The Heart of Baker’s Bay

by Danielle Jacks

  I laugh before a tear of joy escapes down my cheek. My mum and sister hug me tightly.

  “I knew you always had it in you to do great things,” my mum says, surprising me with her words.

  “I haven’t done anything yet.”

  “You’ve committed to a project, and I can feel the determination within you. I’m proud of my girls.”

  “I’m proud too, little sister.” I think that’s the first time Hannah has ever said those words to me, and it feels great.

  I smile as tears stream down my face. This is it for me. I am determined and finally know what I want.

  “Adam’s loyal, and I’m glad you’ve found someone. All the years I’ve visited Gran, he’s never warmed up to me. You must be special to him.”

  “I’m sure once he knows he’s stuck with me, he’ll start to come around.”

  “He won’t have any choice. I’m going to continue my tradition of visiting at least every Christmas. You leaving isn’t goodbye, it’s I’ll see you soon.”

  “I’m going to have to call Sarah and break the bad news.”

  “This is good news, not bad. Now, go tell the girl so we can start celebrating,” Mum says.

  “Good luck. You two have been inseparable for years, but she’ll understand why you have to do this,” Hannah says.

  “She has Aiden, and you have Tim. Now I’m going after what I want.”

  “It’s about time,” Mum says.

  I laugh. For the first time, I laugh about how happy I am for my future. We finish our tea before I head to my room to call Sarah. As I look around at all my material belongings, I already know I won’t be taking everything with me. There will be no need for platform shoes or tiny bags that nothing fits inside. Instead, I’ll be taking my thick winter jumpers and walking boots. The bitter sea air will take some getting used to, but the thought of snuggling up with Adam makes it worth it.

  I press the call button before I lose my nerve. Sarah answers on the second ring. “Hey, beautiful,” she says.

  “Hello. You were quick to pick up the phone,” I say.

  “I was about to call you.”

  “Great minds think alike.”

  “I have some news.”

  “Me too. But you go first.”

  She squeals. “Aiden proposed.”

  “Wow, congratulations.” I laugh.

  “Thank you.” She claps her hands in a giddy way.

  “I should’ve guessed really.”

  “I was surprised.”

  “No, you weren’t. We both knew it was going to happen sooner or later.” I laugh lightly.

  “Don’t burst my bubble.”

  “I’m happy for you, I promise.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Isn’t it funny how life can change so quickly? Tell me about your plans.” I don’t want to steal her limelight, so I let her give me the details before we talk about me.

  “We’re thinking of a castle wedding. I need to save a small fortune. I can’t wait. You’ll be my maid of honour, and I’ll have the perfect princess dress.”

  “Of course I’ll be your maid of honour. It’ll be a great occasion to meet up for.”

  “Wait. What do you mean? Where are you going? Does this have something to do with your mum coming to your flat?”

  “I’m moving to Clover Bay as the proud owner of half of my gran’s café. My sister and I are sharing the inheritance. She’s sold her half to Adam, and I’m keeping mine.” My face is beaming with pride.

  “Are you going for the man or the business?” Sarah asks suspiciously.

  “Can’t I have it all?”

  “Yes, my beautiful friend, you can. Now get off the phone and go get your guy.”

  I laugh. “Promise you’re not mad I’m leaving you?”

  “No. I want you to be happy and I’ve seen the way you’ve changed since you met Adam.”

  “We’ll still talk every day.”

  “Of course we will. We have a wedding to plan.”

  “Love you.”

  “Love you.”

  We say goodbye, and I hang up. I lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling like the luckiest person in the world. I’m ready to pack up my life and start working hard for my future. I just hope Adam feels the same way. I want more than a partnership. I want the whole package.

  Thirty-Seven

  Adam

  Friday

  I load the last box onto my sledge and shade my eyes so I can look out towards the beautiful sea view. Today is scorching hot, even in the late afternoon. Someone behind me clears their throat. My gaze traces her outline; a pair of walking boots that once belonged to my mum, the longest legs, and the tiniest shorts. The bare skin peeking through under her top looks ready to be sun-kissed by the salty sea air. The feminine curve of her breasts already has me begging to touch her soft, firm skin. Her full glossy lips make me wet my own at the thought of kissing her. Vulnerability is evident in her eyes as I meet her gaze.

  “Hi,” Jody says.

  An uncontrollable grin fills my face, and I can’t help teasing her. “Can I help you?”

  “I need a hand taking my suitcase to my new home.”

