Now, walking through the crowds, she could almost push everything away, pretend that nothing had happened to bring her to this town, that this was just where she’d happened to land. Marley, one of the town’s singers, had erected a small stage and was singing to an already enraptured crowd, her sultry voice filtering through the warm midday air.
Abby liked Marley. She was quirky and you could never guarantee what would come out of her mouth, but she was also kind and didn’t know what nastiness was.
There had been one evening when Abby had just moved to Severton and she’d thought she’d seen Tilly in town in the morning. She’s spent the whole day hoping it was her, only for another woman to come into the bar with the same hair and wearing the same clothes as the person she’d seen that morning.
As she’d tidied up at the end of the shift, she’d ended up unable to hold the tears in. Marley had been the only one left in the bar, clearing up after playing a set. Rather than asking questions, she’d made Abby a cup of tea and sat with her, offering her a shoulder to cry on and distracting her with tales of her unsuccessful love life.
Abby hadn’t forgotten it and if anyone had ever made a disparaging remark against her, Abby hadn’t held back.
“She should’ve been signed by a record label.” Abby had made Alex pause to listen, although to be fair, he hadn’t argued about it.
“She was offered a contract when she was eighteen.”
“Really?” Abby hadn’t known that. “Why did she turn it down?”
Alex shrugged and shook his head. “No one knows. Her dad told everyone that she was away in London, about to sign, and she ended up back at home with no explanation and not wanting to talk about it. She just carried on writing and doing local gigs, and started to study garden design. When the cottage is done, I’ll have her work on the garden at the house.”
“How long will that take you to renovate?” Abby had seen the stone house that now belonged to Alex, complete with what looked like a roof that was about to collapse.
“About six months.” He was leading her over to a stall that was serving beers from one of the local microbreweries. They also made their own cheese; which Abby knew Alex adored. “But it’ll probably take three before I can move into it and live in it while I finish it off. The plan is to do the roof, the painting, new windows, one of the bathrooms and the kitchen, and get a bedroom habitable before I can move in and rent the last cottage. I’ll probably start on the roof in a couple of weeks.”
“Will you do it yourself?”
“I’ll help, but the roofer who did the cottages will be in charge. That’s probably the last house I’ll renovate for me to live in.”
“It’s a big house.”
“It’s been empty a long time. It’ll be good to fill it again.”
She smiled, maybe a little wistfully. “What will you fill it with? Kids?”
His smile back was almost embarrassed. Without double checking herself, she leaned forwards and ran her fingers through his hair, landing her hand on his shoulder and pressing her lips to his.
The gesture, Abby knew, was a telling one. Almost a promise. A question.
“Maybe. Have to see if anyone wants to make them with me.” His arms went around her waist, pulling her closer.
“Are you two queuing or not?’ A snappy voice sounded behind them. One of the older gentlemen of the village tapped Alex on the shoulder.
Alex laughed and let the old guy past, shifting them both out of the way and into the path of a tall man, as broad as a wide door.
“Sorry…” Alex began to apologise, then stopped. “What are you doing here?”
The man’s smile was wide and his eyes crinkled. Abby noticed his arms which were muscled and Thor-like, although he was dark-haired and bearded.
“Thought I’d pop by and check out if our friendly gang-members were having an away-day.” The grin stayed plastered on his face. “You must be Abby. I’m Heath Loneghan.” He held out his hand.
“You know, I never knew your first name until now.” Alex spoke quietly. “Always thought it was something really shite, like Rodney.”
“No, my mum chose to name me after a field. You seen O’Malley?”
“Yesterday. He’s staying in a five-star yurt and guess who his mystery guest is.” Alex’s voice was full of glee.
“Noooo, it isn’t.” Heath shook his head. “Seriously, Indy?”
Alex nodded. “Her own bedroom though.”
“You’re worse gossips than the coven.” Abby slipped her hand into Alex’s.
