Foxglove Farm

by Christie Barlow

  ‘And don’t forget, you both need to be back by two o’clock, showered and ready,’ Isla said, turning to Fergus.

  ‘We’ll do our best.’

  ‘You need to do more than your best,’ insisted Isla, giving Drew the look that meant, Don’t even think about being late.

  ‘As if I dare!’

  ‘Eek, it’s so exciting. Everything’s coming together.’

  Drew climbed back in the truck and Fergus started the engine. Fergus tooted the horn as he turned on to Love Heart Lane, leaving Isla waving and smiling like a Cheshire cat.

  Before walking back to the farmhouse, Isla hung back and watched Finn and Esme in the field. They were laughing and leading Mop by her lead and harness over makeshift jumps they’d created from old crates. They were convinced they were going to win the ‘Best in Show’ prize at the Heartcross village fair, but Isla didn’t want to burst their bubble, as she wasn’t sure the baby alpaca would pass for a miniature pony.

  Isla pulled her phone out of her pocket, she knew the teashop would be busy on a Saturday morning, but she was bursting to tell Flick her news.

  ‘Flick, it’s me, guess what!’

  ‘Tell me …’ said Flick, hearing the excitement in Isla’s voice.

  ‘I’ve got the licence … Foxglove Camping is official.’

  ‘Isla, that’s wonderful news! And what a day for it to land on your doormat. Are you excited? What time do the first guests arrive?’

  ‘Checking-in time is 3 p.m. onwards,’ said Isla, sounding all official.

  ‘Which gives us plenty of time for the grand opening. We’ll bring the buffet over around 1.30 p.m., and Allie is bringing the bar!’

  ‘I have friends working in all the best places!’

  ‘Oh, and Alfie’s got the local press involved too, so get yourself spruced up, we want lots of photos of you!’

  ‘I best get my skates on,’ said Isla, hanging up the phone.

  ‘Gran, where are you?’ There was no answer. ‘Come on, little man,’ she said, scooping up Angus. ‘Let’s go and find Great-granny. She can’t have gone far.’

  Kicking his legs, Angus gurgled.

  ‘Are you chatting to me?’ she said, smiling. ‘You are chatting to me. You’re growing up so fast.’

  Isla stepped out into the courtyard. ‘OMG!’ She spun round as she took in the sight around her. There was bunting draped from the entrance of Foxglove Farm over every fence leading to the courtyard.

  ‘Ta-dah!’ said Martha, appearing from behind the tractor.

  ‘Did you do this?’

  ‘I might have had something to do with it,’ she grinned.

  ‘You are like Super Gran. It looks amazing!’

  ‘How you feeling?’ asked Martha, tapping Angus lightly on the nose.

  ‘Excited! I can’t wait for the first guests to arrive, and then we are booked solid for five weeks so far.’

  ‘I knew you’d make this work. Good on you!’

  ‘And what’s in there?’ asked Isla, noticing an oversized marquee just left of the orchard.

  ‘Come and have a look.’

  Inside the marquee, floral bunting criss-crossed the ceiling and tables were draped with beautiful polka-dot tablecloths, with an impressive number of hay bales scattered around as seats. Allie had set up a drinks bar on a long trestle table covered in a crisp white tablecloth, and in the corner was a cluster of balloons.

  At that very second, Finn and Esme walked into the marque followed by Mop on a lead.

  Isla couldn’t help but smile, it was one of the funniest sights she’d ever seen.

  ‘Great-gran, here’s the tickets!’ said an excited Finn, thrusting them into Martha’s hand.

  ‘Marvellous,’ she said, taking them from Finn and placing them next to a little cash box. ‘You just make sure they give you the right money.’

  ‘We will,’ enthused Finn.

  Isla narrowed her eyes, ‘What are you all up to?’

  ‘Walk with Mop for 50p … have a selfie with her. All my school friends have already bought tickets!’

  ‘A businessman in the making! You have it all worked out,’ Isla said proudly, ruffling the mass of curls on the top of Mop’s head.

