped his happy tears away. He said to Daisy, “I don’t know what you’ve done to him, but I’ve never seen Jacob looking so happy. You really are a miracle worker.”

  Daisy watched Jacob as he walked away. It was Jacob who was working a miracle on her — and her heart.

  Chapter 10

  JACOB

  IT WAS AN HOUR LATER when Jacob collected Daisy and Malcolm from the reverend’s cosy kitchen. They were deep in talk and surrounded by an abundance of cake.

  Reverend Pendleton beamed at Jacob and waved his hand at the cakes. “Look at all these, Jacob. My parishioners are too kind. They’re always baking something delicious for me. You
must take some cakes with you. I can’t possibly eat them all.” His eyes twinkled. “Daisy has generously offered to take two cakes away for herself.”

  Daisy cast a smile at Jacob. “Yes, I’ve been very generous indeed. I’m going to take that lemon drizzle one, and that massive chocolate one at the end of the table. Thank you again, Reverend Pendleton.”

  The reverend turned his smile to Daisy. “Don’t eat them all at once. Remember what I told you about Gertie McClean!” He started laughing. Jacob didn’t know anyone who laughed as much as the reverend. How could he find so many things funny? It wasn’t normal.

  Daisy joined in with the laughter. Jacob smiled. Daisy’s laugh was beautiful. He could listen to her all day.

  Reverend Pendleton stood up and approached him. “How much damage was there this time?”

  “Quite a bit, but I’ve patched it up.” Jacob scratched his chin. “You know what I’m going to say, don’t you?”

  “That I need a new roof? Yes, I know. I keep praying for the funds to do so, but they haven’t shown up yet.” There was a flash of something in the man’s eyes. It looked almost like worry. First Liza at the hotel, and now the reverend. People were trying to hide their financial problems from him.

  Reverend Pendleton asked, “How much do I owe you this time?”

  “Nothing. I had some spare tiles in my van. And you’ve been dog-sitting for the last hour, so that covers my labour costs.”

  Reverend Pendleton placed a hand on Jacob’s arm, smiled and said, “You are a good man, Jacob Smythe. Just like your father, and his father before him. I don’t know how this town would survive without you.”

  Jacob shrugged. “You’d manage. Is there anything else that needs looking at?”

  “Not today, thank you.” Reverend Pendleton’s smile wasn’t quite as big this time. “Would you do me a favour and take those cakes with you? I know you haven’t got a sweet tooth, but there are plenty of people in town who do. I’m afraid my appetite hasn’t been quite so robust lately. I don’t want to waste those delicious cakes, not when so much love and thought has gone into them.”

  Jacob gave the reverend a long look before saying, “Enoch, is everything ok?”

  “Everything is fine! It couldn’t be better.” He turned to Daisy. “I can’t tell you what a pleasure it’s been to meet you, Daisy. We must put some of your plans for the church into action as soon as possible. We must pack the old building to the rafters!”

  Daisy stood up. “I’ll do my best. Thanks for all the information you’ve given me. I can’t wait to put it on my site. I just know people are going to love all those stories.” She gave him a big smile. “And if we do pack the church full of people who reach the rafters, we should give them a couple of tiles so they can fix any holes in the roof while they’re there.”

  Reverend Pendleton threw his head back and let out a burst of laughter. “Yes! They could! I love that idea. I’ll start telling people to bring their hammers to church! Ha!” He moved over to Daisy and gave her a fond look. “We are blessed to have you here in Holly Blue Bay.”

  Daisy’s bottom lip wobbled. “I’m the one who’s been blessed.”

  Jacob sighed. “Come on, you two can count your blessings another time. Daisy, are you ready to go now? I’ve got some leaking pipes to see to at the ice cream parlour.”

  After an unnecessary amount of smiling and thank yous, Daisy and Reverend Pendleton managed to part ways and Daisy followed Jacob back to the van. It took a while before they could set off because both of them were laden with tins containing cakes which were placed carefully in the back of the van.

  As they finally drove away from the church, Jacob complained, “People should spend less money on making cakes and more money on maintaining the church.”

  “People always need cake. It cheers them up,” Daisy argued. “It cheers me up anyway.” She stroked Malcolm’s head at her side. The dog was almost sitting on her knee. Daisy said, “Do you think Reverend Pendleton is worried about the church? He smiles a lot, but I kept getting glimpses of worry on his face.”

  “I saw that too. I also saw it with Liza.” He heaved a heavy sigh. “I wish they’d tell me what was wrong. I’ve been friends with them for years. I can help them, I know I can.”

  “People like to solve problems on their own,” Daisy said. “My dad is like that. He never asks anyone for help. He’ll keep going until he works out a solution on his own no matter how long it takes. I was the same for a while. I thought I could solve any problem by working harder. It didn’t do my health any good to work such long hours. I had to take a lot of time off work last year due to illness.” She stared out of the window.

