The Cosy Canal Boat Dream: A funny, feel-good romantic comedy you won’t be able to put down!

by Christie Barlow

  ‘Transaction?’

  ‘The Old Picture House.’

  Nell gasped, ‘You owned the Old Picture House?’

  Lloyd nodded, ‘I couldn’t believe it when you told me you wanted to buy it and renovate it in Ollie’s honour.’ Lloyd’s voice became shaky.

  ‘Is that why you didn’t want me to buy it?’ Nell turned towards her mum.

  ‘I panicked. I was scared that somehow your paths would cross. I know it was daft. You have a different surname to me and Lloyd didn’t even know your name. I just couldn’t cope with the thought of what might happen. You’ve been through so much heartache recently and I suppose I was trying to protect you as much as I could.’

  Nell turned towards Lloyd, ‘It was you. You gave me that place.’

  Now it was Gilly’s turn to look surprised. ‘What’s all this?’

  ‘I was called into the solicitor’s office to be told my funds had been returned to my bank account but I was still the owner of the Old Picture House.’

  Lloyd took a breath, ‘When I discovered who you were and why you wanted to re-open that place, it was the least I could do. You are my daughter. I was proud of the reasons you wanted to save it. That place is special to me. I used to date Annie there. I bought it after it closed its doors for the last time because I couldn’t bear it being demolished to make way for houses. There were too many memories there. I retired abroad but came back because,’ He paused and glanced at Gilly. She nodded, giving him the approval to carry on.

  ‘Because my health isn’t the best.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ Nell said.

  Gilly took a breath, ‘Lloyd has cancer, Nell. He came back to stay goodbye. He hired this boat for a short time to be close to us and to sell the Old Picture House. He wanted to see us one last time.’

  Nell had no words and broke down, the tears cascaded down her face as she sobbed. Gilly wrapped her arms around her daughter and hugged her tight.

  ‘How long have you got?’ Nell whimpered.

  ‘Months.’ Lloyd looked down at his hands unable to make eye contact.

  The three of them sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts, until Lloyd spoke, softly.

  ‘I’ve a lost a lifetime every day I existed without you. You have to believe me when I say I thought about you every day. I just managed to carry on and now …’ He wiped away his tears, ‘And now I’m hoping to get to know you in the little time I have left.’

  Nell met Lloyd’s gaze; his eyes were hopeful.

  ‘I’ve missed my brother too,’ she squeezed his hand across the table before turning to Nell.

  ‘As far as I’m concerned, nothing changes. You are my daughter and I love you with all my heart, your dad loved you with all his heart too.’ The tears were now cascading down Gilly’s cheek, ‘I’m so sorry you had to find out like this, but there never seemed a right time to tell you and I never knew whether I would ever see Lloyd again.’ Gilly let out a long, shuddering breath.

  Nell nodded. She knew, deep down, everyone had been trying to protect her.

  ‘We can’t change the past but hopefully we can all spend some time together in the future,’ said Gilly, standing up and opening her arms wide to them both, Lloyd followed her lead and opened his too. Nell stumbled to her feet and fell into both of them as they all hugged each other tight.

  Finally Nell pulled out of their arms and sat back down while Lloyd reached for a bottle of whiskey from the kitchen cupboard and poured three glasses, ‘I think we need one of these,’ he said, sliding a glass each towards Nell and Gilly.

  ‘I think we all need something for the shock,’ said Gilly softly.

  Actually, I can’t,’ said Nell, sliding the glass away. ‘You two aren’t the only ones with a secret.’

  All eyes were on Nell. Even though it’s early days, it seemed the right time to get it out in the open, ‘I can’t drink it … I’m pregnant.’

  ‘You’re pregnant?’

  Gilly was bewildered, ‘How?’

  ‘I don’t think I need to tell you how,’ smiled Nell, ‘And I know this isn’t in the best circumstances, being on my own, and I’m hoping you two will help as much as you can.’

  They both smiled fondly at Nell.

  ‘That goes without saying,’ beamed Gilly.

  ‘I will love this little one like I’ve never loved anyone before,’ declared Nell.

  ‘I’m in no doubt,’ Gilly smiled proudly at her daughter.

  ‘You are going to be a granddad Lloyd,’ Nell turned towards him. Lloyd was lost for words as the tears of joy streamed down his face.

