Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage (23 page)

‘Thank you.'

We eat. The food is delicious and I'm starving. I rest my empty plate on the blanket, slightly concerned because we appear to have run out of things to talk about. Robbie is unusually quiet. I wonder if he's worried about his horse.

‘I expect Nelson will be all right,' I begin eventually. ‘Maybe I could shoe him with some pads next time.'

‘That isn't a bad idea. Thanks for having a look at him.'

‘I told you, I'm happy to. It's an unusual thing to do on a date – if it is a date,' I say. ‘We haven't really talked about where this is going.'

‘This?'

‘Us.' I shouldn't compare him with Ryan, but my ex was hard to pin down at times. Robbie gazes at me, one eyebrow raised, and I suddenly realise that he might think that I've overstepped the mark. ‘I don't mean – I'm not making any assumptions,' I go on quickly. ‘I just like to know where I stand, that's all.' I pause, waiting for him to respond. ‘Was it a one-night stand?'

‘Of course not. We're here, aren't we?'

‘But?' I sense there's something wrong.

‘Your ex. You seemed upset yesterday when you were talking to him.'

‘Are you asking me if I still have feelings for him?'

‘It's none of my business, but—'

‘No, fair enough. I have nothing to hide. I hadn't seen him since we broke up and I was upset to find he'd just got back from honeymoon with his new wife, the woman he cheated on me with.'

‘So it still hurts?' Robbie's eyes are downcast.

‘No, I was shocked because they had the wedding on St Lucia where he proposed to
me
.'

‘So you aren't really over him yet?'

‘I don't love him any more. I
am
over him. I am
soooo
over him,' I repeat.

‘Okay, I believe you. Here, have a cake.' He offers me a Bakewell tart. I take it and pick the cherry from the top. ‘He sounds like a complete bastard!'

‘I'm a little wary of getting involved with anyone because of what he's put me through.' I pop the cherry into my mouth and enjoy its sickly sweetness as I recall the predicament that Ryan has left me in.

‘I understand.'

‘I'm not sure if you can ever really “know” someone. Your parents would probably contradict me on that.'

‘Does that mean you're turning me down?' Robbie bites his lip.

‘When you say “turning you down”, what exactly are you offering?'

‘I'd like to get to know you better, Flick.'

‘You do realise I won't be hanging around here for long?'

‘Yes, you've said, but so what? The ideal scenario for me would be for us to take things slowly and quietly, and have some fun together for as long as you're here in Furzeworthy. We can go on some dates, take the horses out … What do you think?'

‘It sounds perfect.' Almost perfect, I think, wondering how to deal with the consequences if I should fall head over heels in love with him, or vice versa. It's a risk, but one I'm prepared to take.

‘I'd like to keep it from Maisie for now, if that's all right. She needs consistency.'

I nod, wondering how we'll be able to do that when she doesn't miss a trick. It's a fair request but one I'm unfamiliar with – I haven't been out with a single dad before.

‘So, what's next?'

‘A hug would be great,' I say quietly. I put the tart down as Robbie slides across the blanket and slips one arm around my back, taking my hand with the other. I lean against him as he pulls me close, his fingers caressing mine. I turn, seeking his lips, and we end up lying on the blanket, side by side and tangled together, with the buzzards soaring overhead in the cloudless sky. Yes, I have problems, but with Robbie at my side I can sort them. I just don't know how yet.

‘I wish I could take you back to the cottage this afternoon,' he whispers, his breath hot and damp against my ear.

‘Oooh, so do I.' I turn and kiss him again. I can't get enough of him.

‘I'll have to organise a sleepover – perhaps Louise will have Maisie for a night or two.' He rolls on to his back and checks the time on his mobile. ‘We'll have to go back soon,' he sighs. ‘You can see that I'm not great boyfriend material, a single parent with dogs and horses.'

‘It's all right. I don't mind kicking around on the yard with you.'

‘That's nice.' He rests on his elbow and runs his finger down to the tip of my nose.

‘Shall we go now?' I ask.

‘As soon as we've decided when I'm going to see you next. How about going for a ride one evening? I'd like to ride Diva out in company.'