  Jacob didn’t like the idea of Daisy being ill. “Daisy, you’ve taken a lot on by coming here. And going by your plans, you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you. You shouldn’t do so much. You must make your health a priority.”

  Daisy looked his way. “But I’m excited about the work I’m going to do. And everyone I’ve spoken to has offered to help me. Unlike my dad, I’m going to accept every offer of help.”

  Jacob smiled at the excited light in her eyes. “You’ve got my help too, you know that.”

  “You might regret that when you hear my plans for the church! My first event involves dancing in the church hall.”

  Jacob let out a groan. “Dancing? You’ve gone too far, Daisy Clarke.” He couldn’t help but smile at the grin on her face.

  “That’s just the beginning,” Daisy informed him. “Let me tell you what else I’m thinking of.”

  Jacob listened intently to Daisy’s plans as they headed back to town. Her enthusiasm was catching, and he found himself agreeing to help with many of her projects. He even relented to her dancing event and assured her he would have the first dance with her. He didn’t tell her how much he was looking forward to that. Not the dancing part, but the holding Daisy in his arms part.

  Daisy stayed by his side for the rest of the day and they made more plans for the town. Jacob put forth many of his ideas which made Daisy smile at him with delight.

  As well as making plans for the town, Jacob managed to get all his work done. Daisy helped him as much as she could, and handed him things from his toolbox. They were often the wrong tools, but he didn’t correct her. Jacob couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed plumbing work so much.

  As if that wasn’t enough, they distributed cake to many people during the day. Jacob made sure the people who’d made the cakes for the reverend didn’t know what they were doing. He explained to Daisy, “They’ll only get upset if they think the reverend has refused their wares. People are too sensitive around here.”

  “I like the people around here,” Daisy had answered. She’d looked at him a fraction too long as she added, “Some more than others.”

  Jacob didn’t know what to make of that comment, so he pushed it from his mind.

  At the end of the working day, they headed for the beach and collapsed onto the nearest bench.

  “I am exhausted!” Daisy declared. “But that has been a productive day. Are you sure it’s okay to post photos of Malcolm online? I’ve taken loads of him today. He’s a natural. Did you see how he kept posing when I aimed my phone at him? It was like he knew I was going to take his photo. I swear he’s smiling in some of them.”

  Jacob shook his head at the dog who was now sleeping at Daisy’s feet. “He’s an attention-seeker. You go ahead and post those photos.” Jacob closed his eyes and turned his face towards the last of the sun’s rays. “I am tired out. Who knew people around here could talk so much? They never stopped nattering with you. They never talk that much to me. Not that I want them to.”

  Daisy gave him a friendly shoulder bump. “That’s because you’re a bad-tempered goat. Isn’t that what Roberta calls you? Speaking of Roberta, she’s sent me about a million text messages today. I wish she’d let me get on with my job. I know what I’m doing.”

  Jacob opened his eyes and looked at her. “Are y
ou going to text her back?”

  Daisy tapped away on her phone. “Nope. She can wait. I’m putting photos of Malcolm online. He’s more important than Roberta.”

  Jacob’s heart swelled with something he couldn’t identify. He reached out and placed his hand over Daisy’s hand. “You are one of a kind. I’m glad you came to this town. I really am.” He swallowed. He wasn’t one for showing emotion, but he felt he had to with Daisy. “I’ve had a wonderful day, the best I’ve had in years. And it’s all thanks to you.”

  She gave him a gentle smile. “Steady on, you’re displaying emotions and we’re out in public. Anyone could see you.”

  At that moment, Jacob couldn’t care less what anyone thought of him. He leaned closer to Daisy and said, “I hope they do see us. Let’s give them something to look at.” Before his bravery vanished, he pressed his lips against Daisy’s. When he moved his head back, her eyes were wide. With shock? Disgust?

  He started to mumble, “Sorry. I shouldn’t have...”

  Daisy put her phone down, cupped his face in her hands and said, “You definitely should have. Come here and kiss me again.”

  Jacob dutifully obliged. As he kissed Daisy, it felt like an army of holly blue butterflies had invaded his stomach and were having a merry old dance in there. It wasn’t a feeling Jacob was familiar with, but he loved every second of it.

  Chapter 11

  DAISY

  DAISY RESTED HER HEAD against Jacob’s shoulder and gazed out to sea. She said to him, “This is a perfect moment. One of those I’ll look back on when I’m a hundred years old. I’ll remember this day and how you kissed me.”

  Jacob replied, “You kissed me too.”

  Daisy laughed. “I couldn’t help myself.” She turned her attention away from the sea and looked at him. “I never expected to find someone like you when I came here. But from the moment I met you, something happened to me.” She pulled a face. “Well, not the exact moment I met you because I thought you were a stripogram, but soon after that. I kept trying to deny my feelings for you, but you won me over. You and Malcolm.” She looked down at the snoozing dog. “I can’t believe he’s still asleep. I feel like my whole world has been rocked since you kissed me. I was sure the earth shifted on its axis. Jacob, do you feel the same?”