An ocean OF LOVE

Tom, I always knew that one day there would be a knock on the door. In the end, it wasn’t actually a knock, was it? It was a note left on the coach roof of our boat when we were on holiday, out at a fish restaurant on the Isle of Wight.
We lived every summer on our yacht Seabreeze, pottering around the Solent, joined from time to time by our family – our daughters and their children, our treasured grandchildren.
We have had fun, haven’t we? So much fun over the years. You have been such a good husband to me, and father to Zara and Emily, our leggy daughters, both with infectious laughs just like yours.
How the years have rolled on. Now we have five grandchildren. Three ‘bels’ – Annabel, Isabel and Christabel. And two disciples – James and John. They are our life blood, and we have taught all of them to sail.
Now, you’re in your 80s Tom, 18 years my senior. And I’ve always known you had a life before me.
You joined the Navy at 16 and travelled the world. You didn’t really settle down until you met me. I’ve heard so many tales about your adventures. You were young, a free spirit. And the dalliances of sailors have a reputation of their own. I know what happened. You didn’t hide anything. You told me the truth. Your girlfriend Sophia became pregnant and you wanted to support her. But you were 19 and restless. You sank into a depression.
You left Sophia and your three-month-old daughter Ruth early one morning, with no forwarding address. Your heart ached but you just couldn’t cope.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

View from THE BACK
Isabel Webster says what you're thinking

Feel great
When we've arrived at the point where we lose some weight and work on our body composition, it's tempting to go all out and try something different.

Piers vs Meghan ROUND TWO
The controversial pundit talks to Woman about his latest thoughts on Meghan and Harry, and suggests Brooklyn Beckham should keep his distance from the couple

TV&REVIEWS
Our pick of what to watch this week, plus the best podcasts and new book...

How to stay this summer
Having fun between the sheets? Staying protected - whatever your age - is essential...
Just another DAY
Claire had no idea where her life was heading — perhaps fate would lend a hand
Your LIFE
One tin, three tasty treats to try this weekend

The truth about being a WEDDING PLANNER
Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of wedding venue company The Gilchrist Collection, gives an insight into her magical job

ASK US ANYTHING
SUZIE HAYMAN AND SUSAN QUILLIAM CAN HELP

When friends BREAK UP
What makes friendships fracture so deeply that we walk away from decades of shared history? Woman investigates...