A Home at Honeysuckle Farm

by Christie Barlow

  Chapter 37

  Sam opened his front door, raked his fingers through his unruly hair and gasped.

  ‘Alice … you look …’

  ‘Dreadful,’ I interrupted, knowing my eyes were swollen from crying and my face was blotchy. ‘Here, open this,’ I thrust a bottle of red wine into Sam’s hand.

  ‘I know it’s still early but it’s been a hell of a morning. I know … and when I say I know, I mean I know everything. Mum’s back from New York and everything is out in the open.’

  ‘Come on in,’ Sam said without hesitation, opening the door wide.

  I’d left Mum up at the farmhouse with Grandie. They needed some time together to talk things through, and I needed to see Sam. He’d been treated unfairly in all this and after speaking some more with Mum and Grandie, I’d told them about my friendship with Sam and how some of the villagers had been treating him. It wasn’t only our own family that had been affected by the secrets.

  ‘What’s happened?’ he asked, taking my coat from me and hanging it up on the hook.

  ‘There’s more to this story than meets the eye. Go and pour us both a glass of wine, I think we are going to need it.’ Sam looked intrigued and without saying a word took the bottle into the kitchen.

  A few moments later, we both settled on the sofa. ‘So,’ he said, entwining his fingers around mine and looking deep into my eyes, ‘what’s happened?’

  ‘The stolen car that killed my grandma – Oscar wasn’t driving it.’

  Instantly, Sam’s jaw dropped. ‘You must have got that wrong.’

  I shook my head.

  ‘I don’t understand, Oscar went to prison, he confessed. If he wasn’t driving the car, then who was?’

  I blew out a breath, ‘My mum.’

  Sam gasped, his eyes widened. ‘I wasn’t expecting that.’

  ‘Me neither. Drink your wine, let me tell you the whole story.’

  For the next ten minutes, I told Sam everything. He listened in silence and when I’d finished he let out a low whistle.

  ‘The heartbreak and secrets that have been kept hidden for years …’ he said. ‘How are you feeling about it all?’

  ‘Battered, bruised, exhausted but relieved it’s finally out in the open. Even though Grandie and Mum have a long way to go, bridges to build et cetera … I’m sure they’ll get there.’

  He nodded, ‘In time.’

  ‘I’m so sorry you’ve been hurt by this.’

  ‘Me?’ Sam sipped his wine.

  ‘The way some of the villagers have treated you because of my family’s lies and secrets.’

  ‘Come here,’ he pulled me in close, ‘I’m just glad you’ve finally got the answers you need.’

  ‘I always thought they’d fallen out over money or because my father was a crook or something. But, out of all this I’ve discovered my dad was actually a pretty good man and goes by the name of William Hall.’

  ‘Is she still in touch with him?’

  ‘Bizarrely, she’d discovered him on Facebook only a matter of weeks ago and had been deliberating what to do about it. So, before I came round here, I sat with Mum and Grandie and we decided the best way forward was to have no more secrets, get everything out in the open, and we composed a message to him. Mum has finally been able to tell him he has another daughter.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘And as yet, there’s been no reply. I’m hoping that’s down to the time difference. We’ll just have to wait and see.’

  ‘How are you feeling about that?’

  ‘If I’m truly honest, I’ve no idea what to expect. I suppose a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I’ll take each day as it comes. It’s all I can do.’

  He gave me a sheepish grin, ‘So does this change how you feel about staying in England now?’

  ‘We talked about it and the dance school …’

  ‘C’mon, the suspense is killing me.’

  ‘I’m definitely staying in England,’ I answered, my heart swelling with happiness as I noticed the beam hurtle across Sam’s face.

  Sam squeezed my hand, ‘I’ve kind of been hiding a little secret of my own,’ he confessed.

  My eyes were now firmly fixed on him.

  ‘Which is?’ Every nerve in my body tingled.

  He looked at me with the most kissable smile. ‘Recently, there’s been this woman, with a funny American accent who likes dressing in her PJs to buy bottles of milk …’

  ‘Loungewear,’ I corrected with a goofy grin.

