Before resuming my unpacking, I pulled up a playlist on my phone that Jude and I had compiled of tunes from our university days. But even though I sang and danced, I couldn’t stop my thoughts straying to Caleb. I shouldn’t care that he might think that I was pregnant, that he’d been off with me this evening, that the closeness between us had gone as quickly as it arrived.
But I did.
31
Willow and Lindon’s uncle was a sign-maker so we’d commissioned a large new sign for the end of the farm track from him. It wouldn’t be ready for a couple of weeks but, this morning, Lindon had dropped off a welcome banner which looked amazing. It would hang on the outside of the barn at the top of the farm track, welcoming visitors and directing them to the parking area. Mam was holding the ladder secure and I was halfway up the rungs when I spotted Jude’s car coming up the track.
‘Jude’s here!’ I cried, before descending the ladder. ‘We’ll hang this later, Mam.’
Jude stopped her car near us and rushed over to hug me but got waylaid by Nova and Skye who were evidently delighted to see her too.
‘I know it’s been less than a fortnight but I’ve missed you so much.’ Jude squeezed me tightly after she’d given the dogs some attention.
‘Same here.’
She hugged Mam and thanked her for letting her stay.
‘Pleasure to have you here,’ Mam said. ‘Especially when you’ve offered to help.’
I directed Jude to where she should park and Mam and I followed on foot with the dogs. While Mam put the kettle on, I helped Jude up to the spare bedroom with her luggage.
‘You look really well,’ she said, smiling at me. ‘You’ve got colour back in your cheeks.’
‘I feel good. It’s been hard work non-stop but I’m loving every minute of it. Well, nearly every minute. The moments of attitude aren’t much fun.’
‘Where is Maddie?’
‘Out on her bike.’
‘On her own?’
‘I’m guessing with Willow but she never tells me anything. I’m glad she’s finally moved from her bedroom and I love that she’s making friends, but she knows we need help so…’ I tailed off, shaking my head. ‘You must be hungry.’
‘I picked up a sandwich at the services but I’d love a coffee.’
I pointed out the bathroom then went downstairs to give Jude a chance to freshen up after her long drive.
* * *
‘You struck gold here,’ Jude said a few hours later as we stood by the gate to Big Field with icy cold fizzy drinks.
She’d helped Mam and me put the welcome banner up and the three of us had led the horses from the back pastures to the front ones, which had been the perfect opportunity to introduce them all to Jude. Mam had now returned to the farmhouse to continue reading her book.
‘The view is spectacular, the farmhouse is beautiful and these boys and girls…’ Jude clapped her hand to her heart, her eyes pooling with tears. ‘I needed this today.’
‘Aw, don’t cry!’ I said, putting my arms round her. ‘You’ll set me off.’
‘I need to be with horses,’ she said, wiping her eyes when we pulled apart. ‘I came here to find clarity and, on day one, I’ve already found it.’
‘There’s something about them, isn’t there?’ I said, reaching out my hand as Duchess approached us.
‘She’s gorgeous,’ Jude said. ‘Aren’t you, Duchess?’
‘I love how you’re rubbish with remembering human names but not horse ones. I bet you know all of mine already.’
She grinned, nodded and proceeded to point at each one in turn, correctly naming all eleven without hesitation.
‘What did you need clarity on?’ I asked as we set off towards the farmyard so she could meet the goats.
