‘We figured you might find it useful with us living miles from civilisation,’ I said, teasing her with her comment from moving day.
‘Well, it is!’ she said.
My stomach lurched as that sounded like the angry version of Maddie I thought we’d said goodbye to.
She burst out laughing. ‘Your face, Mum! Miles from the city and so much better for it. You know how much I hate shopping. Country girl through and through.’
I hugged her tightly, laughing with her. ‘Happy birthday, Maddie.’
* * *
We’d set up several barbeques in the empty barns opposite the side of the farmhouse. Caleb and Ned had taken responsibilityfor cooking and the air was filled with tantalising aromas thanks to the various marinades Mam had made. Several tables were laid out in the barn with salads, crudités, dips, quiches and a variety of finger food.
The guests had been steadily arriving since 7p.m. and I smiled at the sight of Hunter hugging Maddie and handing over a gift bag. Even though Lindon hadn’t asked her out on a date yet, Maddie had decided to be honest with Hunter right from the start and had admitted that she liked Lindon. He’d responded positively, saying he hoped it would work out and reiterating that he was glad they’d agreed to stay friends.
Willow and Lindon arrived with their parents, who were now friends of mine. Willow gave Maddie a gift bag containing a scented candle and a friendship bracelet. I’d loved watching their friendship blossom across the summer and seeing them go horse riding and cycling together.
‘This is from me,’ Lindon said, looking a little nervous as he handed Maddie a large package.
‘You didn’t need to get me anything,’ Maddie said. ‘That’s so kind of you.’
‘You might not like it.’
She unwrapped the paper, removed a framed picture and gasped. ‘Lindon! I love it! You drew this?’
‘Yeah.’
She turned the picture round so the rest of us could see. Lindon had drawn Maddie beside Scout – who she now rode regularly – holding his reins. Bubble was on her shoulder, Squeak was draped across her arm and Ginger and Pickle were on the saddle while the farm guinea pigs were gathered round her feet, chomping on pieces of fruit and vegetables.
‘I can’t believe how much detail you’ve captured,’ she said, as she studied the picture once more. ‘You’ve got every individual guinea pig in there with all the correct markings and colours.’
‘I wanted to draw you something meaningful,’ he said.
Maddie handed me the picture and flung her arms round Lindon, thanking him. He looked surprised at first but then he wrapped his arms round her and kissed her on the cheek.
They pulled apart, pink spots on their cheeks. I’d be stunned if Maddie’s party ended without Lindon asking her on a date.
‘Is something going on between Maddie and Lindon?’ Caleb asked, topping up my glass of wine later that evening.
The pair of them were deep in conversation near Maddie’s guinea pigs and seemingly finding every opportunity for some physical contact.
‘Maddie’s interested and I’m pretty sure Lindon is too. Young love. It’s very sweet to see.’
I yawned and immediately apologised. It was only 10p.m. but, with the early starts I had each morning, I preferred to be in bed by now.
‘Long day?’ Caleb asked.
‘And lots of people for a lot of hours. I’m glad we’ve done this for Maddie, but I’m totally peopled out.’
‘Why don’t we slip away for a bit? We could take our drinks into my back garden for a moment’s peace.’
I didn’t need asking twice.
‘Better?’ he asked as we stepped into the back garden at Peartree Cottage. I could still hear the beat of the music but the chatter had ceased.
‘Much better. And I love your garden at night.’
Tiny lights that I’d never have noticed during the day ran alongside the pathways and glowed within the water features, making the garden look like a magical grotto.
