‘It’s a silly thing, really… Laurie once said, and this was a long time ago, before he was even ill, that ifhehappened to pass away before me, and I needed his reassurance about something, he’d come back and visit me. But not as a ghost, because I told him that would freak me out.’ She cringed, unable to believe she was actually sharing this story. ‘So, he said he’d come back as a robin in the summer, so I’d know it was him.’ She lowered her gaze and feigned a detailed inspection of her fingernails.
He nodded enthusiastically. ‘Ah yes. I get it. Because food’s abundant in the summer so they can merrily skulk around without being seen, meaning they’re more synonymous with colder weather and Christmas. You see one in the summer and you know there’s a reason. Clever bloke.’
Juliette gasped and lifted her face to meet his gaze, amazed that she hadn’t needed to explain the significance. ‘Yes, exactly that,’ she whispered.
‘And you saw a robin at the games?’ His smile was warm, his eyes crinkled at the corners. He wasn’t in any way mocking her and she swallowed hard as her heart tumbled over itself in her chest.
‘I did. It was beautiful. Such a bright red breast.’ She swallowed and willed her eyes to stop stinging.
His face softened and he leaned across the table to touch her hand again. ‘If you were needing reassurance about something and he gave it, that’s wonderful.’ A strange silence fell between them, an understanding, almost. Until he spoke again, breaking the spell. ‘So, how’s the museum going? Sorry I haven’t been down in a while. But I see that the gift shop takings have shot up since you took over.’
‘It’s absolutely fine. I’m loving it, even more now that I know my grandparents were connected to it.’
‘You know what? I bet our grandparents knew each other. They had to. My grandpa was a lifeboat volunteer too. That’s why I’m so passionate about the place.’
Juliette’s eyes widened at the prospect that they too, had a historical connection. Then sadness washed over her. ‘But… the sales particulars are being drawn up as we speak.’
‘Ah. Yes.’ He rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head. ‘Want to buy it?’ he blurted.
‘I’m sorry?’
Reid stood up, hope and enthusiasm seemed to ooze from him as he paced the kitchen floor. ‘You could buy it. I mean, it’s clear how much you love the place. You just fit it. It’s like youbelongthere. And I think… I think maybe you belong here too, in Glentorrin.’ She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up his hand. ‘Before you say anything, I know it’s only been a short amount of time, but I’ve seen your face when you’re in there. You light up, Jules. In fact, you light the whole place up.’ His eyes were fixed on her and the gravel in his voice caught her off guard.
Her stomach fluttered, but she straightened up in the hope it would stop. ‘That’s really sweet of you, Reid. I do love the place. I love the fact that I feel connected to it. It’s wonderful but… This was only ever supposed to be temporary. So, sadly, I can’t.’
‘Can’t? Or won’t?’ he asked quietly.
She shrugged. ‘Both, I suppose. I don’t have enough money to buy the place, unfortunately, and my life is down in Mistford. I belongthere.’
He nodded, but his expression was tainted with sadness. ‘I understand. There are a lot of memories there. And your friends. I’m sorry if I got a little ahead of myself. It just seemed like a perfect solution.’
‘No, no, it’s absolutely fine. I know it would be easier if you could sell to someone you know would love the place as much as you do—’
He flopped onto his chair again. ‘You think I mentioned it for convenience?’ His brow crumpled; he looked hurt.
‘No,’ she insisted. ‘I didn’t mean that. I just mean… I know you don’t want to see it become something that would spoil the legacy. And I understand that, completely. And if things were different…’
At that point, the front door was flung open. ‘Hi, honey, I’m home!’ Kendric called from the hallway.
‘We’re in the kitchen, Ric,’ Reid called dryly, and Juliette noted his clouded expression.
Kendric appeared and made straight for Juliette. ‘Hey, Jules. What a wonderful surprise. How are you today?’
‘Hi, Kendric, I’m fine, thanks, you?’
‘All the better for seeing you.’
Reid rolled his eyes as he said, ‘I must apologise for my brother. He’s an eternal flirt.’
Kendric laughed. ‘Aw, brother dear, don’t be so tetchy.’
Noting the sudden tension in the room, Juliette stood. ‘Well, I really should be going.’
Reid smiled warmly. ‘Thank you for coming. It was really lovely to see you,’ he replied as he made to stand.
‘Don’t get up, bro, I’ll walk our guest out,’ Kendric insisted, placing a hand gently on Juliette’s back.
Lowering himself again, Reid scowled. ‘Fine, whatever. Bye, Jules. Hope to see you again soon.’
