Page 99 of The Shape of Your Heart
Just as I’ve planned, the land beyond has retained its unruly wildness and already wild flowers are starting to appear. By summer, I’m hoping it will look as it did when I first came here.
Turning around, I head for the log cabin that’s going to be Tanith’s home. In time it will weather and blend into the site. It was cheap to build and easily assembled from sustainably sourced wood; it’s proved the perfect solution. With two good-sized bedrooms and a large open-plan kitchen-diner, all that remains to be done is the plumbing and electrics.
I haven’t told Tanith, but right now, the house is my top priority. The fact is, I need someone on site and with Callie home soon, I know Tanith would rather move here than back to her parents’ house.
It’s looking good for opening by early summer, though. Today, however, is a special day. Going into the chicken run, I lift the hatch for the first time, watching proudly as a dozen hens hop out.
* * *
‘Do you know when Callie’s back?’ I ask Tanith when she and the boys come over to my house. ‘And you are watering her garden, aren’t you?’
‘Yes and yes.’ Coming over, she sits opposite me. ‘She’s into the last week. But she was talking a load of nonsense about coming back by train, so goodness knows how long that’s going to take.’
‘So ferries are out of the picture too?’
Tanith shrugs. ‘Seems that way.’ Gazing out of the window, she frowns. ‘Who is that?’
‘Ah. I’m afraid that’s Emily.’
‘Emily?’ Tanith’s eyes bore into mine.
‘Ex-girlfriend who, to use her own words, doesn’t have anywhere else to go. I’ve told her to sort it – and that she has to earn her keep. Emily’s more into manicures than gardening – I don’t think she’ll want to hang around for too long.’
‘That really is rather devious of you.’ Tanith seems impressed.
‘Not intentionally. I’m doing her a favour.’ I break off as Emily comes over to us.
‘I need a rest. My back is bloody hurting.’ Looking curious, she turns to Tanith. ‘Hi. I’m Emily.’
‘This is Tanith. I was just telling her you’re here for a few days.’
‘He’s come to my rescue,’ she says to Tanith. ‘He’s probably told you I’ve fucked rather a lot of things up.’
‘He hasn’t, actually.’ Tanith looks surprised. ‘Nothing you can’t put right, surely.’
‘Hopefully not.’ Emily glances at me. ‘I’ve decided I’m going to see my parents this afternoon.’
‘Good.’ Relief washes over me. Hopefully if she eats humble pie, they’d bail her out one last time. She still needs to change her ways and make sure it doesn’t happen again, but I’ll talk to her about that later.
‘Posh, isn’t she?’ Tanith whispers as Emily goes inside.
‘And spoiled, I’m afraid. But I’m hoping this is a turning point.’ I’m silent for a moment. ‘You know, I still don’t have a name for the campsite.’
‘Meadow Farm,’ Tanith says instantly. ‘Actually, that’s far too boring. Let me think.’ She’s silent for a moment. ‘If I were you, I’d call it Wild – or maybe Wyld, with a y. After all, it’s what it’s about, isn’t it?’ She paused. ‘You need a beautiful sign – and a website. And we need to plan a grand opening.’ A look of excitement crosses her face. ‘Why not have a party? Invite friends and family, and all your suppliers and local people… We could get the press to feature us! It would be a brilliant opportunity.’
I like that she sayswe. I love her enthusiasm, too. ‘I’ve been thinking about that. We also need a menu.’
‘Leave that with me. I have a name for the café, too – how about Homegrown Kitchen? I know it isn’t going to be this year, but that’s the plan, isn’t it? I’ve made a list of local suppliers – I’ll base it on that, and we can rejig it seasonally…’
I smile. ‘In that case, I’ll check out having a sign made.’
* * *
After Tanith and the boys leave, Emily comes outside. Wearing less make-up than usual, and in trainers instead of heels, she seems slightly less sure of herself.
‘Are you and her…?’ She looks at me quizzically.
‘She and I are not,’ I say firmly. ‘And even if we were…’
