Just as they sat down, Annie began to murmur from the Moses basket at the side of their bed. ‘I’m sure she knows the minute we are going to eat,’ Nell shook her head smiling, ‘It’s like she has a built-in radar.’
‘I’ll get her, you eat.’
‘Thank you,’ Nell poured herself another cup of tea and dipped her toast in her egg and thought about the day ahead. In a couple of hours’ time she was opening the door to The Red Carpet Cinema for the very first time. Everyone was going to be there and she couldn’t wait. She’d worked hard to bring it altogether and with the help of Lloyd and his contacts within the film industry the décor inside was truly magnificent.
‘Hey, you’re all teary,’ said Guy, juggling Annie with one hand and kissing Nell on top of her head.
‘Just emotional but happy,’ she smiled up at Guy and her daughter, who was gurgling away. ‘I can’t believe how things have turned out, you, this little one, I truly couldn’t be any happier. I love you both so much that I can’t even describe it.’
‘I love you too.’ he said kissing Nell on the lips. ‘You two are my life and I wouldn’t change it for the world.’
Two hours later Nell and Guy left the ‘Nollie’ with Annie fast asleep in the baby sling attached to Guy’s chest. ‘It feels like we packed supplies for a year and we’re only leaving the boat for a couple of hours,’ he laughed, slinging the packed rucksack over his shoulder. Guy took Nell’s hand as they walked towards the Old Picture House.
Nell’s heart thumped with excitement and she took in a breath when she saw the building and stopped in her tracks. ‘Did you do this?’ she gasped and turned towards Guy, ‘Just look at this place.’
He smiled at Nell, ‘I might have had something to do with it.’
A red carpet trailed all the way up the stone steps, and to the left of the entrance an enormous Christmas tree towered, the lights sparkling like a thousand diamonds.
People had already started to form a queue, ‘I’ve even got customers. I can’t believe it.’
‘You better believe it.’
Nathan appeared around the side of the building and spotted Guy, who gave him a nod of the head and a thumbs-up.
‘What’s going on now?’
Just at that moment, the local church choir and brass band struck up a chord. Nell gasped, she blinked hard trying to hold back the tears. They were all wrapped up in their winter woollies, swinging lanterns as they walked around the corner and stood on the steps of the Old Picture House singing ‘Silent Night’.
‘I’m not sure I can take much more,’ said Nell, already wiping her blurry eyes.
Guy put his arm around her, ‘Enjoy it. This is your day.’
Bea appeared at her side with the twins in their pushchair, along with Gilly, Lloyd, Ed and Sam. ‘This is fantastic, Nell. I’m so proud of you,’ Gilly’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears.
Nell was too emotional to speak and just hugged her mum before turning to Lloyd.
‘Annie would have loved to be here on a day like today,’ he squeezed Nell’s hand, ‘You have done everyone proud,’ he said, his voice faltered.
‘Thank you, I can’t believe the turnout, it’s truly magnificent.’
All of them stood huddled together listening to the choir, goose bumps prickled every inch of Nell’s body.
‘Aunty Nellie, Auntie Nellie.’ Nell spun round to see Jacob holding Fern’s hand clomping towards her in his bright-yellow wellies.
‘Hello my bestest godson.’
‘Auntie Nellie, you always say that and I’m your only godson!’
Nell crouched down and hugged him, ‘Still the bestest one though! Surely those wellies don’t still fit you?’
‘Just about.’ Jacob grinned.
‘Where’s your dad? He’s disappeared.’
‘I’m not allowed to say.’
Nell tickled his tummy, ‘You can tell me anything, Jacob Green.’
‘Not this time,’ he zipped his mouth and grinned.
Nell looked towards Bea and Guy. ‘Come on, what’s going on? I know that look.’
