The House at Greenacres

by The House at Greenacres (retail) (epub)

  ‘Thank you, dearie. Shall I watch Luke while you dress?’

  ‘If you don’t mind.’

  ‘It would be a pleasure.’

  When her granny and Luke had been settled in the lounge, Holly went upstairs and sank onto her bed. She’d had a lovely afternoon with her dad before coming back to the house to feed, bathe and dress Luke ready for the evening. Rich wasn’t here to help because he was coming to the barn dance later. Holly intended on taking Luke along too and bringing him back when he needed to go to bed. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him with a babysitter and didn’t want to ask anyone she knew to miss the dance, so bringing him home when he tired was the best option. Besides which, she wanted him there so he could be a part of the celebrations.

  Now she needed to get ready.

  She opened her wardrobe and found the dress she’d ordered for the occasion along with a pair of bright red cowboy boots. Looking at the dress now, she did wonder if it had been the right choice, as it was more flamboyant than she’d usually wear, but then tonight was all about celebrating the new start for the vineyard, so she’d wear it proudly.

  Once she’d dressed and unpinned the clips that Granny had put in earlier to give her bobbed hair a gentle wave, she slicked on some mascara and pale pink lip gloss, then added a few squirts of perfume.

  ‘Ready or not,’ she said as she opened her bedroom door and headed down the stairs. But she knew she was ready.

  * * *

  ‘Will you look at this!’ Lucinda exclaimed as they entered the barn. She held on to the red and white polka-dot scarf tied around her head as she peered up at the rafters. ‘There must be hundreds of thousands of lights up there.’

  ‘I doubt it’s that many, Lucy,’ Rex said as he rolled his eyes at Rich.

  ‘Close enough,’ Rich said, winking at his dad.

  His parents had gone full Western for the barn dance, even though he’d explained that it wasn’t necessarily a Western theme. They were both clad in denim jeans and shirts, making their physical differences more apparent than ever. Rex was tall and lanky, Lucinda curvy and diminutive. But they fitted, they always had, and even after everything they’d been through, they were still close. It gave Rich hope.

  As his parents wandered off and mingled with locals from Penhallow Sands, Rich looked around. He couldn’t see Holly; she must still be at the house. It was early, but his parents hadn’t wanted to arrive with the rush, although it did seem as though everyone else had had the same plan. The barn was already bustling with people, some of whom Rich recognized and some he didn’t.

  ‘Howdy!’ A slap to his back made him start.

  ‘Bloody hell, Fran, I nearly bit my tongue off.’

  ‘Shouldn’t have it hanging out of your mouth then, should you?’ She waggled her eyebrows above her glasses. ‘Who were you staring at?’ She looked around. ‘Ah… was it that sexy singer with the Cher vibe?’

  ‘Cher?’ He frowned.

  ‘Yeah… older woman but hot as hell.’

  ‘No!’ He shook his head. ‘Absolutely not. She’s…’ He looked at the singer in her faux-leather cat suit, long black hair hanging down to her shapely thighs. ‘She’s attractive, I guess, but I hadn’t even noticed her.’

  Fran sniffed. ‘Only one woman for you?’

  He was about to deny it, then nodded. ‘What can I say?’

  ‘How are things?’

  ‘I should be asking you that question. When did you get back?’

  ‘Early afternoon. I told Holly I might be a bit late tonight because the journey was hellish, what with flight delays, traffic jams and so on. But I’m here now and on time, it seems.’

  ‘How’s your dad?’

  ‘Okay. Better. He has to tone down a few things in his lifestyle, like drinking, cigars and fatty foods, but the doctors said that he should be fine. It was pretty scary seeing him so poorly, but he’s learnt the hard way that smoking and huge plates of pasta are not a healthy combination. It was great to see him, Mum and Nonna too. In fact, if I can, I’m going back again in a few months. I just need to ensure that someone will watch everything back here for me.’

  ‘Well I think you have one less responsibility to worry about.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I think you’ve homed Gelert.’

  ‘Gelert?’

  ‘The grey lurcher. Holly loves him to bits.’

