‘Yes Dad!’ Esme saluted, and everyone laughed.
‘Now go and get your coat.’
Both Fergus and Felicity watched Esme skip happily over to her coat.
‘She wasn’t ill, was she?’ asked Fergus quietly but not looking at Felicity.
‘I couldn’t possibly say.’
‘She just wanted to come and see you.’
‘I think that was the case.’
‘Thank you for this morning,’ said Fergus with such warmth that Felicity could feel her heart beat faster. She pressed her lips together to try and suppress her smile.
‘You’re very welcome, Fergus.’
Fergus’s eyes met hers and sparkled. It was then Felicity reminded herself to breathe normally.
‘I’m ready,’ said Esme looking up at Fergus then Felicity with a wide smile. ‘Thank you for having me,’ she said.
‘You’re very welcome and I hope to see you soon.’
‘Would you like to join us for dinner at the cottage tonight?’ asked Fergus with hope in his voice. ‘I think it’s only fair you should sample this wonderful cake too, after all you did help to make it.’
Esme’s face lit up, her excitement about to bubble over. ‘Please say yes!’ She put her hands together in a prayer-like stance.
They both smiled at her enthusiasm.
‘It would be my absolute pleasure.’
‘Around seven?’ added Fergus.
‘Sounds perfect,’ Flick replied.
Fergus turned quickly, and Felicity caught the scent of his aftershave, her stomach fluttering instantly. She snagged her mum’s eye who gave her a knowing look – a look that meant, even though things always took time, everything was going to be okay. She hoped so, this was a major step for both her and Fergus. She knew under the circumstances Fergus wouldn’t let just anyone get close to Esme.
Chapter 29
Felicity spent most of the day watching the clock and trying to keep the bubble of nervous butterflies in her stomach under control, which was daft as she’d known Fergus for such a long time. As soon as the last shift in the kitchen was over and the teashop was spick and span, she skipped up the stairs with a spring in her step. She stood for a moment, looking out of her bedroom window, and caught her breath. She could see Foxglove Farm in the distance, and it still looked bright on such a grey day. The branches of the willow tree hung over the pond and she watched a mallard with its brown speckled plumage bobbing its head under the water. Felicity was longing for warm summer days to arrive.
She turned and opened the wardrobe door, flicking up and down the rails deciding on an outfit. She knew it was silly worrying about what she was going to wear. After all, it was only dinner at the cottage but she still wanted to look her best. In the end, remembering Fergus always complimented her when she wore blue she plumped for skinny jeans and a navy cashmere sweater.
Once she’d pulled a brush through her hair and swept blusher across her cheeks, she declared herself ready. After giving her mum a kiss on the cheek she set off towards Fox Hollow Cottage.
Considering the high winds and snow recently, everywhere was peaceful but chilly as she ambled along Love Heart Lane. She noticed Allie settling down on the settee in Rory’s living room to watch TV, and Hamish disappeared inside Heather’s cottage a little further down.
Felicity dug her hands deep inside her pockets and within no time at all, she pushed open the garden gate to Fergus’s cottage. She knew the log fire was lit as there was a woody scent in the air and wisps of silver grey smoke curled and danced their way from the chimney.
Her stomach gave a nervous flip as she walked towards the door. ‘Come on Felicity, be brave, it’s only dinner!’ she said, giving herself a talking-to which didn’t do much to calm her nerves.
Within seconds of knocking, Fergus opened the door. Her eyes lifted towards him, and she held her breath. He looked perfect, the cobalt blue shirt suited him and he had it tucked into a dark blue pair of Levi jeans that fit him snugly.
There was something about the way he smiled at her that made her heart skip a beat but before she could say good evening, she heard a squeal from inside the house. ‘Is that Felicity?’ Esme shouted, before thundering down the stairs. She jumped straight off the bottom step and launched herself into Felicity’s arms.
‘I’m here,’ she smiled. ‘Now that’s what I call a welcome!’ She laughed, placing Esme’s feet back on the floor.
