The Secret Seaside Escape: The most heart-warming, feel-good romance of 2020, from the Sunday Times bestseller!
Page 32
He turned to Sophie and kissed her softly on the lips.
‘Does this mean that you two are together?’ Hope asked, wide-eyed.
Sophie looked at her and nodded and I could tell she was close to tears.
‘Yes, my love,’ Dad said to Hope as he kissed Sophie again. ‘We are and I’m going to be spending a lot more time here in Wynmouth.’
‘That’s wonderful,’ said Hope breathlessly.
She sounded absolutely thrilled and I wanted to match her excitement, but . . .
‘But it’s way too far to commute,’ I pointed out, ‘even if you only make the journey three days a week it will be too much.’
If he thought shuttling backwards and forwards was going to be an option then it wouldn’t be long before he was running himself even further into the ground and I was certain that was the last thing any of us wanted to happen. It sounded to me as though he had made great strides mentally when it came to thinking through his work-life balance, but that wasn’t going to transfer into reality if he spent all his time in the car.
‘I’m not,’ he shrugged.
‘Not what?’
‘Going to commute,’ he said, ‘that’s what I had written in your letter, Tess, but then I asked you not to open it because I decided it would be better to tell you in person.’
‘Tell me what exactly?’ I asked, my voice catching in my throat.
Dad grinned and I couldn’t recall a time I’d ever seen him look so happy.
‘This isn’t quite where or how I had planned to tell you,’ he said, looking about him.
‘Just tell me,’ I urged.
‘I’m selling the business,’ he said. ‘I’m selling up and relocating permanently to Wynmouth. And what’s more, Tess,’ he laughed, seeing the look on my face, ‘I think you should do the same.’
Chapter 28
By the August bank holiday weekend, just eight weeks later, my life had changed beyond all recognition, and I wasn’t the only person now living in Wynmouth who could say as much. We had been planning another beach party to celebrate the changes, but the good old British summer weather had other ideas and the event had been relocated to the Smuggler’s, not that anyone really minded.
Later, there would be musical entertainment from Harry and Delilah and storytelling from George – in much the same manner as there had been on the last bank holiday I had helped to organize – but the place was packed early today as everyone had turned out to see Charlie off on his travels. The Home Farm harvest was well on its way to being gathered, with friends drafted in to help with the rest and it was time for the eldest Upton brother to finally make the mark he wanted on the wider world.
‘So, tell me again,’ I said above the din, ‘where are you starting from?’
‘London,’ Charlie grinned, checking the straps on his gargantuan backpack for the umpteenth time.
‘She knows that,’ said Joe, rolling his eyes. ‘She means after that bit, you fool.’
‘All right,’ Charlie conceded, ‘Paris then. I’ll be staying in Paris for a couple of days and then spending the next three months travelling around Europe in a sort of clockwise direction before arriving back here for Christmas.’
‘And you’re going to be keeping us all updated via the blog?’
‘As long as I can get a signal,’ nodded Charlie, ‘then yes. I’m going to keep it as up-to-date as I can.’
There had been a lot in the news and on social media recently about the loneliness farmers in rural communities were facing and Charlie had joined a group called ‘The Farmer Wants a Life’. The group was made up of a dozen or so farmers up and down the country who were tackling the problem in unique ways and encouraging others to do the same by sharing their experiences via an online community. There had even been rumours about a possible TV series and Dad and I had been hard pushed not to step in and offer Charlie some advice. Old habits, as it turned out, died hard.
‘Taxi’s here!’ someone shouted from the door and we all spilled on to the road to wave our wanderer off.
‘You okay?’ Hope asked Joe, coming to stand next to where Sam and I stood with him and slipping her hand into his.
Joe nodded and cleared his throat as his brother gave one last wave before slamming the car door shut.
‘Yeah,’ he said, trying to sound more in control than he probably felt. ‘I’m okay, just a bit overwhelmed by the thought of being solely responsible for Bruce, that’s all.’
‘Don’t you worry about that,’ said Hope stoically. ‘I’ll have him to heel in no time.’
Hope had now moved permanently to Home Farm and I knew the pair were looking forward to having the place to themselves, aside from Bruce of course. The mad mutt hadn’t completely switched allegiance from me to Hope, but I was happy to leave her in charge.
‘I don’t doubt it,’ Joe laughed, kissing her on the lips. ‘You’ve already worked wonders.’
