Sunset over Brightwater Bay

by Holly Hepburn

  He turned to glance at Merry, eyes shining. ‘We always try to choose an author who will appeal to as wide a demographic as possible, as well as someone who will help to show our beautiful islands in a positive light through their writing. I think it’s safe to say that this time, we chose very well indeed. But you don’t need to take my word for it – now I’d like to hand over to Hamish Burns, who is going to talk about some of the remarkable ways this year’s Writer in Residence has promoted Orkney.’

  Hamish got to his feet amid a smattering of applause. ‘Thank you, Niall. I’ll be the first to admit I hadn’t read much of Merina Wilde’s previous work before she came to Orkney.’ He cast a sheepish look at Merry, who smiled. ‘But from the moment Niall put one of her novels in my hands, I was hooked. And as Niall has just suggested, her work as our Writer in Residence has exceeded all expectations. Who could forget her electrifying short story about the fate of Skara Brae all those centuries ago? Or her haunting retelling of Betty Corrigall’s tragic tale? But I’m sure you will all agree that the cherry on the cake – the one we never dreamed might be possible – is the novel Merina has written during her time here. A story set on Orkney, inspired by our very own islanders, and soon to be transformed into a major Hollywood movie starring Nick Borrowdale and Emily Martins.’

  An excited murmuring rose from the crowd even as Niall gave Merry a stricken look. He got to his feet and whispered something to Hamish, who cleared his throat. ‘I’m told that last piece of information is still a secret so – er – please keep it to yourselves. But regardless of that, I’d like to extend our warmest thanks to Merina, who has been everything we wanted in a role-model and more. And as a token of our gratitude, we’d like to present you with a small gift.’

  Niall stood up and motioned for Merry to join him as he handed Hamish a small box. Certain her cheeks must be bright red from all the praise the two of them had heaped upon her, Merry stepped forward.

  ‘Many thanks for all your enthusiasm and hard work, Merina,’ Hamish said and gave her the box. ‘We’re delighted that you’ll be staying on in an unofficial capacity for a few months more.’

  The crowd burst into applause as he shook Merry’s hand. Beside him, Niall conjured an enormous bouquet seemingly out of thin air and presented it to Merry, grinning as it almost eclipsed her head. Then both men stepped back and allowed Merry to take the microphone.

  ‘Thank you, Hamish,’ she said, doing her best to juggle the flowers and the box until Niall stepped forward and took them both. ‘And thank you, Niall. You’re always there when I need you.’

  His eyes met hers and, for a moment, she forgot where she was. Then reality crashed back in. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she gazed out at the audience and tried to remember what she’d planned to say. A sea of faces returned her gaze, some now familiar and dear to her, others less so, but every single one seemed to wear a smile. The last of her nerves vanished as she smiled back at them.

  ‘As some of you will know, I came to Orkney looking for magic. I’d lost my way with writing, was struggling to finish the novel I was being paid to write, and I wondered if I’d ever enjoy my work again. But I’m delighted to say I found everything I needed here and more. Everyone I’ve met in the last six months has given me something – a name, a story, a location or perhaps even a secret – and I couldn’t have dreamed that I’d feel so inspired.’ She turned to look at Morag. ‘And some people gave me more than one single story. Some people, like Morag here, gave me their whole lives.’

  Merry took a step back and reached under her chair, where Niall had left a white box inscribed with Morag’s name.

  ‘I’m incredibly grateful to Morag for letting me use her story as the inspiration to create one of my own. In this box is a special, one-of-a-kind edition of the novel I wrote after hearing Morag and Giovanni’s love story. I’d like to present it to you now, Morag, along with my undying thanks. You’ll also find the novel is dedicated to you and your husband.’

  Once again, the crowd broke into applause, this time with deafening whoops and cheers, as Merry planted a gentle kiss on Morag’s papery cheeks and placed the box in her hands. ‘Thank you so much,’ she said, surprised to feel tears pricking at the back of her eyes as she looked at Morag.

  ‘Thank you for making our story live for ever,’ Morag replied. She stood up and made her way slowly to the front of the stage. ‘I know I’m not meant to make a speech but I’ve never really been one for doing as I’m told.’

  A wave of laughter rolled across the hall, then died away as Morag opened her mouth to speak again. ‘Giovanni was never really one for romance but I reckon he’d have loved the story our Merry has written here. As most of you know, he came here as a prisoner of war, but he always used to say it was love that made him stay. And that’s what you’ll find in this book – love. Romantic love, family love, patriotic love but most of all, the capacity we all have to love each other. And I don’t know about you, but I think that’s something we all need to do more, no matter who we are. So, make sure you read it!’

  The applause as Morag retook her seat was thunderous and went on for what felt like minutes, resisting all attempts to quieten it down. Merry leaned across to Niall. ‘I need to employ Morag as my publicist. She’s fantastic!’

  Niall grinned. ‘I know. I’d better double my order of the book for publication day – I think you’re going to surpass Jess as the most stolen author in the library.’

  Once the crowd finally fell silent again, Niall took the microphone once more. ‘Thanks for that ringing endorsement, Morag. I don’t think you could ask for a better review than that, Merry – “make sure you read it!” You should put that on the front cover.’

  There was more laughter. ‘You’ll be glad to know it’s almost time for the dancing,’ Niall went on. ‘If we can ask you all to move into the lobby area again, we’ll clear this room and let you know when it’s ready. But before you do that, can we thank Hamish, Morag and, of course, Merry for being here this evening.’

  It took a further ten minutes for the audience to disperse, during which Merry chatted to Morag and Hamish. But it wasn’t until the two other guests had left the stage and the room was almost empty that she thought to open the box Hamish had given her. Inside, she found a delicate necklace: a glistening silver-cased oblong of polished blue and grey and green gemstone. And through the centre, there was a hole.