  “I thought it was my new home.”

  “Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way you expect. Are you going to help me or not?” She playfully stomps her foot and places her hand on her hip. The memory of that first day she arrived in Clover Bay flashes through my mind. Who would’ve guessed this sassy whirlwind would shake up my world?

  I drop my gloves to the floor as I move towards her. I firmly wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her towards me for a heated kiss. This beautiful woman is all mine and I’m not letting her go.

  “What took you so long?”

  “I had to sort out my things. Packing boxes and posting them here is hard work. Plus, I had to take some items to the charity shop and pack my suitcase.”

  “So, there’s no going back?”

  “I don’t need a safety net when I have you to catch me.”

  “No, you don’t.” I smile at the commitment she’s showing.

  “Besides, my sister’s moving in with her boyfriend. I have nowhere else to go.”

  I laugh. “It’s me and you all the way.”

  “That we agree on.”

  “So, Miss Evans, let me get you to your new home.”

  We load her bag onto the sledge. Just like on that first day we met, I don’t want to waste this last trip into the village. Together, we unload the deliveries, taking them to their destination. When we reach the café, I place her bag by the front door.

  “Okay. I’ll drop the sledge back at the storage shed, and I’ll be right back.”

  She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. The deer in the headlights look is clear to see.

  “Are you okay?” I run my hand over her shoulder to reassure her. “You don’t have to be nervous.”

  “I’m not.”

  I smirk. “I know you, remember? I also know how much of a big deal this is, but you have support. Half of this café belongs to me, and we’re both determined to make this work.”

  “I’m feeling confident.”

  “Don’t lie to me. It’s okay to be jittery, but whatever is thrown at us, we will deal with.” I pull her into a hug. “Together.”

  “Since the café is already closed, I was thinking we could decorate?”

  “I think a fresh coat of paint would be great.”

  “I’ve been looking online. I think an Alice in Wonderland theme would be elegant but add a quirky charm.”

  “I’ve been looking at a dark blue paint with a new wooden counter. If we combine our ideas, I think it could work.”

  “See? I have nothing to worry about. I have you on my side.”

  I kiss her. “And I have you.”

  Starting our own business is a big step, and I understand why Jody might be anxious, but together, we can do this. The support of local friends and a close community will make this so mu
ch easier. I’ve always had faith in Jody, and I’m happy to have her as my partner.

  We say goodbye and I leave her sitting at the counter while I take my sledge back to its base. The café won’t officially be ours for at least another six weeks, but I’ve worked my notice at the postal service, and I’m hanging up my metaphorical hat.

  I unlock the parcel shed and push the sledge inside. It’s strange to think this is my last time looking into this empty space. The end of the day is the best feeling when the mail’s been taken out. Tomorrow, someone else will be walking in my shoes and learning the quirks of the small town. Once I’m all done, I post the keys into the mailbox. As I walk back into the village, I don’t look back. My future is with my café and beautiful girl.

  Jody is already pulling the wallpaper off when I reach our new home. I slip inside and give her a hand.

  “I think there are some decorating tools under the stairs,” Jody says.

  “Then why aren’t you using them?”

  “I’m keeping it real. I don’t want your expectations to grow too high of me.”

  “I know who you are, and that’s why I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Plus, if you don’t take risks, you’re not really living.”

  “And you’ve taught me it’s okay to fight for the things I want.”

  “So, what’s on your list?”

  “I want everything with you, Adam.”

  “You already have me whole-heartedly.”

  “I guess you’re going to have to send that mail order bride back then.”

  “Are you going to take over her duties?”

  I chase her out of the café and up the stairs. We laugh as I collapse on top of her on the single bed. I have a good feeling about us, and I’m ready to give her my all. I stroke her cheek before kissing her passionately.

  This is it for me. It’s the perfect ever after. I got the girl, the business, and the possibility of making something of my life.

  Epilogue

  Jody

  Seven years later

  “Welcome to the Davis family’s award-winning café. I’m Jody and will be taking your order,” I say to the last customers of the day. Bernard La Cross put us on the map when he chose to set his latest TV drama within these walls. Clover Bay is now a popular tourist spot for fans of his show.

  Milo comes running into the café, with Hannah hot on his tail. “Cookie, Mama! Cookie,” he demands. I scoop my gorgeous little boy into my arms. I take him to the counter and get him what he wants.

  “I’ll serve the last customers,” Adam says, taking my notepad and kissing Milo on the head.

