Page 73 of The Runaway Wives

‘Only because you told him about me, about how hard it is to get reasonably priced accommodation around here. We all owe you, you and Kenny.’

‘You don’t owe me anything. I’m so grateful how you’ve all made me welcome and part of the community.’

Glenn nodded. ‘Aye, you’re one of us now.’

They carried on walking down the beach and Dee and Loki walked over to the new development. So many of the apartments were occupied now, although there were still some to be completed. In a couple of years, it would all be open, new shops, restaurants, leisure facilities. Babs and Geoff had visited again a few weeks ago and they’d been amazed at how the new development was progressing.

‘To think you could have lived in one of those posh apartments,’ Geoff had said as he gazed at them.

She was glad she’d turned it down though. She was happy in Primrose Cottage, happier than she ever thought she could be. She was happy with Kenny too. He was a gentle soul who gave her love but respected her need for time alone, as she respected his. He was working at the studio this morning, finishing a painting he’d been commissioned to do. They spent a lot of time together but they’d both agreed to keep their own homes, their own personal space. For now anyway.

Babs and Geoff were currently in Wales. They’d taken to spending whole weeks away in their camper van. And they both seemed happier than they had ever been. She was so pleased for them.

Annabel had let it out of the bag that Nigel was going to remarry. To the woman he’d been cheating on her with in Portugal. Apparently he’d been having an affair with her for some time. That’s why he’d cooperated with the divorce and settled so quickly. Dee wasn’t bothered. She felt sorry for the woman. Or maybe Nigel would treat her better than he did Dee, maybe he really did love her.

‘Dad wants Hallie to be bridesmaid, Mum,’ Annabel had said, worried that her mother would be upset.

‘Of course he does, dear, she’s his granddaughter. I don’t mind! I have everything I want here.’

Annabel had been surprised and relieved, but it was true. Dee turned back from the development and, calling Loki to her, put her on the lead and set off into the village, stopping off at the Artists’ Studios that were buzzing with life. There were twenty units and each one was filled with an artist. Such a variety of crafts. She stopped at the one Kenny was working in, watching him add the final touch to a sunset.

‘It’s beautiful,’ she said in awe. She never lost her admiration for his skill with a brush.

‘Thank you.’ He stood up, turned to her, wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a kiss. ‘There’s still one studio space left if you want it.’

She’d started doing her paper crafts again, spending the winter evenings creating collage pictures, paper flowers, beads, a variety of jewellery. Kenny told her they were incredible and tried to encourage her to take some to craft fairs but she wasn’t ready yet.

She thought about working here, having her work on display for people to come and look at. She listened to the buzz of the place, the lively atmosphere. Could she really be one of them?

‘Try it for six months. What have you got to lose?’ Kenny suggested.

She nodded. ‘Okay, I will.’

His face broke into a beaming smile. ‘Good for you!’ Another hug, then he picked up his jacket. ‘How about we go for some lunch. I’m starving.’

‘Me too,’ she said.

Hand in hand they walked down the hill with Loki to The Pirate’s Head to meet their friends.

Life had never been so good, Dee thought happily. She glanced at Kenny, he looked almost wistful.

‘Penny for them,’ she asked.

‘I wish I could freeze time. Keep everything like this for ever. I don’t want anything to change,’ he said.

She kissed his cheek. ‘Change isn’t always a bad thing. I had to run away, just to find my way home,’ she reminded him.

He touched her cheek tenderly. ‘You’re right there.’