Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry Page 23

  ‘No worries, Frank, we’ll manage. Look, why don’t we create something simple out of cupcakes … maybe set them out on a three-tiered cake stand? They’d be easy enough to whip up in a hurry.’ Rachel was being resourceful.

  ‘Good thinking,’ Jill was on the case, ‘I was going to be making some vanilla cupcakes with a pretty edible rosebud on top for the reception anyhow, so why don’t I make a few extra and keep them back for that.’

  ‘That sounds a great idea, Mum … and maybe Wendy will add a few floral strands to the cake stand for effect.’

  They gave each other a high five.

  Rachel could cope with a missing wedding cake, but what she couldn’t cope with was a missing groom.

  She tried calling Tom’s mobile again, sending love and hope down the airwaves. Still no answer.

  As she went to put her phone away, a message pinged in. Oh … her fingertips fumbled as she rushed to check it. But it wasn’t Tom. It was just a notification for a private message on the Pudding Pantry Facebook page. But Rachel’s eyes widened in shock as she started to read.

  ‘Rachel, where do I begin … I’m so sorry. What started as a small, impulsive comment online, which I have to admit came out of jealousy, just got all out of hand. It wasn’t easy for me thinking of Tom getting married again, I’ve been in quite a dark place. It’s no excuse, I know that. And well, I realise now how damaging those nasty comments I made on the Pantry pages could be. I’m not proud of what I’ve done, and I wanted to come clean. You deserve the truth. Please accept my sincere apologies, which I know might seem too little too late. But I hope, in time, you can think about starting to forgive me. It’s now time for us all to move on and I do wish you and Tom all the best – I really do. Sincerely, Caitlin.’

  Oh my god. Rachel felt a bit winded, she stood clutching her phone to her chest. It really was Caitlin. She had strongly suspected she was behind it all, but it was another thing to be faced with the reality.

  Phew, she had to admit it felt a relief to have that issue resolved. And it felt like the threat of Caitlin was fading into the distance. It couldn’t have been easy for her to write that, Rachel acknowledged. That took courage, at least. She resolved to reply when she’d had a chance to absorb it all. For now, though, she had a wedding to get back on track.

  Just like old times, Rachel and Eve, bride-to-be and maid of honour, were sitting on the bed in Rachel’s bedroom later that day. It was the eve of the wedding.

  They’d had a frenetic couple of hours with all hands on deck at the newly set-up tipi, with electric cables being rolled out, and men from the village-hall committee up on a cherry picker stringing up lights. Extra tables and chairs, borrowed from the hall, were now all in place along with the Pantry’s furniture, leaving the tearoom area free and about to be turned into a standing area for a fabulous drinks reception. For which Granny Ruth had insisted she make the perfect ‘naughty nibbles’, to accompany the lemon gin fizz welcome cocktails. It was all coming together perfectly on the outside, but on the inside Rachel’s heart was still in tatters. All this help, and community effort, would it all be for nothing? After helping out, Ben had taken Amelia back home and Jill was now downstairs with Maisy, baking extra ‘wedding cake’ cupcakes. The girls had a token glass of prosecco each, and chocolates to hand, and were meant to be chilling out and pampering themselves with manicures and pedicures, ready for the big day tomorrow. But there was far too much going on for either of them to feel in any way relaxed.

  Rachel had to do something, and now. Her relationship with Tom was far too precious to wreck. She hadn’t disclosed the truth about ‘the kiss’ to protect Eve, but look where that had got her. She took her friend’s hand. ‘Eve, look, I have something to ask you.’

  ‘Of course, what is it chick?’

  ‘It’s time … you have to tell Ben the truth. About you and Aiden.’

  ‘Oh my God. Why, what’s happened, Rach?’

  ‘It’s Tom … He’s seen me and Jake together and got the wrong impression. Honestly, it was nothing, you know exactly how I feel about Jake,’ Rachel explained to her friend, ‘but there was a fly in my eye, and he was getting it out.’ She shook her head at the absurdity of the misunderstanding. ‘Anyhow, Tom’s taken it all the wrong way, and with these rumours flying about the village about two people sharing a kiss; well, he’s jumped to completely the wrong conclusion and thinks that it was Jake and me. Oh Eve, I think he might call the wedding off. I’ve been trying to call him, but he’s so angry, he’s just ignoring me.’

