‘That is too cute. So you and Caleb, eh?’ She gave me a knowing look.
‘Behave! Mam’s name’s on the envelope too.’ I raised it to show her. ‘He’s a friendly neighbour, that’s all, and most of the time he’s not even friendly.’
‘But you wish he was,’ Hope teased.
There was a roll of poo bags on the table which I picked up and tossed at her, making her squeal.
‘I come bearing gifts too.’ Hope placed the bag on the table. Inside were two bottles of prosecco, a large box of chocolates from a fantastic chocolatier in Alnwick and a gorgeous homemade card from Lola and Max.
‘They can’t wait to come back on Sunday to see the horses and goats again,’ Hope said. ‘And hopefully their big cousin too?’
It was clearly a question and I shook my head. ‘Your guess is as good as mine.’
‘Best get back to the café,’ Mam said.
‘And I’d better come with you to pay my entrance fee.’
‘You’re not paying,’ I said, frowning at Hope.
‘Yes, I am! I’m so proud of you both for what you’re doing here and it’s a privilege to say I’m your first visitor.’
We’d already hugged her to thank her for the gifts and we hugged her again for being so lovely and supportive.
I hesitated as to whether to go up and see Maddie but what would I say? The photo opportunity had passed and I could hardly demand she wished us luck. Instead, I headed over to the café with Mam and Hope. Even though our first paying customerwas family, it was still a momentous moment and I wanted to take a photo.
Despite only managing half a banana earlier, the smell of scones blended with a couple of fresh traybakes – old school cake and chocolate brownies – had my stomach rumbling.
‘It smells divine in here, Mam,’ I said.
She smiled widely. ‘I’m proud of how everything’s turned out. Hopefully we’ll have some customers to eat everything but, if not, that’s lunch and tea sorted for us for the next few days.’
‘Mmm, healthy!’ Hope said, laughing.
She paid her entry fee, bought two bags of goat pellets and ordered a cheese scone and a large cappuccino. Conscious I’d abandoned Jude, I left Hope to chat to Mam.
‘Thank you so much for the gorgeous flowers,’ I said, rushing up to hug my friend.
‘You’re welcome. I wanted to do something to mark the occasion.’
‘Your card made us both cry.’
‘I meant it. You both inspire me. I think your mum’s amazing and you’ve been an inspiration since the minute I met you.’
‘Right back at you,’ I said.
‘I haven’t felt very inspirational since Ross Langley acquired Silvervale but, just being here with you, I can feel my zest for life flowing back through my veins. And this place? Absolutely perfect.’
* * *
It was a beautiful sunny day and there was nothing more we could do to prepare the farm so Jude and I decided to remain where we were until eleven o’clock. Welcoming visitors at the gate wouldn’t be part of the regular service but it felt like something I wanted to do today.
Shortly before eleven, a vehicle crawled up the farm track and my heart leapt.
‘Delivery van or customers?’ I asked Jude.
‘I think it’s a people carrier.’
‘Gosh, I hope so.’
