Page 21 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Cheers, Jill, we owe you one,’ Tom beamed.

Forty minutes later, strolling the golden sands of Low Newton Bay, with the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle creating a dramatic backdrop on the far cliffs, and Tom holding her hand, Rachel felt a sense of happy calm. The smell of salt and sea filled the air. The sun glinted in silver bursts off the waves that rolled gently into the shore. They’d made their escape to the coast, and they finally had a little time to themselves.

‘It’s gorgeous here, isn’t it?’ Rachel took in the panoramic seascape.

‘Yeah, don’t know why we don’t try and get down here more often.’

‘Oh, I don’t know. Work … the farms … Pudding Pantry to run.’ She pulled at his arm playfully.

‘Well yes, there is all that.’

‘But yes, it’s lovely just to take a bit of time out. I’m getting spoilt, what with a weekend away and now this … Heaven forbid I’ll get used to it. Anyway, what are these wedding plans you needed to discuss so urgently?’ Tom had been happy to let her, Jill, and maid of honour Eve, get on with most of the organising up until now. He’d been firmly in agreement that they should have a big celebration back at Primrose Farm after the church wedding in Kirkton but, as for the finer details, he was grateful for them to take the lead.

‘Ah, well,’ he looked a little sheepish, ‘I have to confess it was just a ploy to get you away early.’

‘Hah, so I’ve been brought here under false pretences,’ she pulled a pretend-grumpy face. ‘Sneaky.’

‘Guilty as charged.’ He grinned.

‘But we probably do have loads of things to catch up on wedding-wise, you know. Like, did you finally sort your suit out and those you need to hire for the best man and ushers?’

‘Of course. All done. I have found the perfect attire for us all, and we’ll look very smart indeed.’ He gave a wink.

‘Those grey suits I pointed out online?’

He pursed his lips and gave a slow nod, looking a little sheepish.

She wasn’t buying it, Tom definitely had something up his sleeve, but she couldn’t work out what.

‘Yeah, so no need to fret, I’ve got everything sorted for us men. We’ll look great, don’t you worry.’

They walked hand in hand, Rachel’s fingers slotted through Tom’s, as if it was where they belonged. Strolling further along the bay, away from the dog walkers, the picnickers and the children building sandcastles, they discovered a sand-filled dip in the dunes, hidden from view of the beach, where they decided to sit for a while and make the most of the sunny afternoon.

‘Ah, bliss.’ Rachel stretched out, the sand warm beneath her, feeling the tingle of the sun on her face.

They were soon lying side by side, holding hands, looking up at the fluffy white clouds slowly scudding across the sky. It was nice just to stop and be still, to take a moment out of their hectic lives. And, it was so very nice to be lying here next to Tom.

‘So, what do you see up there?’ Tom asked, gazing up at the sky.

‘Some clouds and blue sky.’

‘Hah, practical as always. Look again, do you see that boat moving out of the cloud mass over there, and oh, the face of a wolf in that one? Two pointy ears and a sharp nose.’

‘Yeah, I can just about make that out.’

He should have been playing this game with Maisy, Rachel mused. She had the imagination; she’d have spotted a full zoo and more by now. Rachel was just happy seeing a lovely blue sky, and having this gorgeous man by her side. She gave a contented sigh. Tom had slotted into her and Maisy’s lives so well. She’d been anxious at first about bringing a new father figure into her daughter’s life, but he had moved slowly and thoughtfully into that role. Tom didn’t have any children from his previous marriage – his relationship with the infamous Caitlin had ended in a rather bitter divorce five years ago – but, despite never having had a child of his own, he seemed a natural.

She rolled towards him, quickly checking that there didn’t seem to be anyone around in this part of the dunes. ‘I do think I might just have to block your view, however.’ She grinned cheekily as she climbed on board, until she was flat out over him, legs to legs, chest to chest, face to face. She smiled foxily as she dipped her chin, edging her mouth towards his, their lips meeting in a gorgeously sexy kiss. Her body tingling from top to toe, feeling so alive. Tom’s arms tightened around her back, holding her closer still.

‘Shame there are people about, just down there …’ sighed Tom, as he drew away to take a breath.

‘Hmm, but I’m sure they haven’t banned kissing in public quite yet, and we are fully clothed.’

‘I know. But … it’s killing me. It’s like revving up the engine and not being able to go anywhere.’ He gave a frustrated grin.

Rachel laughed, then moved in for kiss number two – such glorious and heart-warming seconds, enjoying the feeling of his cheeky erection beneath her.

‘Well, you’ll just have to wait, Mr Watson.’ She smiled, then nibbled his ear lobe ever so gently.