Page 60 of Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge

Ben brought her into a hug, enveloping her with both his arms.

‘I agree but let’s see what your grandad says,’ added Faye, looking concerned.

But she needn’t have worried. Walter was a little confused by the idea until Lily googled the lantern festival and showed him the floating candles.

‘I see,’ he said. ‘Well, we know that they float. And I think it’s quite symbolic.’

‘Like something I saw inGame of Thrones,’ added Dotty.

‘Hopefully more poignant than that,’ said Ben, with a soft laugh.

‘You’ll probably need to head out a little way on the boat,’ Walter told him. ‘Otherwise it might just end up bobbing around on the shoreline.’

‘I agree,’ said Ben, nodding. ‘I’m happy to do that.’

‘I can help,’ said Lily quickly. After all, it had been her idea. She didn’t want it going awry and ruining what was supposed to be a poignant occasion.

She also found that she didn’t want Ben to be out there all alone. That she wanted to help him. And be there for him. As a friend.

Except she was beginning to hope that they might just be so much more.

30

The following evening, Ben and Lily were joined by the rest of the family, as well as Jake and Alex, as they all walked out to the lake shore.

Ben was pleased that Lily had offered to come out in the boat with him. It had been a sad day but it had felt right to dedicate a few quieter moments in the graveyard earlier in the morning with his mum and sister. And yet he still felt as if it hadn’t quite been enough to honour his dad and he was grateful for her company with the important task ahead.

Night had now fallen and it was dark enough for them to head out into the middle of the lake.

‘This boat’s not going to sink, is it?’ asked Lily, as she swung a leg over to climb into the rowing boat.

Ben shot her a grin as he sat down. ‘I’ve made triple sure,’ he said.

They settled into their seats and then picked up the oars.

‘I’m getting déjà vu,’ he heard Lily mutter as they began to row their way away from the pier and out onto the water.

They nodded at the family and set off at a slow but steady pace. It was cooler once they were on the open water, a gentlebreeze wafting across the water which seemed darker without the warmth of the day. The overhead sky was clear and dotted with stars and the moon had just appeared above the trees to cast a light upon them as they made their journey to the centre of the lake.

Once they were in the middle of the water, they both stopped rowing and let the boat bob up and down for a while.

Glancing over to the pier, Ben could see his family waiting on the dock, huddled together with his friends. Jake had his arm around Faye whilst Alex was holding Hannah. His grandparents had locked arms together and their heads were close to each other’s, along with Frankie who was next to them.

Ben then looked at Lily, who had picked up the wicker basket. It was only then that he noticed the short, coloured candle inside.

‘I chose blue,’ she told him.

‘Dad’s favourite colour,’ he replied, looking up at her in surprise.

She nodded. ‘That’s what your mum told me.’

They locked eyes for a moment before he brought out the lighter that he had hidden inside his coat. Lily held out the wicker basket and he flicked the switch to light the long wick. The flame took hold and fluttered in the gentle breeze.

‘Do you want to place it in the water?’ she asked him.

Ben shook his head. He felt very emotional suddenly and didn’t want his hands to shake and drown the candle before it had achieved its purpose.

So Lily gave him a small smile of understanding and leant over to place the basket on top of the water. Ben held on to the sides of the boat to steady it as she straightened up. And then, with a gentle push with her fingers, the basket began to drift away from them across the water.