Suddenly, the choir stopped singing and the only sound Nell could hear was the massive roar of an engine. The excited chatter all around began to peter out as heads turned. Nell peered over Bea’s shoulder and watched the crowd part to see a beast of a motorbike drove slowly up the wharf towards her with a huge red-velvet ribbon tied around each of the handlebars. It stopped in front of Nell and she brought her hands up to her face when Nathan took off his helmet and grinned.
‘This is it, isn’t it?’ Nell gasped, staring at the bike.
‘It sure is and what a beauty!’
‘Ollie’s motorbike and it actually works!’
‘We built this from scratch with our own bare hands and, thanks to Guy who tracked down the missing parts, we managed to finish it.’
Nell’s eyes shone, ‘Thank you so much, both of you, you really don’t know how much this means to me.’
Nell hugged them both.
‘Aunty Nellie,’ Nell felt a small hand slip into hers, ‘I was sworn to secrecy. Dad said if I didn’t tell you what they were up to, then I could have a year’s supply of free popcorn.’
Everyone laughed, ‘And I promise you, you can have free popcorn for a lifetime.’
Jacobs’s eyes sparkled, ‘You are the best Aunty Nellie anyone could ever have.’
Bea looked at Nell, ‘It’s time, are you ready?’
Guy squeezed her hand reassuringly, ‘I love you.’
She kissed him, then the top of Annie’s head, before moving towards the stone steps. The whole crowd erupted in cheers. She paused at the top of the steps in front of the red ribbon and took in the view. She stared out over the crowd. She couldn’t believe so many people had turned out to come to the opening of the Old Picture House. Hers eyes glistened with happy tears. Everyone gathered at the bottom on the steps, all smiling proudly up at Nell.
Nell swallowed down the lump in her throat as a photographer from the local paper handed her a pair of scissors. He took a few snaps while Nell took a deep breath.
The crowd suddenly fell silent and all eyes were on Nell.
Her whole body trembled, her throat dry, ‘Firstly, thank you all for coming today,’ she was thankful her voice sounded a lot calmer than she actually felt. ‘Nearly three years ago my life changed dramatically overnight when I lost my husband in a tragic accident.’ She could feel herself getting emotional, which was understandable. ‘We’d often talked about doing something together, taking on a project that would benefit the community, bringing all generations back together. So when this place came up for sale I knew I had to do everything in my power to buy it. This place, in particular, holds special memories for me. Most Sundays when I was a child, my dad brought me here and this was where I first dated my husband all those years ago.’ Nell felt her voice wobble. She glanced towards Guy, who beamed back at her.
‘I couldn’t have undertaken this project without the backing and support of some special people in my life. Firstly to my partner, Guy, and my daughter, Annie, you are both my world. My mum, Gilly, and Lloyd,’ Nell glanced towards them; both were tearful. ‘My best friend, Bea, and husband, Nathan, and all of their beautiful children, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.’ Nell stood to the side and pulled on the gold cord, unveiling the plaque on the wall, ‘In loving memory of Ollie Andrews – always in our hearts.’ Nell composed herself while everyone burst into a rapturous applause.
‘And finally …’ the crowd quietened down. ‘I declare the new Red Carpet Cinema open and please enjoy the film,’ Nell cut the ribbon and everyone cheered. She pushed the doors open and all her family and friends joined her at the top of her steps.
‘You did great,’ Guy hugged her tight.
‘I’m so proud of you, Nell,’ Gilly kissed her daughter before Nell fell into Lloyd’s arms. ‘You did fantastic.’
‘Thank you,’ she said, dabbing away the tears. ‘Are you all ready to
come inside?’ smiled Nell.
‘You better believe it,’ Bea beamed, linking her arm through Nell’s as they stepped into the lavish foyer.
‘Wow! Just look at this place. It looks amazing,’ exclaimed Bea, ‘Ollie would be so proud of you.’
‘I know, he’ll always hold that special place in my heart, but I know he’d be happy that I’ve found love again with Guy.’
‘He most certainly would.’