  ‘Great-gran, what time are the jugglers arriving?’

  ‘Jugglers, surely not?’ interrupted Isla.

  ‘And stilt walkers and a bouncy castle,’ added Esme, pleased she’d provided the extra information.

  ‘What?! Who has arranged all this?’

  ‘Drew, of course!’

  Stunned and amazed, Isla felt like she was floating on air. ‘He’s a keeper, that one.’

  Isla squeezed her eyes shut and smiled, she couldn’t believe how happy she felt. In the last few weeks the world seemed quite different somehow. The alpacas’ fleeces had been delivered to the fashion house and the transaction had gone through without a hitch, meaning they had been able to pay off the mortgage debt and loan, and leaving a little profit over.

  ‘And I nearly forgot,’ said Isla, handing her gran the letter. ‘Today is a good day.’

  Martha’s face beamed as she read that Isla had got her licence. ‘This is excellent news … come here,’ she said, wrapping her arms around her granddaughter and hugging her tight.

  ‘I feel like I’m in this little happy bubble and I want to float around in it forever.’

  ‘And you will! Come on, we need to get changed,’ said Martha, taking Angus from Isla’s arms.

  They began to amble back towards the farmhouse, when Isla had to air something that had been on her mind for a short while. ‘And what about you, Gran?’

  ‘What do you mean, what about me?’ Martha looked towards Isla.

  ‘I’ve never known you stay in one place for very long. Will you be moving on again soon?’ Isla hoped not, she knew she didn’t want to be without her. Martha had become a huge part of their lives.

  ‘I think at my age it’s about time I settled down … what do you think?’

  Isla rolled her eyes, ‘Thank God for that!’ she said, relieved, as they both heartily laughed.

  Isla watched nervously out of the farmhouse window, with Drew standing by her side. She felt happy and nervous. The idea for the camping had been born on impulse, but now it was very much reality.

  ‘All those people are coming to support you,’ said Drew, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on the top of her head. The villagers were sauntering up the long drive of Foxglove Farm with the sun beating down on their faces.

  ‘Is that … is that Alfie and Polly together?’ asked Isla, narrowing her eyes. ‘They are holding hands!’

  ‘First date, apparently,’ answered Drew.

  ‘OMG, and is that Rona with … what’s his name? That guy from Tinder.’

  ‘It looks that way,’ said Drew, grinning. ‘And before I forget,’ he said, skimming his eyes over Isla’s outfit, ‘you look amazing … I got this for you.’ Drew reached inside his pocket and brought out a small burgundy box.

  Immediately, Isla’s heart fluttered.

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Open it.’

  Isla slowly lifted the lid and gasped. Inside was the most elegant delicate diamond ring she’d ever seen.

  ‘Drew, it’s beautiful, absolutely beautiful,’ she said, goose pimples prickled her skin, her eyes welling with happy tears.

  ‘It’s an eternity ring. It’s me and you forever, Isla.’

  ‘Damn right, Drew Allaway.’

  He took the ring out of the box and slipped it on Isla’s finger. She held her hand up in front of her eyes, and the tears began to roll.

  ‘You can’t cry, your public awaits,’ said Drew, quickly rummaging in his pocket and dabbing Isla’s cheeks with a tissue.

  ‘It’s just …’

  ‘It’s just what?’

  ‘It’s just that I love you so much and it hurts … in a good way.’

  Drew beamed and kissed the tip of her nose, ‘The boy did well … come
on,’ he said, leading her by her hand. ‘We need to go and greet everyone.’

  As Isla stepped outside the farmhouse, Martha handed her a glass of fizz. ‘I’ll go and wait on the other side of the bridge and once you’ve cut the ribbon and people wander over to the vans, I’ll be there handing out the champers! Enjoy your moment … you deserve it … you both deserve it.’ Martha kissed them both on the cheek and made her way over to the orchard.