  Chapter 48

  The next morning after breakfast, Nell washed all the dishes and put the pots back in their rightful places before swinging open the doors of the ‘Nollie’ and stepping out on to the deck. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and even though it was early morning, there were already boats gliding through the water. Nell sat down on the bench and stared out towards Lloyd’s boat. She had no idea what it would have been like walking in his shoes for nearly the best part of thirty years, losing the woman he loved and handing his child over to his sister. Nell didn’t feel any bitterness towards him. So many things in her life had changed in such a short space of time, and she needed to take the positives from the situation. She knew Lloyd had suffered enough and understood his reasons perfectly for giving her to Gilly and Benny.

  Hearing footsteps behind her, she swung round to find Bea standing on the boat, ‘Come here,’ she said, ‘I wanted to come over last night but knew you needed space.’ She sat down next her friend and squeezed her knee.

  Nell had texted Bea late last night and told her not to worry and that she would explain everything before work.

  ‘Well, it’s true. Lloyd is my father.’

  Bea widened her eyes, ‘I don’t know what to say,’ she said softly.

  ‘I kind of worked that bit out for myself, but it’s the next part that shook me to the core.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘Lloyd Keaton is actually my mum’s brother.’

  Nell saw the shock on Bea’s face as the words registered. ‘Which means my mum isn’t my biological mum,’ Nell added.

  ‘Whoa, I wasn’t expecting that either.’

  ‘It’s been a huge shock for all of us.’ Nell quickly filled Bea in on everything she had learned last night.

  ‘Oh, Nell, this is all so heart-breaking.’

  ‘There’s more,’ she locked eyes with Bea and took a breath, ‘He came back for two reasons …’

  ‘The first?’ asked Bea.

  ‘To sell the Old Picture House. It was his.’

  ‘So he was the one who gave it to you?’ Bea clasped her hand over her mouth, ‘Wow.’

  Nell nodded. ‘Yes, once he found out who I was, but now for the sad part.’ Nell’s eyes were bleary, ‘He’s selling the Old Picture House because he has cancer and only a matter of months to live.’

  ‘Oh no, how sad, come here.’ Bea slid her hand around Nell’s shoulders and hugged her friend. ‘How are you feeling about it all?’

  ‘At least it’s all out in the open and no more secrets. I can’t change any of it and it’s very strange discovering that my parents aren’t really my biological parents, but I’ll never think of them any differently. They made me who I am, nurtured and cared for me and loved me with all their hearts.’

  ‘And that’s why I love you, Nell Andrews, for who you are. They did a wonderful job.’

  ‘Giving me to them must have seemed like the simple solution at the time. They couldn’t have children and Lloyd was also grieving. They kept me in the family.

  ‘Do you forgive Lloyd?’

  ‘I have no bitterness towards Lloyd whatsoever. How must he have felt every birthday, every Christmas? My birthday is the day his wife died – so heart-breaking for everyone.’

  ‘Where do you all go from here?’ asked Bea tentatively.

  ‘I’m going to make the most of the time I have left with Lloyd
. He’s an old man and I can’t wait to get to know him better.’

  ‘And your mum?’

  ‘I love her with all my heart, that’ll never change.’

  Nell’s eyes met Bea’s, ‘I told them about the baby.’

  ‘How did they take it?’

  ‘On the whole it couldn’t have gone better. They are delighted to become grandparents. Now my only dilemma is what I do about Guy.’

  ‘You mean, do you tell him?’

  Nell nodded, ‘It’s still very early days. I’ve got enough time to figure that one out yet.’

  Bea smiled at her friend, ‘You know, no matter what, I’m here for you.’

  ‘I couldn’t have got through any of the last few years without you and Nathan and that gorgeous godson of mine.’

  ‘Onwards and upwards,’ Bea smiled, ‘Are you up for working in the deli today?’

  ‘Of course. I’ll follow you across in a minute and it’s a big week for you too.’

  ‘Yes, I’ve get Fern and Gilly sprucing up the shop for the presentation on Friday.’

  ‘Deli of the Year. You so deserve it, my gorgeous friend,’ Nell popped a swift kiss on Bea’s cheek, ‘We must make a night of it after the presentation – a meal at The Waterfront.’