  ‘Nooo, that can’t happen, no way! Oh Rach, I’m so sorry that you’ve been dragged into all of this. Somehow someone knows about what I did and it’s all got mixed up in the village Chinese whispers.’ Eve stood up, shaking but resolute. ‘I’ll go and see Tom, Rach. I’ll tell him the truth.’

  ‘What about Ben?’

  ‘I’ll come clean to him too, I promise … but please, let me ask Tom to let me do that in my own time. Soon … Oh God, Rachel.’ Eve’s hand was trembling, the girls were holding on to each other tight. ‘What if Ben can’t forgive me? What if it’s all over between us? I’ve been so stupid …’

  ‘Eve, you’re upset. Sit tight. Let me go and talk to Tom. If I need you to explain any further, then maybe you can chat to him on the phone. Stay here for now. And Eve, thank you.’ She sighed, gripping her friend’s hand. ‘You know I’m only telling Tom the truth because I absolutely have to. I’d never want to betray your trust.’

  ‘Of course, I understand. Go find him, Rachel. Do what you have to, my lovely. I’m so, so sorry. It’s all my fault. I’ve been selfish. I-I’ve bloody well ruined your wedding.’

  ‘Not yet, you haven’t.’ Rachel managed a small, hopeful smile. ‘Look, I’ll be back soon, hopefully. Try and get some rest, or go and see Ben, whatever you feel you need to do.’

  ‘I need to think about how I’m going to tell him. Maybe, if I wait until after the wedding. So, I don’t spoil your day any more than I have already.’

  ‘Okay, we can chat some more when I get back … I love you, Eve.’

  ‘Love you too, Rach. Good luck. You don’t deserve all this hassle right now. I’m so sorry, hun.’ Eve gave her a big hug.

  Rachel got up to go, pausing at the door of her bedroom. ‘And Eve … making a mistake, doing one bad thing, that doesn’t make you a bad person.’

  Eve gave a loud, snotty blub. ‘Thanks, Rach.’

  ‘Is everything okay, love?’ Jill was in the kitchen putting some finishing touches to her rosebud-topped cupcakes.

  Rachel hadn’t told her mum all the ins and outs of the past two days – she was still hoping by hook or by crook that Tom would turn up at the church.

  ‘I think so, or at least it will be. It’s a bit complicated …’ Rachel had to hold her nerve. She’d love to be able to tell her mum everything, ask for her advice, but with Eve’s marriage – and her own – still on a tightrope, she needed to try and sort this out herself.

  ‘Is Eve still upstairs?’ Jill gave a small frown, her maternal instincts tuning in to the drama. ‘Can I help with anything?’

  ‘Ah yes, Eve’s fine.’ (White lie – she was in a heap on the bed upstairs.) ‘She’s up in my room, doing her nails. I’ve just remembered something for tomorrow and I just want to check it’s all okay.’ (The groom!) ‘So, can you just keep an eye on Maisy for me?’

  ‘Of course, love. There’s nothing else I can help with …?’ Jill left an opening, wondering if this could well be about Eve, in light of what Brenda had told her earlier in the week.

  ‘No, it’s all fine. I shouldn’t be too long.’ The fewer people who knew about this the better, at least until it was all sorted. She intended to be back at home soon, to spend the rest of the evening with Maisy, Eve and Jill, and to sleep in her own room for her wedding evening, as tradition dictated … Oh, she realised, it would also be her last night at Primrose Farm. Rachel felt a pang, knowing tonight would feel so strange, but she didn’t have
time to dwell on that right now.

  ‘All right then, love. Go and do what you have to, and if you need me at all … just ask.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  A look passed between them. Without having to say it, they both knew something momentous was in the offing.

  Rachel was up high on the hill, looking over the valley. The landscape rolled in dusky velvety-green folds, the sun dipping down over the Cheviots, the sky softening to a peachy-blue. It looked as if the weather would be settled for tomorrow.

  Rachel had got on the quad, needing some air, and a little space and time to think. She had to do this. Had to tell Tom everything, put this dreadful misunderstanding right that might wreck their wedding day, that might wreck them. Would Tom even believe her now? And where the hell had he been again these past twenty-four hours? Please, please let him be all right, and not have done anything stupid. Memories of finding her father that fateful day slammed into her mind … and a dreadful fear seeped through her soul. But not every hurt ended like that, she calmed herself. Tom probably just needed time to think.

