‘It’s the magic of the farm,’ Caleb said. ‘You ask for something – even indirectly – and it’ll give you it.’
Even though his eyes were twinkling as he said it, I knew from our conversation on Saturday evening that it wasn’t because he was joking – it was because he believed it. And so did I. Maybe I should directly ask the farm to send me the reason why Laurie had left so that I could move on. Because, despite all my protests that I wasn’t ready for someone new, the pounding of my heart every time Caleb was close by told me that I was ready and that he was the one.
40
Caleb had thought it might be too stressful for Rowan to have several of us in the stables while she was in labour, especially as we didn’t know whether she was used to being surrounded by people. Jude had therefore gone into Berwick to pick up the paints and she and Mam had cracked on with repainting Maddie’s bedroom as planned.
Maddie had appeared with some hot drinks around mid-morning – an opportunity for her to properly meet Caleb – and returned with lunch later.
Throughout the day, I’d kept them updated on progress with Rowan’s foaling. Maddie had wanted me to film the foal’s arrival but, as I’d needed to help Caleb with the delivery, that hadn’t been possible. I had, however, sent photos and videos over of Hazel feeding from Rowan and said I’d let them know when they could come over to see her. I’d also told them I’d awarded Caleb naming rights but hadn’t revealed the names.
Caleb was getting ready to leave when Maddie arrived at the stables, her steps slow and quiet.
‘Oh, my God!’ she whispered, clapping her hand across her mouth. ‘So cute! What are they called?’
‘Rowan’s the mam and Hazel’s the foal,’ Caleb said. ‘Named after the farm and village.’
I noticed that he didn’t mention anything about the magic but I could hear it in his voice.
‘I’ll let you spend some time with her alone,’ he said, ‘but I’ll be back to check on them both again later.’
Leaving Maddie to watch Rowan and Hazel and take photos, I walked Caleb to the entrance.
‘Thanks again for everything today,’ I said.
‘Bringing a new life into the world is one of my favourite parts of the job,’ he said. ‘It’s one of the reasons I’ve never let the veterinary side of things go.’
‘You’re very good at it.’
‘You can put that on my feedback form later,’ he said, grinning at me. ‘Make sure you get some rest. It’s been a long adrenaline-filled day for you and, if you don’t rest, you might crash later. Rowan’s in great condition so, prior to the abandonment, somebody clearly did care for her.’
I rejoined Maddie who wanted all the details from the moment I spotted Rowan tethered to the gate through to Hazel arriving and taking her first feed. It was lovely talking her through it, giving me echoes of our three things conversations.
‘Must have been amazing to see,’ she said.
‘It was. There’s nothing quite like seeing new life entering the world.’
‘If I had been pregnant, would you have been there when I had the baby?’
‘Of course I would! There’s no way I’d have let you go through that on your own. I’d have been there to support you every step of the way. I hope you know that. But my advice is not to dwell on what happened with Alfie and what might have been. Focus on Hunter instead. I like him.’
Maddie grinned. ‘I do too. He’s got a day off tomorrow and he offered to take me into Newcastle or the Metrocentre but I want to be here when the cows arrive. I’m so excited about seeing them again. We might go for a drive after that – maybe round the local area or even a visit to the coast.’
I raised my eyebrows at her. ‘Turning down shops for cows, countryside and coast? Well I never!’
‘I know! Shocker, right?’
‘Welcome back, Maddie Coates. I’ve missed you.’
She laughed. ‘I heard what Caleb said about you getting some rest. Why don’t you go back to the farmhouse and I’ll stay here for a bit?’
I rolled my shoulders and yawned. ‘Iamtired. I’ll take you up on that.’
* * *
Later that evening, after we’d all eaten, Jude and I took Nova and Skye for a walk round the farm. It had finally stopped raining and the air tasted cool and fresh.
‘I can’t believe I’ve only been here for eight days,’ Jude said as we stopped by Boggy End at the rear of the farm. ‘It feels like a lot longer.’
