‘Looks like most of the peninsula came out for the service today. The Warriors are on their second run to Wesleyville for more supplies.’ Sam leans against the windowsill and folds his arms. ‘Becca told me you’re heading back to New York.’
‘I have to. I have an apartment to sort out.’
‘Sort out?’
Sophie shrugs. ‘I haven’t got a job anymore. I’ll have to move.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘You wouldn’t believe the rent on my place. I’ll run through my savings in no time if I’m not working.’
‘You’ll land on your feet. Just not in those awful shoes you were wearing the first time I met you.’
‘I’ll have you know they were very expensive Jimmy Choos. Totally ruined, just like my green velvet suit. I made scatter cushions out of it. Did I ever tell you that?’
Sam chuckles. ‘A fitting end.’
‘Sam, there’s something I need to tell you. Something Aunt Ellie told me before she died. I’ve been trying to tell you, but it’s been so crazy around here this week.’
‘You don’t need to tell me.’
‘What?’
‘You’re Winny’s half-sister.’
‘How long have you known that?’
‘Emmett. He told me everything after the fire. I think he thought it’d put me off.’
‘Emmett knew? How could he possibly know that Ellie was my mother? She told me she’d never told anyone, not even Florie.’
‘I have no idea.’
‘Did he say anything else? About me? About my father?’
Sam shakes his head. ‘No. Why?’
So, Emmett doesn’t know everything, it seems. Doesn’t know that George was also his father. But how did he know about Ellie’s pregnancy? I’ll find out. I’ll talk to him and find out. I’m sorry, Ellie, but I’m not going to keep your secrets. It’s time everything was out in the open.
‘It’s a bit strange, isn’t it? You and me? Winny being my half-sister?’
‘Yes, maybe a bit. But, it’s not like we’re blood relatives.’ Sam opens out his hands. ‘As far as I’m concerned, it’s all fine by me. Ellie was a wonderful woman. I wish you’d known her longer. You shouldn’t have stayed away so long.’
Sophie sighs. ‘I know. I was wrapped up in my career. But, the last couple of years … I don’t know. I was starting to feel … unbalanced. I was never much good at relationships. My parents’ marriage wasn’t exactly a great example. I was good at choosing the wrong people. I guess because I expected things to end. It was easier if things ended with someone I didn’t really care about that much. It kept me from getting hurt.’
‘Love hurts, haven’t you heard that, Princess Grace?’
‘That’s what I’m afraid of, Sam.’
‘You know, Sophie, it’s been hard for me to move on—’ his voice catches ‘—to move on from Winny. I loved her. She was my wife. I thought we’d be together forever.’
Here it comes. The gentle let-down. ‘I know, Sam. I understand.’
‘When Becca took such a shine to you when you were here last time, that was hard too. I felt like her liking you was somehow betraying Winny.’ He sighs. ‘Sorry, it’s crazy, I know.’
We may as well get to the point. She leans against the desk. ‘And now? How do you feel about things now? How do you feel about me? About us?’
He reaches out and runs a fingertip along her cheek. ‘Ellie wasn’t only beautiful, she was wise. She told me it was time to appreciate everything I had with Winny, and give myself permission to move on. Winny’s a part of me and a part of Becca. She always will be. But, Ellie was right. It’s time to move on. And, Princess Grace. I’d like to move on with you.’
Sophie blinks. ‘Really?’
‘Yes, really.’
‘You sure you don’t just want to play cribbage instead?’
Sam laughs. ‘Oh, there’ll be plenty of cribbage, don’t you worry.’ He picks up the locket from the table. ‘What’s this?’
‘It was Ellie’s. She’s given it to me.’
‘Turn around.’
‘What?’
He rolls his eyes. ‘Nothing’s ever easy with you, is it? Turn around, Princess Grace.’
Sophie turns her back to Sam. She feels his breath on her neck as he fastens the locket around her neck.
‘I’m not going to hurt you, Sophie.’
Then, she is in his arms, her hands pressing his head to hers, kissing him like it’s a gift she’s only now learnt how to give.
She steps back and puts her hand to her mouth. ‘I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.’
Sam smiles. ‘I’m not. Not one bit. I’ve got you a present, too. Something to remember me by in the Big Apple.’
‘You didn’t have to do that.’
‘I know.’
‘I mean you didn’t have to do that because I’ll be back in a few weeks. As soon as I can tie everything up in New York.’
‘You’ll be back? In a few weeks? Are you sure? I can always fly to see you in New York.’
‘Florie cornered me in the house over the cheesecake. She had it all figured out. I’m moving into Kittiwake with her and Becca and Toby, and the baby, when it comes. We’re going to be a proper commune. I’m going to become an artist, Sam. I’ll sell my work online and in Florie’s shop. I can help you design the art retreats, too, if you like.’
He slides his arms around Sophie’s waist. ‘It’s pretty quiet up here, Princess Grace. Not much to do here, except this.’ He nuzzles her neck. ‘And this.’ He slides his hand to the small of her back as he kisses her ear. ‘And this …’ He presses his forehead to hers. ‘You might hate it here. You haven’t been in Tippy’s Tickle in winter. Did anyone tell you we’ve got seven seasons?’
‘Seven seasons?’
He counts the seasons off his fingers. ‘Spring – that’s snow