  I follow Hannah into the lounge where the rest of my family and friends are. The festival of lights is tomorrow, which has become our annual meet up.

  “Where’s Sarah?” I ask Hannah.

  She checks her phone. “They’ll be here soon.”

  “Is the food ready for the barbecue?”

  “Tim and Peter are already on the beach, so stop stressing.”

  I’m lucky my life came together perfectly. Sarah and Kayleigh are good friends, and their husbands are always up for a challenge. Between the three guys, they helped build the café of my dreams.

  “I want everything to be perfect.”

  “And it will be so stop stressing out.”

  This year’s festivities are a big deal for us since my muffins won an award. They are no longer just baked treats, they’re Devonshire’s finest, and I’ve spent all week preparing for this day. Once the café closes in thirty minutes, I’ll be able to relax.

  Adam appears in the doorway. “We have a problem.”

  I cringe, bracing myself for the bad news. “What’s wrong?”

  “The whole village has had a power cut.”

  Kayleigh pushes past Adam, holding her arms out for Milo. “I guess the party’s starting early then.”

  I smile, although I’m not feeling as optimistic as her. “What if we need to…”

  “Stop. You’ve done a great job. Everything will be great,” my mum says, commanding the attention of the whole room. She’s been a big help since I took over the café, despite the mileage. Her boss’s wife helped us with the Alice in Wonderland décor, and she’s finally started using more annual leave so she can babysit Milo.

  “Give the remaining customers water and cookies so we can get to the beach,” Kayleigh says in her usual carefree way.

  “I’m on it,” Adam says before I can protest. He’s already told me how much he’s looking forward to tonight.

  “Okay, Let’s make a move, everyone,” my mum says.

  Once Adam’s finished closing the shop, he locks up behind us so we can all head to the seafront. Peter’s showing off in his ‘Locals cook it better’ apron, and Tim’s loading up the kebab sticks with vegetables.

  “Finally, you’ve all made it. The burgers are ready.”

  “At least something’s going right,” Adam says, helping himself to a beer out of the cooler.

  “Why? What’s wrong?” Tim asks with concern.

  “The whole village is about to plunge into darkness as the sun goes down,” I say.

  “You’re so dramatic. We got to close early because there’s a power cut,” Adam says, and Kayleigh gives him a high five.

  We eat our food while enjoying each other’s company. A loud cheer breaks out when Sarah arrives, and I hug her tightly. Aiden shows no rush to catch up as he drags his feet behind her.

  “I’m so glad you could make it.”

  “As if I’d miss a photo opportunity with Bernard and a catch up with my best friend. Not to mention the fact my husband wouldn’t pass on a night of fun. We left the kids at his mum’s.” The film production team isn’t arriving until tomorrow to get the footage of the festival, but I’m excited for Sarah to see Bernard at work.

  “Mind if I steal my wife for a while?” Adam asks Sarah.

  “Sure,” she says with a wink, and I already have suspicions he’s up to something. He leads me away from our friends and family towards the secluded part of Clover Bay. The salty sea air and the crashing waves are just some of the things I love about this place. I’d never felt whole until I met Adam. I’m the luckiest person alive.

  “We’re at the air-raid shelters?” I ask as we move up into the hills.

  “Not just any air-raid shelter. This one…” He points to the one decorated with painted flower artwork. “… is ours.”

  He opens the stiff metal door to reveal a small bedroom with beautiful lanterns lighting up the room.

  “Wow, this is amazing.”

  “We’ve come so far since that first day you arrived in Clover Bay, and tonight, I thought we could enjoy each other. Your family will stay with Milo so we can have a well-earned break. I love you, Mrs Davis.”

  “And I love you too, Mr Davis.” We kiss before closing the door to the outside world. Our life together has taken hard work and dedication, but everything is turning out perfectly.

  I need tonight, and I need Adam. I couldn’t have asked for anything more than our great life together.

  The End

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you Karen Sanders Editing for everything you have done for me and more.

  Thank you to my savvy betas Mich and Melanie.

  About the Author

  Danielle lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband, daughter, and tortoise. She enjoys reading, long walks, and crafting. Her dreams include writing stories, visiting magical places, and staying young at heart. The people who know her describe her as someone who has her head in the clouds and her mind in a book.

  Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you enjoyed it, please consider writing a short review.

  Also by Danielle Jacks

  Dirty Kisses and Conflicting Wishes

  Kickflip Summer

  aker’s Bay