‘In the next week all of this is going to come to a head.’
‘It is, and it won’t be pretty. I’ve got a huge fight on my hands.’
Florrie bumped his shoulder. ‘You said we were a team.’
With a lopsided grin Tom squeezed her hand tight. ‘We’re definitely a team,’ he said.
‘And if he does cut you off?’
Tom stretched out his arms and tilted his head towards the sky. ‘The world is my oyster. I’ll still have a share in the business – my grandfather made sure that was protected for me – so I’d need to make a decision on what I want to do with my life. I’m sure I could find some work in The Vintage Flower Van in the meantime.’
Florrie opened the garden gate. ‘Ha ha. Come on, let me show you around.’
They took the gravel path around the side of the cottage and stood in the courtyard, taking in the view. ‘Wow! This place is stunning. Just look at it.’ He pointed towards the river and the mountain in the distance. ‘What a special place.’
‘Isn’t it just? Do you want to come and see the rose garden?’
Tom nodded. ‘That would be good.’
They walked side by side through the archway to the rose garden. The central circular area was enclosed by a yew hedge, and the roses were mixed with herbaceous planting, creating rich, seasonal flower beds. ‘The best time to see the roses in full bloom is round about now, but they do continue to flower through to the first frosts. Aunt Ada planted twice a year with spring and summer displays, so, regardless of the time of year, there’s always a rose to see.’
‘It’s magnificent. I can see why Ada won awards and why this place kept winning Flowers in Bloom.’ Tom walked up to the rose garden. ‘This whole place is tranquil. I feel truly at peace here, there’s such a good feel about it.’ He turned and looked at the rest of the property. ‘I had a look at the plans that my father submitted.’ He pointed. ‘All of this would be destroyed.’
‘It might still be if the document states that the cottage goes to Edward.’
Tom shook his head. ‘If my grandfather went to such great lengths to give Ada a life interest, I’m sure he would have put measures in place to keep Edward from ever owning the cottage.’
‘Aunt Ada would have kept that document in a safe place, I just know it. There were always two things that were very close to her heart, this garden and The Vintage Flower Van. You don’t think she would have buried it, do you?’
Tom raised his eyebrows. ‘We can’t go digging up acres of land in search of a document hidden inside a rust-proof tin. It would take for ever.’
‘You’re right,’ she replied, wondering where the hell it could be. She thought for a moment. ‘Aunt Ada loved the glasshouses. I know there’s a set of drawers in there. Maybe we should take a look in them.’
‘Lead the way.’
They ambled along the stone path, which was laced with lavender, towards the row of glasshouses.
‘These are impressive,’ said Tom.
‘Aunt Ada loved being out here.’ Florrie opened the door of the first glasshouse. All the windows were currently lodged open, letting in a lovely breeze.
‘It certainly does capture your eyes.’
‘This is the hub of the business.’
There were rows and rows of seedling trays on wire racks with new shoots poking out, and shelving units holding a variety of pots with tags sticking out to identify which seedling was which flower and which section of the garden they would be planted in. The handheld broom and dustpan were still hanging off the wall, and intertwined vines ran along the dirt underfoot.
‘This place, along with The Vintage Flower Van, pretty much ruled every aspect of Aunt Ada’s life.’ Florrie turned towards one of the workstations, where Aunt Ada’s favourite gardening gloves were still lying on the wooden top along with her spare pair of glasses. As soon as Florrie saw them, she picked them up, feeling emotional.
‘Hey, come here.’ Tom stretched out his arms and Florrie stepped into them.
‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across all maudlin.’
‘You don’t need to apologise for missing Ada. It’s the most natural thing in the world.’
Tom hugged her tight and she felt safe resting against his chest, taking in the aroma of his aftershave.
‘I can’t imagine anyone else living here. Look at the hard work that goes into this business.’
