Page 86 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Probably out of cash, spent it all. How the hell did I even fall for someone like that?’

‘Well, we can all make mistakes, especially with relationships.’ Falling for Jake hadn’t exactly been Rachel’s best move in life.

‘I’ll have to mortgage the farm even more, or sell off some land, if she gets this agreed and I already had it mortgaged to the hilt to buy her out. Damn it, I can hardly even afford the solicitor’s bills to fight the bloody case, right now.’

‘Oh Tom, this is so stressful. But it’s been years now; surely, she can’t have any further claim? And what timing, too, right on the run up to Christmas! Some Merry Christmas from your ex, that is.’ Rachel was angry on Tom’s behalf.

‘I think she’s planning on giving herself a nice Christmas present – a chunk of my farm. Or the money from it, anyway.’

‘Bloody hell, that’s so not fair.’ Caitlin sounded like a right bitch.

‘Hah, well, not that Christmas has been much of an exciting time for me lately,’ Tom admitted.

‘Hmm, I know that feeling, with Dad gone …’ The spark had gone out of the festive season for her too. But this year they had been trying so hard to make it magical and to try to enjoy it again, for Maisy’s sake. ‘Look, maybe it’s not the easiest of times for either of us, but you will still come to ours for Christmas dinner, won’t you?’ Rachel paused to give Tom time to consider. ‘On one condition, that is – you have to promise not to sit there all sour-faced like Scrooge!’ She gave a cheeky smile, relieved that they were still okay. However tough the circumstances with Caitlin, they could support each other now, not be driven apart by it.

‘Hah, yeah, and yes, of course, I’ll still come. That’d be really nice, Rachel. Thank you.’

Granny Ruth had been right: relationships had to be built on honesty. They shared a warm, tender smile and Tom came across to stand beside Rachel, placing a hand on her shoulder. His touch soothed her. She turned to put her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest. Maybe, as long as they had each other, they could find a way through the maze that was life, and what it seemed to constantly throw up at them. Amidst all the chaos, the prospect of sharing their first Christmas together was a good one.

40

There was a welcome calm in the weather over the next couple of days and the snow had gone. Thankfully, Petie made a good recovery and the remaining animals on the farm appeared to be doing fine, with no further casualties. The customers were still flocking to the Pudding Pantry, eager to take a little time out in their busy Christmas schedules for a festive treat, and to purchase some extra goodies to take home to their families. Granny Ruth’s Whisky and Orange Puddings were still selling out hard and fast.

Christmas Eve was soon upon them, and the Pudding Pantry was in full festive swing; carols were playing on the radio, the tree lights were twinkling away, with the coffee machine gurgling in the background as an array of delicious puddings were warmed, served and spooned. There were orders being collected for Ruth’s award-winning puddings, along with Jill’s Chocolate and Cherry Puddings, Rachel’s Irish Cream Cheesecakes, Pavlovas, and Chocolate Yule Logs to name but a few. Mince pies were munched, along with Danish Pastry Cinnamon Swirls, and Maisy’s new favourites, festive cupcakes with Rudolph noses, teamed with creamy-topped hot chocolates.

Having wished for weeks for more business back in the autumn, Rachel wasn’t about to complain, but her feet were certainly throbbing and, with a queue of customers snaking past the counter, there was no sign of having a sit down yet.

Glancing up for a second, Rachel took in how lovely the barn looked, with its festive decorations, Eve’s gorgeous crafts and the Christmas tree, a little sparser on needles than when she had first put it up with Maisy, but still twinkling merrily with its lights and baubles. The pretty chandeliers, chosen by her friends, were sparkling above them too, giving the old stone walls a golden glow and there was excited chatter as children wondered if they’d get their Christmas wishes and families discussed if it might well be snowing again by the morning.

Star helper Maisy was helping to serve, and Daniel, who had repeated his offer to help, had thankfully come in today too. He was busy clearing tables and washing up. Rachel had to acknowledge he’d been a bit of a godsend in the circumstances. It really was a team effort today.

The light started to fade outside as the afternoon rolled on; it was now past four o’clock and Jill was still on her feet, serving. Rachel noticed she was slowing however, and looked awfully tired.

‘I’ll help to finish off here with Rachel. I’m in no particular rush,’ offered Dan, coming over.

‘Thank you, Daniel.’ Jill gave a smile.

‘Yes, we’ll manage … go on, Mum,’ said Rachel pressing.

‘Hah, I know where I’m not wanted,’ Jill jibed, as she began to gather her things. ‘Don’t stay too late, Rachel. And thank you, Dan,’ she added with a small smile as she made her exit.

‘I’ll stay and help Mummy too, Grandma.’ Maisy skipped on up to her at the door.

‘Good girl.’

Maisy really was on her best behaviour today. She’d heard all about, ‘You’d better be good … you’d better watch out,’ and she knew that Santa Claus really was coming to town very soon.

‘We’ll see you in a while, Mum.’

‘Thank you, love. And Dan, have a marvellous Christmas, and thanks again for all your help today. You’ve been a godsend.’

‘You’re welcome, that’s what friends are for. And it is Christmas, after all. Have a lovely Christmas yourself, Jill. Be sure to take some time out and enjoy the break.’

‘Thanks. Oh, and Daniel …’ Jill paused, looking almost shy. ‘If you get chance, why not call by for a Christmas drink with us? Any time.’

‘I’d like that, thank you.’ Daniel gave a warm nod.

Rachel felt a beat of unease, but quashed it, realising she needed to find some Christmas spirit within herself. Daniel had been kind enough to help today after all.