Page 47 of A Snowy Seaside Christmas
‘It’s done you good to get some hearty meals inside you. I mean it kindly when I say you’re looking loads better than when you arrived; got more colour in your cheeks, too.’
‘That’s probably down to the savage winds that batter this place. I’d forgotten just how abrasive they can be. They’ve certainly woken me up. Feel like I’ve had a thorough shaking.’ He gave a deep chuckle.
In the kitchen, Silas poured the tea while Lark retrieved the biscuit tin from the tiny pantry. Popping the lid, she set it down between them.
Lark observed her dad as he helped himself to a chocolate digestive, noting how his whole demeanour had changed. On his last visit, he’d sat in this kitchen, his posture slumped in defeat, his eyes pitiful pools of sadness. It had just about torn her in two to see it. But now, he sat upright and confident, his eyes dancing, just as they used to. And she couldn’t help but pick up on the happiness and glow that radiated from him. It filled her with joy to see him like this. He’d not so much turned a corner, buttaken a great, broad swoop into new, happier territory, keen to embrace new challenges.
‘So, did Louisa share her plans for the heritage centre?’ She reached into the tin for a chocolate-dipped shortbread and took a bite, the chocolate melting over her tongue.
‘She did. She’s got so many wonderful plans, so much energy. She’s a total breath of fresh air for the place. Her ideas are going to make it a real draw for the town,’ he said, animatedly. ‘I think you already know about the grant the centre’s been awarded, and how the money’s going to be put to linking the cottage next to it, and making that part of the exhibition.’
Lark nodded, chomping on her biscuit. ‘Yes, Louisa’s got real vision, which is why Nate and I have decided to donate the suitcase containing Betty’s clothes to the heritage centre.’
‘I think she’d be absolutely thrilled if you did that. She was saying just this morning how she wanted to make the exhibitions more than just about smuggling. Betty’s things would be perfect for that.’
‘That’s what we thought.’ She picked up her mug, taking a sip of tea.
Silas wiped a crumb from the corner of his mouth. ‘While I was there, I took the opportunity to ask Louisa if there were any volunteer roles available – you’ll recall I mentioned volunteering was something I was interested in doing once I’d retired.’
‘I do, yes.’This is getting better and better!
‘Turns out, the centre’s always glad of local volunteers, especially after the last curator scared most of them away,’ he chortled. ‘Though Louisa did say she was going to contact the ones who used to help out, see if they’d consider coming back.’
‘That’s good, I’m sure they will when they hear how friendly she is.’
‘I hope so.’ He took a glug of his tea. ‘And not just that, Louisa says there’s a new role being created for a part-time assistant with a start date of July. I’m thinking of applying.’
‘Oh, Dad, that’s fantastic news!’ Talk about serendipity! Her dad was meant to come to Micklewick Bay for this weekend. Everything was falling into place, and she couldn’t be happier for him.
‘If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d been doing some sort of manifesting for me – is it possible to do it on behalf of someone else?’ he said, sounding like he was only half joking. ‘I did notice you’d placed some crystal in my room.’
‘I hold my hands up when I say I have been carrying out some positivity rituals for you and trying to send happiness vibes your way, but I had nothing whatsoever to do with Louisa arriving in town or the events with the suitcase or you coming to visit when you did. Having said that, as you know, I strongly believe in fate and that everything happens for a reason.’
‘I, for one, can’t argue with you about that, sweetheart.’ He sat back looking thoughtful. ‘It does feel as if someone somewhere has taken me in hand and is guiding me down a new path. Whoever it is, I hope they know I’m truly grateful.’
‘I think you don’t realise just how much you’ve been helping yourself, too, Dad. Taking the steps to come here and go to the book reading, your friendship with Louisa…’
‘Talking of my friendship with Louisa,’ he said, looking suddenly bashful. ‘She’s asked if I’ll join her for a meal at Oscar’s Bistro this evening. Told me it’s her way of saying thank you for helping at the heritage centre today – not that I’m going to let her pay; I’m too old-fashioned for that. Would you mind very much if I went?’
‘Not at all, and you don’t need my permission.’ It was impossible to control the huge grin that was currently spreading across her face. She wouldn’t mention the chicken shawarmashe’d taken out of the freezer for their evening meal – one of the dishes she’d prepped earlier in the week in readiness for his visit. ‘I think it’s right that you go out, though I should probably warn you, you might have to put your old-fashioned values to one side if Louisa insists on paying.’ It had been a long time since he’d dated and she knew he’d be unaware that the climate had changed as far as things like that were concerned.
‘Will I?’ Lark could see him wrestling with her advice. ‘I’m not sure I’ll be able to do that.’
‘Give it a try, or at least make do with paying half if you can talk her into that.’
‘Okay.’ He still didn’t look happy about the suggestion.
‘Just one more thing.’
‘Oh dear.’ His expression made her giggle.
‘Don’t look so worried. I was only going to ask you to promise me one little thing.’
‘Go on.’
‘Please swear you won’t revisit any of those wild dance moves you were doing in here this morning. I don’t think Micklewick Bay’s ready to see them, never mind poor Louisa.’
Relief spread across Silas’s face. He threw his head back and roared with laughter. ‘Now that I think I can manage.’