  ‘Do you like it?’ Niall asked, materializing at her side. ‘I had it specially commissioned from a local jeweller in Dounby.’

  Merry ran a gentle finger across the smooth surface and swallowed. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she said huskily. ‘What’s it made of?’

  ‘Ocean Jasper,’ he said, then paused. ‘It’s supposed to have healing qualities, especially where the heart is concerned.’

  ‘Just like the Odin Stone,’ she observed, touching the hole in the middle of the gem.

  ‘Exactly like that,’ he replied, and she looked up to find him watching her intently. ‘In the same way that it represents vows made and promises kept.’

  There was something in his voice, a depth that told her he was saying more than the words implied. ‘I’d like to wear it,’ she said. ‘Will you help me?’

  Niall’s gaze didn’t waver. ‘Of course.’

  She slid the fine silver chain from the box and laid the necklace in his hand, before lifting her hair from her neck. Niall passed the chain around her throat and he was so near that she could feel his breath warm on her cheek. His fingers brushed her skin as he fumbled with the clasp, and she shivered at his touch. Then it was done. Niall stepped back, leaving the pendant resting on her chest. Merry raised a hand to touch it and turned to smile at him. ‘Thank you. I know this is really a gift from you.’

  He inclined his head. ‘I didn’t pay for it. But yes, I suppose you could say it’s from me.’ He took a deep breath. ‘From my heart to yours.’

  Up until then, Merry had been aware that there were other people
in the hall, chatting and laughing as they moved chairs and arranged tables, but at that moment everything else faded away. Her pulse sped up as she gazed into Niall’s eyes. ‘Are you sure you mean that? I don’t have the best track record when it comes to love.’

  He smiled and reached out a finger to touch her cheek, causing the breath to catch in Merry’s throat. ‘I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.’

  For a second or two, she was certain he was going to kiss her. And then, with a whoosh of disappointment, she remembered where they were and knew he wouldn’t; not here, in the place where he worked, surrounded by the people he worked with and half of Orkney besides. But, once again, he surprised her. With one swift movement, he placed a hand on the small of her back and pulled her near, dipping his head and kissing her with an assurance and thoroughness that took the breath from her lungs.

  Heat flooded her body. She pressed against him, and he let out a soft moan that told her he’d wanted this to happen almost as long as she had, although she’d fought it from the start. And somehow, it felt different to any kiss she’d experienced before: deeper, more resonant, as though every other kiss had been preparing her for this one, the one that really mattered. It was, she thought as they finally broke apart to stare at each other in wonder, like coming home.

  Niall spoke first, his voice low and gravelly. ‘I know this is all happening too fast but I have to say this while I still have the nerve – I love you.’

  For the third time that evening, tears burned in Merry’s eyes. ‘Oh, Niall. I love you too.’

  They might have kissed again if the sound of loud cheering hadn’t broken the spell. Feeling a wave of mortification wash over her, Merry turned to see they had an enthusiastic audience of onlookers that included Sheila and Bridget, Clare and Hugh, plus Andrew and Jess. Every single one of them was grinning and applauding with such gusto that both Merry and Niall couldn’t help laughing too.

  ‘About bloody time, babes!’ Jess called, pumping the air with her fist.

  ‘Absolutely,’ Andrew bellowed. ‘This definitely calls for a dram or two.’

  On the stage, Niall turned back to Merry. ‘Well, your official duties are done – can I interest you in some drinking and dancing?’

  Merry wondered if her heart might actually burst with happiness. ‘Only if you kiss me again first,’ she whispered, and reached up to pull his head towards hers.

  The End

  Acknowledgements

  Unending thanks and gratitude to Jo Williamson of Antony Harwood Ltd, superstar agent and life-support system. A massive thank you to Bec Farrell for helping to shape Brightwater Bay with skill, patience and humour, and everyone on the Books and the City team for ensuring Merry’s story is an irresistible package – special thanks to Pip Watkins for designing up an Orkney storm and giving me such gorgeous covers.

  As always, much love to Kate Harrison, Miranda Dickinson, Rowan Coleman, Julie Cohen and Cally Taylor, who are daily, weekly, monthly and yearly inspirations. Cuddles to T and E for being themselves.

  And last of all, thanks to all my readers – I hope you’ve fallen in love with Orkney as much as I have.

  More from the Author

  Coming Home to Brightwater Bay

  Dangerous Tides at Brightwater Bay

  Sea Breezes at Brightwater Bay

  Broken Hearts at Brightwater Bay

  Last Orders at the Star and Sixpence

  Last Words at the Star and Sixpence

  Also by Holly Hepburn

  A Year at the Star and Sixpence

  Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence

  Summer at the Star and Sixpence

  Autumn at the Star and Sixpence

  Christmas at the Star and Sixpence

  The Picture House by the Sea

  Brief Encounter at the Picture House by the Sea

  Singing in the Rain at the Picture House by the Sea

  Dirty Dancing at the Picture House by the Sea

  Some Like it Hot at the Picture House by the Sea

  A Year at Castle Court

  Snowy Nights at Castle Court

  Frosty Mornings at Castle Court

  Stormy Weather at Castle Court

  Starry Skies at Castle Court

  Last Orders at the Star and Sixpence

  New Beginnings at the Star and Sixpence

  Christmas Kisses at the Star and Sixpence

  Cosy Nights at the Star and Sixpence

  Last Words at the Star and Sixpence

  Valentine’s Day at the Star and Sixpence (short story)

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  First published in Great Britain by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd, 2020

  Copyright © Tamsyn Murray, 2020

  The right of Tamsyn Murray to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

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  A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-4711-8902-9

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.