Epilogue

‘Do you think the rain will hold off?’ Laura looked up at the clouds as she placed Vivienne’s famous fruit cake on the trestle table beneath the gazebo. Up until now, this year’s May had been all sunshine and warmth. Trust her to choose the only day this month which was forecast to rain, to officially open Pennycress Inn.

‘Oh yes. The sun will shine down on you today. I can feel it.’ The older woman smiled as she placed the hummus next to the carrot sticks.

‘I can’t quite believe this day has come.’ Laura shook her head and looked around the garden, the willow tree standing proudly surrounded by a ring of daffodils. She’d been looking forward to the grand opening of the inn ever since she’d arrived in Meadowfield, but now it was here, she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. What if she didn’t do Pennycress justice, what if she couldn’t live up to Vivienne’s, or her own expectations?

Vivienne joined her and looked across at the inn. ‘It’ll be fine. You’ll do a grand job.’

Laura laughed. ‘Sometimes I wonder if you can read my mind.’

‘Ah, no, but I remember feeling just as nervous when I opened Pennycress for the first time myself.’ Vivienne rubbed Laura’s forearm.

‘I just don’t want anything to go wrong. I don’t want to let anyone down.’ She pointed up to the window of the middle bedroom. ‘See what I mean? I can’t even open the curtains right, they’re all wonky.’

Vivienne chuckled. ‘Pah, you worry too much. Now, enjoy the day.’

Laura shook herself from her thoughts. ‘You’re right, what’s one wonky curtain?’

‘Exactly. I’ll go and fetch the fruit punch and then I think we’ll be ready.’ Turning, Vivienne retreated into the inn.

‘There you are.’ Jogging up to her, Jackson wrapped her arms around Laura’s middle and drew him to her. ‘I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve achieved.’

‘Ha, I haven’t even welcomed my first guests yet.’ Laura reached up and smoothed back a wayward curl out of Jackson’s eye before running the pad of her forefinger across the scar on his forehead, a permanent reminder of all that she’d almost lost.

‘You will and everything will run smoothly.’ Jackson kissed her on the lips. ‘Think positively.’

‘Yes, you’re right. I do need to be more positive.’ She grinned as she pointed to the open gateway leading from the small car park at the back of Pennycress into the garden. ‘Besides, it’s too late for any more worrying. Our first guests have arrived.’

‘Auntie Laura!’ Tammy grabbed hold of Toby’s hand as they both ran towards her.

‘Hello, you two.’ Bending down, Laura waved her hand, encompassing the empty garden. ‘Look, you two are the very first guests at Pennycress Inn.’

‘We are?’ Toby widened his eyes.

‘Yes, you are, buddy.’ Jackson grinned and pointed towards the lawn and the large garden games Laura had bought – a huge chess set, a Connect 4 and Snakes & Ladders. ‘Have you seen what’s over there?’

‘Can we pay Snakes & Ladders? It’s our favourite game in the whole wide world!’ Gripping hold of Laura’s hand, Tammy jumped up and down.

‘Haha, I know it is. Of course you can.’ She watched as they ran towards the game before turning to greet Jenny and Rob. ‘Morning. Welcome to Pennycress Inn.’

‘This is looking amazing, Laura.’ After drawing both her and Jackson in for a hug, Jenny turned on the spot, taking in the garden. ‘Did you do all of this?’

‘Oh, you know me, Jenny. I’m terrible at gardening and that’s not changed and probably never will. No, Jill has worked her magic.’ Laura looked out across the garden. It never failed to amaze her how Jill had transformed the once overgrown ramshackle garden into the landscaped delight which it was today. Over the last couple of months Jill had worked tirelessly to return it to the beautiful space she had told her it was when Vivienne had been in charge.

‘Your gardener? The lady you told us about?’

‘That’s right. In fact, she’s just arrived with her family now.’ Laura waved towards Jill and her husband as they walked through the gate, their four young children immediately running towards the games. ‘Hey, Jill.’

‘Hi. How are you feeling? It’s a big day today!’ Jill hugged Laura.

‘Good, thanks. Jill, meet Jenny, my sister. She was just admiring your gardening skills.’ Touching them both on the arms, Laura backed away. ‘I’ll catch you later. Enjoy and help yourself to some Buck’s Fizz.’