  This rock, cool and solid beneath her, was where she’d sit with her dad on many an evening after checking the sheep together out on the quad, with Moss lying at their feet. Dad would magic a Twix chocolate bar from his pocket and they’d have one stick each, chatting about school and what Dad had been doing on the farm that day, with the sweet melt of chocolate and toffee on their tongues, and a promise not to tell Mum that they’d been eating sweets before supper.

  ‘Dad … where are you?’ She spoke the words aloud, softly, ‘Wish you could be here with us all tomorrow. Eve’s made me a gorgeous dress,’ she started chatting to the breeze. ‘Hah, you didn’t think you’d ever see me in a dress; always used to moan about me living in jeans … well, I will be now.’

  Could he hear her, somehow? Might he be there tomorrow at her wedding in some way, be able to see her walking down the aisle in that beautiful gown? She threw a huge, heartfelt wish to the sky. But maybe her words were just floating to the sheep, drifting over the rye grass, the rocks and stones … Who knew?

  I need to find Tom. To speak with him.

  She stood up, jolted by a feeling so strong. No more wasting time or holding off. Their love was too precious. She hoped to God that Tom would be back home again by now.

  ‘Go, lass.’ It was her dad’s voice, clear in her mind. And as she looked down over the valley once more, she saw there was a light on at Tom’s farmhouse.

  She raced to the quad, leapt on. The wind in her hair and hope in her heart.

  She was relieved to see the grey truck parked up outside the farmhouse. She rushed into the kitchen, not bothering to knock. ‘Tom. Tom!’

  And there he was. All ruffled dark hair, pale blue shirt, forearms bare. Thank heavens. He was sat at the kitchen island and looked up at her … with such sadness behind those green eyes that she loved so much. A small glass of whisky was propped beside him. She was almost afraid to go to him. Yet, all she really wanted was to throw her arms around him.

  ‘What do you want, Rach?’ His tone was flat, broken.

  ‘It’s not what you think … and I-I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the whole story before … I was trying not to hurt Eve and Ben …’ The words spilled out.

  ‘I don’t want more excuses … I can’t go back to a relationship that isn’t honest, Rach. I thought what we had was better than that.’

  ‘It is. Tom … it is,’ she paused, trying to grasp the words to find her way back to him. ‘Where were you last night, the night before? I’ve been worried sick.’

  ‘Needed to think. Wondering if I can go ahead with all this …’

  ‘Oh, Tom.’ He flinched as she touched his shoulder.

  She had hurt him so much by holding back on the truth. ‘I’m so sorry … but that kiss, all those rumours, it was never me and Jake, honestly. I swore to Eve I wouldn’t say anything, but it’s gone too far, and I can’t lose you. I can’t lose us. I love you so much, Tom, and I can’t bear that I’ve hurt you in all this.’

  He looked up, his expression unreadable.

  ‘Tom, listen, please … the rumours, that kiss they’ve all been talking about. It was Eve. Some stupid, crazy moment with an artist friend. Just one kiss. Someone must have seen them. She begged me not to tell anyone; she’s afraid she might lose Ben over it.’ Rachel sat down on the stool beside him. ‘But once I knew I might lose you, I knew I had to say. It’s the truth, Tom.’

  ‘Eve …?’ He looked up, his brow creased.

  ‘Yes, Eve. I’ve left her in a right state back at ours. She’s going to have to ’fess up. She knows it’s all her own fault, and she’s devastated.’

  ‘So, you and Jake …?’

  ‘Nothing, absolutely nothing at all going on there. Of course not.’

  ‘But I saw you, Rach, outside the Pantry.’

  ‘I promise, it’s like I said it was, I had something in my eye and Jake was just helping me out.’ It was like the gods were against her, such bloody awful timing. ‘Look it’s still bloodshot, it’s been sore ever since. And why the hell would I want to kiss Jake? I’m not that bloody stupid. Give me some credit, Tom.’

  A shadow of a smile appeared on his face. ‘A fly. Honestly?’

  ‘Yeah, I swear on Maisy’s life.’

  ‘Wow. And Eve …’ It was as though he wanted to believe it all and yet hardly dared.

