Page 97 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Yeah, we’ve still got a reasonable selection of puddings to put out to keep us going for the afternoon, but there are only a couple of brownies left, and only one carrot cake. Maisy here has been selling like a trooper.’

‘Hello again, Maisy. I can see you’re doing a great job helping out.’

‘Thank you, and I’m five,’ she announced.

‘Wow, well, you’re very grown up for five.’

‘Five going on fifteen.’ Rachel grinned.

‘A shopkeeper in the making.’ Emma smiled.

‘I think she might well be. Or, what is it you said you wanted to be, Maisy? An astronaut, or a farmer, or a tooth fairy?’

‘Ah yes, well the world’s an exciting place. Always best to keep your options open, young lady. Good thinking.’

With that, there was another flurry of customers for both stalls.

It was just after 3 p.m. when Ben appeared with Amelia, ready to take the girls around the show and the fairground rides as promised.

Rachel handed him a ten-pound note from the takings to treat them to the rides and some ice creams. ‘Thanks so much for taking her, Ben.’

‘That’s no problem at all. It’ll cheer up Amelia no end, who was getting bored at the stall.’

Again, it dawned on Rachel that there was still no word from Jake. He’d not even had the guts to call her up or send a message to apologise – the selfish git. There was Amelia holding tight to her daddy’s hand, taking it for granted, and that’s exactly how it should be. Rachel felt a soreness in her heart for her little girl. Being a single parent was tough sometimes, but being a single child tougher.

‘Okay then, Maisy? You go and have some fun with Amelia.’

Her little girl nodded, seeming quieter than usual.

Ben knew about their situation and mouthed, ‘No sign of Jake yet?’ as the girls started chatting together. Rachel shook her head. He shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes.

Maisy then took his spare hand, so he had one girl each side and they set off together. Rachel was at least happy that she was in safe hands with Ben.

When it was time to start packing up, Rachel noticed a tall, attractive man turn up at Emma’s stall. He gave Emma a warm hug and a sweet kiss, before asking how the day had gone for her.

‘It’s been great, Max, really worthwhile.’

Rachel tried not to be too nosey, but couldn’t help watching them as they started to pack up the stall together; it was obvious they were very happy in their relationship. Aw, that was so nice to see, yet it made her own heart feel even sorer.

The food tent was definitely quietening down, but she’d wait for Ben to come back with Maisy before packing up properly. She might as well leave her last few wares out in case any stragglers were wanting some last-minute treats to take home. Just then, in the nick of time, she remembered the chocolates she wanted to buy for Mum.

‘Oh, Emma, can I buy a box of chocolates from you before they’re all packed up?’

‘Yeah, of course. What kind would you like?’

‘Oh, just a selection really, they all look delicious.’

‘Yep, got just the thing. Here you go, a fiver will do fine.’

Rachel had seen earlier that the price should be more like eight pounds. ‘You sure?’

‘Yeah, that’s fine. Oh, and before I go, here, take my card. I know you said you were just setting up, so feel free to ring me, if you have any questions about the business, or you just want a friendly ear.’

‘Aw, thanks.’ She seemed so genuine and warm.

‘And if you are ever going Warkton way, be sure to stop by.’

‘I might just do that. I could bring Maisy across one afternoon.’ It would be nice to have a little trip out sometime. They didn’t do that often enough. Rachel always seemed to be too busy with life and work at the farm, but it’d do them good, and make a lovely break.