Page 83 of The Seaside Supper Club

‘Looks luscious, Adam,’ said Sophie.

‘Thanks, that looks fantastic,’ added Will.

Adam went back in for serving bowls, a large knife and several spoons, and they were soon tucking into wedges of buttery-ginger-biscuit-based lime-and-cream pie with a sprinkling of dark chocolate shavings.

‘Delicious’ was Will’s verdict. ‘Thanks, mate.’

Maddie put a thumbs up, her mouth too full to speak.

Sophie smiled broadly. And Cath felt a burst of pride.

*

Cath suggested a post-supper stroll on the beach, but with Maddie and Adam intent on finishing the washing up, and saying they were ready to chill with a cold beer, and Will taking a brief nap, it was only her and Sophie wanting to go.

‘Okay, well, let’s leave these to it and have a wander,’ said Cath, feeling happy yet still a touch anxious at the thought of it being just the two of them. She so didn’t want to put her foot in it inadvertently, and spoil a really lovely day.

They scrambled down the dune bank to the front of the hut. And as they ambled along the sands, Sophie lifted her gaze, looking across at Cath as she spoke, ‘Ahm, I wanted to say thank you, for everything you’ve been doing for my dad.’

Wow. ‘Thanks. I wanted to be there for him. It’s been a tough time for you all,’ Cath acknowledged.

‘I know … and … I’m sorry … if I haven’t made life easy for you lately.’ There was a second or two pause. Cath looked on quietly, gently smiling, to give the young woman the chance to find her words. ‘Well, we’ve both seen how much you’ve done for Dad these past few months, and this meal today, it was our way of saying thank you.’

‘It’s been wonderful, Sophie. I really appreciate it. And I know your dad will have done, too. Thank you, both.’

‘Hey, and your Adam’s not a bad chef, too. That pudding was amazing.’

‘Must have learned a thing or two from me, somewhere along the line.’

‘Yeah, our mum was a really good cook, too. I used to love her banoffee pie.’ And Sophie, for the first time, shared a happy memory of her mother with Cath. And those few words felt like a magical gift.

They both gave a broad smile. Having this chance to chat, felt like a cloud had been lifted. It was like the sea breeze had blown through the fog of their relationship, lightening it, and bringing with it a chance for change.

This felt like such a big step forward for Cath and Sophie.

Two sets of footprints were now running parallel, as they walked side by side in the sands.

*

The beach day had been a success; with two broken families coming together. And the fear currently hounding them about Will’s health might soon, fingers crossed, lose its grip on their lives. The relief of an ‘undetectable’ diagnosis for him at the next round of tests, that was the goal. The hope that finally life could move forward, and work out for them all. Could she dare to dream?

Back on the deck, with the sky softening to a more subdued, rosy-hued evening light, Cath caught Will’s eye, a glint of its old sparkle back, and registered his mellow smile as he watched the two of them return. Might he be wondering the same things? He was certainly enjoying the moment. Their grown-up kids had done so well, thinking this up and taking charge today.

Though he looked slightly tired, Will was still so very handsome. His dark hair, and the most sensual of hazel-brown eyes, that melted her insides when he looked her way. How could he think she wouldn’t fancy him anymore, merely because of the present implications of his health and surgery? Ah, it had made her love him all the more. Seeing his courage and his determination through this most difficult of times. Witnessing how much he wanted to protect his girls, and how – even if rather foolish and grumpily – he’d tried to protect her from more hurt, too.

But this lady wasn’t for backing down. And she knew when not to give up on a good thing, the best of things. If her tummy was full after that gorgeous supper, then right now, her heart was even fuller. Life could throw its bloody curveballs, but she knew who to stand by, and who she needed to darn well hold on to, when they started coming.

Chapter 35

Ten days later, and the news they’d been waiting for had come in at last. In an appointment with the consultant, Will had this morning received the confirmation that the operation and all subsequent tests had gone well, more checks would continue regularly, but for now he was officially ‘in remission’.

The relief was incredible, so much so that he’d broken down in tears. Cath had welled up too; her heart, which had been broken over his illness, now felt welded back with hope. They shared a tender and relieved smile, and she placed a hand gently over his, as she sat beside him in the consultant’s room. She appeared calm, but on the inside, she was giving a woohoo and a massive air punch. Will had been in such a dark place for so very long, trying to keep his remaining family together and supported, in the midst of devastating grief. It was no wonder that this cancer diagnosis of his, with the necessary surgery and side-effects, had hit so damned hard.

‘Woah, that’s so good to hear,’ Will had said, once he’d had a chance to gather himself. Then he’d stood up to reach over the desk and shake the consultant’s hand. ‘Thank you so much. To the whole team here, too.’ These surgeons and the team of nurses and health workers who commit their care, their skills, and gave people hope and their lives back, time and time again, deserve so much credit.

*

The two of them were now sitting on a rug on the sands. With that fantastic news still ringing joyously in their ears, they’d escaped to the sea. The new strand of fairy lights on the deck of the beach bungalow were twinkling gently from the hut in the dunes behind them. Supper was prepared and waiting to be warmed, and a cosy bed was ready for them later. The flat-packed double bed had made it across the dune track last week! It was all assembled and set up with fresh laundry.