He turned to face her, his expression inscrutable. ‘I see.’
‘Yes, someone’s coming next Friday to talk to us and take a few pictures.’
‘But the barn’s not built yet—’ he tried to protest.
‘They’re interested in the before and after shots,’ she interrupted. ‘Taking photos of the state the barn’s in now will make it more interesting when it’s renovated. Plus, they can take photos of what we’ve done so far with the polytunnels, raised beds and compost bins. It’s the lifestyle they’re interested in.’ Then she added with a giggle, ‘Not to mention you.’ To which Rory rolled his eyes. ‘Now, come on, we did agree all this,’ she tried to reason, folding her arms.
‘I know, I know,’ he conceded, ‘but you can do all of the talking.’ Cassie frowned, puzzled by his reaction.
‘But you’re good at talking. Being a barrister, standing up in court, and look at the way you handled the press, you were brilliant!’ she exclaimed.
‘Yeah, but this is different, Cass,’ he replied quietly.
‘Why?’ she asked.
‘Because this time it’s personal. It’s about you and me, Cass.’ He looked into her eyes. ‘Our future.’
‘Yes but it’s still for a good cause, Rory. Think what an example we’d be setting, living an eco-friendly life.’ He couldn’t argue with that. Then another thought entered Cassie’s head. ‘And you’re definitely going to be in the photographs.’ She went to hug him. ‘You handsome brute.’
‘Too right,’ he smiled, then kissed her. ‘Come on, Pixie, let’s go in.’
It was starting to get dark and they had been busy working all day. At times like these, Cassie wished she could sink into a hot bubble bath, to soothe away all those aches and strains from the day’s digging and planting. Instead she’d have to make do with a short shower in the shepherds hut. Still, it was her choice and she wouldn’t change a thing. She was getting used to planning ahead for meals, having become reliant in the past on using the hotel kitchens as and when. That was the one thing she missed the most, just helping herself to any of the food which had been left. Now she had to think ahead for what to buy – and with little space for storage. Considerations like that, as well as living in such cramped quarters, willed them both to plough on and get things done. ‘We’ll look back and laugh at how we were cooped up in the shepherds hut,’ they’d say, hoping it was true. The approval from the council couldn’t come quick enough.
Whilst Cassie was showering, Rory received a text from Adira inviting them for dinner. Knowing it would be a welcome change, he turned off the oven. The lasagne could wait till tomorrow. Besides, he was keen to hear Jasper’s opinion on the plans he had left for him.
A short while later, Cassie was glad to be relaxing at The Laurels. She couldn’t help but notice how well both Jasper and Adira looked, so sun-kissed and chilled out.
‘So, how was Dubai?’ she asked the newlyweds.
‘An absolute dream,’ sighed Adira, suddenly longing for the warmth of the sunshine again.
‘It was good to get away and have some time alone together,’ replied Jasper, giving them a dry look. Rory smiled to himself. He wasn’t sure he’d want to share his home the way they did, which then prompted him to ask about the barn.
‘Have you seen the architect’s plans?’ he looked at Jasper then Adira.
‘I have,’ replied Jasper, ‘and I think they’re great. He’s done a good job, hasn’t he?’
‘Yes, he has,’ agreed Rory, glad that Jasper had given his seal of approval.
Sensing the conversation was going to turn to business, Adira took the opportunity to go and check on the dinner. Cassie followed her into the kitchen.
‘You look positively glowing,’ Cassie said, looking Adira up and down. It was true, Adira’s eyes shone, as well as her hair and her complexion gave a healthy glow.
‘Not sure I feel it, though,’ replied Adira. ‘Keep feeling tired since we got back.’
‘Oh,’ said Cassie. Then her eyes turned to the three packets of ginger biscuits on the work top. Adira saw her glancing at them.
‘I’ve developed a taste for those.’ She nodded towards them. ‘Funny, because I’ve never really liked them before.’
‘I see,’ said Cassie thoughtfully.
‘We’re having chilli con carne,’ Adira told her whilst dipping a spoon into the pot to taste it. ‘Hmm, could do with a bit more spice I think,’ she said, adding two heaped spoonfuls of powder.
Cassie’s eyes widened at how much Adira was adding. The chilli was definitely going to have a kick to it, she thought.
‘Where’s Fletcher?’ asked Cassie, expecting to have seen him by now.
‘He’s taken Lilly out for a meal. Ruby’s entertaining tonight, so wanted the cottage all to herself.’
