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‘I don’t know. I think it’s healthy to get away from the normal routine and worries of life sometimes. It’s a something to look forward to, to go to new places and try new things.’
She nodded. He was probably right, but work was everything to her. Her whole life revolved around work. Until now and this forced break away, anyway. ‘You’re probably right. I needed this break even if I didn’t think I did.’
‘Well, I, for one, am glad you took a break and decided to come to the bay.’ He looked ahead as they slowed and turned a corner.
‘Thanks. I’m glad I came here too.’ She grinned. She was. ‘Did you hear anything from Freya or Chris about Axl this morning?’
‘Yes, he’s doing fine. His wing is broken, and he might not recover enough to use it again, but he’ll have a home with at the sanctuary if he doesn’t.’
‘It’s a good job you didn’t give up on him then. If he can’t fly, he was lucky to survive as long as he did out in the wild.’
‘True.’ Jack nodded as they turned into the sanctuary, the car dipping and rising over numerous potholes.
‘Is this it?’
‘This is it.’ Opening the door, Jack jumped out.
Following him to a large metal gate, Evie looked at the huge old farmhouse.
‘Come on, Chris should be about somewhere.’ Pushing the gate open, he stood back, letting Evie through before shutting it again.
Following him across the courtyard towards another gate leading to the barns, Evie smiled. She could hear the noise of sheep and pigs coming from somewhere. ‘Daisy mentioned you help out here sometimes?’
‘That’s right. There’s nothing like being surrounded by animals, no judgement, no expectations.’ He grinned.
‘Who judges you?’ Evie closed her eyes momentarily. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it like it probably sounded. I just meant I thought you loved your job. You seem to be living your life as you want it, that’s all.’
‘It’s okay.’ Glancing at her, he ran his fingers through his hair. ‘Wedding photography is a relatively recent thing for me. I used to work in the city, as a social worker, believe it or not. Anyway, about five years ago, I had to step away. I just couldn’t cope with the demands anymore and then my dad got sick and...’ He looked ahead; his eyes focused on something else. ‘I just needed a break, a change of location and a less demanding job.’
‘I didn’t know that. Sorry, I shouldn’t have pried.’ She touched his arm.
‘It’s okay. I don’t really talk about it as it feels like a lifetime ago now, but sometimes I have to pinch myself to remember how lucky I am, living here in such a beautiful corner of the world, being my own boss, being surrounded by happy people.’ He laughed. ‘Most of the time, anyway. I remember one of my first weddings actually where there ended up being a proper fist fight between the groom and several members of the wedding party. Yep, so nothing is guaranteed, but generally...’ He shrugged.
‘Is your dad okay now?’
‘Yes, he’s fine. Thankfully, he’s made a full recovery.’ He leaned on the gate leading through to the small courtyard area between the two barns. Leaning down, he stuck his arm through the metal gaps and fussed over a sheep who had walked across to them, curious why they were there. ‘Snoop, meet Evie.’
Crouching down, Evie stroked Snoop, a little hesitant at first.
‘It’s okay. He won’t hurt you. Sheep are one of the gentlest creatures you can meet. Each and every one of them has a heart of gold.’
‘He’s lovely.’ A bit more confident now, she stroked his soft woollen coat as he nudged her arm with his nose.
‘Let’s try the house.’ Standing up, Jack leaned over the fence and fussed over Snoop again. ‘Catch you later, Snoop, buddy.’
‘Are you helping out here today?’
‘Yes, when your lunch break is over, I’ll run you back to the bakery and come back here. I’ve got a few hours before my next job.’ He checked his watch.
‘You’ve got a wedding today?’
‘No, not a wedding. The wedding shop in Trestow has asked me to pop by and take some photos of their new range.’
Evie nodded as they reached the house. ‘I think we’re taking Elsie wedding dress shopping tonight. I’m not sure whereabouts we’re going, though.’
Glancing at her as he led the way around the back of the house, he grinned. ‘I might see you later then.’
‘Now, that would be a coincidence.’ Evie looked over to a row of small outhouses. She pointed to the far end as an empty bucket rolled out of the door. ‘Could that be him?’