‘Let Felicity get in and take off her coat,’ Fergus joked at Esme’s enthusiasm.
Felicity unbuttoned her coat and passed it to Fergus who hung it on the coat stand in the hallway.
‘You look lovely, Flick,’ he said, flashing her the most gorgeous smile. ‘But then, you always did look good in blue.’
His words made every part of her tingle.
‘Thank you,’ she replied, thankful her voice sounded relatively normal. ‘You don’t look too bad yourself, Fergus Campbell.’
‘We’ve saved the cake for after dinner,’ Esme chipped in with a huge beam.
‘Excellent, I can’t wait to have a taste,’ answered Felicity, meaning every word. She watched Esme run off into the living room. The TV was on in the corner and the log fire was flickering away bringing a welcoming warmth to the room. Felicity could see through to the dining room. The table was set and it all looked very posh with a couple of crystal wine glasses standing tall – glasses she knew only came out on special occasions.
‘Drink?’ asked Fergus.
‘A glass of wine would be nice, if you have any?’ answered Felicity, following him into the kitchen.
‘Funnily enough, Mum had a bottle in the fridge.’
‘How is Aggie?’
‘Hopefully coming home tomorrow if she can stomach the rocking of Drew’s boat.’
Felicity chuckled. ‘She’s a braver woman than me. Remember that time we had that mini-break … Windermere, wasn’t it? You managed to get us stranded in that rowing boat after dropping the oar in the water.’
‘Hey, that wasn’t me, that was your fault! You declared you could row faster and stop us from going round in circles then dropped the oar into the water.’
‘Oh yeah!’ she grinned. ‘I’d forgotten that part.’
‘I bet you had.’ Fergus laughed, hitting her playfully on the arm before handing her a glass of wine.
‘I bet it’ll be good to have Aggie home though,’ said Felicity.
‘It’s certainly been quiet without her and don’t tell her this, but I’ve actually missed her,’ he admitted, leaning against the kitchen table.
Felicity took a quick glance towards the door. There was no sign of Esme so she took her chance to ask Fergus about his doctor’s appointment. ‘How did you get on with Dr Taylor?’
‘I’ve told him everything,’ he sighed. ‘It seems so much more real now an outsider knows, but to be honest I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders.’
‘Have you made any decisions?’
He nodded. ‘I can’t live with all this uncertainty hanging over my head, I’m … we’re going to take a DNA test but I’m going to have to wait until the postal system is back to normal in the village.’ His voice was low and a huge dollop of fear descended all around. Fergus raked his hand through his hair, an anxious expression written all over his face.
Felicity squeezed his arm. ‘It’s going to be all right, I’m here for you.’ She smiled towards him.
Tears were pricking Fergus’s eyes at the obvious fear of this next step he was taking. ‘I know and thank you,’ he said, pulling Felicity in for a hug. She rested her head against his chest, inhaling his woody aftershave.
She pulled away as the kitchen door opened and Esme was standing there. ‘You’re taking ages, is dinner ready now?’
‘It is! Go and wash your hands and sit yourself down at the table,’ Fergus ruffled her hair before she ran off in the direction of the bathroom.
‘Do you need help with anything?’ asked Felicity.
He shook
his head. ‘No, I’ve got everything under control, you go and sit down too.’
Felicity made her way through to the dining room, feeling indecisive about where she should sit. In the past she used to sit on the far side of the table towards the door, but what if that was Esme’s spot now?
‘Why don’t you sit in your usual place?’ Fergus appeared behind her carrying two bowls which he put down on the table.
It had been over eight years since she’d sat in her usual place and she felt a rush of warmth towards Fergus for even remembering. The last time she’d sat at this table had been on Christmas Day, alongside Fergus, Aggie, her mum and gran. She remembered the day like it was yesterday. It was strange to think that a week later she’d left for London.
She pulled out a chair, looked down at the bowl and chuckled. ‘I recognise this food, prepared and made by my own fair hands … you invite me around for dinner and I’m the one who cooked it! Such cheek,’ teased Felicity.