They all stood in awe, the crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling and the red majestic carpet stretched for what seemed miles towards the regally arching staircase and the place was alive with staff.
‘I see you put up the posters up of our favourite films,’ Bea said, pointing to Bridget Jones, Top Gun and Back to the Future.’
‘Absolutely thanks to Lloyd, he’s got some brilliant contacts!’
The popcorn machine was in place in the corner and the ice-cream sellers were ready and waiting as the crowd began to spill in to purchase their tickets. Nell had approached the local council and sourced all her employees from teenagers and the elderly who were struggling to get jobs, bringing the whole community together, just like she’d talked about with Ollie.
‘Where’re Gilly and Lloyd?’ asked Bea.
‘Over there in the popcorn queue with Jacob and Fern,’ grinned Nell.
‘He’s a little monkey! And how are you feeling?’
‘Honestly, like I’ve just won the lottery. I’m on such a high and I can’t thank you both enough for all you’ve done – the band, the red carpet and the motorbike.’ She squeezed Bea and pecked a kiss on Guy and Nathan’s cheek.
‘Don’t be daft, we are just glad it’s a huge success.’
‘Sorry to interrupt, Mrs Andrews,’ Jason, the manager, looked at Nell, ‘The press are waiting. Is it possible to borrow you for five minutes for a quick interview?’
Nell looked at Guy, ‘You go. This one is still asleep, thankfully, but not sure how much longer for.’
Nell felt like a film star as an abundance of photographers shouted ‘smile’, the cameras began to flash and she was enjoying every minute of it.
Guy and Bea helped themselves to a glass of mulled wine from the refreshment area, ‘The girl did well didn’t she? Look at all these people, this place will be booming,’ Bea exclaimed in admiration.
‘She’s done amazing.’
The crowd began to disperse into the main auditorium once they purchased their tickets and the excited chatter began to peter out. Nell appeared back at Guy’s side joined by Gilly.
‘I’m going to take this little one home while you enjoy the film,’ they all smiled at Annie, who was still fast asleep against Guy’s chest.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely, you enjoy your time today.’
‘Thanks, Mum, what about Lloyd?’
‘He’s staying, he wouldn’t miss the first showing for the world.’
‘That’s great,’ Guy carefully untied the sling and passed a sleeping Annie carefully over to Gilly.
‘Can I join you with the twins?’ Fern asked, ‘I don’t mind looking after them while Bea and Nathan watch the film.’
‘Yes, of course. I’ll see you across at the Nollie.’
‘Perfect,’ replied Fern, ‘I’ll catch up with you in a minute.
While everyone settled inside the auditorium, Guy and Nell climbed the stairs to the projection room.
He put his arms around Nell’s waist as they glanced through the window into the room below. Everyone was sitting down.
‘Look at them all, how does that feel’ he asked.
‘Honestly? Amazing, I never in a million years thought I’d pull this off.’
He beamed at her, ‘Right are you ready?’
‘I’m ready.’ Nell pressed a button and the lights dimmed in the auditorium below and as the red- velvet curtains began to open, everyone cheered.
‘Now the projector.’ Guy moved out of the way and Nell switched on the machine. It kicked into action and began to whirl.
‘What is the first film that you’ll be showing in the cinema?’ Guy asked, looking towards the screen below.
‘The film Ollie and I watched on our very first date when we were seventeen – Shrek the Third! I thought Jacob might like it too.’
‘Good choice!’
‘Guy, I know we’ve mentioned Ollie a lot today, but I really couldn’t have done this without you. He’ll always have a place in my heart, but it’s you I love. So much.’
He tilted Nell’s head to his and kissed her on the lips.
‘I love you, too, Nell. Now, come on, otherwise we will miss the film.’ He grabbed Nell’s hand and they began to run towards the auditorium.
Nell’s heart swelled with happiness. Finally all her dreams had come true.
