Page 98 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Yes, I’m sure I can manage that.’ Tom was grinning like the cat who’d got the cream.

‘I’ll see you later, then.’

‘Yeah, I’ll spend a few hours with Mum and Dad, and then I’ll need to go and check on the farm again on my way back over.’

‘Okay, that’s fine. There’s no worry about time.’ She felt the weight of her new watch on her wrist. ‘Thanks so much for my gift too. It’s gorgeous.’

‘I’m glad you like it. And thank you for yours, I’ll be feeling very cosy in my scarf and smelling super dandy with my new aftershave.’

‘Hah yes, better than aroma de sheep or cologne de cow, your usual brand.’

‘You, cheeky mare!’ He pretended to be affronted but was laughing. ‘Right, I’ll see you later then … when I’ll need to severely reprimand you for your insolent comments.’

‘Hmm, I look forward to that,’ she said teasingly. ‘Merry Christmas, Tom.’

‘Happy, happy Christmas, Rachel.’

And they sneaked in another Christmas kiss.

‘Argh, they’re doing it again,’ Rachel could hear Maisy’s remark from the barn doorway. ‘Yuck!’ She wasn’t so impressed this time.

The festive gathering in the barn dissolved into laughter.

There was that post-Christmas dinner lull and they headed back over to the farmhouse, where Eve, Rachel and Ben cracked on with the washing-up, whilst the girls played with Amelia’s new toy and made bead bracelets using Jake’s gift. Jill, Ruth and Frank settled in the cosy chairs in the living room by the fire for a well-deserved nap.

At around four, just as it was beginning to get dark, a vehicle rolled up the drive. It was Daniel, who arrived at the porch bearing a bouquet of Christmas flowers. Rachel spotted him out of the kitchen window. He was obviously coming to visit Jill, and Rachel felt that familiar edge of tension. Despite his kind help yesterday, it still just felt strange. Rachel took a deep breath and found a little festive spirit within herself as she called her mum to come through.

‘Mum, you’ve got a guest arrived.’

‘Oh?’

‘It’s Daniel.’

He was already knocking at the door, and she could hardly leave him out in the cold. Rachel gathered a mental olive branch and opened the door with a welcoming smile.

‘Merry Christmas, Daniel. Mum’s just on her way.’

‘Merry Christmas, Rachel. I hope you’ve all had a lovely day.’

‘Yes, we have.’

‘Oh, right,’ and suddenly Jill was standing there beside Rachel, who moved back politely.

‘I hope it’s okay to turn up like this. I know it’s Christmas Day, but you did say I could call.’

‘Of course, yes that’s fine. Come on in.’

‘For you, Jill. Just a little something. Merry Christmas.’ Daniel passed the bouquet across.

‘Oh, how lovely. Thank you, Daniel. And, Merry Christmas to you too.’ She gave him a friendly peck in the cheek. ‘But I think it’s us who should be getting you flowers after all your help yesterday.’

‘Ah, it was no problem.’

‘Well, come in then. Did you have a nice time with your mother?’

‘Yes, thanks. It was just a quiet day as Mum’s getting frailer now, and there was just the two of us. But she did enjoy it. I cooked the full turkey dinner, as you do, and she ate like a horse, which was good to see. She was feeling tired, though, by about three, so I’ve left her having a snooze.’

‘Well then, can I get you a drink of anything? There’s some wine on the go, or a cup of tea?’