A Winter Wedding at Primrose Hall (Primrose Woods #6)

Chapter 4

4

‘Well, this is lovely,’ sighed Sophie, looking all around her as she took a seat at the table shown to them by the waiter in the window of the tapas restaurant. Tom sat down opposite her and fixed her with that smile, the one that reached his dark brown eyes and made her tummy flip. She peered out through the old sash windows along the length of the cobbled alleyway off the high street, marvelling at the pretty sight of the shops lit up with strings of white fairy lights. Inside, the aromas of garlic, tomatoes and onions wafted around them, stirring Sophie’s appetite. It was her first time here, although she’d heard nothing but good reports about the food.

After ordering drinks, a glass of fizz for Sophie and a low-alcohol beer for Tom, they chatted as they always did, without any awkwardness, jumping from one subject to another as the conversation led them. It was one of the things that she’d liked about Tom when she’d first met him, over Christmas lunch at Primrose Hall, an impromptu invitation from Pia on the day. She’d been seated next to him at the table, and they’d laughed and chatted as if they’d known each other for years, no doubt helped by the free-flowing wine and with zero expectation of ever seeing each other again. When she did run into him again, a few months later, when he took over the running of the Sunday craft fairs at the stables at Primrose Hall, where Sophie had a regular pitch selling the silver jewellery she made in her spare time, she was surprised at how easy it had been to pick up where they’d left off, quickly re-establishing the connection they’d made. That connection had turned into an easy friendship, which had seen them enjoying convivial nights in the pub, sometimes just the two of them, sometimes with the other traders, walks over at Primrose Woods and impromptu suppers at Sophie’s cosy cottage.

On discovering they had both recently come out of long-term relationships and were enjoying their newfound single status with no inclination on either of their parts to change the status quo, it had given them something else to bond over. It had also removed the pressure of them ever being anything other than good friends. Which had been all well and good until Sophie found herself thinking about Tom much more regularly than someone might normally think about a friend, and recognising how she looked forward to seeing him again with increasing anticipation. She wasn’t to know that Tom had been struggling with his own feelings, not wanting to voice them for fear of jeopardising their close friendship. It was over the following weeks as they opened up to each other and showed their vulnerability that the pair of them were able to admit that their feelings for each other had grown in a way that neither of them had expected. It had been a delightful revelation to them both. They’d agreed that they would take things slowly and see how things evolved as they continued to get to know each other better.

Now, observing Tom from across the table, Sophie couldn’t help a smile from spreading across her face. For her, it was so much more than simply enjoying their conversations; it was the sensation of being totally relaxed and at ease in his company, as though she didn’t need to try too hard. She could simply be herself, and spending time with Tom always lifted her spirits. The fact that his broad shoulders, mussed-up brown hair and dark sparkling eyes made him very easy on the eye only served as a bonus.

‘Should we have a toast?’ Tom asked a little later when the waiter poured glasses of wine for them both.

‘Definitely! What are we drinking to? Apart from us, of course. And the fact that it’s a Wednesday?’

‘Well, actually, I do have a bit of news that I suppose is worth celebrating.’

‘That sounds intriguing. What is it?’ Sophie leant forward in her seat, resting her arms on the table, her hands clasped in anticipation.

‘I’ve been offered a job in pharmaceutical sales management. You know, like a proper job,’ he said, his mouth twisting in a self-deprecating smile.

‘Really? That’s great. I didn’t realise… I thought…’ A myriad thoughts rushed through Sophie’s mind. She’d always got the impression from Tom that he didn’t want to go back to his previous high-powered career. He’d given it up before she’d met him, when he discovered the truth about his parentage, and had taken some time out to come to terms with his newfound reality. As well as turning his back on his job, he’d broken up with his long-term girlfriend, moving out of their home together to start over again. That’s when he’d turned up in Rex’s life, announcing the news that he was his long-lost son, which had been something of a shock to Rex, and then to Jackson too when he discovered he had a half-brother he never knew existed.

