Page 48 of Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall

Sophie was in a celebratory mood too because every time Tom entered the building, her skin erupted in goosebumps responding to his proximity. He would come over and have a chat, and she felt herself lighting up in his presence. They’d already spent more time together after their gorgeous Italianmeal with a walk over at Primrose Woods. They were taking their time, getting to know each other better, and Sophie was enjoying every single moment of it.

‘See, I knew you two were destined to be together,’ said Katy, as they packed away their items at the end of the day.

‘We’re getting on well, but it’s still early days for us. We’re just seeing where it takes us. There’s no hurry.’ She shrugged nonchalantly, as though it was no big deal.

‘Well, judging by the way the two of you have been making eyes at each other all day, I would say it’s going pretty well.’

Sophie laughed.

‘He’s a really lovely guy, and we hit it off well… so watch this space.’

‘Ah, Tom!’ Pia was back again and she spotted Tom at the other end of the stables talking to Aysha. He turned around at the sound of his name.

‘Jackson’s asked if you’d go over to the hall when you’ve finished up here. There’s something he wants to talk to you about.’

Sophie sidled up to him and whispered in his ear.

‘You’ll be CEO of the entire hall at this rate,’ she joked. Not that Tom minded in the least. He enjoyed working at Primrose Hall and being part of the team, helping out Jackson and Pia where he could.

‘You’ll come over too, won’t you, Sophie? There’ll be plenty of tea and biscuits, or something stronger if you prefer?’ Pia had a glint in her eye.

‘Well, in that case, how could I possibly refuse?’ Sophie laughed.

‘I like cake. And something stronger,’ piped up little Rosie, who had just arrived with her dad and her brother Pip to collect their mum.

‘Do you now?’ said Pia, laughing. ‘Then you must come over for a slice of cake too, if Mummy says that’s okay?’

‘If you’re sure you don’t mind,’ asked Katy, ‘our daughter is very good at inviting herself to all the best places. I can only apologise.’

‘Absolutely not. The more the merrier.’

There was even more of a party atmosphere over in the kitchen of Primrose Hall later that afternoon, especially when Abbey and Sam arrived with little Willow.

‘Oh, my goodness,’ said Pia, looking into Abbey’s arms at the little poppet wrapped up in a soft cream blanket. ‘She’s changed so much since I last saw her. My little goddaughter is so beautiful.’

‘She really is. We spend our entire time gazing at her.’ Abbey proceeded to give a rundown of Willow’s daily routine and she seemed, quite rightly, to have her parents running around to her every whim. ‘Here, have a cuddle while I drink my tea,’ said Abbey, depositing the baby in Pia’s arms, who gasped simply at the wonder of holding her goddaughter, drinking in her lovely baby scent. Cradling Willow, Pia was overcome with emotion, tears pricking at her eyes at the sheer perfection of the little bundle in front of her. She took the baby around the room, showing her off proudly to everyone, all the time noticing the strange stirrings in the base of her stomach. She’d never considered herself broody before, but little Willow was playing havoc with her emotions and her hormones.

‘Suits you,’ called Jackson from the other side of the room, his eyes shining devilishly.

He was sitting on the window seat, his legs out in front of him, receiving his visitors like the lord of the manor he was. Rex and Ronnie had joined him at the table and were enjoying their tea and biscuits. Katy and Brad were supervising Rosie and Pip, who were playing with the dogs in their beds. Sophie had beenhanded a glass of Prosecco and was happily chatting away to Pia and Abbey, soaking up the atmosphere.

‘Can we have a baby sister, please, Mummy?’ asked Rosie, who was looking at Willow with great interest. Katy spluttered on her glass of wine, which elicited giggles from Pia and Abbey.

‘No way!’ said Katy rather too quickly and vehemently. ‘I mean, Willow is lovely, but you have a gorgeous little brother. I think that’s quite enough, don’t you?’

Rosie’s face curled up with disappointment.

‘A baby sister is much better, though. Isn’t it, Daddy?’

‘Might be an idea?’ he said, with a teasing smile, which only exasperated Katy even more.

Tom made his way over to Jackson.

‘Was there something you wanted to talk to me about, Jackson?’

‘Ah, yes, that.’ Jackson looked around him, as though considering whether he should come out with it now or leave it until later. He looked across at Pia, who egged him on with a nod of her head. ‘Well, fine, now’s as good a time as any. As you may or may not have heard, the wedding of the century is taking place here in December and I was hoping you might be able to help me out?’

‘Of course, you know that. I’m happy to help out wherever I can.’

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