Hope was loving life on the farm and had wasted no time at all in helping convince Charlie that Joe’s potential diversification project ideas were all good ones. Joe was keen to carry on the environmental work his father had started and he had also offered Hope the use of the currently empty stable block which she could convert for her business if she wanted to.
I knew she was extremely excited about the idea, but didn’t want to rush too far ahead. Her re-kindled relationship with Joe was still getting off the ground and she didn’t want to put it under any pressure.
‘Did we miss him?’ said a breathless voice behind us.
It was Sophie and Dad. They were both clearly out of puff and I didn’t want to consider why. The look on Hope’s face told me she was thinking the same thing.
‘Just gone,’ said Sam. ‘You two look a bit flushed, did you jog here?’
Sophie looked embarrassed but the smile on Dad’s face was reminder enough that the pair were extremely happy together. Dad was currently living at Sophie’s now Hope had moved out and was thoroughly loving life by the sea. He’d even been spotted waiting tables in the café, which was something I would have to witness with my own eyes before I believed it.
‘I’ve had a call from the estate agent,’ he said to me, opting not to answer Sam’s question. ‘It’s good news.’
Both my apartment and the family home were up for sale and attracting a fair amount of attention. Joan and her husband were looking after both properties and Dad was insisting that the house was sold with them in situ. I wasn’t sure if that was going to be possible, but I knew he would still do right by them should they have to leave.
I had been negotiating the apartment sale myself, but as I couldn’t always get a phone signal, I had instructed the agent to talk to Dad as well.
‘They’ve had a full asking price offer on your place, Tess, and the house has had one come in at ten thousand under.’
‘That’s fantastic,’ I gasped, ‘and so fast. Are you going to haggle over the house?’
‘No,’ said Dad, ‘because the woman who wants to buy it also wants Joan and Jim. I didn’t think we’d get lucky on that front, so I’ve cut my losses and accepted already.’
‘That’s great news,’ said Sam, putting his arm around my waist. ‘So Wynmouth has gained not one, not two, but three Tylers this summer.’
Sam and Joe’s expressions had been even more memorable than I had expected them to be the day Hope and I told them we were sisters. In fact, they had looked so hilarious, I rather regretted not having my phone to hand to record the moment.
‘It certainly has,’ I said, kissing his stubbly cheek, ‘and now we can push ahead with our plan too.’
Sam had agreed to let me buy Crow’s Nest Cottage and although I still hadn’t decided what I was going to do about work, I did have the cosiest abode in the village to live in as I made up my mind. The sale of my car was going to free up enough funds to live on for a while and, because my life in Wynmouth was far less expensive than in Essex, downsizing felt like no hardship at all.
‘Let’s get back in,’ said Joe, ‘it’s starting to rain again.’
It was already dark in the pub and I helped Hope light some candles while Sam went back to serving behind the bar. If it stayed overcast, we might even consider lighting the fire later.
‘So, how are things with you and Sam?’ Hope quietly asked me.
‘So good,’ I told her, trying not to sound smug or let thoughts of our cosy nights in make me blush too much.
‘He’s like a new man,’ my sister grinned, which made me colour up anyway.
‘I’m not sure if that’s down to me or his bionic new leg, to be honest,’ I told her.
Hope rolled her eyes.
‘You, of course!’ she laughed. ‘Although it’s so good to see he’s not in pain anymore.’
It certainly was. There was a new light in Sam’s beautiful green eyes and he spent a whole lot more of his time smiling now. In the end, Joe had decided to also tell Charlie that Sam hadn’t been responsible for the crash and I knew it was a weight off both of their minds. Sam had been hailed a hero by the eldest Upton brother and although unwilling to accept the moniker, he really was a changed man.
I left Hope lighting the last of the candles with Joe and stepped behind the bar myself. I had been helping out a bit and had fallen in love with my change of lifestyle every bit as much as I had fallen for the man who had given me my first kiss.
When I had planned my secret escape to the Wynmouth seaside, I’d had no idea that I wouldn’t be leaving again, or that Dad would be joining me, but I was delighted with how everything had turned out.
‘All right?’ Sam asked, walking to the end of the bar and pulling me into the shadows.
I wrapped my arms around his waist and laid my head against his broad chest.
‘Perfectly all right,’ I said, breathing in the comforting combined scent of him and his aftershave.
