Wreckers Island (romantic suspense) (24 page)

‘I think you could
argue that Louise brought the trouble upon us, with her loud-mouthed behaviour
in the pub the night before,’ pointed out Emma, gently. ‘On the other hand, taking
the story back to the beginning, it was she who brought us to Cornwall to go on
holiday with her at her parents’ lighthouse knowing we couldn’t afford one otherwise.
Without her none of this amazing adventure would have happened nor the treasure
discovered.’

‘What’s more,’
said Dan, drawing Emma tightly to him, ‘it brought us together and who knows if
we would have ever found each other at university? We’re both quite shy people,
after all.’

‘Yes, and you
cutting your finger on that kitchen knife played a crucial role too,’ Emma
reminded him. ‘I still think you did that on purpose.’

‘No, I am much too
chicken to do something like that on purpose,’ said Dan, laughing. ‘I’m quite
pleased it happened though. Sometimes don’t you just think that things are
meant to be?’

‘We are meant to
be, wonderful Dan,’ said Emma, gazing into his eyes. ‘Now, I shall start
running the bath and take the champagne through while you ring John and Louise.’

Dan had barely
dialled John’s mobile before he answered. ‘Hello,’ he said, sounding gruff and
tense.

‘John, it’s me,’
said Dan. ‘I hope you’ve got some beer left because you’re going to need
something to celebrate with.’

Emma smiled as she
overheard Dan’s breathless account. What a relieved, joyful couple there would
now be in a little cove on the seashore looking out at Wreckers Island.

How she had
agonised about what to do for the best that afternoon. How it had tormented
her. Not going to the police had been the most difficult decision of her life,
but ultimately the right one.

Dan came into the
bathroom, chuckling. ‘John and Emma are thrilled and they each still have one
bottle of beer left which they are opening as I speak,’ said Dan. ‘They are stunned
and delighted. They hope we have a lovely night in our posh hotel and they look
forward to seeing us tomorrow.’

‘Hey, are they a
bit jealous that we’re in luxury digs and they’re shivering in a beach tent?’
enquired Emma, mischievously.

‘Yes,’ said Dan, ‘but
John points out that at least their sleeping quarters comes with a sea view.’

Emma laughed and
her eyes shone like Dan had never quite seen them before. He knew that she was
content at last and at peace with herself. They both stripped off and jumped
into the hot, bubbling water of the jacuzzi. Dan reached for the champagne
bottle and refilled their glasses.

‘I would like to
propose a toast,’ he said. ‘To Captain Felipe and the crew of the Providencia tragically
lost off the Cornish coast in 1780. We must never forget the debt of gratitude
we owe them.’

Emma raised her
glass. ‘To Captain Felipe and his crew,’ she repeated. ‘I have one final toast
– to us! May we always be together.’

Dan beamed. ‘I’ll
drink to that!’

**