A Perfect Cornish Escape by Phillipa Ashley Page 0,72

Gareth and several of the other Wave Watchers. She’d known most of the townspeople for years, but there were some newcomers who would never have met Nate, or perhaps not even known that he had existed at all.

She’d found the day more difficult than she’d expected, rising early to do some work before spending the late morning and afternoon at the lookout station. After her shift, she’d walked down to the cove and spent some time thinking about her husband, shedding a few quiet tears.

The anniversary had been on her mind for a long time and she had been struggling to decide what she was going to do that day. She’d actively tried not to have plans, but to go about her business and maybe spend the evening quietly at home, or visit her parents – perhaps stay overnight and take Tiff with her. In fact, she’d spent the late afternoon with Tiff, as Tiff had insisted on taking her up to the Porthmellow Hotel for tea and they’d chatted together until it was time to meet Lachlan.

Marina was grateful that Lachlan had helped her to make up her mind, but while she was relieved, she still questioned if she should have accepted. Did it matter that she’d be out with him on such a night? Should she feel guilty about it?

Too late now. She hadn’t wanted to burst his bubble once he’d found the courage to ask her out and maybe it was the best thing she could do on such a momentous day: spend an evening with a special friend surrounded by her Porthmellow mates. Of all the nights since Nate had gone, this should be a moment for looking ahead not back.

Now, Marina chatted to friends and fellow Wave Watchers, introducing Lachlan to those who hadn’t met him yet. They chatted with a Scottish colleague from the college who reminisced about the area where Lachlan had been stationed, whilst Marina exchanged hellos with some of her students.

The two of them lounged on their rug on the sand amid the other feasters once they had their food. The pie and salad were delicious, and they washed them down with local beer. Afterwards, they made room for the puds on offer: crunchy pavlovas with mountains of strawberries, or apple pies topped with caramel sauce and clotted cream.

They shared each other’s puddings, and when Drew’s band set up, the atmosphere on the beach started to buzz. The evening was still fine and warm, and the lively music soon had people clapping and singing along.

Eventually the band took a break. Marina stretched her legs while Lachlan popped to the gents and the bar. She revelled in the fuzzy feeling of pleasure that came from being in his company. They’d laughed and chatted all evening, and she was sure he was having a great time too. She was so glad she’d accepted his invitation and not stayed inside on her own, or even gone to see her parents, much as she loved them. Tonight had really ‘taken her out of herself’, as her mum had suggested it would when she’d finally told them her plans. Sometimes, mothers were right …

She was exchanging a few words with Jude and Scarlett when a less welcome face came into view. She’d seen Craig from a distance earlier, but he’d seemed happy enough to spend the evening near to the bar, with his wife and children. Judging by his flushed face, he’d had more than a few and was now making a beeline for her. Marina’s heart sank a little watching him weave his way over, knocking over someone’s wine bottle and crushing a plastic plate on the way.

‘Evenin’, Marina. Surprised to see you here tonight,’ he said, breathing beer fumes at her.

‘Really? Half the town is here.’

‘Wouldn’t have thought you’d want to spend your evening like this.’

Her stomach flipped. ‘Like what, Craig?’

‘Out partying. With your new bloke.’

‘Partying?’ She laughed but grew cold with unease. ‘I’d hardly say this was partying – and anyway, you’re here too.’ The last thing she wanted tonight was a confrontation.

‘Yeah, but I ain’t the grieving widow.’

Marina bit back an angry retort. ‘Look, Craig. I appreciate that you were Nate’s friend and you’re upset, but you have no right to tell me what I should feel or do. I think you should go back to your family.’

Marina was rattled and upset but she refused to let Craig see that. Craig’s wife was staring at them anxiously, and Marina felt a bit