  ‘I believe you, thousands wouldn’t … as I was saying … she came into my life when I was least expecting it. She’s warm, and definitely funny in her loungewear … and I’m glad she’s decided to stay in England, in Brook Bridge …’

  ‘Any particular reason why?’ I teased.

  He stretched his arms out towards me and I snuggled into his embrace.

  ‘You’re beautiful, Alice Parker. I think it’s safe to say you’ve danced your way into my life, straight to my heart.’

  I gave him a playful swipe, ‘No cheesy chat-up lines, please.’

  ‘I was being serious,’ he said, cocking an eyebrow and laughing heartily before dipping his head and brushing his lips against mine.

  Sam slowly stood up and, holding my hand, he led me slowly up the stairs and into his bedroom. I couldn’t wait a moment longer to be wrapped up in his arms. It felt so right being with him. The moment he lay me on the bed we began kissing, slowly and softly at first but then with urgency. His kisses left me wanting more. Pressing my body against his, I ran my hands over his smooth warm skin and basked in the pleasure of his touch as he gently removed my blouse. I could feel his hardness against my thigh as I wriggled out of my jeans, my lips never leaving his.

  ‘You are beautiful,’ he whispered, kissing my neck and making me gasp.

  ‘Sam Reid, you are perfect, now stop talking.’

  ‘You don’t have to tell me twice.’

  Two hours later, I stirred, taking a moment to realise where I was. The bright-red lights from the clock said it was just past 4 p.m. Sam’s strong arms were tightly wrapped around my body and I smiled to myself. An overwhelming feeling of happiness gushed through my body as I nestled in deeper while kissing him lightly on his chest.

  ‘Mmm, are you awake?’

  ‘Maybe,’ I whispered, stroking his chiselled chin gently.

  ‘You’ve worn me out,’ he hitched a smile, lacing his hands through my hair then tilting my lips towards his.

  As the kiss ended, he cradled my face in his hands. ‘I’m falling for you, Alice Parker.’

  ‘That’s good to know,’ I kissed him softly back.

  I was the happiest girl alive.

  Chapter 38

  I didn’t mind waking up to an empty bed, especially when the aroma of sizzling sausages greeted me. Throwing back the duvet and pulling Sam’s faithful sloppy sweater over my head, I padded downstairs and slipped my hands around his waist.

  The table was set, and he was standing at the cooker preparing breakfast, looking utterly gorgeous as usual.

  ‘I could get used to this,’ I smiled, squeezing him tight.

  ‘It’s a big day today, how are you feeling?’

  I smiled, the last two weeks had been bedlam but there was no denying I’d enjoyed every second of it. Not only had I put the WI ladies through their paces but I’d chosen new colour schemes for the dance school, ordered a new sign to be erected outside, and next week there was a brand-spanking-new computer system about to be installed. It had been over a week since Mum’s arrival and she’d now moved into Honeysuckle Farm and everything seemed to be going from strength to strength. The past couldn’t be changed but we all had the future to look forward to.

  In such a short time, I couldn’t wish for anything more. Since arriving in England my life felt complete, once more I had a purpose, something to focus on and work towards. I was going into the family business with Mum and both of us couldn’t be happier about that. Things were a
bout to change for the pair of us. I’d permanently moved in with Grace, renting her spare room at the cottage, but was spending more and more time at Sam’s. I was truly happy.

  ‘I just need to decide what to wear,’ I answered with a smile, mentally flicking through a number of options. ‘I can’t make my mind up.’

  The ladies of the WI were all meeting at the dance school around three, with the grand finale beginning on the main stage on the village green at 4 p.m. Their dresses hung ready on the clothes rail with their shoes neatly stacked underneath. They’d worked so hard in the last fortnight. No one had missed a practice and their feet hadn’t touched the ground – literally. Connie had undertaken a magnificent job sourcing all the costumes from the charity shops and the local haberdashery had provided all the sparkle and sequins to transform the outfits into utter gorgeousness. Everyone in the community had pulled together.

  Yesterday, I’d spent time with Bert, perfecting his dance routine and putting him through his paces one last time before he twirled his beloved Dorothy of fifty years around that stage in front of all their friends and family. We’d even managed to sneak in a quick shopping trip to purchase a suit. Bert looked distinguished and handsome in his tuxedo and bow tie. His face beamed as he swung his carrier bag with pride and he couldn’t thank me enough.

