Page 46 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘Hmm. What’s the old minx up to now?’ Molly pushed a dark curl off her face. ‘As far as I was aware, she was supposed to be going to Little Mary’s for some afternoon tea and the pair were going to watch an old movie, never mind sending messages like that. I reckon they’ve been knocking the sherry back.’

‘I think she’s just keeping you on your toes, Moll.’ Camm smiled at her affectionately.

‘Well she does that all right.’

‘At least she’s leaving poor old Rev Nev alone,’ said Jimby.

‘Good point,’ said Molly.

The banter flowed as the sun beat down, hoots of laughter drifting around the cottage garden at Oak Tree Farm. Ethel, Mabel and Bob sat in the shade beneath the old, gnarled apple tree, panting away in the heat. Being in Gabe’s company hadn’t been anywhere near as difficult as Anoushka had anticipated. In fact, she’d found she was actually enjoying it. Reminding herself that they were friends –nothing more – seemed to go some way to settling her anxiety about being around him.

He was sitting beside her on the swing seat, rocking it gently back and forth with his feet. They’d been enjoying a few moments of quiet reflection under the shade of the canopy. ‘Your family are awesome; I’ll bet there’s never a dull moment with them,’ he said. ‘They remind me of my own.’

‘Yeah, they’re not bad.’ She glanced over at them, her eyes settling on Jimby who was sitting at the table with Pippin laid out on his chest where she was sleeping contentedly, his hand rhythmically patting his little daughter’s back. He bent his head and absently dropped a kiss onto her dark curls. ‘And there’s definitely never a dull moment when Jimby’s around; the only time he’s quiet is when Pippin’s asleep.’ She smiled affectionately.

Gabe gave a quiet chuckle. ‘He’s a really cool guy; so’s your dad; quieter though.’

‘Mm-hm. Though from the stories I’ve heard, they were a right mischievous pair when they were little boys, always up to something – nothing bad, they were just full of high-spirits; inseparable too.’

He smiled. ‘Yeah, I can believe that. And it’s great your mum and dad finally got together after being teenage sweethearts; they’re well suited. I still get a buzz at having played a part in that.’ His smile widened. Gabe and his band had been performing at Lady Caro’s first venture of Music in the Wood and Caro and her husband, Sim, had arranged with Gabe for Ollie to go up on stage half-way through the gig to propose to Kitty who’d be in the audience, totally oblivious to his intentions.

Anoushka met his gaze. ‘Oh, me too. That was such anamazingday. Dad was so nervous but he just wanted everyone to know how much he loved Kitty.’

‘I think that was kind of obvious from the way he looked at her; still is.’ He smiled.

‘Yeah, they’re definitely loved up, and it’s great to see Dad looking so happy. Being with Kitty’s really changed him; she’s so good for him, and him for her.’ Her eyes lingered on her dad and her step-mum. They were sitting side-by-side on the rattan sofa, Ollie’s arm draped around his wife’s shoulders, absently rubbing the top of her arm. They were listening to something Vi was saying, nodding and smiling. Kitty tucked her feet beneath her, leaning into Ollie who pressed a kiss to her cheek. Anoushka felt a yearning inside her; a sudden need making itself known. She wanted something like that. She stole a glance at Gabe, overwhelming feelings for him creeping up on her.

‘I can’t wait to have my own family; have my own wee wains running around the place,’ he said wistfully.

An image of Gabe and Lilith Dean mid-passionate embrace filled her mind, sending her happiness trickling away.

Gabe sat forward, his arm brushing against hers, his skin warm and soft, sending an ache through her. ‘Noushka, can we talk?’ His voice sounded serious.

‘Talk?’ She turned to look at him, seeing the earnest expression in his eyes. ‘Yes, of course.’Oh, heck, what was he going to say?

‘I mean… um… it’s just, there’s something I’d like to explain to you and I’ve been waiting to do it face-to-face, only I’d rather not do it here with everyone around, I’d prefer somewhere more private. Would you go for a walk with me, Rose?’

‘Oh, right… yeah, a walk would be good actually.’ Her heart started hammering in her chest. She didn’t know what else to say. She knew exactly what he wanted to talk to her about: Lilith Dean. But was there really any need? And did she really want to hear it?Oh jeez, no, she didn’t; it would be too excruciating.‘Listen, Gabe, if it’s about the—’

‘I just need to set things straight with you, Noushka, that’s all. I won’t be able to settle until I do.’

29

Anoushka slipped her feet into a pair of plimsolls, popped a bucket hat trimmed with daisies on her head and she and Gabe set off, taking the three dogs with them.

They made their way up the track towards Great Stangdale Rigg, making small talk, their footsteps kicking up the scents of warm earth and crushed grass. The bracken had grown tall, its fronds shoulder high in places, reaching out over the path. Up above, the sun sat in a cloudless blue sky. July was really outdoing itself. Before long, they reached a bench with spectacular views that swept right over the dale. ‘Phew! That was some pull up the track in this heat.’ His chest heaving, Gabe wiped beads of perspiration from his brow. ‘Fancy a sit down?’

‘Sounds good to me.’ Anoushka flopped down beside him, the dogs at their feet, panting heavily. She took off her hat and started fanning herself, watching as a fly started to torment Bob, hovering around his face. He snapped at it frantically; they couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Such a beautiful place,’ said Gabe, taking off his sunglasses and casting his gaze over the view. In the distance, local farm contractors Paddy and Ant Ford were busily gathering the silage in the fields over at Tinkel Bottom Farm, the gentle hum of their tractors drifting along the deep cut of the valley. Gabe drew in a deep breath, pausing before he spoke.

Anoushka braced herself.Here goes…

‘So, the reason I wanted to talk to you is… well, I’m sure you’ve seen the photos that were splashed all over social media; the ones of me and Lilith Dean.’

‘Yes, I did. She’s very pretty; you make a good couple.’ Anoushka frowned, hoping that didn’t sound snipey, but she couldn’t think what else to say.

His eyes darted to her. ‘Oh, right.’ He seemed wrong-footed for a moment. ‘See, the thing is, we’re not actually a couple…’ He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck.

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