  Fran’s smile stretched from ear to ear.

  ‘Ha! My cunning plan worked.’

  ‘He follows her everywhere and guards Luke from just about everything – including the postman. Hence the name.’

  ‘That’s lovely. I’m so happy for him, and for Holly and Luke. And… for you?’ Her eyebrows rose slowly.

  ‘Me?’

  ‘Well, yes. Won’t he be your dog too?’

  ‘Haven’t you spoken to Holly?’

  ‘Only briefly, because I was busy and she was busy, and we didn’t have time for an in-depth conversation. I was kind of hoping that during my absence you two might have rediscovered each other.’

  ‘Me too.’

  ‘Oh Rich.’ She rubbed his upper arm. ‘Perhaps it’s not meant to be, or perhaps it has yet to work itself out.’

  He nodded. ‘Perhaps. Anyway, I think I’d better go and see if she needs help with Luke.’

  As he turned, the doors to the bar opened and his breath caught in his throat, because Holly had arrived, and he knew in that moment that he had never seen anything so beautiful in his whole life.

  The early evening light framed her from behind with a golden glow, making her hair shine and outlining her figure. Rich registered that her granny was next to her, pushing Luke in his pram, but his eyes were glued to Holly. As she walked into the barn, he could see that her hair was gently curled, her face softly rounded and glowing with health, her eyes bright as they scanned the barn, and when they landed on him, her pink lips parted slightly.

  She raised a hand in greeting and time seemed to stand still.

  The dress she was wearing was made of some soft, floaty material that skimmed her knees. The sleeves capped her shoulders and the neckline was cut to show a hint of the swell of her smooth creamy skin. But the colour of the material was what made the dress so dramatic: red, orange, pink, fawn and cream in a pattern that accentuated her curves and made her skin luminous. Her knee-high red cowboy boots with a low heel and pointed toe matched the dress perfectly.

  Holly was beautiful, but Rich knew that it wasn’t only physical; she had an essence that was pure, honest and good. She was warm, funny and sincere, strong and determined. His heart raced as she walked towards him.

  When she reached his side, vanilla and jasmine notes washed over him and he tried to breathe her in deeper, as if he could hold her scent there, remember it for ever.

  ‘Holly.’ His voice croaked on her name, barely more than a whisper and full of his need. He coughed, then tried again. ‘You look incredible.’

  She gazed at him for a moment, then her smile lit up her face.

  ‘Thank you, Rich. Hi, Fran.’

  As the two women hugged, Rich realized that he’d forgotten that Fran was standing next to him; he’d lost all sense of anyone else in the room. He had lost his heart to Holly and he had no idea what he was going to do about it. After all, she had rejected him and the cottage he’d offered her. He was consumed with his feelings for her but condemned to knowing that she didn’t love him in return.

  And yet… when she looked at him again, there was something in her eyes that called out to him, something simmering below the surface that he wished he could read. It could be his own wishful thinking, but he hoped it was something more.

  Chapter 20

  Holly hugged Fran, then leant back to look at her.

  ‘You okay?’

  ‘Yeah, I’m fine. Dad’s much better now, so I just have to hope that he’s sensible with his diet and quits the cigars.’

  ‘He will. He has your mum and grandma there to ke
ep him in line.’

  ‘And they are so bossy!’ Fran smiled at her. ‘You look gorgeous, Holly.’

  ‘You do.’ Rich was gazing at her in a way that made her stomach clench. His eyes were so dark she could see her own reflection in them. She felt as if the two of them were on the cusp of something new, something that would rescue them from uncertainty and hesitation and catapult them into the future.

  ‘Thanks, both of you.’ She shook her head. ‘You’re too kind. Anyway… you look pretty good yourselves.’

  And they did, Fran in indigo skinny jeans, purple cowboy boots and matching silk tunic and Rich in jeans, boots and a black shirt.

  ‘It’s quite busy, isn’t it?’ Fran said as she looked around. More people were arriving by the second; soon the barn would be full to capacity and the evening could begin. Waiters in black trousers and white shirts circulated with trays of wine, soft drinks and canapés. ‘Ooh! I’ve just spotted the pup with your granny. Doesn’t he look sweet?’

