Page 108 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Crumble … apple crumble.’

With that Rachel nearly spat out the wine she’d just sipped, and hooted with laughter.

‘What’s up? What’s so funny?’

‘Sorry … sorry, nothing. Oh my. It’s fine. I just lurve apple crumble.’ She was still giggling five minutes later, her sides were aching, and she knew she had to enlighten poor Tom on the antics in the pub that night.

Between fits of the giggles, she told the tale.

‘Oh, that’s just brilliant, I’m an apple crumble, am I?’ He pretended to be put out, but was smiling broadly. ‘Well, I suppose I’d better dish it out then.’

‘Yes, please, hunky crumble man.’

He’d left the crumble dish he’d made covered in foil to warm at the side of the smouldering barbecue, and served out a generous portion in a single bowl to share, with a dollop of thick cream that melted down over the crunchy brown-sugar topping. It smelt delightful, all toffee-apple and cinnamon. They snuggled back down under the cosy rug together, with Tom holding the warm bowl between them.

Rachel dug in and helped herself to a delicious spoonful … and she knew she’d be very much looking forward to glorious seconds of crumble later!

She had the man of her dreams by her side, and her farm and family safe in the valley below. Her heart felt so warm and she wanted to hold onto this moment forever.

‘Thank you, Tom, this has been the most amazing evening.’

He smiled warmly at her, as they sat side by side. ‘This is just the start for us, Rachel. You know, there’s so much more to come.’

With everything that had happened over the past couple of years, Rachel had learnt just how precarious – and precious – life could be. Amid the darkness, there was always hope, if only you had the courage to seize it. She looked up into the glittering canopy of stars above, and as they twinkled back, she felt that her lovely dad was looking down on her – telling her that everything would be all right.

And as she snuggled closer to Tom, she couldn’t wait to find out what that ‘so much more’ would be.