Melody already felt comfortable with the Torels. The gentle banter and teasing amused her; they were obviously very close-knit. She caught her gran’s eye and exchanged a happy smile. ‘I think we’re going to be very happy here.’
‘I’m very happy to hear it.’ Lindy smiled.
‘Tea, or coffee?’ Zac asked, standing by an open cupboard, which Melody saw was full of various mismatched cups and mugs.
‘Coffee for me, please,’ Melody said.
‘Ah, a girl after my own heart,’ he said. ‘I’m a coffee drinker, but the rest of them seem to live off gallons of tea each day.’
‘Never mind that,’ Lettie said. ‘Melody needs to be told more about this place, our plans and what we hope her involvement in it might be.’
This was more like it, Melody thought, smiling. It was exactly what she needed if she didn’t want to dwell on Rhys and what had happened between them. ‘I can’t wait to be shown round the farm and hear more,’ she admitted.
‘Hurry up and wash your hands,’ Lindy said as Gareth made his way over to the sink. When he was seated, she served up a plate of delicious-smelling food and then passed it to Zac who placed it on the table in front of his father.
‘We don’t usually eat this early but I had already told Gareth what time to come in for his food, and I’m sure you’re both hungry. Apologies for serving him first,’ Lindy added, ‘but I’m determined he’s going to finish his packing. Now, what do you fancy eating? We’re only having something light, but I can always rustle up a snack later if either of you are hungry.’
Unsure how to answer, Melody glanced at Gareth’s plate. ‘I’d love some eggs, please.’
‘How about some mushrooms, beans and tomatoes to go with them?’
‘Yes, to the mushrooms and tomatoes,’ she said. ‘I’m not too keen on beans though.’
‘No problem,’ Lindy said, turning back to her cooking.
Melody was aware they hadn’t discussed what work Lettie needed her and Gran to help with. ‘Gran and I are looking forward to helping on the farm and we’re willing to do whatever you need us to.’
‘That’s so kind of you both,’ Lettie said. ‘Thank you. I’m pretty used to running this place now, but any extra help harvesting our produce, keeping our honesty box well supplied with fresh stock and feeding and mucking out the animals is mostly what I’ll need help with.’ She widened her eyes.‘Especially now I’ve landed us with the wellness festival to plan, set up and host.’
Melody was excited to try these new experiences. ‘Bring it all on. We both want to support you in any way we can.’
‘That’s amazing. Thank you both so much. I could do with the help.’
‘And now you have it,’ Patsy said, raising a hand for Lettie to give her a high five.
Melody saw the surprise on Lettie’s face when she realised what Patsy was doing and laughed.
‘I have a feeling having you both here is going to be a lot of fun.’ Lettie smiled at them both. ‘I’ll show you around after we’ve eaten and tell you more then,’ she said quietly.
‘I’d like that,’ Melody said, mouthing a thank you at Zac as he handed her a mug of steaming coffee.
Yes, she thought, she was going to enjoy staying here.
5
ZAC
When Lettie arrived for their meal, Zac listened to her talking to Patsy and Melody, explaining how she had only recently taken over the farm. He couldn’t help thinking that even though she had decided to hold a wellness festival and had a smile on her face, she was worried. What else was she concerned about? he wondered. He decided to speak to her privately once they had finished eating.
‘You seem a little distracted,’ his mother said when there was a break in the conversation.
He wasn’t surprised she’d said something – their mother didn’t miss much and never shied away from facing things head on.
Lettie paused, her fork halfway to her mouth, and looked across the table at her mother. Zac watched as his sister seemed to consider something, then lowered her knife and fork and rested them on her plate. ‘I wasn’t going to mention anything because I didn’t want you to worry while you were away.’
‘What is it?’ Gareth frowned. ‘Is it one of the animals? They all seemed fine when I checked them earlier.’
Lettie shook her head. ‘No, Dad. The animals are all fine. And anyway, I have Brodie minutes away if anything does happen while you’re gone, don’t forget.’
