Page 84 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Maisy looked on, concerned at first, but came over to give Tom a big cuddle once his wet clothes were changed. ‘Tom, you are very brave. You saved Petie – thank you.’ She climbed onto his lap carefully and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. He opened his weary eyes and she pointed to Petie who was there beside the Aga too, wrapped in an old blanket and snoozing contentedly now.

‘Oh, that’s good. So the little chap’s okay?’ A little colour had started to return to Tom’s cheeks.

There were mugs of warm vegetable soup for everyone, and bread that Jill had freshly baked. Mum liked to keep busy in a crisis and baking was her go-to, so the mixer had come out whilst they still had electric this morning and Rachel and Tom had been busy battling the elements up on the fells. Rachel spooned some of the soup into Tom’s mouth and his eyes caught hers with a tired but tender look of love and gratitude.

Tom was soon sleeping soundly in the chair by the Aga. It looked odd and yet kind of right, seeing him sitting in Dad’s clothes, which were a little baggy on him.

‘Well then, I think the lad’ll be fine now.’ Mr Mac looked across, almost fondly, at the sleeping figure too.

Rachel knew that he didn’t have any children and had lived at his farm alone since his wife died over ten years ago now. Rachel had never asked about the fact he had no family because it felt like prying, and knowing the grumpy nature of the old chap she’d probably have had her head bitten off. But from the look in his eye just now, perhaps he’d always wanted a son of his own.

‘Close call that one, mind,’ he continued, ‘up on those hills in this weather. But I know what it’s like when it’s your animals at risk. Right then, well, I’d better be on my way.’ Mr Mac stood up from his place at the kitchen table, ready to go.

‘Thank you so much, Mr Mac,’ said Rachel, standing too.

‘Aye, well, it’s what anyone would do in the circumstances.’ He sounded gruff, like he didn’t want any fuss.

‘Here – I’m sure you’ll be glad to take some warm soup and sandwiches back with you for your supper this evening. And what about a sticky toffee pudding and a nice slice of Christmas cake?’ Jill was already ladling soup out for him into a Tupperware dish.

‘Aye, well, that’d be grand.’ His tone quickly softened.

‘And, once we’re open again in the next couple of days, do call in at the Pantry,’ Rachel added. ‘There’ll be a lunch or two on the house for you.’

‘Well, thank you, lassie.’

A few minutes later, with Tom still sleeping soundly, Mr Mac took the food bundle with a grateful nod, and was back to action and his usual grumpy self. ‘Aye, I’ll clear the lane with the plough as I head back, now that the snow’s starting to ease off. Make a track for you and the others further up the lane. Some daft buggers have no idea how to drive in the snow.’

‘Ahh, this is the best way of warming up.’ The sound of Tom’s voice was a welcome relief as he and Rachel lay close under the duvet in her double bed later that evening.

Maisy had been tucked up in her room an hour before and Rachel and Jill had made a sleeping area for Petie out in the porch, clearing the boots and wellies and covering the stone floor with an old blanket, so they could keep an eye on him overnight.

They were all exhausted as the dark took hold outside. The snow had finally stopped and the winds had eased. A relieved hush fell over the farmhouse and Rachel was more than ready to have an early night.

Rachel had crawled in, naked, beside Tom, yearning to feel the warmth of his skin next to hers. She didn’t like to think how close she had come to losing him. She traced a finger across his brow and down his cheek, over the slight stubble on his chin. ‘Thank God you’re all right,’ she whispered. She couldn’t hold back the tear that had formed in her eye. It dripped down her cheek. A tear of relief, of love.

She held him tight to her then, pressing her body against his warm skin, and she sighed deeply, the fraught emotions of the day still with her. She snuggled her face into his chest and murmured, ‘I was so afraid, Tom.’

‘It’s okay, I’m here now. Just got a little chilly that’s all.’ His voice was still a little frail.

Trust him to make light of hypothermia.

He stroked the top of her head softly. He still seemed weak, but was over the worst.

‘What a day,’ Rachel whispered.

‘Uh-huh, it certainly was.’ He sounded so tired.

She lay beside him, feeling the steady beat of his heart beside her, as she gently stroked the contours of his chest. She wasn’t sure if he was beginning to fall asleep once more, but spoke anyhow, ‘I love you, Tom. So much.’

‘Love you too, Rach … thanks … for not giving up on me.’

Her heart was full to the brim. Their recent argument dimmed into insignificance. She couldn’t imagine ever being without him now, didn’t want to. Today had brought them far too close to that.

‘I’d never give up on you, Tom.’

39

Rachel left Tom in her bed the next morning to rest up and recover from the trials of yesterday. She was pretty shattered herself, but there were sheep and cattle to tend to on both farms. Jill offered to go along and help out, as it was unlikely anyone would make it through to the Pantry today – unless they came by sledge! – but Rachel wasn’t sure what the snow and terrain would be like, and as it would mean Maisy would have to come along too. She didn’t want to risk an accident with her precious family in the truck.