Page 46 of A Snowy Seaside Christmas
Lark and Nate ambled along, the cold biting at their heels. Arriving at the pier, the halfway point along the beach, they stopped. The iconic landmark was a feat of Victorian engineering, as was the nearby funicular which was built to give Victorian holidaymakers easy access to and from the bottom prom without them having to trouble the one hundred and ninety-nine steps or Skitey Bank. The lift used a system of pulleys and water-filled weights to power each journey and was still in use today.
Seagulls screeched noisily overhead as Nate turned to face her, his cheeks and nose glowing red, his fringe fluttering beneath his woolly hat.
‘What are your plans for the rest of the day?’ she asked, the cold nipping at her cheeks, the breeze that had suddenly appeared lifting her hair. She took the opportunity to scrutinise his face in the daylight, taking in the shadows under his eyes. There was no escaping the fact he looked tired. If it was down to that couple hounding him, then that was just awful. But, she told herself, rather that than something serious to do with his health,which was what she’d originally feared the weird feelings she’d been picking up were trying to tell her.
‘I’m going to head home, grab a bite to eat, then head back to the workshop, tackle those units, see if I can get them finished.’
‘You shouldn’t let that couple bully you, Nate.’
‘I know, but this break away from the workshop has been good, it’s helped clear my thoughts. I feel ready to get back to work now.’
‘Well, don’t overdo it, will you?’ She knew he worked every day, and often late into the evening, and he rarely had a full day off unless they were on a sourcing trip.
‘I’ll be fine, there’s no need to fret about me.’ He smiled down at her, making her heart melt just a little.
It seemed to be happening with increasing frequency.
‘You’re welcome to join me for some soup before you head off. It’s sweet potato and thyme, I made a batch for my dad’s visit so there’s plenty to go round.’
‘Mmm. That does sound tempting.’ He rubbed his gloved hands briskly together. ‘If you’re sure?’
‘’Course I’m sure. Come on, let’s head back, it’sfreezing. I can’t feel my toes anymore.’
‘Yeah, I suppose it is a bit parky.’
‘Abitparky?’ Lark echoed, incredulous. ‘Talk about master of the understatement.’
Nate laughed then whistled for Bobby who came tearing over, thrilled to be rewarded with a dog treat.
That done, Lark linked her arm through Nate’s, who jokingly complained as she tried to hurry him along, Bobby racing around them, eager to join in the fun.
‘Okay, okay! I get the message!’ Nate said. In the next moment, he grabbed Lark’s hand and started running as fast as he could. She let out a squeal as her legs raced to keep up withhis long strides, Bobby barking in delight as he ran alongside them. ‘Come on, Lark! Keep up!’ Nate cried.
The breeze scooped up their peals of laughter, carrying them along the sand.
TWENTY-NINE
Lark was folding Betty’s clothes and replacing them neatly in the suitcase when she heard the key in the front door – she’d treated herself to one last look at them before she handed them over to the heritage centre – followed by the sound of it opening and closing. A draught sneaked in, curling around where she sat on the rug in front of the fire. A shuffling indicating the removal of shoes and coats ensued before the living room door opened. She looked up to see her dad looking bright-eyed and windswept.
‘Hi, Dad.’ She beamed at him, thinking what a difference a couple of days had made. He looked a far cry from the weary-looking man who’d arrived on Thursday evening. In fact, she’d go as far as to say he looked years younger.
‘Hello, sweetheart. Had a good day?’ He rubbed his hands together, blowing into them. ‘Brr. It’s cold out there.’
‘Yes, thanks. You?’ From the way he was smiling, she already knew the answer to that. She closed the lid of the suitcase and pushed herself up, straightening her jumper.
‘I have actually. The heritage centre’s fascinating and Louisa’s great company; she’s so knowledgeable.’
Luna jumped down from the armchair, slinking over to meet him, mewing as she went.
‘Hello, there, Luna.’ He reached down and smoothed his hand along the cat’s back as she pressed herself against his legs.
‘Fancy a cup of tea while you tell me all about it?’ Lark glanced at the clock, which told her it was twenty past two. The light outside was already fading as dusk sidled its way in. ‘I take it you had some lunch while you were out?’
‘I have, thanks. Louisa and I treated ourselves to takeaway sandwiches from the deli – delicious they were, too. We might’ve had a slice of chocolate fudge cake each as well.’
‘Good for you, the deli’s chocolate fudge cake’s really good – not as yummy as Jazz’s though.’
Silas patted his stomach. ‘I feel like all I’ve done while I’ve been here is eat. I’ll be heading back to High Nedderton a good half a stone heavier. Not that I’m grumbling, I’ve enjoyed every mouthful.’