He laughed. ‘What can I say, there’s a shortage of food in the village … Rona kindly gave us ours. You and your mum make a good team.’
Felicity thought back to her childhood for a second. She’d been brought up by two strong women. Her mum and Bonnie. The love and warmth they’d both provided her with had given her a happy childhood. Her relationship with her mum was one of friendship, and growing up they’d enjoyed shopping trips and lunches together.
‘We do make a good team and I can’t wait to get the teashop up and running again once normality is regained in the village,’ she said, meaning every word.
‘Is that it then? You are definitely not going back to London?’ Fergus asked tentatively.
‘I don’t think I can face another day of Eleanor Ramsbottom.’
‘Huh?’ said Fergus.
‘My not-so-nice boss … let’s just say working for myself alongside Mum in Grandma’s teashop has given me new hope for the future. I’ll send my resignation email soon,’ she said, noticing the corners of Fergus’s mouth lift.
Esme skipped into the room and settled on the chair between them. She picked up a fork and took a mouthful followed quickly by another one.
‘Slow down … you’ll give yourself tummy ache,’ pointed out Fergus with a slight frown. ‘And remember your manners.’
‘The quicker I eat this the quicker I get a piece of cake.’ Her eyes were wide as she stared at the Victoria Sponge that was sitting proudly centre stage on the table.
‘Fair point,’ grinned Fergus.
‘Did you tell your dad about all the helicopters today?’ prompted Felicity, taking a small sip of wine.
Esme immediately put down her fork on the table and her eyes danced with excitement as she re-told the story of the helicopters dropping boxes on to Uncle Drew’s field.
‘They were boxes of food from the supermarket so the village doesn’t starve. In fact, Annie Boyd sent me an email this afternoon to say there will be two drops every week until the temporary bridge is up and running which is fantastic news … at least that’s one less thing to worry about.’
‘That is good, what happened to the boxes?’ asked Fergus.
‘Rory helped Drew load them on to the truck and they whizzed them off to Hamish’s shop to sort and ration. I think Hamish is glad of the responsibility; it’s keeping him busy with the shop being shut and the amount of livelihood he must be losing at the moment is a worry for him.’
‘It doesn’t bear thinking about. The farm is losing money too. Drew can’t get to market etc … it’s actually having a massive effect on everyone. I bumped into Julia in the doctor’s and she’s having the same problem. With the bridge collapse the B&B is empty. There are no passing ramblers through the village and again … another business that is losing money.’
‘I think everyone is suffering, but thankfully Alfie has organised a great team for the temporary bridge construction really quickly. He sent me a detailed schedule through and fingers crossed if all goes to plan the bridge should be up and running in approximately three weeks’ time. But until then there isn’t a lot we can do,’ said Felicity.
‘All finished,’ beamed Esme, placing her cutlery down on the table with a clatter.
‘Have you licked that bowl clean?’ laughed Fergus, amazed at how spotless it was.
‘Don’t be silly,’ she said with a grin, folding her arms and staring at the cake.
‘Why don’t you go and get us all a clean plate from the kitchen? I’ve left them on the side by the kettle.’
Esme didn’t need to be asked twice. She saluted and scooted off quickly towards the kitchen.
‘She’s adorable,’ said Felicity, watching her disappear through the door. For a moment Felicity wondered about the children they might have had together. What would they look like? What would their personalities be like?
‘She is that,’ replied Fergus, moving all the empty bowls out of the way and sliding the cake towards him.
Esme returned in record time and placed the plates down on the table.
‘Now young lady, I’ve already sliced up the cake, so which piece would you like?’ He looked at Esme who was studying every piece. ‘Mm, I think that one,’ she said, pointing to the larger slice in the middle.
Within seconds and after numerous appreciative noises of delight, the slice of cake had been devoured.
Esme had demolished every last crumb and with a satisfied look on her face and her hand placed on her very full stomach, she slumped back in the chair. Fergus couldn’t help but laugh at the jam and cream smothered all over her face and the dusting of icing sugar on her nose.
