Seaside Manor Bed and Breakfast

by Lilly Mirren

  Newlyweds.

  Her chest felt as though it might burst with joy at the thought of sharing her every day with Mick. She’d been hesitant to make the commitment at first, but now that she’d taken the step, made the decision to spend her life with him, all her doubts and fears had faded and all she could think of was how it would be to grow old with him, share every adventure together, and raise children side by side.

  Finally she was there, standing beside Mick and in front of a marriage celebrant, flanked by large white stands sporting floral bouquets. The elopement provider supplied everything they’d need for a quick wedding, and she hadn’t had much input into the design. But it didn’t matter. The flowers were beautiful, the sun danced on the ocean’s surface as waves slid quietly to shore beside them, and the sand beneath her feet reminded her of so many of the best times of her life.

  Mick took her hands and squeezed them gently, his eyes glistening with tears.

  “You look beautiful,” he whispered.

  The celebrant began the service and Sarah did her best to focus on the words. She wanted to soak in every moment of this time, didn’t want to miss a thing. But it was hard to listen with the way Mick was looking at her. The adoration in his eyes brought heat to her face and neck.

  “It’s time for your vows,” said the celebrant, an older woman in an aqua pantsuit.

  Mick went first.

  “I promise that I’ll always be there for you. In every storm, through all of the good and bad, I’ll be by your side, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re safe, happy, and loved. When things get hard, I promise I will remember these vows I’ve made to share my life with you forever, regardless of what happens.”

  She grinned through a veil of tears, sniffling, and wishing she’d thought to pack a tissue somewhere on her person.

  When it was her turn, she drew a deep breath first, willing her voice to cooperate. “I vow, that I will love you even when I don’t like you much.”

  Mick chuckled, shook his head.

  “That I’ll be faithful to you, even if Brad Pitt comes knocking.”

  He arched an eyebrow.

  “I’m joking,” she grinned. “I promise to stick by your side through good and bad, fat and thin.”

  He grunted.

  “Even when your hair is grey and my thighs are wide, I’ll still love lying against your chest and listening to your heartbeat, I’ll adore your lips as much as I do now, and I’ll revel in the way you always put my needs ahead of your own — I’ll even try to do that myself because you’ve taught me that it’s possible to love someone that much.”

  By the time she was finished, tears fell onto her cheeks.

  Mick slid the ring onto her finger as he recited the vows read out by the celebrant, then it was Sarah’s turn to do the same. Then, they were married, and it was time for the kiss that would begin their lives together.

  Mick’s lips found hers. He tasted of salt and coffee, and she melted in his embrace, giving herself up fully for the first time in her life to love, to someone else, to their future together.

  Chapter 33

  Ethan

  The rhythm of his footsteps on the dirt path beneath his feet was soothing. Sarah always said he was crazy to run so much, but Ethan found it therapeutic. It was during his runs that some of his best ideas came to mind as well, the best solutions for engineering designs, the ideas that changed the direction of his life. Running was a great way for him to think things through — if he didn’t go running, he kept his mind so busy on what he was doing that he might never get the inspiration to change direction otherwise.

  His thoughts now returned to Emily, as they often did these days when he was running. Lately things between them had heated up. It’d surprised him the way she’d changed after their discussion of the past. But he still held onto some reservations when it came to the way she’d been so reluctant to let go of past hurts and give him a chance. He wasn’t sure if he could trust her with his heart. He wanted to let go of his concerns and dive headfirst into their relationship, but he wasn’t sure she was in the same place as him.

  He startled a pair of seagulls beside the path and they flapped furiously into the air, with a flurry of wings and frantic calls. His heart skipped a beat as well as he hadn’t seen them until he was on top of them because of the dry grasses that lined the sides of the trail.

  The path ducked behind a tall, green bush and along the edge of a cliff face that looked out over the ocean, then back up the grassy hill towards his neighbourhood. He slowed when he reached the Manor, turned into the front yard, and walked the last few steps before pushing his way through the front door.

  The house was quiet, silent in fact. He’d taken a look at the guest register the day before and there’d only been one couple scheduled for the previous night. There’d be a full house that night, but Wednesdays were historically slow. He’d suggested that Emily take some time to herself to relax. He hoped she’d taken his advice and he wouldn’t find her painting one of the rooms or sanding back a piece of furniture to restore, as she’d been doing lately.

  She’d done such a good job of updating the look of the place — it’d been traditional, a little old fashioned, and dark when she arrived. Now he was greeted by white and cream paint, lighter coloured furniture, that she’d restored with a new stain, and a generally more modern, yet still classic, style that he really enjoyed.

  “Emily!”

  She didn’t answer. He stood in the living room with his hands on his hips, listening. There was no sound, but that didn’t mean anything. She might be in the garden. Since the front door was open, it wasn’t likely she’d gone out.

  He searched the Manor and found her in her own room after knocking on the closed door. She opened it tentatively with a shy smile.

  “Hi,” she said, standing on tiptoe to kiss his lips in a way that made him want more. “Sorry, I’m still in my PJs.”