  ‘I brought him along to say hello, but I won’t keep him here all evening. It’s going to be a bit busy, I think.’

  ‘It’ll do him good to get used to having people around, though, seeing as how the vineyard will be busier than ever.’

  ‘True.’

  ‘Looks like he doesn’t want to leave Luke’s side.’ Rich gestured at the corner of the bar, where Granny had taken a seat, parking the pram next to her. Gelert sat in front of it, still as a statue, guarding his precious charge.

  Bruce came over to them.

  ‘I think we’re ready to make a start.’

  ‘Are you going to officially welcome everyone, Dad?’

  He nodded. ‘I’m a bit nervous, to be honest.’

  ‘You’ll be great.’ Holly looked around. ‘Is Janine here yet?’

  His face broke into a smile. ‘She’s with some of the other workers who did the renovations.’

  ‘Who’s Janine?’ Fran asked, frowning at Holly.

  ‘Dad’s… friend.’ Holly winked.

  ‘Ah, I see.’ Fran nodded. ‘One of those friends.’

  ‘Cut it out, ladies!’ Bruce shook his head. ‘It’s very early days. We’re enjoying each other’s company… for now.’

  ‘She’s very nice.’ Holly touched her dad’s arm.

  ‘Yes. Right. Let’s do this.’ He sucked in a deep breath, squared his shoulders and set off across the barn to the small stage.

  ‘He’s really nervous, isn’t he?’ Fran said.

  ‘Extremely. But he will be wonderful. He should be very proud of himself and what he’s achieved here.’

  Silence fell in the barn as Bruce stepped onto the stage and held up his hands.

  ‘Hello, and welcome. We’re delighted you could make it here this evening to help us celebrate a new beginning for Greenacres.’

  As her dad continued his speech, talking about the vineyard’s history and about the changes they had made, Holly was conscious of Rich standing at her side, and of how every so often he’d glance over at Luke to check on him. The way he was so protective of his son reached down inside her and brought a host of emotions to the surface. Rich loved Luke and would do what he could to ensure that he was happy and had a good upbringing. Since they’d returned to the area, he had shown himself to be a changed man. He was caring, supportive and attentive; he was there day and night, whenever he was needed. Holly had only to ask for something and he’d do what he could to provide it, whether it was a shoulder to cry on or a sounding board to work through an issue. In the past, it had been Holly’s love for Rich that had bound them together. Yes, he had cared for her, she knew that, but not enough for her to be fulfilled. But something had changed within him and she could see it, feel it and, she hoped, trust in it.

  He caught her looking at him and smiled, and she smiled back.

  ‘And so it is with hearts full of love and respect that I would like to dedicate this barn and the changes we have made here to two very special people.’

  Holly’s breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t known anything about this.

  ‘Holly?’ Her dad held out a hand. ‘Could you come up here?’

  Rich gently touched her arm. ‘Go on. It’s okay.’

  She nodded, then crossed the barn, her heart pounding with emotion. When she reached the stage, she stepped up and took her dad’s proffered hand.

  ‘For those of you who don’t know, this is my daughter, Holly. She has been my inspiration through all of this – my inspiration and motivation throughout life, in fact.’

  Holly could see how hard her dad was struggling to maintain his composure. She squeezed his hand tighter, letting him know that she was with him, that she would help him.

  ‘Holly… your granny and I planned this as a surprise for you.’

  He led her to the side of the stage, and she spotted a red curtain hanging halfway down the wall. When had that been put there?

  ‘Will you do the honours?’ Bruce asked, pointing at the cord to the side of the curtain.

  ‘Of course.’

  She took hold of the cord and pulled it.

  Nothing happened.

  She tried again.

  ‘It’s stuck,’ she whispered.

  Her dad smiled and shook his head, then took the cord from her and gently tugged it to one side. The curtain started moving, so Holly took over from him and pulled until she could see a large wooden plaque. There was a photograph of her grandpa and her mum fixed to it, a photo she knew well, as the original had sat above the fireplace for as long as she could remember. They were both smiling. The photo had been taken at Holly’s fifth birthday, a long time before they’d lost anyone they loved; a long time before they’d known what life had in store for them.

