Page 8 of Summer at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Exactly.’

‘And … what happens at the lodge, stays at the lodge,’ Eve said with a wink, raising her glass.

A few minutes later, with the room alive with chatter, Rachel’s mobile phone buzzed.

‘Hey, Tom.’ She took a few steps towards the French doors and went out to the deck area.

‘Hi, you got there okay … good journey?’ Her lovely fiancé’s voice was warm.

‘Yeah, great thanks, and we managed to find it all right, despite it being out in the sticks.’

‘That’s good.’

Rachel took in the stunning lake view, with the early evening sun glinting gold on the blue-grey of the water. ‘It’s beautiful here. You’d love it … hey, maybe we can do something like this sometime. Just the two of us.’ How wonderful would that be. Romantic walks by the lake, the pair of them snuggled up back at the lodge, the Jacuzzi to themselves …

‘Count me in, it sounds heaven.’

‘So … how’s the farm faring without me and Mum?’

‘Everything’s fine. I’ve just checked on the sheep and cattle – no issues there, so I thought I’d call to let you know so you can relax.’ Tom knew all about farming life; he had one of his own right next door to Primrose Farm, after all. Rachel had known him pretty much her entire life, looking up to the boy-next-door who was ten years older, whizzing around on his quad bike and building dens out of hay bales. She had probably been a bit of a nuisance, she mused, trailing round after him as a kid. And now look at them – engaged. Somehow, a steady friendship had wonderfully morphed into love over the past year. A beautiful, whirlwind journey. Rachel still had to pinch herself at times.

‘Aw, thank you.’ It was great of him to help out; he had enough to do on his own patch. But it was a big relief to know her farm was in safe hands.

‘Anyhow, it was just a quick check-in to see that you got there fine. Now go and have fun with your girlfriends. Have a brilliant time, all of you.’

‘Thank you, we will. And oh, you won’t believe …’ She had almost spilled the beans about the dress – she was so excited about it and overwhelmed with gratitude that Eve had made it for her – but she stopped herself in time. ‘No, it’s okay,’ she told him instead. ‘Just something special the girls have planned for me, but I’ll keep it as a surprise for our big day.’

‘Hmm, sounds intriguing. Can’t wait.’

‘Me neither.’

Their wedding was booked at Kirkton Church for Saturday 4 July, with a big party planned back at the farm afterwards. Less than two months away.

‘Missing you.’ Rachel felt a pang at being away from him.

‘You too. Love you, Rach.’

‘Come on, you two lovebirds, get off the phone,’ interrupted Hannah from the door. ‘Supper’s ready and we’re starving.’

‘Okay, okay,’ Rachel had to smile at her friend’s mock impatience. ‘Gotta go, Tom. Oh, and Tom … I love you too.’

Kirsty gave a wolf-whistle through the open doorway and Eve popped her head out, giving a big thumbs-up. After the tough few years their close friend had gone through, all this hen-do tribe wanted was to see Rachel smiling and happy and looking forward to her big day.

‘Oh my, I can hardly move I’m so full.’ Eve was sitting back in her chair, rubbing her tummy. The group was still gathered around the dinner table.

‘Well, you shouldn’t have had seconds of that tiramisu,’ Rachel grinned.

‘But it was just so delicious. I can’t believe that’s the first time you’ve ever made it, Jill.’

‘Ooh, you must give us the recipe,’ added Hannah. ‘My lot would adore it.’

‘I think we’d better add that one to the Baking Bible, Mum. A new Italian twist to our good old favourites.’ The Baking Bible was the handwritten book of family recipes, started by Grandma Alice, Jill’s own grandmother. It had been gradually added to by friends and family over the generations, with new cakes and puddings still finding their way into that hall of baking fame. It had pride of place on the kitchen shelf at Primrose Farm.

‘Hmm, I think I might just do that when I get back,’ replied Jill with a beam, delighted with its success.

After a quick clear-up of the dishes, Rachel and Eve made a WhatsApp video call to Ben to speak with the girls before their bedtime. Maisy was chattering on, excited to be staying over with Amelia, saying she had loved her cheese and tomato pizza and strawberries with ice cream. They were now watching a movie; Rachel could see them all snuggled together on the sofa.

‘Have a lovely time, Mummy. Miss you.’ Her little girl’s voice and smile were cheerful, reassuring Rachel that all was well.