We settle on a day later in the week.

‘What about next weekend?' I ask, assuming he needs to plan well in advance for childcare.

‘Actually, I could do with some help on Saturday afternoon, if you're up for it. It's the school fete – the PTA voted to hold it early this year so it didn't clash with any other local events like Pixie Day and the Country Show … Anyway, Paddington's going to give pony rides. It's a doddle.'

‘Okay, why not?' It wasn't really what I'd been envisaging, Robbie and I spending time together in the presence of half the inhabitants of Talyton St George, but at least I'd see him. ‘I realise that I'm running a little ahead of myself, but how about the weekend after that? A friend of mine is having a housewarming party in Hampshire on the Saturday night – would you be able to get away?'

He glances away and flicks a fly from his arm.

‘I don't think so, not that weekend. I've got a lot on, lessons booked, a training session …'

‘Never mind. I'll have to go on my own after all.' I try not to sound too disappointed as we help each other on to our feet. I can't help wondering if he's hiding something from me. He seems shifty.

‘I'll need a bit more notice next time.'

‘I doubt that there'll be a next time. I don't think Sarah has any intention of moving ever again. It's been stressful for her, wondering if she's going to be in her new house before the baby arrives. She's my best friend. I've known her for years. I wish I could introduce you to her. You'd like her …' I stop abruptly. Maybe I'm being presumptuous, wanting to show him off to my friends.

As we pack up and stroll hand-in-hand back to the Land Rover, I resolve to slow down and live in the moment, in case this moment is all that we have.

We ride out together later in the week after Matt has been to look at Nelson. He advises rest and anti-inflammatories for a week or so, and investigations if he's no better. Matt also calls at Wisteria House to give Rafa his annual vaccination.

Robbie and I take Diva and Rafa on the circular route. It's Diva's turn to be scared of the pigs, but Rafa is a star, giving her a lead and walking straight past, even though they're snorting and snuffling behind the hedge. I learn that it is just about possible to snog on horseback, and Robbie and I put in a considerable amount of practice to improve our technique.

The time seems to pass more slowly, the closer it gets to Saturday afternoon, but eventually it comes. At two minutes past one – I'm careful not to be early and appear too keen – I arrive at Cherry Tree Cottage, where the roses are in bud amongst the lupins and ornamental poppies. I slip my shades on top of my head, get out of the truck and walk up the path.

‘Hello, Flick.' Maisie comes running from the front door. ‘Paddington's going to my school today.'

‘I've come to help.' I look down at my clothing – a fitted floral blouse, blue crops and canvas shoes – and wonder if I should have brought my boots.

Robbie emerges from the cottage. He greets me with a smile and my heart somersaults.

‘It's good to see you,' he says warmly.

The feeling is entirely mutual. I want to throw my arms around his neck and shower him with kisses, but I remember to restrain myself in front of Maisie.

‘Have you seen Louise?' he asks.

‘She's on her way. She was loading some books and toys into her car for the second-hand stall when I left.'

‘Good. She's taking Maisie with her.'

‘I want to stay with you, Daddy.'

‘We've talked about this. You've been a great help so far, but Flick's here now. I'll see you at the fete.'

‘I wanna ride Paddington.'

‘You're going to let the other children ride him, remember? You get to ride him anytime you like. Look, here's Louise. Wait a minute. Have you got your purse?'

Maisie looks up at her father as Louise pulls in on the drive.

‘I have two pounds.'

‘Don't spend it all at once. We'll see you there.' Robbie leans down and gives her a kiss. ‘Be good.'

‘You be good too,' she says.

‘Aren't I always?' he grins, and flashes me a glance as Maisie skips off towards the car. A tiny shiver of longing darts down my spine as I recall how good he is with his hands, among other things.

‘Where is everyone else?' I ask as we walk to the yard and Louise drives away.

‘Mum and Dad have gone to visit my grandfather. They were hoping to take Maisie with them, but she wanted to go to the fete. Kerry's taken the afternoon off to go shopping. I have no idea what Dillon is up to – probably sleeping off a hangover. He didn't come home last night so Kerry and I had to do all the horses this morning.' He sighs. ‘I despair.'