  ‘Excellent plan,’ said Bea, standing up, ‘I’ll see you in a minute.’

  ‘I won’t be long,’ said Nell, watching her friend walk down the jetty and disappear inside the deli.

  Nell took a moment to reflect on the last twenty-four hours. She felt shattered, emotionally drained but relieved that all the secrets were out. She knew she couldn’t change any of the past. Benny and Gilly had been her rock growing up and in her eyes would always be her parents. That would never change. Nell was loved by both of them and throughout her whole life she’d wanted for nothing. She was going to make her mum proud and get on with her life. As Bea had said, onwards and upwards was the only way to go.

  Chapter 49

  It was fast approaching eleven o’clock when Nell, Gilly and Fern stood behind the counter of the deli hugging skinny lattes and admiring their handywork.

  The floral bunting draped the windows, jam jars of daffodils were dotted on top of the counter and scented tea lights flickered on each tabletop. The front of the counter revealed an array of scrumptious-looking cakes on glass-domed stands and the aroma from the coffee and freshly baked bread was simply delicious.

  ‘Deli of the Year,’ said Nell, and they all clinked their mugs together.

  ‘I can remember mother saying when we were teenagers she’d never make a living from catering, and now look at what she’s achieved.’

  ‘You have to do a job you love, otherwise every day of your life would be miserable,’ said Gilly, ‘The funny thing is, I was one of those people who never knew what they wanted to do in life and I still don’t.’

  ‘But you’re happy,’ Fern chipped in.

  ‘I’m happy because I was surrounded by the love of good people, Benny and Nell, everything just worked, and now Lloyd is back in my life too.’

  ‘I never wanted to be an accountant,’ Fern suddenly piped up, her face saddened.

  Nell swung round towards Fern, ‘I thought that was always what you wanted to do?’

  She shook her head, ‘Parental expectations. I was bright, straight-A student, top of the class in maths. If the truth be told, I hated maths.’

  ‘No way! I wasn’t expecting that,’ said Nell, astounded.

  ‘Bea was the feisty one. She stood up for what she believed in. I towed the line, mainly for an easy life. I wish I’d been more like her. Goodness knows where my path would have taken me.’ Fern’s eyes were teary, ‘Look at me getting all emotional.’ She flapped her hand in front of her face.

  Gilly touched her arm affectionately. ‘What did you want to do?’ Gilly asked tentatively?

  ‘I always wanted to be an artist.’

  ‘An artist?’ Nell echoed her words. ‘Did you ever tell them that’s what you wanted to do?’ queried Nell.

  She shook her head, ‘I used to store a set of paints and brushes in the back of the garage and wait for Saturdays, when Mum and Dad were out doing the big shop, because it usually gave me a couple of hours.’

  ‘It’s never too late to follow your heart. You’re still only young. Why not give it ago?’ suggested Gilly, taking a sip of her coffee.

  Fern hesitated for a second, ‘You know when Mum was dying and bed-ridden?’

  ‘Yes,’ answered Nell.

  ‘I began to paint again. I couldn’t tell Pete what I was doing. He would have just ridiculed me …’ she took a breath, ‘So it was my little secret, something just for me. I set up a painting studio in Mum’s back living room. It was an ideal place to store my paints, canvas and easel and when she was sleeping I began to paint again.’

  ‘Fern, that’s amazing. What’ve have you done with the artwork?’

  It’s all at Mum’s. I’ve even painted a picture of the deli.’

  ‘The deli?’ Nell’s eyes widened as she placed her mug on top of the counter.

  Fern nodded, ‘Yes, I missed Bea so much that I sneaked up here a few times when Pete was in the pub on a Sunday. I took some photos on my phone and then went to my easel. I painted the shop, the marina and even the Nollie is on there.’

  ‘Wow, what are you going to do with it?’

  ‘I’m not sure.’

  Nell beamed, ‘How about giving it to her as a present today. The timing couldn’t be better.’

  ‘Now there’s a plan,’ Fern smiled, ‘Have I got time to nip back for it now?’

  ‘Look,’ said Gilly, and they all swung round towards the window, ‘Apart from the fact you’ll get soaked, the rain doesn’t look like it’s going to let up anytime soon and Nathan’s car has just pulled up at the side of the deli.’