  She tugged at the white t-shirt and peered down at her soft, tartan shorts. Her hair was piled in a messy bun on top of her head, her eyes looked sleepy, and there was a sheet mark on one side of her face. She looked adorable, and he fought the urge to take her in his arms right then and there. They had things to talk about, and he didn’t want to put it off any longer.

  He kissed her again. “That’s okay. You should relax, you work so hard. What are you doing today?”

  She shrugged. “I’m watching an old black and white movie right now. Then, I thought I might take a walk on the beach before I get ready for tonight’s guests.”

  “That sounds perfect. Hey, can we talk, then I’ll leave you to your relaxation?”

  She nodded. “Let me get dressed and I’ll be right with you.”

  He waited in the den for her, reading a magazine about bushwalking trails in New South Wales state parks, then looked up as she walked in. She was dressed in cut-off denim shorts and a blue t-shirt that hung off one shoulder. Her feet were bare, and she curled up beside him on the couch.

  “You look very cute today,” he said. Usually she was all business. It was nice to see her dressed more casually, it suited her.

  She grinned. “Thanks.”

  “So, I wanted to talk to you about us,” he began.

  Her lips pursed. “Okay.”

  “Nothing bad, I promise. Only, I guess I’d like to know what you’re thinking. I know for me, I really like you, I can see this thing between us becoming something special. But first, I need to know if you’re on the same track as me.”

  She inhaled a sharp breath. “Ethan… you have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.”

  His eyes widened. “What? But… you seemed to hate me not so very long ago.”

  “I know, but we talked about that. The reason I held onto the shame of our encounter for so many years was because… well, I had a huge crush on you when I was a teenager. I’ve always thought you were the most attractive, fun, smart… well, amazing guy in the world. So, I’m definitely on the same tr
ack as you.”

  Ethan grinned. “Well, how about that? I didn’t know I’d had such an impact on you.”

  He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

  He chuckled. “Too late for that. My head is well and truly swollen, I’m not sure it will ever return to its normal size after that.”

  She laughed and pretended to punch him in the shoulder. “And to answer your other question, the reason I’ve held back is simple. The last man I dated took advantage of me, lied to me, and manipulated me in ways I’m only beginning to fully understand now. So, I’ve been hesitant to give my heart to someone else. I mean, I’ve had some really bad taste in men. Terrible. Horrifically bad taste.” She shook her head. “I’m talking Olympic sized bad taste.”

  He grunted. “Well, I didn’t think it could happen, but my head is definitely shrinking now, and fast.”

  She leaned towards him, kissed his lips, and gazed into his eyes. “But I’ve always known you were a good one.”

  “I’m not him, you know. I would never do anything to hurt you like that.”

  “I know,” she replied.

  “So, you’re willing to see where things might go between us?”

  She nodded. “I can’t wait.”

  He laughed. “Me either.” Then he kissed her again, sending a deluge of fireworks through every nerve ending in her body and making her head swim with desire.

  Chapter 34

  Diana

  Everything was black. Everywhere she looked, black and grim.

  Diana almost couldn’t stand the pain in her throat. Her chest ached, and her stomach roiled around a knot that hadn’t budged in days. Not since Rupert died.

  Rupert was dead.

  She couldn’t wrap her mind around the thought. Every time the memory rose to the surface after she found her thoughts drifting on another subject, she was hit once again with a wave of grief that almost knocked her to the floor. And the first thing she thought was that she wanted to talk to Rupert about it. But he wasn’t there.

  She held back a surge of tears, choked them down, as she greeted people for the funeral. It was to be held at the local Baptist church, where she and Rupert had attended faithfully for most of their lives. She wasn’t even sure where to sit without him. She was the one who talked with friends and acquaintances until the service began, then she’d find Rupert where he was seated in one of the pews and slip into place beside him.

  Now, she had to find her own seat.

  How could she do this? Go on with life without him? That was no kind of life.

  She greeted more guests, then waited with her breath caught in her throat for the next arrivals. Ben told her she didn’t have to do it. That no one expected her to stand at the door and greet them, but she wasn’t sure she could do anything else. The idea of sitting in the pew and waiting was more than she could bear, and besides, these were her friends, her community. She loved them, and they’d loved Rupert. He was the kind of man people were drawn to, everyone said so.

  A car pulled into the small parking lot, a car she recognised.

  She held her breath a few moments longer then exhaled as Cindy stepped from the car, followed by Sarah and Mick, then Ethan and Adele. Adele must’ve flown in from Darwin for the funeral, Diana found the sight of the young woman prompted a fresh rush of grief mixed with relief.

  They were there. Of course, they were, Rupert had done nothing wrong. He wasn’t the one who’d betrayed them. They’d loved him. Considered him their family.

  Tears blocked them from her view for a few moments, then they were there, walking up the concrete steps. Cindy stopped in front of her, studied her with a shake of her head. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and she looked thinner than the last time Diana had seen her.

  “Oh, honey,” she said.

  Then, she drew Diana into an embrace that she felt in her very core. The tears surged free then, soaking Cindy’s collar in moments.

  “Thank you for coming,” sobbed Diana against her friend’s shoulder.

  “I’m so sorry,” mumbled Cindy, her voice muffled by Diana’s white, lace collar.