‘What can I do?'

‘You can bring Paddington over to the trailer, while I fetch some water and a hay-net for later.'

We load the pony into the trailer. He gazes over the breast bar, his ears pricked forwards and his forelock looking bouffant.

‘He's having a bad hair day,' I chuckle as Robbie moves up behind me.

‘I don't mind what he looks like as long as he's quiet and reliable. I took T-rex to the fete last year, but he couldn't cope for more than an hour.'

‘I'm surprised you took him at all.'

‘I led him the whole time. He doesn't dare take advantage of me.'

‘I'd like to take advantage of you,' I say, my heart pounding faster as I turn to find Robbie's arms encircling my waist. His hands settle on the small of my back and his fingers slide under my blouse, caressing my skin. His lips find mine and we're kissing in the front of the trailer with Paddington looking on.

It's like I imagine heaven must be, being in his arms. I don't know where I am or what time it is, and I don't care, but eventually Robbie draws back, his breathing hard and fast, his eyes shining with lust and regret.

‘We'd better make a move,' he says, and I smile at the thought of making moves with him. It's crazy, but he makes the sun shine in my heart. I turn to get out through the groom's door, ducking my head. He follows, closes the door and fastens the catches.

‘Thanks for offering to help out today,' he says. ‘Maisie loves her school. They're raising money for an outdoor classroom.'

‘I think you twisted my arm, a bit like Sophia Fox-Gifford did the other day,' I respond.

‘You didn't take much persuading.' He propels me towards the passenger door of the Land Rover with a touch of his hand on my buttock. ‘Have you been volunteered for a Pony Club rally then?'

‘I'm afraid so.'

‘It isn't that bad.'

‘She said you and Dillon would be there.'

‘That's right. I'll take Nelson as long as he's okay.'

‘How is he doing?'

‘It's hard to say. I'm going to have Matt out again to check on him during the week. I don't want to take any chances.'

‘I'll be crossing my fingers for you,' I say. I jump in and we set off for Talyton St George.

The school is a grey stone building with tall windows and a playground at the front. When I've driven past before, there have been children out skipping and playing football and hopscotch. Today, the playground is filled with various stalls, including a fortune-teller's tent, Jennie's Cakes, the Talyton Animal Rescue tombola, and second-hand books and toys. In the small playing field behind the school are a bouncy castle, a goal-scoring competition and a coconut shy, along with apple bobbing and some craft tables. There are people everywhere – grandparents, carers, mums, dads, children and babies.

‘Remind me to stay away from the bouncy castle. The last time I had a go, Maisie accidentally gave me a black eye.' Robbie parks and unloads Paddington, or rather Paddington unloads himself at speed. ‘Hey, steady on.' He hangs on tight to the lead rope.

‘He's on his toes,' I observe. Paddington's eyes are almost popping out of his head at the new sights, sounds and smells, but he soon calms down.

Maisie's teacher shows us to the corner of the field, where there's a sign saying ‘Pony Rides'. Within minutes we are surrounded by children wanting a ride, or just to stroke the pony. He's in his element, loving the attention.

We settle into a routine. Robbie leads while I walk alongside the riders. Some have natural balance, while others are less secure in the saddle. I catch at least three as they're about to slide off Paddington's back, one of whom is laughing too much to hold on, giggling at the sound of the pony breaking wind as he makes his way along the grass and back.

Towards the end of the afternoon, when even the wasps congregating in the dregs of orange squash have slowed to a faint buzz, we give Paddington a quick break to graze in the shade of the hedge. Maisie arrives with Louise and Ashley. She's wearing a plastic tiara with red, green and blue jewels and cuddling a fluffy pink rabbit. Ashley carries a toy car.

‘It's Padd-ing-ton.' Ashley strokes the pony's shoulder. Paddington lifts his head and breathes down Ashley's neck. He giggles.

‘I don't know how I'll ever thank you,' Louise says. ‘Don't thank me,' Robbie says. ‘Thank Paddington.'