  ‘We can keep an eye on the weather and maybe nip out after the presentation. I’m sure we could rope Nathan into giving us a quick lift later.’

  Just at that minute, the deli door swung open and Bea walked in, hunched over with her coat held over her head to shield her from the rain.

  Nell, Gilly and Fern began to clap, ‘Here she is, Miss Melting Pot herself.’

  She lowered the coat and met their eyes and beamed, ‘What a welcome and just look at this place, you’ve all worked so hard,’ she beamed, sniffing the daffodils and admiring the floral bunting across the windows.’

  ‘You’re welcome,’ Nell said, smiling, taking the soggy coat from her, ‘I think this torrential rain is keeping all the customers away.’

  ‘I know,’ Bea sighed, glancing over her shoulder to see the rain hammering against the window. ‘And look at those boats bobbing on the water. Even Fred has battened down the hatches.

  ‘I think the weather has put everyone off,’ Bea exhaled.

  ‘We are all here and that’s all that matters,’ Nathan kissed his wife lightly on the head.

  ‘Ooo, who’s this? That’s a posh car!’ Gilly interrupted, pointing outside. Everyone swung round.

  It was unusual to see vehicles this far up the wharf, except the butcher’s lorry delivering the meat to the shop.

  They watched a man open the passenger’s door, He held an umbrella above her head to shield her from the rain as she stepped from the vehicle.

  ‘I feel so nervous,’ Bea whispered to Nathan, ‘Which is daft when all I have to say is thank you. I’ve got some right flutterings going on in my stomach.’

  Nathan quickly placed his hand on his wife’s tummy, ‘Are you sure that’s nerves and not the babies moving?’ He quickly placed his hand on her stomach.

  Bea’s eyes sprang towards Nathan, ‘Yes, Bea, I felt that.’ He beamed at his wife and swiftly placed her hand onto her stomach. For a couple of seconds, Bea waited and nothing, then ‘OMG! Yes, yes I felt them move too.’

  Everyone in the deli cheered as the door sprung open, ‘Hi, I’m looking for Beatrice Green,’ the woman beamed.

  ‘I’m Bea,’ sh
e answered, shaking her hand.

  ‘Pleased to meet you. I’m Tasha Miller and here to present you with your award on behalf of the DSA and this is …’

  Tasha turned round and gestured to the gentleman standing at the side of her, ‘Alf Kemp.’

  Instantly, Bea recognised the gentleman, but couldn’t quite place him.

  ‘Have we met before? I seem to know you from somewhere.’

  ‘Sorry to interrupt, but can I get you both a drink?’ Nathan asked politely.

  ‘A cup of tea would be great, thank you,’ said Tasha.

  ‘And a coffee for me … Alf paused, ‘But none of that instant rubbish.’

  As soon as the words left his mouth Bea noticed the twinkle in his eye.

  ‘It’s you, it’s you!’

  He grinned, ‘The last time you saw me I was wearing false spectacles, a flap cap, waterproof trousers and green wellington boots.’

  ‘And you took a scone home for your lovely wife.’ Bea grinned widely.

  ‘You have a very good memory.’

  ‘I thought you were a boater,’ Nell exclaimed.

  ‘That was the idea.’

  ‘And I thought the woman opposite you was the judge.’

  ‘Can I commend you on the way you dealt with that awkward customer? I’m not sure I would have been that patient,’ he gave a little chuckle and extended his hand, which Bea promptly shook. ‘Pleased to meet you, Bea. Your food was outstanding and your service impeccable.’

  Bea blushed and introduced them to the rest of the staff before they moved over to the café part of the deli.

  ‘Look at this rain,’ Tasha gazed out over the marina.’

  ‘I know,’ Bea sighed. I was hoping there’d be a few regulars in to see me awarded with the plaque, but I can understand why no one’s here.’

  Nathan rubbed his wife’s back and she kissed him on his cheek.

  Just at that minute, the deli door burst open. Bea looked up and saw Alan giving Gilly the thumbs-up behind the counter. Following him were all the staff from his shop, the pub, boutique owners and right at the back of the long queue were Ed and Lloyd. Bea chuckled when she spotted Sam loping at Ed’s side – he looked dapper with a huge bow tied around his neck.