  Under the photo were their names and a dedication: For those we have loved and lost, may they live on in our hearts and minds and their memories be wound into our fruitful vines.

  Holly’s vision blurred and she had to grit her teeth as she wobbled on the edge of breaking down completely. Her dad slid a strong arm around her shoulders and hugged her.

  ‘It’s beautiful, Dad.’ She kept her eyes closed, her back to the people in the barn, until the ache in her chest had ebbed away.

  ‘I hoped you’d think so. I wanted you to know that whatever happens in the future, your mum and grandpa will always be remembered, always a part of our lives.’

  He pulled her into a big hug then, and a series of oohs and ahs drifted around the barn. When he released her, Holly turned to the crowd.

  ‘Thank you so much for coming here this evening, and for being a part of this new dawn for our vineyard. Change has been a while in the making, but now is the time to move forward and to embrace all that the future holds. Particular thanks must go to my granny, Glenda Morton, who has been a part of the vineyard’s success since the beginning, who supported my grandfather through their early days here and who never complained about hard work or Grandpa’s inability to sit still for more than ten minutes.’

  All heads turned to the corner where Granny was sitting, holding on to the handle of the pram, pushing it gently back and forth. She raised her free hand and nodded, then her face crumpled and she covered her eyes.

  ‘Granny!’

  Holly dashed across the barn and knelt in front of her grandmother, holding her tightly.

  ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.’

  ‘It’s all right, Holly. I’m just so proud of you and Bruce.’

  Holly’s dad had joined them, and he gave Granny a hug then turned back to the barn.

  ‘I don’t think there’s much more to do now other than to have a good time! There’s plenty of wine, plenty of food – the hog roast will be served in the yard at eight o’clock, with vegetarian and vegan options available – and plenty of dancing to be done. I hope you all enjoy yourselves; if you do, please spread the word about what we offer here – excuse the hard sell, but here I go: accommodation in the recently renovated stone cottages, the wine-tast
ing tours, the events we can cater for here in the barn, our lovely little shop and… well… just tell everyone how nice we are! All the information you need is on our wonderful website. Welcome to Greenacres!’

  As applause spread through the crowd, Holly’s heart was filled with love and hope. Everything was going to be okay.

  * * *

  Two hours later, her head was spinning from talking, dancing and wine. She’d only had one glass, but the excitement and emotion of the evening had sent it straight to her head.

  Gelert was trying to snooze next to the pram, but failing, because every time someone came close, he’d sit up and watch their movements like a hawk. Holly had told Fran she wanted to adopt him, and Fran had been delighted. In fact, she’d said there was no way she could take him back now when he clearly loved his new family so much.

  Holly exchanged numbers with a blogger she’d been speaking to about the cottages, then excused herself and went to her granny.

  ‘Are you all right, Granny? Ready to mingle?’

  ‘I’m having a ball right here, Holly. People keep coming over to me and bringing me drinks, and a gentleman from the bowls club brought me a pork and apple sauce roll from the hog roast.’

  ‘Perhaps I should take Luke and Gelert back to the house now.’

  ‘It’s okay, my darling, you stay here. I’ll go.’

  Holly took in the excitement in her granny’s eyes and the glow in her cheeks.

  ‘Absolutely not! You stay here and party the night away.’

  ‘If you insist.’ Granny accepted a glass of wine from an elderly man in a white shirt and jeans held up with a pair of bottle-green braces.

  ‘I do. You have fun.’

  Holly took hold of Gelert’s lead and lifted the brake on the pram, then made her way to the door. She had hoped to say her goodbyes to Fran and her dad, and Rich too, of course, but she couldn’t see them through the bodies on the dance floor. She looked around the barn once more, at the happy faces, at the band on the stage playing lively country tunes, at her mum and grandpa smiling out at everyone from the far wall, then at her granny, who was now chatting to the man in braces and laughing like she was sixteen again.