Page 87 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

After Jill had left, the till kept on dinging, and they must have done well today. This was well worth the sore feet and backache. Rachel was so looking forward to a big mug of tea, a cosy chair and the frisson of counting the takings, but there were a million things yet to do back home and they were all going off for the Christmas Eve carol service in Kirkton too, a tradition never to be missed by the Swinton family. And later, there were gifts to wrap once Maisy was in bed, and the veggies to prepare to get a head start on tomorrow’s Christmas feast. Wow, just thinking about all that made Rachel’s head spin.

‘Can I take two of the Christmas puddings? I’ve quite a crowd tomorrow.’ A woman’s voice pulled her back to the here and now.

‘Oh, yes, of course. Maisy, do you want to fetch two of Granny Ruth’s specials for me?’

‘Yep.’ Even Maisy had to stifle a little yawn. She’d been a little star, helping today. Rachel felt a bit guilty – they hadn’t had time to go out and play and do Christmassy things for themselves yet. But tomorrow and Boxing Day would be their time to spend some proper family time together.

The next two customers bought the last Yule Log and Christmas cake, then a family who’d been in having hot chocolates, came to the till to pay and spotted the very last Christmas Pudding.

‘Oh, is that the pudding we saw in the local paper? Do you remember, Kenny, the one that won the award?’

‘Yes, it is indeed,’ answered Rachel proudly. ‘Made to my granny’s own special recipe.’

‘Oh, we’ll take that one, please.’

So that was it. They were all Christmas Pudding’d out.

The final customers of the day left just before five, wishing them all a ‘Merry Christmas’ as they headed off with big smiles and happy tummies. Daniel and Rachel swiftly cleared the tables, washed up the last bits and pieces, then Rachel leant against the countertop, exhaling a loud, ‘Phew.’

‘Well, that was busy,’ said Daniel.

‘Yes, thank you so much, Dan. I really don’t know how I’d have managed without you.’ Rachel was extremely grateful for his help. She still felt uncomfortable about the situation with him and Jill – but had she been wrong in judging him so harshly, she wondered?

She took out fifty pounds from the till to pay him for his work but he shook his head and wouldn’t accept a penny.

‘Are you sure? But you’ve worked so hard.’

‘I wanted to help … and to make sure Jill didn’t overdo it. Though I fear she might have done that, anyhow.’

‘Hah, yes. We can be rather determined, us Swinton ladies.’

‘I’m beginning to find out.’ He grinned.

As he wouldn’t accept any money, Rachel gave him the last Sticky Toffee Pudding as a gift.

‘Well, thanks, that’ll go down well with my mam. I’m sure.’

‘Have a lovely day tomorrow. And thank you so much for all your help today.’

‘You’re welcome. Happy Christmas to you all. Hope Santa’s good to you, Maisy,’ he added. ‘You’ve certainly been a very good girl today. Have you asked for anything special?’

‘I wanted a mini quad bike, but Mummy says that might be a bit tricky for Father Christmas to bring down the chimney, and he might think I’m too young.’ Rachel was raising her eyebrows at Dan, across the top of Maisy’s head. ‘So, I said a Twister game and some sweeties.’ Maisy gave a cheerful smile.

At least she was sticking to her latest ideas, Rachel thought with relief, as any last-minute changes at this point would be nigh on impossible to fulfil.

‘Well, that sounds fun. I do like a game of Twister.’ He gave a wink. ‘Right then, I’ll be on my way. Have a lovely time all of you. Happy Christmas and bye.’ Daniel set off towards his car.

‘Bye, Dan. Merry Christmas!’ Maisy was waving from the barn door. It was pitch-black outside and a chill breeze blew in.

So, that was it, the last shift before Christmas was completed. Rachel turned off the coffee machine, switched off the chandeliers and the fairy lights on the Christmas tree, just leaving the pretty outdoor lights to twinkle from the barn eaves. The dream of this spring really had become a reality. The Pudding Pantry had been born. And wow, what a shift it had been. They were now going to enjoy a much-needed break.

Rachel took Maisy’s hand. ‘Ready then, sweetheart?’

It was time to go home, across the yard. Tom had said he’d call by and head along to the Christmas Eve Carol Service with them this evening. Granny Ruth, with Mum, would be meeting them there, any time soon. Then they’d all head back to the farmhouse for an easy supper and start preparations for the big day ahead. But first, a huge mug of tea and a sit down by the Aga was calling!

41

‘Merry Christmas, Dad, love you,’ Rachel whispered as she stood, holding Maisy’s hand tightly, by her father’s graveside. How she wished he could still be here with them; sitting at the big table in the farmhouse kitchen tomorrow, celebrating Christmas with his family. If only they could turn back time …