Acknowledgements
Squeal! It’s been quite a journey and I really can’t believe my sixth novel is here and published! There’s a long list of truly fabulous folk I need to thank, who have been instrumental in supporting me and crafting this novel into one I am truly proud of.
Mum, Dad, Chris, Emily, Jack, Ruby and Tilly, my beautiful nutty funny gang, who inspire me every day. I couldn’t do the job I love so much without the support of you all, thank you.
Woody, my man, my mad crazy cocker spaniel, who is always by my side and unquestionably the best company ever.
The clever people at HarperImpulse, Charlotte Ledger and Kimberley Young. Both of course who are utterly fabulous. They have helped, encouraged and believed in me right from the start. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for turning my story into a book and creating the dreamiest of covers. My editor the wickedly smart and humorous Emily Ruston who, in the most awesome way made this book the best it could possibly be.
A special mention to Jenny Oliver because without her, I would never have been introduced to the wonderful publishing team above!
For making me a happier human – Anita Redfern, can’t fault her … my best friend in the world ever!
Team Barlow! Big love to my merry band of supporters and friends, Nicola Rickus, Louise Speight, Sarah Lees, Catherine Snook, Alison Smithies, Caroline Shotton, Sue Miller, Emma Cox and Sharon Pillinger who provide oodles of laughs, cake and gift bags full of chocolate when I’m locked away in the writing cave for hours on end. Writing fiction can be a lonely job but your texts, tweets and emails along the way always make me smile on a daily basis. I am truly grateful for such consistent support and friendship.
Paula Jackson, for letting me bombard her with numerous research questions when I discovered she lived on a narrowboat! I hope you enjoy the story!
Finally high fives to everyone who enjoys, reads and reviews my books especially book bloggers Claire Knight, Lorraine Rugman, Sarah Hardy, Noelle Holten, Annette Hannah, Joanne Robertson, Kaisha Holloway and Petra Quelch. Your constant sharing of posts has never gone unnoticed and your support for my writing is truly appreciated.
Last but not least, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream wouldn’t have been written if it wasn’t for my daily walks around Barton Marina in Barton-under-Needwood, this spectacular place of tranquillity provided that little spark of inspiration behind this story.
I have without a doubt enjoyed writing every second of this book and I really hope you enjoy hanging out with Nell Andrews and Guy Cornish. Please do let me know!
Christie xx
Also by Christie Barlow
A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother
The Misadventures of a Playground Mother
Kitty’s Countryside Dream
Lizzie’s Christmas Escape
Evie’s Year of Taking Chances
About the Author
Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty’s Countryside Dream, Lizzie’s Christmas Escape, Evie’s Year of Taking Chances and The Cosy Canal Boat Dream. She lives in Staffordshire with her husband, four kids, horses, chickens an
d a mad cocker spaniel.
Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA and Australia.
Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money and awareness and engaging with communities in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being. She is also Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk, bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.
She loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her website, Twitter and Facebook page.
@ChristieJBarlow
Christie Barlow author
www.christiebarlow.com
About HarperImpulse
HarperImpulse is an innovative, award-winning digital imprint. In the four years since launch, we have continually hit digital bestseller lists, hosted the UK’s first online romance festival, published into over ten countries and grown an exciting stable of commercial women’s fiction authors.
Readers, come and say hi to the team and your next read…
www.facebook.com/HarperImpulse
@HarperImpulse
www.instagram.com/harperimpulse
www.harperimpulse.com
Writers, our vision is to publish the very best in digital-first commercial women’s fiction and we are simply looking for good stories! So, what are you waiting for? To submit, e-mail us at [email protected].
About the Publisher
Australia
HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
http://www.harpercollins.com.au
Canada
HarperCollins Canada
2 Bloor Street East - 20th Floor
Toronto, ON, M4W, 1A8, Canada
http://www.harpercollins.ca
The Cosy Canal Boat Dream: A funny, feel-good romantic comedy you won’t be able to put down! Page 31