  Bert’s secret was still safe. Dorothy had no idea that she would be opening the show.

  As I sat down at the table, Sam handed me a cuppa while I flicked on to my iPad. I noticed that Molly had uploaded some new photos from a radio-station bash. I’d feared the moment I’d FaceTimed her to share the news that I was staying in England. I’d miss her dreadfully, but as good friends do, she’d said all the right things to me. She was happy if I was happy but we had both been tearful. I’d ended the call with an overwhelming feeling of sadness, knowing it was unlikely I’d ever return to New York permanently. We’d promised to keep in touch and she’d hinted that next time she took a vacation, she would consider England.

  Sam took the plates out of the oven and placed them on the table. ‘Here, eat up, you’re going to need your strength today.’

  ‘This all looks very impressive, maybe I should come for breakfast more often,’ I smiled.

  ‘Maybe you should.’

  My stomach exploded into a hundred fireflies at the very thought of spending more time with Sam. In such a short time we’d become inseparable, spending every spare minute together.

  We tucked into a hearty breakfast accompanied by Bucks Fizz. Sam had really gone to town, spoiling me. And just as we’d finished and begun to clear the dishes away, the front doorbell rang out, taking me by surprise.

  ‘You get that,’ he smiled, throwing a bunch of keys towards me. Opening the door, I was greeted by a delivery man who was hiding behind an enormous bouquet of blooms and a huge parcel.

  ‘A delivery for Alice Parker,’ he announced chirpily.

  ‘Thank you,’ I answered, surprised by the gorgeous scented flowers, yet puzzled by the cardboard box which wasn’t particularly heavy. Who would send me flowers and gifts here, when I lived next door, I thought, mystified.

  Closing the door in wonderment, I stared at the parcel. There was a printed label on the front but no return address on the back. Laying the blooms down on the bottom stair, I eagerly began to open the box. Inside, the contents were hidden beneath delicate ivory tissue paper and on top was a card which I turned over, my heart skipping a beat.

  ‘Wow, someone loves you,’ Sam grinned, standing in the doorway of the kitchen.

  I read the card out loud: ‘Good luck for today, you are simply the best, Sam xx’

  Clutching the card to my chest, I said, ‘This is so beautiful and thoughtful.’ Swelling with happiness then trembling with excitement, I unfolded the tissue paper and lifted the most exquisite dress out of the box. My eyes were brimming with happy tears. It was a simple dress, made from a shimmery violet satin, gathered at the waist with a satin band that floated to my ankles elegantly. The soft scoop neckline, sewn with sparkles and sequins, shimmered in the light.

  ‘I don’t know what to say, it’s stunning.’

  Sam took the dress from my hands and held it up against me. I twisted my hair, scooping it up on top of my head before letting it fall back to my shoulders. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Absolutely perfect. You’ve worked so hard for today.’ He pressed a light kiss on my forehead. ‘You deserve to look like a million dollars.’

  Even though I wasn’t wearing the dress yet, I already felt like a million dollars.

  ‘Everyone is excited for the finale and that’s all down to you. You’ve co-ordinated the event, taught the WI to dance, organised the troops, the backdrop and the costumes.’ He laid the dress back in the box and pulled me in close.

  ‘And saved the village from Mr Cross’s ukulele!’ I added, and we both laughed.

  ‘There is that, which I’m sure the village is eternally grateful for.’

  Wrapped in Sam’s arms, he whispered to me softly, ‘I adore you and I’m glad you boarded that plane from the Big Apple and came into my life.’

  ‘I’m glad I did too.’ I snuggled in close, feeling safe and content in his arms.

  Tilting my face upwards, Sam gazed into my eyes then kissed me so tenderly, sending shivers down my spine.

  ‘You’ve made me the happiest man ever.’

  My heart burst with happiness.

  ‘Have we got time for …?’ he tipped me a cheeky wink.