Tom had navigated that difficult period by simplifying some other areas of his life. He’d taken on a variety of odd jobs including working at an estate agents assisting with the viewings, doing some shifts at a builders’ merchants and then helping out at Primrose Hall with the craft Sundays. Practical work that he didn’t need to think too hard about. He enjoyed the physicality of those roles and the fact that it took his mind off everything else that might be going on in his world, but the financial rewards fell far short of his previous career. Tom took on further responsibility at the hall when Jackson was out of action due to his motorcycle accident earlier in the summer, but he’d always known that it would be a short-term arrangement and with Jackson’s recovery well on the way, it was only a matter of time before his services there would no longer be required.

‘I think it’s probably about time.’ Tom shrugged, looking thoughtful. ‘I’ve known for a while now that I would need to find something more permanent and secure. I’ve had a great time, effectively being my own boss these last few months, but I don’t want to be stuck in my poky flat for much longer. I want to get back on the property ladder, put down some roots. And that means joining the corporate rat race again.’

‘Right,’ said Sophie, matching Tom’s smile, but inside a pang of concern flared in her chest. What would it mean for their fledgling relationship? They’d been enjoying spending time with each other and, of course, she got to see him every fortnight at the craft fairs. Was he intending to give up his role there as well? ‘Congratulations! Here’s to your brilliant new career!’ she said, raising a glass to him, pushing her doubts to one side.

‘Well, not quite a new career.’ He chinked his glass up against hers. ‘But a new start in the old career. Probably a bit overdue too.’

‘And I just know you’ll make a huge success of it.’

She was saying all the right things, but selfishly Sophie could only think about what it would mean for them as a couple. She’d taken for granted him being around the corner. It meant that they could arrange to meet spontaneously after work for a walk or a drink.

‘Where will you be based?’ she asked, as casually as she could muster.

‘The head office is in Manchester, but like before I’ll be pretty much on the road for most of the time.’

‘So lots of travelling then?’

‘Yep’ – he gave a nonchalant shrug – ‘but I’m used to that.’

‘And what about the craft fairs? Will you still be looking after those?’ she couldn’t stop herself from asking.

‘I’ll certainly see out the rest of the season, but it would make sense for someone else to take over the reins next year. Although I’ve not had that conversation yet with Jackson. I was waiting until I get the formal offer through so…’ Tom made an action of zipping his lips closed. ‘I’m sure he’ll be fine about it.’

‘Well, I’m pleased for you, Tom, but I’ll miss you at the Sunday craft fairs and I know the other traders will too.’

Hadn’t he told her once that if he were to get another nine-to-five job, he would still want to carry on working at the stables on a Sunday? That they were such a tight-knit community that he couldn’t imagine a time when he wouldn’t want to be a part of it?

‘You’re bound to miss us all too,’ she said lightly.

‘Of course. Some more than others, especially,’ he said, reaching a hand across the table to take hers. ‘You know how much I’ve enjoyed those Sundays. I’ve made some great friends and we’ve had some good times together, but you know things don’t stay the same for ever.’ He quirked an eyebrow. ‘But listen, you won’t be able to get rid of me that easily. I’ll be staying in touch with everyone and turning up at the pub for the socials.’

‘I’m pleased to hear it.’

Staying in touch . That sounded far too casual for Sophie’s liking. She couldn’t help thinking how Tom’s new job was bound to impact on their relationship. He’d be working long hours, travelling up and down the country and knowing Tom and his strong work ethic, his focus would quite rightly shift on to his new role. Who knew what opportunities would open up to him, the places he would go and the people he might meet? Already Sophie’s head was taunting her with images of late-night business meetings and glamorous work colleagues. She gave an imperceptible shake of her head to rid herself of the ridiculous thoughts.

‘I couldn’t have taken this step last year. My head was too full of everything else that was going on. I’m in a much better place now. I’ve found my family and I feel good about that. They’re not going anywhere and I’m never going to lose that connection with them, but I’m ready to move on in other areas of my life now. I feel as though I’ve found myself again.’ He took a sip from his glass of wine, looking thoughtful, his dark eyes, glistening with excitement, lingering on hers from over the top of his glass. Had she been just another part of Tom’s recovery process, a friend to see him through a few difficult months, a summer that they would look back on fondly, that had been an enjoyable distraction, but only ever destined to last a few months? In all his new plans there was no mention of her and how she might fit into them.

Perhaps this was Tom’s subtle way of telling her that he would be moving on… without her.