Walking past the tray of drinks, Laura took two glasses and proceeded towards the decking, which ran around the side of the inn. She’d spotted someone she wanted to talk to. As she climbed the stairs, she glanced across towards Jackson, who raised his eyebrows at her. Laura nodded and gave him the thumbs up in response before he turned back to the conversation he was having with Richie and Jill’s husband, Gerald. ‘Hello, Evie. Glad you could make it.’

Evie Taunton walked the few short steps towards her, her high heels clipping against the wooden decking. ‘Laura. Thank you for the invite, although I’ve got to admit I was a little surprised to receive one.’

Laura held out a glass. ‘I couldn’t not invite the one person who made this all possible.’

‘Thank you.’ Taking the glass, Evie lifted it to her lips and took a small sip.

‘After all, if you hadn’t shown me around Pennycress or submitted my offer to Mr Yates, then we wouldn’t be standing here today.’

‘I suppose not.’ Evie gave a slight nod of her head.

‘I’d like to propose a truce.’ Laura held her glass towards Evie and held her breath. Although she’d seen Evie around the village since the whole hospital ward incident, this was the first time they’d spoken.

Evie took another sip of her bubbly, eyeing Laura as she did so.

Shifting on her feet, Laura twisted the stem of her glass in her fingers, determined not to give in so easily. They both lived in Meadowfield, and ignoring and avoiding each other was just hard work. If they could at least be civil to each other, both their lives would be easier. ‘We both live in the same village. We can’t avoid each other forever and I’d like us to get along. To start afresh.’

Tilting her head and staring at her, seemingly thinking, Evie finally lifted her glass and clinked it with Laura’s. ‘A truce.’

Breathing a sigh of relief, Laura grinned. ‘Fantastic.’

‘Auntie Laura!’

Turning, Laura heard Tammy’s voice before she spotted her running towards them.

‘There’s someone to see you and she has a big gold chain around her neck. Toby thinks she’s a pirate, but I told him she probably just really, really likes jewellery.’ Tammy jumped from foot to foot in front of her.

‘Oh, that will be the mayoress, Miss Cooke. Thank you, Tammy. I’ll come down and speak to her.’ Laura looked at Evie and smiled. ‘Thank you again for coming.’

‘Do you like Snakes & Ladders? Will you come and play with us?’ Tammy gripped hold of Evie’s hand and began pulling her down the steps towards the garden.

Laura stifled a laugh as she watched Evie teetering on her heels in an attempt to keep up with Tammy’s pace. That was one thing she didn’t think she’d ever see: icy Evie Taunton playing Snakes & Ladders.

‘Ah, there you are.’ Miss Cooke joined Laura on the decking.

‘Hello. Welcome to Pennycress Inn.’ Laura finished with a flourish of her hands.

‘I’ve got to say, Laura, you’re a credit to our village, you are. It will be wonderful to have Pennycress open and hosting local events again, not to mention the extra business your guests will bring to the village. You’ve done a fabulous job.’ Miss Cooke placed her hands on her hips and surveyed the garden.

‘Thank you. That means a lot. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without all the help from Jackson and Jill’s amazing gardening skills.’ She grinned. The journey to transform Pennycress from the run-down state the inn had been in to how it was today hadn’t been easy and there had been many obstacles along the way – the pipe she’d burst in the hallway, the broken banister… the list was endless – many of which had led her to question her decision to buy Pennycress in the first place, but she was glad she’d stuck it out. Now the inn was freshly decorated and everything in place to welcome her guests, Laura felt a great sense of pride that she hadn’t given up on her dreams and vision for Pennycress.

‘I’ve been speaking to Vivienne’s daughter, Nicola. She told me you’re pretty much booked up from now until the end of the summer?’

‘Yes, that’s right.’ Laura nodded. She didn’t know what she’d have done without Nicola’s expertise these last few weeks in the run-up to opening. Over the couple of months since Vivienne had introduced them, Nicola had become a firm friend as well as helping her out so much with the website and ideas for future events, and then last week Laura had officially welcomed her into the Pennycress team – her first proper member of staff. ‘The new website and social media accounts Nicola has made for the inn have had a really positive impact.’

‘Well done. Oh, and congratulations.’

Congratulations? Laura shook her head. ‘Thank you.’

Nodding, Miss Cooke retreated down the stairs to mingle with the other villagers who were turning up.

