For the time being, he’d decided to keep his plans to himself and not share them with Cassie. Firstly, he needed to find his ideal property with the land he required. He knew she was avidly looking for houses in and around Lilacwell for him to consider. He didn’t want to disappoint her if his needs took him outside her radius. Given the countryside surrounding the Trough of Bowland, it was highly likely he would find what he wanted, but he was reluctant to narrow his search too much. Secondly, he was a tad nervous at her reaction. How would she respond to his idea of living in such a, some might say, frugal way? It wouldn’t be for everybody, he knew that. Would Cassie join him and embrace his lifestyle choice, or would she miss her creature comforts too much? He pictured the lavish surroundings of the Inn and Lilacwell and a nagging reservation itched at him. He recalled how she had looked at him in awe when talking passionately about defending the climate activists, but it was one thing saying and another doing. Actions spoke louder than words and whilst he was prepared to go all out for the cause, was she? Was he expecting too much?
He chuckled to himself remembering the rerun he had watched of the seventies sit-com The Good Life, where Tom had persuaded his wife Barbara to pack in the everyday stresses of a conventional life and live a more organic existence, by becoming self-sufficient, smallholders themselves. Of course, the series depicted a romantic, humorous take on what essentially would be a hard, compromising commitment. But, Rory conceded, it would have its advantages. They would be their own bosses, answerable to only themselves. And didn’t Cassie say she wanted that? To work for herself? He recalled her complaining at the restrictions her job brought, living and working at the inn. Well, having the freedom to live off your own land would put a stop to that. Yes, that’s how he’d sell it to her, emphasise the sense of liberty they would benefit from. Not to mention the healthy diet of organically home-grown food, the space, fresh air and exercise they’d enjoy… ideal for a family.
Rory’s mind, as always when fired up, was working at full pelt. He would focus on the upside, hammer home the positives and convince Cassie it was the way forward. He was approaching this like a court case. In his head he had all the arguments for and was preparing answers for any line of reasoning. Then he forced himself to stop and take stock. This wasn’t a case to be defended in court. It was his and Cassie’s future that was at stake here. As a human rights barrister, he couldn’t help but smile wryly to himself at how he was trying to steer Cassie’s decision. No, she had to make her own choices. He would tell her how he felt and what he wanted, then let her make up her own mind.
Out of habit, he tapped on his laptop to open up the Inn at Lilacwell’s website. Ah, there she was smiling up at him. He automatically clicked on the blog page to see what had been happening. His eyes immediately homed in on the new photos that had recently been uploaded. Pictures of a van with The Hot Spot logo on it made Rory read on. Apparently, a local blacksmith had been at the hotel to fit new curtain poles. He leant forward with more interest at seeing further photos of him with Cassie, looking a bit too bloody familiar for his liking. Instinctively, he searched for The Hot Spot’s website to learn more about this Max-the-local-blacksmith. He scoffed at the page, which showed Max wearing a bandana and vest, hammering iron in his forge. It was obviously a promotional shot, showcasing his muscular chest and bulky biceps, but it certainly did the job. Max epitomised pure masculinity, which wasn’t lost on Rory. Oh bugger off, he thought with scorn, what an absolute poser. He clicked back to the photos of him with Cassie, particularly the shot where she was under his arms, Max leaning over her, giving him a good view of her cleavage. The cheeky bastard. Anger started to simmer inside him. Just then the doorbell rang. His next viewers had arrived. He quickly shut his laptop and went to answer. Hopefully an offer of the asking price would be imminent. The sooner he was in Lilacwell the better.
*
Cassie clapped her hands in glee. After solidly scouring through various property sites, she finally thought the right one had presented itself:
The bright open-plan kitchen of this four-bedroom detached house is the main hub of a family
home and is great for entertaining. A spacious triple-aspect lounge with French doors onto the
garden provides a great place to relax. The handy ground floor study is ideal for those working
from home. Upstairs, retreat to your main bedroom with dressing area and en suite. You’ll also
find three further double bedrooms to choose from and a family room.
Cassie loved the new build set on an estate recently constructed off a main country road on the outskirts of Lilacwell. Location-wise, it was ideal. Rory had given a rough indication of his budget, so she knew the price bracket for her search. Granted, it was rather roomy for just him, but if he could afford it why not? It would save him from having to move in future, she reasoned, quite liking the idea of having a dressing room and en suite. It was naturally assumed between the two of them that they would be living together sooner rather than later. Despite having only known him for a relatively short while, moving in together didn’t worry her, it just felt right and she knew Rory shared the same feelings. They spoke every day without fail and Cassie couldn’t wait for him to come back to Lilacwell. She also knew it wouldn’t be long before his flat sold, judging from the amount of interest it had generated.
At times, Cassie had to pinch herself she was so happy. Not that she’d been particularly unhappy before meeting Rory – far from it, Cassie was a confident young woman – but ultimately she had maintained one criterion; any future partner must be prepared to live in Lilacwell, and this had limited her dating options somewhat. She could not envisage living anywhere else and for her it was non-negotiable. So, to have found Rory who was the ideal man and also wanted to live in the same place was the perfect dream.
Her eyes scanned the immaculate, contemporary kitchen with white gloss units and granite worktops. The bathrooms too were done to a high spec, with free-standing baths, walk-in power showers, chrome fittings and black marble tiles. The garden was large with amazing views of the fells. It was superb. It ticked all the boxes. Well, it certainly ticked all of her boxes and she was bursting to show it Rory.
Cassie’s imagination was reaching fever pitch as she pictured her and Rory making this beautiful house their future home. She imagined them choosing the decor and furnishings, really putting their stamp on the place. She sat back and pondered: probably they would go for the minimal but comfortable look, in keeping with the new build. Then, in typical Cassie fashion, she fast forwarded a few years and saw a cherub baby sleeping peacefully in one of the smaller bedrooms that would make a good nursery. And the garden, that too gave plenty of space for children to run and play in. Then she laughed out loud, maybe she was getting a little too carried away. As if on cue, Rory’s name appeared on her phone to FaceTime.
‘Hi, Pixie,’ he smiled when she answered.
‘Rory, I’ve seen the most fantastic house!’ she exclaimed, straight in, without hesitation. Rory stalled momentarily, but it was unnoticed by Cassie who was in full flow. Without waiting for a response, she gushed on. ‘You must have a look,’ she said, eyes shining with joy. ‘I’ll send you the link.’
‘OK, I’ll take a look after. How’s things?’
‘Should I book a viewing?’ Cassie ploughed on, not willing to change the subject.
‘Err… well, I was actually going to tell you I’ve received another offer on the flat.’
‘And?’ Cassie was all ears now and had his full attention.
He broke into a huge beam, ‘It was the asking price. I’ve sold it.’
‘Rory! That’s fabulous!’
‘It is. It also means I can come up in a couple of days, once I’ve dealt with the estate agents and solicitors. No more viewers to show round.’
That was a relief in itself. He was more than ready for a trip back up north, more than ready to grab hold of Cassie. How he ached for her.
‘Right, I’ll definitely book a viewing then,’ she said, face lit up with enthusiasm. How could he refuse?
‘OK.’ Then he added with a sly grin, ‘Any room in your hotel, or are you fully booked?’
Her eyebrows rose and a sexy smile followed.
‘I’m sure I can squeeze you in somewhere.’
‘Good.’