‘Now that was the best cake I’ve ever tasted. You are the best baker.’ Fergus stood up and plonked a kiss on the top of Esme’s head before collecting up the empty plates. ‘You need to bake more often.’
‘I second that,’ said Felicity with a smile. ‘I think there’ll be a job waiting for you in the teashop when you’re older.’
‘Do you really?’
‘Absolutely!’
Esme’s face beamed. ‘Can I have another piece?’
Fergus laughed. ‘Not on your Nellie, that’ll be way too much for your wee belly to handle.’
Esme rolled her eyes in jest.
‘Why don’t you go and get your PJs on and give those teeth a very good clean.’
Esme pushed back her chair and her footsteps could be heard echoing up the wooden stairs.
‘I’ll help you wash up,’ said Felicity standing up, collecting the empty glasses from the table.
‘You will do no such thing, go and make yourself comfy in the living room. That’s what dishwashers are for.’
With a spring in her step Felicity walked into the living room. Feeling happy but sentimental, she plumped for the settee and tucked her feet underneath her, staring contently into the flames of the fire. She’d missed all this, she thought with a slight pang – the closeness of family life, having someone she trusted by her side, the feeling of being part of a couple with a man you love. She’d missed the warmth and contentment of curling up at night with good company and not having a care in the world. For a long time, she’d felt like a shrunken version of herself and it was only now she was starting to feel like her old self again. When you’re hurt and confused, it’s sometimes easier to retreat and run from the people you love the most. Maybe if she hadn’t been so young at the time she would have handled the past and the situation better.
‘Penny for them.’ Fergus placed the wine bottle on the table before throwing another couple of logs on the fire and settling on the rug in front. He stretched his legs out in front of him and Felicity’s heart constricted at how gorgeous he was.
He looked up and caught her watching him. The two of them exchanged a look.
Suddenly from nowhere a little sadness crept in. ‘Sometimes … I wish I could turn back time,’ she said softly, leaning forward and topping up her wine.
Fergus smiled knowingly at her. ‘I know what you mean.’
‘I w
as just thinking how lovely it is to be back sitting here … with you and with Esme.’
‘I was thinking the same.’
His words touched her heart. ‘I know I’ve said it before, but I am sorry for everything, Fergus,’ she admitted, ‘running like I did … back then.’ Her voice faltered a little.
‘Hey, don’t dwell on it … it can’t be changed,’ he said sensibly. ‘And, if all that hadn’t have happened, I wouldn’t have that little ray of sunshine upstairs.’
‘I know … everything happens for a reason.’ Felicity sipped her drink while Fergus picked up his phone from the table which had just beeped.
‘Anything important?’
‘A text from Isla asking if I can join them in the pub?’
Just at that very second, Felicity’s phone beeped too. She glanced at her screen. ‘I’ve just got the same message. I wonder what that’s all about.’
‘I’m not sure … I can’t go, I’ve got Esme to look after. But maybe you should?’
Felicity looked up and chewed on her lip while she deliberated; she didn’t want to go without Fergus, she was having a really lovely evening and didn’t want it to end. Felicity was still staring at the message as Esme bounded down the stairs and into the living room in her unicorn PJs holding out a brush in her hand. Her gorgeous wavy hair bounced just below her shoulders. She weaved around the coffee table and stood in front of Felicity holding the brush towards her.
‘Would you brush my hair for me?’ she asked.
Felicity glowed inside at being asked. ‘Of course I will,’ she answered, taking the brush from her hand as Esme knelt down in front of her. She gently pulled the brush through her hair and caught Fergus watching her. As they gazed at each other, a feeling of peace washed over Felicity, and her heart swelled with love for Fergus and Esme. She knew she wanted them both in her life for a very long time. She smiled shyly at Fergus and saw the feeling of warmth in his eyes reflecting back at her.
‘I think you’re all done,’ said Felicity, just as there was a knock on the cottage door and Esme shot to her feet to answer it.
‘You’re a natural with her, she really likes you,’ said Fergus as he hot-footed after Esme.
Love Heart Lane Page 26