‘Thank you,’ she replied softly. ‘For not trying to talk me out of it or tell me I’m crazy, or too old. I have enough doubts of my own sometimes, so I don’t think I could bear any more from you.’
‘You could do anything you turn your mind too.’ Raf took her hand, and she thought of that final night in Galloway, when they’d talked on the beach and walked back hand in hand. How right it had felt, and how much she appreciated his strength and encouragement, even as she found more reserves of her own.
‘I’ve got lots to learn, and coping with the situations I’ll be faced with is just one of them. Thank you for listening.’ Slowly, Cassie freed herself. However kindly he had meant it, she didn’t want to see his fingers wrapped around hers, longing for a touch on her body she couldn’t have. ‘And I have a suggestion for you, something I could help with while I’m here.’
‘I already have a gardener. Can’t you tell? This lot isn’t down to me.’ He grinned as he swept a hand over the view.
‘Not that, I’d probably chop down all the wrong plants. I thought I could put my experience to good use and help you with the distillery. I’ve already had a few ideas about contacts I could reach out to, and we could maybe explore a brand partnership if you’re interested. If Kenny and Vince agree too, of course.’
‘Cass…’
‘Don’t say it,’ she replied firmly. ‘Give me one good reason why not, and my lazing around all summer is not one of them. Let me do this, please. It’s my way of thanking you for giving us a home for the summer. What do you think?’
‘I think yes, if you’re sure,’ he said slowly. ‘Kenny and Vince would snap your hand off and there’s no one I’d trust more or rather work with.’ He quirked a brow. ‘Does that mean we’d have to have meetings and stuff? Get all official?’
Don’t look at me like that, she wanted to say. But that would be admitting how much of an effect he had on her, although surely he knew? He was far too experienced to miss the catch in her breath, the dilated pupils, whenever they were alone.
‘Yes, meetings and stuff,’ she told him sternly, her smile belying the serious tone. ‘And we’d track media metrics, digital engagement and qualitative outcomes to get a clear picture of what works.’
‘Seriously? Now you’re sucking all the fun out of it.’ Raf groaned as he covered his face with both hands. ‘So where would we have our meetings?’ He parted his fingers to give her a mischievous look, and she shoved his foot with hers.
‘You’re the one who’s turned corporate. I’ve just escaped that world.’
‘Exactly, so why would you want to dive straight back in?’
‘For you,’ she told him softly, raising a shoulder. For once she didn’t care what her expression might be revealing, if it was telling him exactly how she felt. ‘Because of all this.’
Flynn stirred on the grass and clambered to his feet, wandering over and plonking his head on the seat beside Cassie, who yawned.
‘I’m going to head up,’ she said apologetically. ‘It’s been a long day.’
‘Okay. Night, Cass, sleep well.’ Raf’s words drifted across as she made her way inside before she did something crazy, like leaning over to kiss him. He was just being kind, she reminded herself firmly. As any friend would.
She wasn’t expecting Flynn to follow, and she tried to make him return to Raf in the garden. But he was still at her heels as she walked through the house, and at the foot of the stairs, she gave him a cuddle.
‘I can’t take you up with me, because it wouldn’t be fair on either of us,’ she told him sadly. She kissed his face, feeling the press of his solid body against hers, his head heavy in her hands. ‘But I’ll take you out tomorrow. That’s a promise.’
Several hours later Cassie woke to a tap on her door, and she yanked the duvet to her chin in case it was Raf. But when she called ‘come in’, it was Rory’s head which appeared around the door, and she rearranged the pillows to sit up.
‘Hey, you.’ She smiled, blinking drowsily. It had been a surprisingly peaceful night, and she felt rested, the almost empty day stretching before her. ‘What time is it?’
‘Almost eight.’ He grinned as he came over and put a mug on her bedside table. ‘Raf said you might like coffee, but not to wake you if you were still asleep.’
‘Thank you,’ she murmured. ‘That’s very thoughtful of you both. Coffee in bed is definitely a luxury.’ She leant over to pick up the mug, wrapping her fingers around its warmth. Already the sun was bright behind her cream curtains, and she asked Rory to open them so she could appreciate the view. The landscape extended before her, lit by green and gold, tractors and trailers still out collecting bales of hay.
‘How did you sleep, Rory?’
‘Good, thanks. Raf helped me set up my Xbox and I was online with Jacob until eleven.’
‘That sounds fun. Is Isla up yet?’
‘Yeah, she’s gone to Harriet’s. She said she’d messaged you and that she’d be back tonight. They’re going to Alfie’s after they’ve been to Dorothy’s.’
‘Your sister certainly doesn’t waste much time.’ Cassie quashed a moment of alarm at Isla making her way through the village alone.
But Isla was used to London transport; Hartfell was a breeze in comparison, and Cassie loved that the two girls were once again within reach, just like her and Pippa. Their friendship hadn’t faltered since Harriet had moved north; they’d simply switched it online. Rory looked cheerful too, and she patted the space beside her, absurdly grateful when he settled on it. It still caught her breath sometimes, to see Ewan’s smile reflected in their son and that same clear-eyed, problem-solving gaze.
She missed the days when she’d cuddled her small children in bed, snuggling together and making up stories. When had her babies become so big, so independent? How would she bear letting them go when the time came for them to move on and make more of their own choices? She pushed such thoughts away. She wanted them to fly, and for that they needed wings. And roots; she hoped they were planted deep.