  ‘Yes, Eve. Hand on heart. She’ll tell you herself.’ She placed a palm across her chest, every fibre in her body praying that he would believe her. What else could she do?

  He sat looking dazed, as if he’d been hit with a sledgehammer.

  There was only one thing for it. She dropped to one knee onto the flagstone floor beside him. ‘Tom Watson, will you marry me?’

  There was a second or two of silence.

  ‘Will you marry me, tomorrow?’ she repeated, with every nerve in her body on edge, waiting.

  Trust me. Love me. Her eyes spoke to his.

  ‘Bloody hell, Rach. It’s all true, isn’t it? Jeez …’ He ran a hand through his hair, took a breath. ‘I will … of course, I bloody well will.’

  And the smile that spread across his face was that of pure joy.

  ‘Yeeeesss!!’ Rachel punched the air, bouncing up off her stool, with Mabel barking at her feet animatedly. Tom then leapt up himself, bundled the two of them up into his strong arms and whirled them around.

  42

  Rachel arrived back at Primrose Farm half an hour later to find Eve sitting at the kitchen table, settled beside Jill. She had red-rimmed eyes and was nursing a mug of hot chocolate, whilst sporting her ‘Maid of Honour’ dressing gown.

  ‘You okay?’ Rachel asked.

  ‘Yeah, not bad.’ Her friend gave a sniff.

  ‘We’ve had a bit of a heart-to-heart,’ explained Jill.

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Did you find Tom? Are you two okay?’ Eve asked hurriedly, desperate to find out if things were all right for her friend.

  ‘Yes,’ Rachel couldn’t help the beam that spread across her face. ‘We’re all fine. We have a groom, and there’s a wedding day to look forward to.’

  ‘Yesss! Ah, thank heavens. I could never have forgiven myself if I’d spoilt everything for you two, as well … It’s okay, your mum knows all about it.’

  Jill nodded, ready for the story to unfold further. Time to sit down around the table, for them to share their hurt, guilt, fears, and then to prop each other up with friendship and love.

  ‘Hot chocolate for you too, pet?’ Jill asked Rachel.

  ‘Umm, actually, is there any of that prosecco left?’ Tonight, they were meant to be doing their pedicures and manicures with a glass of bubbly and happy chatter. ‘I don’t know about you lot but, after all the emotions of today, I could do with a little bit of fizz.’

  Jill found a bottle in the fridge and fetched three glasses. ‘I’m sure a little tipple won’t hurt. But go steady girls, it’s a big day tomorrow
.’

  ‘Don’t want to peak too soon.’ Eve raised a smile. ‘And, yes, we should be celebrating now, not sitting here all sad and blue.’

  Jill popped the cork and poured them all some prosecco. ‘Eve, it didn’t come as a surprise what you’ve just told me,’ she admitted. ‘I’d kept it secret up till now, but I do know who saw you. The thing is, I really don’t believe she was the one who started all these rumours.’

  Eve and Rachel were all ears.

  ‘It was Brenda,’ Jill continued, ‘and I know for a fact that she wouldn’t have wanted to hurt you or your family. She told me that she happened to be walking past the gallery that day. She saw you and the artist. But as for who’s spread the gossip since, I honestly don’t know. She told me in private, and I’ve not shared it with a single soul until now.’

  ‘Oh, I see. Well, however it got out, it doesn’t really matter any more. It was my own stupid fault.’

  ‘We can all make mistakes, love.’ Jill reached across to touch the back of Eve’s hand affectionately. Eve felt like a second daughter to her after all these years. ‘I’m sure you and Ben will find a way through all this, pet.’

  ‘I hope so, Jill, with all my heart. But hey, let’s not be maudlin, I’ll just have to face the music afterwards. We have a wedding to prepare for! Rachel, I need to do your nails for you, hun. I’ve brought my box of tricks, so you can choose which shade of varnish you want. Actually no, scrap that idea … let your maid of honour choose. I know your weird and wonderful tastes at times. And, I know the colour palette for the wedding flowers and decorations off by heart. I’ll find you the perfect match for the pretty pinks in your bouquet.’

  ‘Sounds good to me.’

  ‘And Jill, we’ll do yours next.’

  Eve went upstairs to grab her vanity bag.

  ‘The poor lass seems devastated. We’ll help her get through this, love, won’t we?’ Jill shook her head, concerned.