The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay_A heartwarming laugh out loud romantic comedy

by Nicola May

  Josh was visibly shaking. ‘If she was a bloke, I kid you not, I would have decked her.’ He looked at Rosa. ‘How did you know she wasn’t pregnant?’

  ‘I didn’t for sure, but you can’t kid a kidder. And after what she did, having the cheek to phone me to say you didn’t want to see me again, well, I knew she was up to something.’

  Hot nuzzled into Josh’s legs.

  ‘Aw, look, he’s missed you.’

  Josh reached down to pick the dachshund up and rub his face in his smooth coat, then put his other arm around Rosa.

  ‘And God, I’ve missed you - so much. I didn’t realise she’d blocked your number. I just thought you were busy, and I’ve been so wrapped up in working out what to do for the best with her . . .’ Josh hung his head and Hot licked his nose. Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, Josh managed to say, ‘I’m sorry, Rosa. So very sorry.’

  ‘You’re forgiven - this once.’

  A moment passed, then: ‘Josh?’

  ‘Rosalar?’ Josh put Hot down on the floor, then turned to Rosa and took both her hands in his.

  She moved slightly away from him, but kept hold of his hands. ‘I’m not good at this relationship lark,’ she told him, ‘but I do know one thing.’

  ‘Which is?’

  ‘My world is a brighter place when you are in it. You make me laugh, you see things in me that other people don’t. You believe in me. You bring me furniture when I need it - and the TV’s great, thanks. You are just bloody brilliant and if I knew what this love thing was supposed to feel like, well then, I think… I think Joshua Smith, that I love you. Whatever that means.’

  Josh let go of her, walked across the room and with his back to her, ran his hands through his hair.

  ‘I get it, if you don’t feel the same way.’ Rosa was on a roll now. ‘But I had to say it. I can’t bear to see you with another woman. I know one hundred per cent, that I want to be with you.’

  Josh, with eyes brimming, turned around. ‘Not many people can drive this six-foot-two rugger bugger to tears, Rosa Larkin. Now, come here, you.’

  He pulled her towards him, bent down and gave her the most toe-curling kiss she had ever experienced in her life.

  When they eventually broke free, breathless, Josh kissed the tip of Rosa’s nose.

  Then, trying not to be distracted by the sight and clattering sounds of Hot, who was stretched up on his short back legs and rummaging beneath the kitchen-bin lid to try and get at a slice of last night’s pizza, Josh just managed to say: ‘And for the record - and whatever it means, I think I love you too,’ before they both burst out laughing.

  EPILOGUE

  They picked a sunny September Saturday for the wedding. Just a simple unconventional affair. A short service at the church in Cockleberry Bay and a small reception at the Lobster Pot.

  Mary had lost weight, and as mother of the bride she wore a beautiful new dress, green to match her eyes. Now that her health had improved, she would be able to walk Rosa down the aisle, her back straight and her head held high with pride. And Hot was a splendid sight in his little doggy bow tie, fresh off the shelves of the Corner Shop. The vicar kept a slightly nervous eye on him as the sausage dog sniffed at the pews.

  Josh stood at the altar, looking more handsome than ever before and Titch, bless her, having nearly reached her due date, appeared about ready to pop, her mum supportively by her side. Jacob, Raffaele and the in-laws all gazed on, their hankies at the ready.

  And Rosa? Well, Rosa just looked happy.

  Standing at the church door in a dazzling pool of sunlight, waiting for the right moment to walk down the aisle, she placed the gold pendant necklace into Mary’s hands.

  ‘“Wear it on a special day and think of me”, wasn’t that what Queenie said? I bet she saw today in those tea leaves, you know.’

  ‘You can count on that,’ Mary said with a fond smile, fastening the necklace around her daughter’s neck. ‘And I just love the fact that her ring is your engagement ring now too.’

  Rosa rested her head on Mary’s shoulder for a moment, saying dreamily, ‘To Queenie, Ned, Maria and Dotty. Let’s hope they are all having a party - where the sky touches the sea.’

  Hearing the first resounding chords of the organ playing The Wedding March, Mary said hastily, ‘l’ll second that, my love, but please, just answer one question. Who do you think you’ll pass the shop on to?’

  ‘Let’s get me married first, eh, Mother?’ Rosa place a hand over her slightly rounded belly. ‘Then we’ll see . . .’