  Isla couldn’t believe the number of people that had gathered outside the orchard. She was beginning to feel a little anxious, but all her fears were eradicated the second she stepped in front of everyone and they all cheered. Isla felt like royalty standing there, all these people had turned up for her.

  Drew thrust his crutch up into the air and hushed the crowd, ‘Follow us!’ Isla took Angus from Felicity’s arms, who’d been minding him, and slipped her other arm around Drew’s waist. ‘I feel so happy,’ she whispered.

  As they led everyone towards the orchard, Isla stopped in her tracks. On either side of the bridge were beautiful bay trees dressed with sparkling fairy lights, and tied between the two was a vibrant pink ribbon tied in a bow.

  ‘Speech … speech …’ everyone began to chant.

  ‘I’m so proud of you,’ Drew whispered in her ear, then stepped to the side.

  Feeling emotional, Isla clutched on to Angus, bit down on her lip and held on to her happy tears. Her heart thumped with excitement as she took in the view of the people in front of her.

  But before she could speak, Finn interrupted her. ‘Mummy … Mummy, don’t forget to mention it’s only 50p to have your photo taken with our Mop.’ Finn and Esme were standing next to the red ribbon with Mop on her lead.

  As the crowd roared with laughter, Isla gave them both the thumbs up. ‘I want ten pounds’ worth of tickets.’

  Finn and Esme locked their wide eyes, ‘WOW! We are rich!’

  All of Isla’s friends were standing near the front, clapping and giving her encouraging smiles. The crowd fell silent and her body trembled. ‘This is truly amazing, thank you all for coming,’ she took a deep breath. ‘Little did I know when Drew and Fergus decided to waste money … I mean, invest in some old decrepit vans … that they would become my future … our future.’ Isla pointed towards Drew and Fergus and shook her head in jest.

  Drew gave her a gooey smile.

  ‘We all know that in the last few months, Foxglove Farm has had its moments: fires, broken legs, alpaca rustling, but throughout it all we have stayed strong.’ Isla took a teary look towards Drew. ‘We are family and that’s what we do, love each other, support each other and look after each other.’ Isla swallowed down a lump in her throat, she couldn’t bring herself to speak and looked helplessly towards Drew, who immediately came to her rescue.

  ‘I’m super proud of my wife,’ he cleared his throat. ‘She saw an opportunity and ran with it.’ He took a breath, ‘And I wouldn’t be without her or our beautiful children. And Martha, of course. We are family!’

  ‘Daddy … Daddy,’ shouted Finn, ‘remember to tell them it’s only 50p for a ticket to have a selfie with Mop.’

  The whole crowd laughed again as Finn managed to break the high emotion. ‘I kind of get the feeling you are going to be quids in,’ Drew winked at Finn. ‘Drink, eat, be merry and have a selfie with our baby alpaca. It’s a must because one, you will love it and two, this time next year Finn and Esme are going to be millionaires … mark my words.’ Drew took a swift look towards Isla who managed to compose herself. Drew handed her the scissors.

  Isla took a deep breath and juggled and balanced Angus on her hip. ‘My first guests check-in in …’ She looked at her watch. ‘In one hour, so in the meantime, there’s free booze and food in the marquee, and all I ask in return is that you tell your friends and family that Foxglove Camping is well and truly open!’

  With one snip the ribbon fell to the ground with a resounding cheer from the gathered crowd.

  Isla watched proudly as everyone trundled over the bridge towards the orchard and was greeted by Martha handing out glasses of fizz.

  Isla stood back with Drew. ‘Are you happy?’

  ‘Happy? More than happy. We make the best team, and that will never change, but I was just wondering … How much to hire that van for the night?’ Drew asked with a wicked glint in his eye.

  ‘You don’t get a discount … I have a living to earn!’

  ‘I love you, Isla.’

  ‘I love you more!’

  The End

  Can’t wait to get back to Heartcross? Don’t miss the next book in the unmissable Love Heart Lane series …

  Clover Cottage

  Order now

  A Letter from Christie

  Dear Readers,

  Firstly, if you’re reading this letter, thank you for choosing to read Foxglove Farm.

