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

Chapter 18

18

‘You do realise I could get very used to this?’ Sophie woke up to the sight of Tom, half dressed in boxer shorts and T-shirt, wandering into her bedroom with a mug of tea in his hand. She couldn’t help her gaze running the length of his body, taking in his well-built upper body and his muscular thighs. She watched, with a smile on her face, as he placed the drink down on her beside cabinet and then went across to draw the curtains, before returning to her side, perching on the edge of the bed, depositing a kiss on her lips.

‘Well, you know I aim to please,’ he said, with a quirk of his eyebrow. ‘Do you fancy any breakfast?’

‘I might just have a slice of toast when I get up. Are you going to bring your tea back to bed?’ she said hopefully, patting the space beside her.

‘Now, while that is a very tempting thought, you have to get to work. And so do I come to that.’

‘You’re a spoilsport, do you know that? So where are you working today?’

Sophie couldn’t keep up with Tom’s schedule at the moment. Some days he worked at the builders’ merchant, others he was at the estate agents and a couple of days a week he helped Jackson and Pia with whichever events or projects they were working on.

‘Over at Primrose Hall. Apparently Pia wants me to give her a hand with a special delivery as Jackson is up in London today. It’s his first public speaking engagement since the accident.’ He paused for a moment. ‘Thinking about it, she was quite vague on what we’ll be doing, so who knows what she’s got in store for me.’

‘Do you think you’ll miss working at the hall when you start your new job?’

‘Definitely. Of all the casual jobs I’ve had, working at the hall has been the most satisfying. By a long chalk. No two days are ever the same and the fact that it’s usually quite physical and in the great outdoors too is a bonus. There’s something therapeutic about working in the elements. You can forget anything that might be troubling you and just concentrate on the job in hand. They are such a good crowd up there too and, let’s face it, there’s not many jobs where you get a home-cooked breakfast in a country kitchen, or cakes fresh from the oven. And really I can’t imagine a more picturesque workplace.’

‘It will be quite a change then to go back to a stuffy corporate environment.’

‘It will.’ Tom nodded. There was no denying it and he knew Sophie, despite her assertions to the contrary, didn’t think it was the right move for him, but he really didn’t have any choice. He ran a hand through his already mussed-up hair and plastered on a smile. ‘Think about it, though; in a few months’ time I’ll hopefully have my own place, somewhere a bit bigger, somewhere I can entertain you for a change. Won’t that be fun?’

‘Yeah.’ She gave a nonchalant shrug. ‘But until then you’re more than welcome to stay round here on the nights we see each other.’

‘I appreciate that.’ He locked eyes with her, running a finger along her cheek. He’d enjoyed staying over much more than he might admit to Sophie. Going to sleep with her, feeling her limbs entangled with his during the night, waking up to see her gorgeous brown hair fanned out on the pillow… He knew there was no other place he would rather be sleeping. But he was conscious of not taking advantage of Sophie’s good nature and hospitality. This was very much Sophie’s home and he didn’t want to overstay his welcome.

Sophie stretched her arms high over her head. ‘Well, if I really can’t tempt you back into bed then I suppose I ought to get up and get ready for work,’ she sighed regretfully.

‘Sorry, as much as I’d love to, I really shouldn’t lead you astray; and besides, Pia will be expecting me soon.’

‘Honestly, Tom,’ she said, giggling. ‘You can lead me astray anytime you’d like to.’

On his drive from Wishwell over to Primrose Hall, Tom couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face, recalling Sophie’s words. There’d been nothing he would have liked more than to stay round at Sophie’s today, taking their time over a leisurely breakfast, going out for a long walk over at Primrose Woods, before snuggling up on the small sofa to watch a film, but he was as conscientious when doing his freelance work as he was in his permanent roles and didn’t like to let anyone down. Especially not Pia and Jackson.

‘Morning!’ A little later, Pia greeted him fondly at the kitchen door of Primrose Hall, having heard his car arrive outside. ‘Do you want to come in for a coffee before we get started?’

‘I’ve just had one, thanks.’ Tom rubbed his hands together against the sharp nip in the air. ‘What have we got planned for today then?’

‘Well, this is probably your most exciting assignment yet, Tom! We’re going to collect the alpacas!’ Pia gave a squee of delight and clapped her hands together excitedly.

‘Err… sorry, did you say alpacas?’