  “Me too. Me too. So sorry. For everything. I’m so glad you came because I honestly don’t know how I’ll get through this without you.”

  Cindy patted her back gently. “I know honey, I know. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

  Cindy pulled away, bit her lip. The tears in her eyes glistened as she spoke. “I forgive you for what happened. I’m only sorry I let it get between us, it was so long ago. It’s in the past. Everything that’s happened over the course of the past forty years is what’s made our friendship so strong, and that hasn’t changed. Has it?”

  Diana shook her head, dabbing her cheeks with a handkerchief embroidered with wattle flowers. “No, of course not.”

  “Hey, mum I think it’s nearly time to start,” said Ben behind her, his voice soft as he cupped her elbow with one hand.

  He’d taken to calling her mum after his last visit to the Cove. Said his mother didn’t mind him doing it, said that they were both his mother so he could call them both mum if he wanted. Diana would be eternally grateful to the woman she’d never met who’d done such a wonderful job of raising their son.

  “Thank you, dear,” she replied.

  Cindy’s eyes widened. Diana stopped Ben from leaving with a hand on his arm. “Ben, I’d like you to meet my oldest friend. This is Cindy Flannigan.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cindy,” said Ben. “I believe we met at your cafe, but not officially.”

  “That’s right.” Cindy smiled. “How lovely to meet you, Ben. Your presence here is truly a gift.”

  Ben smiled. “Thanks, I’m glad I could be here. Although I wish I’d gotten a chance to get to know Rupert.” He swallowed hard. “At least I can be here for mum.”

  He returned to his seat at the front of the church, and Diana watched him before meeting Cindy’s gaze. Cindy shook her head. “What a wonderful thing. I could cry, although I’m not sure I have any tears left. I haven’t said anything… by the way. Sarah, Ethan, Adele — none of them knows about Ben. Not yet, anyway. I thought you’d probably like to talk to Andy first…”

  “Thank you, Cindy — I would like to speak with Andy first. It only seems right… after everything.”

  Cindy gave Diana’s hand one more squeeze, then walked into the church. Diana embraced Ethan, Sarah, Mick, and Adele as they followed their mother. She headed to her seat, beside Ben in the first row.

  Ben shot her a concerned look as she sat but she couldn’t bring herself to smile. She’d known this day would come, but not yet. She wasn’t ready for it yet. They still had so much life to share, so much living to do. They’d been talking about a European cruise, a trip to Fiji, all the things they’d never done that they could do now they were retired.

  Emily slipped into the pew beside Ben, reached across and held Diana’s hand with a blink of watery eyes. “Hello Auntie Di.”

  Diana nodded but couldn’t speak.

  The service was beautiful. She and Rupert had taken the time years earlier to plan out what they wanted for their respective services. She was glad they’d done it since the past few days had been a blur and she’d barely had the strength to put into action the plan they’d made. She was so grateful that Ben and Emily had been there to help her. Her only regret was that Cindy hadn’t. At least her friend had forgiven her now — a wave of emotion swelled within her and she sobbed quietly into a handkerchief.

  Ben’s hand on her back helped ease her pain.

  After the service was over, Ben drove Diana to the Manor where Emily was hosting a wake. Diana was glad she didn’t have to manage it all herself. Emily hadn’t let her lift a finger towards the preparations, not that she’d had the strength to do it anyway.

  When they arrived, some of the guests were there, standing around in small clumps talking in hushed voices.

  She g
reeted them, accepted their condolences, then moved onto the next cluster. It wasn’t long before the entire downstairs area of the Manor was packed with people. It warmed Diana’s heart to see them. Rupert had been beloved in the community and she was grateful to see that they’d come to pay their respects. She couldn’t imagine living her life anywhere other than Emerald Cove — it was her home and she felt loved as people embraced her, kissed her cheek, and cried with her over memories.

  She smiled at the sight of Emily and Adele huddled together in one corner of the room. They’d been close as children, at least during the summers when Emily visited. It was nice to see them catching up as adults. She hoped they’d be able to get to know each other all over again although with Adele working as a pilot in Darwin their time together would be limited. Her smile faded as she imagined what Rupert would say — he’d have loved to watch Emily settling into life in the Cove. She was glad things were going so well for her niece. Emily and Ben were the only bright spots in the darkness for Diana.

  After chatting with people for an hour she felt her strength waning. She stood with Ben, sipping a cup of tea, and nibbling on a tiny slice of apple pie with fresh cream. It was delicious, as was everything Emily had served that day, but she couldn’t enjoy it.

  When Andrew Flannigan walked through the front door her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t known he’d come. He was there alone, thank goodness. If he’d brought his girlfriend and caused a scene at Rupert’s funeral, she wasn’t sure she could ever forgive him.

  He caught her eye and headed straight for her. Took her hand and held it gently. “Di, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rupert was a good man and we’ll all miss him.”

  She nodded, her heart in her throat. Ben stood beside her, oblivious to who Andrew was to him. “Thank you, Andrew. I’m so glad you could make it. Rupert had hoped he would see you…” Her voice broke and she inhaled a sharp breath. “Thank you.”