Page 27 of Not Just for Christmas

‘Sort of. I’ve made sausage rolls,’ I blurted out, wedging the phone under my chin while I held my hand under the cold tap. ‘And burned myself on the tray. Other than that, I’m fine.’

‘If you’re asking me to come and test them for you, I’m on my way,’ he chuckled.

‘Actually, this is about the farm. I’m thinking … actually I’m not sure what I’m thinking, but I’d appreciate some advice.’ My stomach fluttered as I said it. The genie was officially out of the bottle. No turning back now.

‘Sure,’ he said, ‘happy to help. Ed and Caroline have already filled me in on the situation.’

‘That’s very kind of them, and of you,’ I said hurriedly. ‘But please don’t mention this to anyone. This has got to remain highly confidential. The farm has been in the Oakley family for generations.’

‘Understood.’ His voice shifted into seriousness at once. ‘You have my word.’

‘Thank you.’ I breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Listen, I’m in the car now and not far from you. I can come over if you like?’

‘Now? Oh gosh.’ I hadn’t worked out what I was going to say. I’d assumed I’d have at least a week of rehearsing in my head first. But maybe this was better. No time to panic. No time to chicken out. ‘I still have some jobs in the yard to do, but if you don’t mind mud, you’re welcome to join me.’

‘Mud’s fine. See you in ten minutes.’

I hung up, slightly dazed and found Gus still at my feet, fixated on the sausage rolls. I broke one in half and blew on it to cool it down, holding it out for him to take straight out of my hand.

His tail thumped appreciatively, unable to believe his luck.

‘Yes, I know, Gus,’ I said. ‘Nick coming tonight and Dylan arriving tomorrow; life does seem to be getting complicated.’

Chapter 14

Half an hour later, I saw Nick’s headlights sweep across the yard. I swapped my apron for my thick coat and stepped out to greet him. It was a clear night, a sky full of stars and the wind coming in off the sea felt like it had travelled straight from the Arctic.

Nick climbed out of his truck, warmly dressed in a quilted jacket, scarf and hat. A torch was already in his hand.

‘Hi!’ I waved and crossed the yard to meet him. ‘You found us.’

‘Eventually. Sorry I’m later than planned.’ He gave me a shy smile. ‘I wanted to stop off and bring you these.’

He produced a bunch of flowers from behind his back. White roses, eucalyptus, and frilly gypsophila. ‘They’re nothing special, but it was the best I could do in a rush.’

‘They’re perfect, thank you.’ I was touched. Also very pleased. They’d go perfectly in a small vase in Dylan’s room. ‘Do all your clients get this treatment?’

He tucked his hands into his pockets. ‘Only those whose good books I’m trying to get into.’

‘Oh?’ I felt a pinch of nerves, remembering that Caroline was convinced Nick had a crush on me.

He laughed. ‘Let’s just say I’m very partial to sausage rolls.’

‘Noted,’ I said, smiling with relief. I opened the door and popped the flowers on the table in the hall.

‘I don’t suppose you’ve got any boots I could borrow?’ He lifted up a foot to show me his brown brogues. ‘I’ve been showing people around retirement flats today, I’m not really prepared for a farmyard.’

‘Only my late husband’s and they’re big boots to fill.’ The words slipped out before I could stop myself.

‘Understood,’ said Nick, with a gentle smile. ‘In that case, I’ll make sure I tread carefully.’

‘I appreciate this,’ I said, leading him across the cobbled yard. ‘And I promise we won’t be outside too long.’

‘No problem, glad to help.’ He sidestepped a pile of muck. ‘Though I should warn you, I know land and buildings better than livestock.’

‘That’s fine. Calves aren’t complicated. Hungry, but not complicated.’