‘I did! Have we not told you about them? Hop in the car, we’re going across to Primrose Woods first. Sam is lending us the trailer and then we’ll go over to Rosewood Farm Cottages to collect the boys and I’ll explain everything.’

Tom shouldn’t have been surprised. He’d become used to expecting the unexpected, but herding alpacas was something he’d never imagined would be on his job list.

‘Here we are.’ A little later, after a short detour to the country park, Pia brought the car to a halt outside Harry’s house and turned off the ignition. She peered out of the windscreen to take in the view, hoping that the threatened rain, from the grey clouds overhead, would hold off until they’d managed to get the alpacas safely on the trailer. ‘So these are the cottages. I know they look pretty run down now, but can you imagine how picturesque they were at one time?’

Tom climbed out of the car and appraised the row of cottages, his gaze running along the roofline, taking in the buckled guttering, the broken windows and the crumbling brick and woodwork.

‘Wow! And Jackson’s actually bought these?’

‘Yep.’ Pia held up her crossed fingers to him. ‘The paperwork is going through at the moment. Jackson’s going to give them the full Moody treatment with a complete renovation. The same as he did at the hall, but obviously on a smaller scale. He’ll be in his element, getting stuck in and getting his hands dirty.’

‘He’s planning on doing the work himself?’

‘Well, supposedly, although how he’ll find the time, I don’t know. He’s got a full diary already for early next year. All those engagements that we had to cancel when he had his accident have been rescheduled for then, but he tells me he’s going to project manage it, alongside me apparently.’ She gave a shrug. She didn’t have the first idea what that entailed, but her time at Primrose Hall had taught her that she was much more capable than she might have given herself credit for eighteen months ago, and that she could learn on the job and discover new skills. ‘I think he was hoping…’ Pia stopped herself. It probably wouldn’t help to mention that Jackson had wanted Tom to take the lead in the new property-developing business, not when Tom had already made clear his career plans. ‘Well, he’s hoping that the refurb shouldn’t take too long.’

‘Great. And what’s he going to do, sell them on for a quick profit?’

‘No, he’s planning on keeping them to add to his rental portfolio. He wants to give first refusal on the renovated cottages to local people who might otherwise find it hard to find somewhere in the area to live.’

Tom nodded, taking in the scene. He had to admire Jackson and his vision. There he was wondering how to get out of his poky rented little flat while his little brother Jackson was buying up properties for a renovation project. That he was then going to use for a good cause. Tom felt a mix of emotions: awe, pride and, he supposed, a touch of jealousy, too. He would defy anyone in his position not to feel the same way. Sibling rivalry, he guessed. Not that he would ever admit to such feelings. He just had to swallow them up and put on a brave face.

‘That’s amazing and very noble of Jackson to be thinking along those lines. I’m still a bit confused though. Where do the alpacas come in?’

Pia explained about Harry and his beloved animals and how providing them with a new home had been part of the agreement.

‘Oh, God,’ said Tom, laughing. ‘Only Jackson could get three alpacas thrown in when doing a business deal.’

‘Come on, let me introduce you.’

Tom had thought Pia was going to introduce him to Harry, but instead she led him past the cottage, through the gardens to a fence overlooking a field where he soon spotted the alpacas mooching about the paddock.

‘Why don’t you go and say hello while I go and have a word with Harry? I’ll just let him know that we’re going to get the boys loaded on to the trailer.’

‘Right. Great. I will do.’ Tom liked to take the initiative and get stuck into any task he was given. He was nothing if not a diligent worker and liked to think he could get on with most people. He just hoped his easily approachable manner might extend to dealing with alpacas too.

‘Hey!’ Tom called over the fence, raising a hand, as though that might be the correct way to address a group of alpacas. He clicked his tongue, hoping to beckon them in his direction, which only made them stop and stare at him in curiosity. It was only then that Tom realised he didn’t know the first thing about these animals. They might look cute and furry, but would they spit at him if he got too close? Were they aggressive? Could he be putting himself in danger by stepping into their territory? He didn’t think so, but he wasn’t entirely sure and he decided now wasn’t the time to find out for certain. He would wait until Pia returned, and thankfully he didn’t have to wait too long.

‘Tom, this is Harry. He’s come to say goodbye to his boys, although really it’s only farewell because he’ll be coming over to the hall soon to see the alpacas in their new home.’

