Page 42 of Falling in Love at Pennycress Inn

Carrying the heavy tray of hot drinks outside, Nicola stepped down from the decking and smiled at the scene in front of her. Bridge club members and forest school attendees alike were sitting at various picnic tables which were dotted around the lawn, each painting shapes cut out of plywood or card, whilst Sebastian and Issy, their earlier disagreement seemingly behind them, lay sprawled on the grass, as Jill cut out what looked to be a giant squirrel from the card Issy had carried through.

Catching her mum’s eye, Nicola walked across to her table and set the tray down before watching as Willow splashed green paint onto the plywood covering half the tabletop. ‘That looks interesting.’

‘We’re making grass. For the float.’ Willow looked up and grinned before brushing a loose strand of hair from her face and accidentally dragging the paintbrush across her cheek, leaving a smear of brilliant green across her skin.

‘Are you trying to turn yourself into a frog, little miss?’ Vivienne chuckled as she pulled a tissue from her handbag and wiped Willow’s cheek.

‘Ribbit, ribbit. I’m a frog now.’ Giggling, Willow jumped down from the table and began hopping around the garden.

Nicola laughed as two other children joined Willow on her froggy adventure. ‘Look what you’ve started now, Mum.’

‘Oops.’ Vivienne took her teacup and saucer from the tray. ‘Now, doesn’t this just feel like the old days, when you’d invite your friends round and we’d end up with half the school in the garden?’

‘Haha, I remember that. I used to love days like that when the inn was quiet and you’d let us take over the garden.’ Nicola smiled as she looked across the lawn. She could almost picture her younger self playing with her school friends.

‘Anyway, sit down for a moment. I feel as though we’ve not had a chance to catch up recently. Not properly.’

‘I know. It’s just all been a bit busy, what with work and…’ Nicola sat down.

‘This new farmer of yours.’ Vivienne raised her eyebrows.

Nicola could feel the beginnings of a blush creeping up her neck. She’d only spoken briefly to her mum about Charlie. ‘I don’t think you can call him mine.’

‘Well, maybe not yet. But things are going well? I’m guessing they are, judging by the way you smiled when I mentioned him.’

‘Yes, they are. I think.’ Nicola shook her head. She wasn’t going to start worrying about what he’d said about his ex again or the way he’d looked off into the distance when he’d spoken about her. ‘No, they are. He’s really lovely and I feel there’s definitely something between us. Something good.’

Vivienne laid her hand on her daughter’s arm and squeezed. ‘Good, I’m glad. You deserve someone who’s going to treat you right after that toerag, Nathan.’

‘Well, I think Charlie will.’ And she meant it. Despite her concerns that he might still feel something for his ex, he’d promised he would never cheat, and she believed him.

‘Then I suppose I should invite him round for dinner one day?’ Vivienne smiled, a glint in her eye.

‘Hmm. Maybe give us a bit of time first to see where this is going.’ Nicola’s blush deepened.

‘Okay.’ Vivienne nodded slowly. ‘I’ve been told then. We don’t want me scaring him away.’

Nicola laughed. She could always count on her mum for making light of any situation. Placing her hands on the table in front of her, Nicola pushed herself to standing. ‘Soon. I promise. Right now, though, I should finish handing out the drinks before they get cold.’

23

‘Thank you for staying with us. I hope everything was to your satisfaction?’ Nicola took the key from Mr Jones’ hand.

‘It was perfect. Thank you. A lovely base to come back to after spending the day with our grandchildren.’ Mrs Jones smiled warmly.

‘Yes, we’ll be sure to return and to recommend Pennycress Inn to our family and friends, too.’ Mr Jones picked up the large suitcase by his feet.

‘That’s great to hear. Thank you. Have a safe journey home.’ Nicola watched as they left the inn before bending down and hanging their room key in the cupboard beneath the reception desk.

‘Was that the Joneses just leaving? Have I missed them?’ Laura came down the stairs carrying a huge washing basket filled with sheets and towels.

‘Yes, afraid so. Such a lovely couple, aren’t they?’ Nicola checked them out on the computer. ‘They’ve promised to stop again when they travel to see their grandkids next.’

‘Oh, that’s great. I’ll pop this lot into the machine and then go and clean their room.’ Laura looked across at the large clock fixed on the wall behind the reception desk. ‘I actually feel as though I’m organised for once.’

‘Haha, it does help when the guests leave early, doesn’t it?’

‘It does. It’s a good job too as Jackson moves in today, so if I can get this all done ahead of time, then I can spare a few hours to help him.’

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