Page 67 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘It’s a hidden gem we have up here in the Scottish borders.’ She gave a wink of her wise old blue eyes, ‘and let’s keep it that way, hey lass. Anyway, you won’t get me moving again. I’ll be coming out of this wee cottage feet first, I tell you.’

‘Oh Granny, don’t talk like that.’

‘Well, I’m not going to live for ever, hinnie.’ Ruth was down to earth as always.

‘Yes, but we’ve got a wedding to look forward to and happier times. And … on that note, I’ll go and put the kettle on, as there’s something I want to ask you.’

‘Sounds important.’

‘It is,’ answered Rachel with a knowing smile, not giving anything away. ‘I’ve brought you those eggs that you asked for, by the way, and there’s a summer pudding that Mum’s made.’

‘Oh, that’s grand. Yes, I’ve been busy baking again this week. Made a load of buns and a sponge cake for the stall at the coffee morning for the toddler group.’ It made Granny happy to bake for others, and to help the community in her own small but lovely way.

With that, Rachel set off for the kitchen. She hoped Granny would be pleased when she came out with her question. It might not be easy for either of them, but it was the only thing that felt right …

With the tea pot set up on a tray, and cups and saucers set out the old-fashioned way, Granny pottered through to the kitchen to help Rachel dig out the cakes. There was a Madeira cake and some rock buns. She sliced the cake and set out two gorgeous yellow squares on a plate; their Primrose Farm free-range eggs were always wonderfully good for baking and gave such a golden colour.

Settled back in the living room, with Rachel seated on the slightly worn, but very comfy sofa, and Ruth in her high-backed armchair, Rachel let out a deep breath. ‘So, Granny, I’ve been thinking … and … I know who I’d love to walk me down the aisle at my wedding. So, I thought I’d come and run it past you.’

‘Okay, lass …’ Granny looked up.

‘You.’ Rachel beamed.

‘Me? Are you sure …? Well, we won’t be going very fast!’

Rachel laughed. ‘That’s fine. We’ll be in no rush … everybody will be gawping at my dress then, for sure.’

‘Oh, yes, I haven’t seen it yet. Eve’s made it, hasn’t she? I bet it’s beautiful.’

‘It really is. I’m not really a dress person, as you know, happier in my jeans and wellies, but … wow.’

‘Oh, I can’t wait to see you in it.’

‘So, will you do it? Look, I know it’s going to be hard for us …’ She paused, catching her breath, ‘as dad can’t be there himself … but it just feels kind of right. You’re his mother, and my best support. But if you think it’ll be too emotional, too difficult …’ She didn’t want to make Ruth feel obliged to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with.

‘Oh, lass, I’d love to do it. That’s if you don’t mind some old bid being there by your side?’

‘I can’t think of anyone better. It might end up being a bit teary, mind.’ She was welling up just thinking about it already. It was definitely going to be an emotional day.

‘Aye, well … that’s only natural, in the circumstances. Of course, if that’s what you want, I’ll be there beside you, lass …’

‘… every step of the way,’ Rachel took up, trying to stop herself getting too choked up.

‘Yes, every doddery step.’ Granny gave a warm smile. ‘Ah, bless you pet … there’ll be tears and laughter on the day, for sure. But we’ll be certain to have a grand old time. Robert would want that and he’d be so proud of you.’

Rachel found that any words were stuck in her throat then, so she just nodded. For all the hurt and grief, she felt happy too. The Swinton ladies were taking life forward – without their gorgeous dad, husband, son – one doddery yet forceful step at a time.

Rachel headed home via Eve’s to collect Maisy from her tea-time play date with Amelia. She was looking forward to catching up with her best friend, who’d been rather elusive these past few days.

‘Hi-i.’ After rapping on the door, she stepped into her friend’s house.

‘Hi, there.’ Eve came out into the hallway to greet her, looking slightly flushed.

‘All okay?’

‘Yeah, the girls have been great. They’re out playing in the garden. They’ve made a den.’

The friends walked out through the back door of the cottage.