Tom turned to see Pia assisting an elderly man as he shuffled along the path, holding on to Pia with one arm and clutching a walking stick in the other hand. His breathing was heavy and laboured. Tom stepped forward to greet him.

‘Good to meet you, Harry.’

‘Ah, hello.’ The older man peered at Tom. ‘You must be related to Jackson, I’m guessing. You’re a dead ringer for him.’

‘Brothers,’ said Tom with a smile. He wasn’t sure he would ever get used to introducing himself as Jackson’s brother. It was a real novelty, and it gave him a kick knowing that other people could see the family resemblance.

‘There’re some harnesses in the shelter. The boys are used to wearing them. They shouldn’t give you any trouble getting onto the trailer, they’re very friendly, gentle lads. I shall miss them, but it’s the right time for them to go. It’s a fresh start for us all, eh?’

With the help of Pia and Tom, Harry was able to get right up to the fence where he spent a moment saying his goodbyes to his precious animals, patting Humphrey, Marvin and Jack each in turn.

‘Well, boys, behave yourselves. I don’t want to hear any bad reports about your behaviour from Pia here.’ Harry’s tone was jolly enough, but Pia could detect a quiver to his voice. ‘Right, that’s it. I should get back indoors or else I’ll freeze to death out here. Look after them for me.’

‘You can rest assured we will.’ Pia gave a shiver to ward off the nip to the air, and snuggled up closer to Harry, who looked as if he was also feeling the cold, as his eyes were brimming with water.

While Pia accompanied Harry back to the house, and with the old man’s assurance that the alpacas were friendly, Tom wandered into the field and went in search of the harnesses.

‘Hey, look at you, you’re a natural!’ Ten minutes later, Pia was back with a smile on her face seeing Tom walking Marvin down the side of the house into the trailer.

‘Well, I am a man of many talents,’ he said, grinning. ‘You will have to start calling me the alpaca whisperer. I intend to add it to my CV.’

Later that day, with Humphrey, Marvin and Jack carefully and safely transported to the hall and the trailer returned to Primrose Woods, Tom and Pia retreated to the kitchen where Pia made coffees and sandwiches. They sat in the window seat overlooking the gardens, the glimpse of sun through the trees suggesting a warmth that belied the freezing temperature outside. Pia didn’t mind; she loved this time of year, especially when she was snuggled up inside with the heat from the Aga radiating a comforting glow all around them.

‘So what have we got on the agenda for this afternoon?’ Tom asked. ‘There are no more animals we’re bringing home to Primrose Hall? A few reindeer to add to the menagerie, perhaps?’

Pia laughed.

‘You’re not a million miles off there. Sam’s bringing over the Christmas trees, five of them in total. One for the front of the house, one outside the barn, one in the stables and two for inside the house.’

‘Blimey, you don’t do things by halves around here, do you?’

‘I know it might seem a bit excessive, but a big house takes a lot of Christmas decorations, and the barn and the stables will need to be at their best for all the upcoming celebrations. It’s not only for us but for the whole community. I want to create a magical winter wonderland effect for the Christmas carols, and for the wedding, of course.’

‘Well, if last year’s display was anything to go by then I know you’ll pull it off.’

‘I meant to say, I do hope you and Sophie will be joining us for Christmas lunch this year?’

‘Cheers, Pia, that would be great, if you don’t mind. I’ll have a word with Sophie, but I’m sure she’ll be delighted to come along. She hasn’t stopped talking about last Christmas yet. It was the first time we met, of course.’

‘I know,’ said Pia, definitely taking all the credit for introducing the pair.

‘Well, I didn’t like to presume, but I was secretly hoping for an invitation,’ Tom said, with a twinkle in his eye.

‘No invitation required. You’re family now and it simply wouldn’t be the same without you. There’ll always be a place for you and Sophie at our Christmas table.’

‘Cheers, Pia.’ It might be something that a lot of people would take for granted, spending Christmas Day with their family, but for many years it had only been Tom and his mum, and although she’d tried her best, he’d always had a sense that he was missing out on something. Now, having found his extended dysfunctional family, he knew exactly what he’d been missing out on. The noise, the chaos, the energy and most of all the laughter. Nothing could beat that feeling of belonging, of being amongst people who truly cared for you, and with Sophie at his side, this time as his girlfriend and not as a stranger, this year’s festivities promised to be the best yet. Tom rubbed his hands together gleefully. ‘I reckon the Christmas celebrations start right here!’