Leaning her elbows on the wooden railing encompassing the decking, Laura looked out across the garden. Amidst some unfamiliar faces, she recognised a lot of the guests – among them her darts teammates, Catherine, Dan and Terry, Mrs Pierce from the bakery, Pat, Mrs Pritchard and, of course, her family who had driven down to celebrate the opening with her.

She grinned. A few short months ago she’d have never even dreamt that she’d have been capable of buying, restoring and opening an inn as beautiful as Pennycress.

She straightened her back as Nicola hurried towards her.

‘Laura, our first guests have arrived.’ Slightly out of breath, Nicola clapped her hands. ‘They’re here!’

‘The Oakleys?’

‘Yes. They’re at the front desk. I asked them to wait whilst I came to get you. I hope that’s okay? I didn’t want to check them in without you.’

Laura squealed. ‘I can’t believe it, our first guests. Come on, let’s go and get them checked in.’ Placing her glass on one of three rattan table and chair sets positioned on the decking, Laura gripped hold of Nicola’s shirt sleeve as they made their way through the back door and into the hallway.

‘Morning, you must be Mr and Mrs Oakley. Welcome to Pennycress Inn.’ Laura held her hand out and welcomed them. ‘I’m so sorry for the delay. It’s our grand opening today and you’re our first ever guests!’

‘No problem.’ Mrs Oakley smiled as she placed her handbag down on the reception desk.

‘Right, let’s just get you both checked in and then we can show you to your room.’ Laura clicked the booking-in form on the computer as Nicola joined her behind the desk. ‘There we go. All done. I’ll show you the bedroom now and talk you through the breakfast options.’

‘Oh, lovely.’ Mrs Oakley picked up her handbag as Laura walked around and picked up their suitcase.

‘I’m happy to carry that.’ Mr Oakley indicated the luggage.

‘Thank you, but no, it’s all part of the service.’ Laura grinned, making a rubbish attempt at hiding her excitement.

‘Well, thank you. And you serve breakfast?’

‘We do indeed and I may be biased, but I wholeheartedly recommend the French toast,’ she called over her shoulder as she led the way up the stairs, grateful that the suitcase was relatively light. ‘I hope you enjoy your stay. And please join us in the garden for the opening party if you’d like to.’ Laura smiled as she shut the bedroom door behind her.

Pausing at the top of the landing, she resisted the urge to do a little celebration dance – the inn was officially up and running!

‘All settled?’ Richie took the stairs two at a time to join her.

‘Yes.’ She grinned. ‘And I think they liked the room. Or else they said they did.’

‘That’s amazing.’ Richie led the way back down. ‘Jackson is looking for you.’

‘Oh, right.’ She nodded.

Richie paused halfway down and looked back at her. ‘I’m proud of you, you know.’

‘I know.’ She flicked her hair back over her shoulder before laughing.

‘And I think you and Jackson make a great team.’ He rubbed the back of his neck. ‘You make a great couple.’

‘Aw, thanks. I know you weren’t particularly over the moon when we got together, but I appreciate you being supportive.’

Richie nodded slowly. ‘That was only because I was worried about what would happen if you broke up, but I can see that you’re meant to be, now.’

‘Thanks, Richie. That means a lot.’ She joined him on the step below and wrapped her arms around him. ‘I really do love Jackson.’

‘I know.’ Richie grinned. ‘And he’s still waiting for you, so we’d better go out to the garden now.’

Laura nodded and slipped her arm through her brother’s. ‘Are you and Jane still coming to stay next weekend?’

‘Absolutely! There’s French toast on the breakfast menu, right?’

‘There is indeed. Though I don’t know how Jackson will keep up with cooking breakfast here and then working at the pub, alongside finishing up renovating next door.’ She smiled. Jackson had been happy to put his own renovations on hold whilst he’d helped Laura here, but now, she was looking forward to helping him for a change and putting some of her newly discovered DIY skills to the test once more.

As they walked through the hallway towards the back door, Laura frowned. She couldn’t hear any of the laughing or chatting that there had been when she’d left the garden party. People hadn’t gone home already, had they?

Stepping in front of her, Richie threw the back door open before standing aside.

Laura froze in the doorway. Jackson was standing on the decking in front of her, their guests gathered around the steps, all quietly watching and waiting. ‘Jackson?’

‘Go on then. Go to him.’ Richie chuckled and nudged her forward.

