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‘Skye Sunshine isn’t much better, either.’
‘I’d make the most of being a Sunshine, if I were you. You never know, one day you might have to change it to something like Crapper or Higginbottom. And anyway, I think it suits you.’
‘Thank you. Hey, I’ve just realised I don’t knowyoursurname.’
He grinned. ‘Well, it’s not Crapper or Higginbottom.’
‘That’s a relief.’ A second later, I realised how that sounded and I looked away, blushing.
‘It’s boring old Sinclair.’ He frowned. ‘Why are you blushing?’
I shrugged. ‘I didn’t want you to think I was doing that thing we all did at school, writing our name alongside the surname of the boy we fancied – to see how our signature would look when we were married.’
He gave a hearty laugh. ‘That would never have occurred to me. But thinking about it, Rori Sinclair sounds okay.’
‘It does. Although I won’t be picking out china patterns just yet.’
‘Sorry?’ He looked bemused.
‘Just a joke. Ignore me.’
The food, when it arrived, was heavenly, and we ate every morsel of our linguine pasta with garlicky prawns.
I was having such a lovely time, I didn’t want our day to end. So I was delighted when he suggested we call in to see his sister, who lived nearby. I remembered him telling me about Laura’s restaurant and the glamping pods. Being involved in the same sort of business with Milo and Ellie, I was excited to see what Laura and her husband had done.
So we drove over to Willowbank Farm, where – according to their colourful website – they offered overnight accommodation along with a barn-style restaurant specialising in home-grown, seasonal produce.
Kurt took me straight into the restaurant kitchen, where Laura and Tony were buzzing about, gearing up for the evening’s service, and I warmed to them instantly. They both spoke passionately about their commitment to growing their own fruit and vegetables, which they harvested daily, and which Laura turned into a delicious menu each evening.
Leaving them to get on, Kurt took me on a tour around the four-acre site, which – as well as the restaurant – included a small lake, backed by woods, and a dozen wooden glamping pods dotted around, some with views over the water and others nestling romantically among the trees.
He paused outside one of the pods, which overlooked the lake, checking the number. ‘Laura said this one’s empty at the moment. So I can show you inside if you like?’
‘Ooh, yes please.’ I smiled. ‘You do realise I’m making notes in my head to take back to Milo and Ellie.’
‘I thought you might. In fact, that’s kind of why I brought you here. I knew you’d be interested in the glamping side of the business.’
‘Thank you,’ I said shyly.
‘You’re welcome.’
From the outside, the pod looked like an enormous upturned rowing boat with an arched roof. Inside, the decor was simple but beautiful. A log burner, small sink and hob, and a two-seater sofa occupied the front, as we entered. And beyond, tucked at the far end, was a double bed dressed with fresh white linen and lots of pillows. A little pot filled with lavender sprigs sat on the little sill beneath the single window.
‘This is lovely,’ I murmured, looking around. ‘Milo and Ellie were thinking of electric panel heaters for the pods they’re planning to add to the site, but I have to say, the log burner looks stunning. I think people would pay a bit extra to have that kind of cosy comfort, don’t you?’
Kurt nodded. ‘I agree. It might be worth the initial outlay.’
‘Do you think Laura and Tony would mind if I took some photos to show Milo and Ellie?’
‘No, not at all. Snap away.’
So I did, and as we left the pod, a little sigh escaped.
‘You okay?’
‘Yes. It’s just so lovely here.’
‘You haven’t seen the kitchen garden yet. Come on.’