Being held by him felt like coming home and I relaxed into his embrace before looking up so he could kiss me on the lips. Every time we touched it felt every bit as stirring as it had that first time behind the beach huts all those years ago.
‘Everything is very perfect indeed,’ I sighed contentedly. ‘I always knew it would be if I made my way back to Wynmouth.’
Acknowledgements
It’s not the first time that I’ve written this (and I’m certain it won’t be the last), but there are many, many people to thank for helping this book along its journey from conception to completion.
Regular readers may recall that, when my sixth book, Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square was published in 2018, I admitted that it was the scariest release by far because I was taking you away from beloved Wynbridge and setting you down in a brand-new setting. My wonderful team told me not to worry, and they were right because you embraced the changes and fell in love with the Grow-Well gang (as they were called in Poppy’s Recipe for Life). This time around, I’ve got all of my fingers and toes crossed that you will feel the same way about the wonderful village of Wynmouth and the folk who live there. I’m even hoping that we might head back there again at some point in the future.
Just like Tess, my love for one particular seaside place on the Norfolk coast was the result of a memorable childhood trip and when I started writing, I knew that one day there would be a character waiting to journey back to see if the present lived up to her past. I hope I have done her story justice.
Fittingly then, my first round of hugs and thanks is reserved for my wonderful readers who buy, borrow and love the books, along with the loyal band of bloggers who unfailingly respond to the call to champion my work. I’m eternally grateful to my merry #swainette crew! I’m including libraries and the hard-working staff and volunteers who run them here too. During the last year, my books have been borrowed thousands of times and I’ve had some truly memorable events talking in libraries, both in Norfolk and further afield, so thank you all.
My ideas wouldn’t make the leap from laptop to bookshelves, e-readers and audio if it wasn’t for the skill of my publishing team so, as always, huge and heartfelt thanks to Rebecca Farrell, Harriett Collins, Amy Fulwood, Pip Watkins, SJ Virtue and the entire Books and the City team.
Thanks, and much love to my agent and dear friend Amanda Preston, who has gone above and beyond this year, and what a memorable few months we’ve had so far! It’s only spring and already there’s been gin, cake and many, many laughs. Long may it continue!
Hugs are also reserved for my family and the cat – whether they submit to them or not – and my wonderful author chums, Jenni Keer, Clare Marchant and Rosie Hendry, I don’t know what I’d do without you all!
Thanks also to the support of the RNA in this its 60th anniversary year. The romance author tribe is large, loveable, supportive and kind and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.
Wishing you all a fabulous start to the new decade and may your bookshelves – be they virtual or real – always be filled with fabulous fiction.
H x
More from the Author
The Winter Garden
The Christmas Wish List
Poppy's Recipe for Life
Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter…
Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square
Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas…
About the Author
Heidi Swain lives in Norfolk with her family and a mischievous black cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside and collects vintage paraphernalia. The Secret Seaside Escape is her tenth novel. You can follow Heidi on Twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her website: heidiswain.co.uk
Also by Heidi Swain
The Cherry Tree Café
Summer at Skylark Farm
Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market
Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage
Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair
Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square
Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland
Poppy’s Recipe for Life
The Christmas Wish List
Don’t miss Heidi Swain’s brand new Christmas novel . . .
Freya Fuller is living her childhood dream, working as a live-in gardener on a beautiful Suffolk estate. But when the owner dies suddenly, Freya finds herself forced out of her job and her home with nowhere to go. However, with luck on her side, she’s soon moving to Nightingale Square and helping to create a beautiful winter garden that will be open to the public in time for Christmas.
There’s a warm welcome from all in Nightingale Square, except from local artist Finn. No matter how hard the pair try, they just can’t get along, and working together to bring the winter garden to life quickly becomes a struggle for them both.
Will Freya and Finn be able to put their differences aside in time for Christmas? Or will the arrival of a face from Freya’s past send them all spiralling?
COMING OCTOBER 2020.
AVAILABLE NOW TO PRE-ORDER.
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First published in Great Britain by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd, 2020
Copyright © Heidi-Jo Swain, 2020
The right of Heidi-Jo Swain to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
Simon & Schuster UK Ltd
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A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4711-8570-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-4711-8571-7
Audio ISBN: 978-1-4711-9151-0
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Typeset in the UK by M Rules
Printed and bound by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon, CR0 4YY
Contents
Praise
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
The Winter Garden Ad
Books and the City Ad;
Acknowledgements
Copyright