Page 61 of Falling in Love at Pennycress Inn

‘Oh, um, yes, I should think so.’ She shrugged.

‘Good. I don’t want to leave it all in his barn. He took some persuading to agree to lend us the trailer, so I don’t want to take advantage and put him off the idea when next year comes along…’ Jill stopped mid-sentence and looked across at her friend. ‘Sorry, I didn’t think. He’s become such a part of this village that I keep forgetting he’s planning on leaving soon.’

Nicola shook her head. ‘Don’t worry. You and me both, to be honest.’

‘Ah, it must be tough to have met someone, knowing he won’t be around much longer. Still, think of all those weekends spent in the big lights of London.’ Jill grinned. ‘I’ve always thought how nice it must be to be able to spend time between the city and a place like Meadowfield. The two extremes, really. You know, you hear about all these commuters living in flats in London during the week and then coming to their country houses for weekends and holidays.’

‘Yes,’ Nicola answered, trying her best to inject as much enthusiasm into her voice as she could. The truth was, it didn’t sound like a dream scenario at all, it sounded like quite the opposite. She just wanted to be with Charlie. Full time. She didn’t want to settle for snatched days here and there.

‘That’ll be you two, won’t it?’ Jill shushed Kasey as his eyes began to close.

‘I suppose it will.’ Nicola spoke quietly so as not to disturb the small toddler. She could always trust Jill to find the positives in any situation. ‘Still, it’s not going to be the same as having him down the road.’

Jill shook her head solemnly. ‘Yes, that will be a difficult transition.’

‘Uh-huh.’ Nicola nodded.

‘But it’ll be worth it.’ Jill leaned into her friend, giving her a quick hug. ‘Once you’ve both got used to it, it’ll work so well. I’ve got a really good feeling about you two.’

‘You have?’ Jill had always had a knack of calling out her ex-boyfriends, of telling her she should walk away and that they weren’t right for her, that she deserved better. And she had a hundred per cent track record of being right so far, Nathan included. ‘I think that’s the first time you’ve ever said you could see a future with me and someone I’m dating.’

‘Ah, well, there you go then. Believe me.’ She tapped the side of her nose as they began walking again. ‘Seriously though, you and Charlie, I can see you going the whole way with him – marriage, kids, settling down.’

Keeping her eyes fixed on the path ahead, Nicola nodded. That’s what she wanted, what she dreamed of when she let herself. But the truth was, there were just too many obstacles standing in the way of them having a proper relationship, let alone marriage or kids. ‘That’s going to be pretty difficult when we don’t live anywhere close to each other.’

‘It’ll happen. Mark my words. Who was it who said love could conquer all?’ Jill shook her head. ‘I can’t remember, but it’s true.’

Nicola took a deep breath in. ‘Maybe you’re right.’

‘I’m always right.’ Jill grinned.

‘Haha, you have been so far.’ As they reached the entrance to The Twistle, Nicola paused. ‘I’d invite you in for a cuppa, but I’m guessing you want to push through until he’s fully asleep.’

‘Oh yes, this is the sleepiest he’s been on my’ – stretching her arm out, Jill checked her watch – ‘two-hour walk. And I’m not giving up yet.’

‘Okay, see you tomorrow.’ Nicola waved to Kasey, who, despite looking as though he was ready to drop off, had seemed to perk up a little now the rhythm of the buggy moving had paused.

‘Oh yes, I’ve ordered some new plants for the bottom of Pennycress’ garden. You know, down by the bird table? I can’t wait to see what they look like once I’ve got them in.’

‘Sounds good. Catch you tomorrow.’ Nicola waved before turning and heading to her cottage. She felt better after her conversation with Jill. More hopeful.

32

Closing the gate behind her, Nicola turned back to the cottage and frowned. What on earth was that? Sitting just in front of the doorstep was a huge cardboard box. It must have been at least a metre in height and half a metre in width. Easily. She hadn’t ordered anything for ages, and she was certain she’d have remembered something that big if she had.

Kneeling down, she read the address label. Yep, it was definitely addressed to her. Unlocking the side gate, she threw her handbag on the slabs just inside the back garden and returned to the mystery package. Leaning it slightly on its edge, she dragged it towards the gate, angling it to fit it through the gateway.

Once she’d got it inside the garden, she closed the gate behind her. She’d go and get the kitchen scissors and then find out what it was.

As soon as she’d unlocked the back door, Trixie came bolting outside and nosed up against the huge box. ‘Anyone would think you’d been waiting for me to come home just to let you out. You do remember you’ve got a cat flap, don’t you?’

Ignoring her, Trixie readied herself before making the leap to the top of the box.

Leaning down, Nicola pushed against the cat flap, checking it hadn’t locked itself before shaking her head. It was fine.

Armed with the kitchen scissors, she joined Trixie back outside and lifted her from where she’d settled on the top of the box before scouring the Sellotape and opening it.

‘Ahh.’ Nicola sighed as she lifted the cardboard flaps and was met with an image of a pizza oven. She’d forgotten about that. It was the one she’d put in a preorder for, for Nathan’s birthday, and she’d meant to cancel when she’d received the email about it being despatched soon.

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