  I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading this book. If you did, I would be grateful if you’d write a review. Your recommendations can always help other readers to discover my books.

  I can’t believe my ninth book is published; writing for a living is truly the best job in the world and I love spending my time in a fictional land.

  I’m particularly proud of this novel and the storyline was inspired by my recent trip to Peru where I trekked the Inca Trail with a group of awesome individuals. The characters Isla and Drew have been a huge part of my life for the last twelve months and also appear in Love Heart Lane but the good news is there will be more books to come based around the little village of Heartcross in the Scottish Highlands.

  Huge thanks and much love to everyone who has been involved in this project. I truly value each and every one of you and it’s an absolute joy to hear from all my readers via Twitter and Facebook.

  Please do keep in touch!

  Warm wishes,

  Christie x

  Acknowledgements

  I’m pinching myself! I really can’t believe my ninth book has been published and there is a long list of truly fabulous folk I need to thank who have been instrumental in crafting this novel into one I’m truly proud of.

  I owe huge gratitude to my four beautiful children Emily, Jack, Roo and Mop for their continuous love and patience when I’m locked away for hours in my writing cave. I couldn’t do the job I love without the support of my awesome gang. I love you.

  Woody (my mad cocker spaniel) and Nellie (my labradoodle puppy) you are both my writing partners in crime and always by my side … and when you’re not I know you’re up to mischief!

  Endless love goes to my best friend Anita Redfern, who without a doubt is generous with her time day or night. She is simply the best and always makes me a happier human.

  Thank you to Team Impulse for their endless support. The gorgeous Charlotte Ledger who goes far beyond the call of duty to encourage, inspire and make the magic happen.

  My utterly fabulous editor Emily Ruston, who in the most amazing way makes all my books the best they can be.

  My agent Kate Nash, for your energy, vision and continuous support in me.

  Big love to Rowan Coleman and Alison May who gave me hope when I thought all hope was lost. The RNA is a wonderful, supportive family to be part of. Thank you.

  High fives to Bella Osborne, Jules Wake and Kiren Parmar … you rock!

  Team Barlow! Huge love to my merry band of supporters and friends, Lucy Davey, Jenny Berry, Tammi Forbes-Owen, Louise Speight, Sarah Lees, Catherine Snook, Suzanne Toner, Sue Miller, Emma Cox, Bhasker Patel and Kathy Ford. I am truly grateful for your constant sharing of posts and your support for my writing is truly appreciated.

  Thank you to all the readers and bloggers for getting behind all my books in such an overwhelming way. Sharon Hunt, Judy Corker, Jeanie Nic Fhionnlaigh, Rose Harding, Collette Ingham, Sam Peacock, Sue Perring, Lucy Siddorn, Colin Bell, Sian Elizabeth Thompson, Tina Hillan-McMahon, Virginia Cole, Cheryl Hamann-Goss, Sally Tolson, Sue Callcutt, Felicity Turner, Claire Wright, Debbie Lichfield, Lewis Barlow, Kyle Barlow
, Hollie Barlow, Sarah Rothman, Nicola Clough, Elizabeth Buckley, Kim Feasey, Alma Stelfox and Rachel McAllister. I am eternally grateful. Writing can be a solitary profession but when your book flies into the big wide world it’s a team effort and I have the most amazing team of merry supporters!

  Finally, this book wouldn’t have be written if it wasn’t for Lisa Hall, Natalie Emmerick, Charlotte Seddon, Louanne Martin, Kiersten Jerrett, Kieran Millward and Tina Valeriano. This awesome gang of people provided the little spark of inspiration for this story whilst trekking the Inca Trail in Peru. We are family!

  Thank you so much for all your lovely messages, emails and tweets, please do keep them coming. They mean the world to me.

  I have without a doubt really enjoyed writing Foxglove Farm and I really hope you enjoy hanging out with Isla and Drew. Please do let me know!

  Warmest wishes,

  Christie x

  About HarperImpulse

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  About the Publisher

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