Glancing back at her brother, Laura turned back to Jackson and walked slowly towards him. He held a small burgundy box in one hand. He wasn’t, was he? He wasn’t about to propose? She swallowed.

‘Laura.’ Taking her hand in his, Jackson knelt down, one knee on the decking. ‘I’ve dreamt about this for a very long time now and can hardly believe the moment has come.’

He was! He really was! She squeezed his hand as she spoke, her words coming out in a whisper. ‘Nor me.’

‘You are kind, funny, genuine, beautiful. You are my soulmate.’ Jackson glanced down at the ground before shaking his head and opening the ring box to reveal a platinum band, a small but perfect diamond, sitting delicately in the middle. ‘I had a whole long speech prepared, but what I want to say is: you’re my other half and will you do me the honour of marrying me? Please?’

Bringing her free hand to her face, Laura wiped at the happy tears and nodded. ‘Of course.’

‘Phew!’ Carefully taking the ring from the box, Jackson slid it on her finger before standing and drawing her in towards him as the silence around them filled with applause, whoops, and a chorus of ‘congratulations!’

Tammy’s voice suddenly rose above the noise as she came hurtling up the steps towards them, her arms wide ready to hug them both. As she squeezed their waists she looked up and grinned, the gap from the front tooth she’d lost earlier in the week giving her a lisp as she spoke loudly. ‘Auntie Laura, I told you that you and Jackson should get married. Didn’t I?’

Laura laughed as she hugged her niece back. ‘Yes, you certainly did. And I think it was a great idea of yours.’

‘Me too, Tammy.’ Jackson chuckled as he high-fived Tammy before watching her race back towards her mum.

‘I don’t think this day could get any more perfect.’ Laura looked down at her ring before placing her hand on Jackson’s cheek and looking him in the eye. ‘I love you so much and I can’t wait for us to be husband and wife.’

‘I love you too.’ Jackson lowered his lips to hers and kissed her before stepping back and nodding towards the garden and their guests. ‘Shall we?’

Laura nodded as they began descending the steps to the garden. ‘This is everything I ever dreamed of.’

‘I—’ Jackson’s reply was punctuated by a series of screams.

With her eyes widening, Laura looked across the garden, quickly locating the cause of the interruption to the party. She and Jackson both looked at each other. ‘Claudette!’

‘Away, away! Get away!’ Jenny screeched as the sheep raced through the garden and propelled itself into the game of Connect4, giant plastic discs raining down around her fluffy white fleece as she headed towards the trestle table covered with sandwiches, cakes and snacks.

Within a split second, the party had divided, some people running to the back of the garden to escape Claudette’s rampage whilst others made a beeline for the trestle table, racing to rescue plates and bowls of food before Claudette ran head first into it. With an almighty noise, the trestle table shuddered before collapsing and landed in a heap on the ground, the food which hadn’t been saved raining down across the lawn, the guests and the sheep.

Balancing Vivienne’s famous fruit cake in one hand and a tray of cupcakes in the other, Laura watched as Claudette, seemingly unfazed by the drama, squeezed through a gap in the hedge, leaving behind the chaos and destruction. She looked anxiously at Jackson, who was standing next to her clutching a now empty serving dish in his hands and wearing a covering of cheesecake across his shirt. ‘We’d better be on the lookout for the others.’

Blinking, Jackson knitted his eyebrows together. ‘The others?’

‘Yes, the other sheep! I can’t remember all the names listed at the first village meeting I attended, but Gertrude, Florence and the others. If Claudette has come through the hedge, the others might be following her!’

Laying the empty serving dish on the mound of plates and ruined food, Jackson doubled over and laughed.

‘What?’

‘There’s only one escapee, people just have different names for her.’ Jackson managed.

‘Oh.’ All this time, she’d assumed there was a whole flock of sheep on the loose and yet there was only one. She looked around the garden. The group of people who had rescued the food were taking it inside, whilst the rest of the guests were either getting back to their games or laughing, chatting and talking amongst themselves. Passing the cakes she’d rescued to Jenny, Laura laid her hand on Jackson’s back and began to giggle.

His bout of laughter finally coming to an end, Jackson straightened up and chuckled. ‘Is this the opening day you were hoping for?’

Grinning from ear to ear, Laura shook her head. ‘No, it’s better. Much better.’