  ‘Er, no! It’s a busy day!’ I needed to check on the staging, make sure the backdrop was in place and transport the chairs from the dance school to the village green. ‘As much as I’d love to climb back into bed with you, there’s no time! There’s so much to do.’

  ‘Spoilsport!’ He gave me that lopsided smile and his eyes sparkled as he tugged at my sleeve.

  ‘Don’t give me that look, you know I can’t resist that look.’

  ‘That was my plan.’

  Sam was gorgeous. I pulled him back up the stairs, another fifteen minutes wouldn’t hurt …

  All along the High Street the triangular coloured bunting weaved between the lamp-posts and flapped in the light breeze. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining and only a few clouds were dotted sporadically in the cobalt sky.

  Mum and I followed the arrows on the makeshift cardboard signs hammered in the front gardens of the residents that pointed towards the village green. Sam was going to follow us down later on this afternoon. My dress was hanging alongside all the others in the dance school. We’d decided it was best if we hot-footed it over there at the last minute to get changed.

  The village green was unrecognisable. Small huts bursting with colour lined the streets all the way around the green, selling items of necessity as well as luxury. We paused to look at the jewellery, the trinkets and then a little further up I spotted Bert. The Old Teashop’s stall was abundant with the most delicious cakes, pasties and sausage rolls laid out on a red-dotted tablecloth. He was shovelling cup-cakes inside paper bags and handing them out to the excited children, who were eagerly waiting for a taste. He glanced up over the crowd and caught my eye, giving us a wave above his head.

  ‘Where’s Dorothy? Is she with you both?’

  ‘Currently having her hair done,’ I shouted over. Bert tipped his cap in acknowledgement and we carried on walking.

  ‘It’s good to be back. I’ve missed this,’ she admitted.

  ‘Me too,’ I said, linking my arm through hers and finally feeling a part of a community once more.

  We weaved our way through the hustle and bustle towards the far end of the green where a small crowd was gathered. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I noticed Mr Cross standing there, dressed in gaudy clothes with a small group of excited toddlers jumping and squealing at his feet to the sound of his ukulele.

  There were jugglers, stilt walkers and bouncy castles. Families were sprawled out on picnic rugs, eating sandwiches and enjoying a small t
ipple in the afternoon sunshine.

  I was beginning to feel a little anxious about the grand finale as we ambled towards the main stage but all fears were soon eradicated when I noticed Grandie standing next to Jim admiring their own handiwork.

  ‘Grandie,’ I shouted and he spun round. ‘Just look at this.’ I couldn’t believe my eyes, the sparkly backdrop was magnificent. ‘Brook Bridge Goes Strictly,’ I read, ‘Presented by Alice Parker.’ There was my name up in lights, something I’d always hoped for.

  ‘I’m so proud of you, Alice,’ Grandie hugged me and then gestured towards the judging table. ‘What do you think?’ The long trestle table was covered in a crisp white tablecloth and the seats were covered with shimmering violet sashes, the same colour as my dress. Feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, I knew Sam had thought of that special touch.

  ‘Oooh, look,’ exclaimed Mum, holding up a number paddle. ‘I feel all important!’

  ‘We need to set up the sound system, then if you’re free for coffee and cake …?’ asked Grandie.

  ‘Sounds perfect, see you back here in half an hour,’ I said, glancing at my watch.

  Mum and I carried on walking, enjoying the jovial atmosphere.

  ‘Candy-floss, it’s been years since I’ve had candy-floss.’ She delved into her pocket and handed the loose change over to the man in exchange for two bags.

  ‘That was your phone,’ I said, already stuffing the pink fluffy mixture into my mouth. ‘It just beeped.’

  Mum’s eyes were fixed on the screen.

  ‘Facebook message.’ At first her face was one of blind panic, then the corners of her mouth began to lift and she blew out a breath.

  ‘Is everything okay?’ I asked.

  ‘I think so. I hope so,’ she turned the phone towards me. ‘Take a look. We have a word from William,’ she spoke softly.

  ‘We do? And …?’ I asked, lifting an eyebrow.

  ‘Like I said, take a look.’

  Shielding the phone screen from the sun, we stopped walking. My heart raced as I scanned the message. ‘He wants to see me, he actually wants to come and see me.’