Page 84 of The Clockmaker's Cottage
Pippa studied him. ‘You okay?’
He turned back to her, his arm slipping around her again. ‘Yeah. I just… don’t want to talk to her. I thought it would take me a while to make a decision, but it’s one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made.’
‘Which is?’
‘I don’t want to go back to all that.’
‘All that?’
‘Life with Clara.’
She nodded gently. ‘You don’t have to.’
He stared up at the ceiling for a moment, then said quietly, ‘If you have to question whether you’re happy… you’re not happy.’
She exhaled slowly. ‘That’s brave to admit.’
‘It doesn’t feel brave.’ He looked at her properly this time, a soft honesty in his eyes. ‘It feels like I’ve been avoiding saying it out loud for years. And lying here,’ he added, his tone lighter now, ‘with you… feels good. Better than I’ve felt in a long time.’
‘I know exactly what you mean.’
A pause followed, comfortable and warm.
Then Pippa said. ‘Rob dropped all my stuff at my dad’s house.’
‘No message? No conversation?’
Pippa shook her head. ‘Nope.’
‘I’m sorry. I know it was your choice, but still, it can’t be easy.’
‘It’s not, but being stuck in a cottage on a beautiful island with you has definitely made things better.’
‘Glad to be of some use.’ His fingers drifted slowly up and down her arm. ‘You deserve to be with someone who gets you, who accepts you for you.’
‘And you deserve someone who makes you happy.’
‘Well, I’m very happy, right now.’
‘Me too.’
Theo gave her a tiny lopsided smile. ‘Good.’
They lay quietly for a few moments, listening to the rain, before Pippa broke the silence. ‘Imagine I fall in love with The Clock House tomorrow. I could have a new place to live and restore clocks, and it would be the Vales’ actual original workshop. It’s wild.’
Theo moved backwards slightly to lock eyes with her. ‘You absolutely could. I can already imagine this place at all seasons. These summer showers aren’t the norm, and the idea of living by the beach, walking in the harbour, having lunch at the café, a pint in the local… Well, you have me sold.’
‘Something about this place feels like a proper community, and I can actually do my job anywhere as long as I have my tools.’
‘Or you could travel with me. First stop is New York.’
Pippa laughed.
‘It’s no laughing matter. I’m being serious.’
She narrowed her eyes. ‘I’ve barely got any money to my name after the wedding.’
He smoothed her hair gently. ‘Money sorts itself out. Passion doesn’t.’
