The Cottage of New Beginnings

by Suzanne Snow

  His face lit up with a smile that became more sensual as he looked at her. ‘Are you busy on Thursday evening?’

  She barely hesitated as she shook her head.

  ‘Good. I’ll pick you up at five o’clock then, okay?’

  ‘Why?’ She heard the tease in her voice as she nodded. ‘Do you need me to cook again?’

  He laughed, his smile slipping away until they were staring at one another. ‘I think it’s my turn next.’ He sighed. ‘I suppose I’d better get going. I’ll ask Arthur to come back in a couple of days and mow the grass if you like. Should be dry enough by then if this better weather holds.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she replied, smiling and shuffling from foot to foot as he turned to leave. ‘Wait! Where are we going, on Thursday? Is it smart, casual or something in between?’

  Jon gave her a mischievous look. ‘First, wait and see, I want to surprise you. Second, in between, I guess. Not too smart.’

  She rolled her eyes at the typically male, vague response, and then he was gone, hurtling away in his car. She returned to the kitchen and began clearing away the debris from last night, still sparkling at the thought of seeing him again so soon. Arthur reappeared a bit later on, promising to send a glazier later to replace the glass in the window, and she thanked him gratefully for restoring order after the storm, the fallen tree neatly chopped into logs for the fire. She realised after he’d gone that he had also fixed the gate back on its hinges, reminding her of Jon flinging it to the ground after Sarah’s party.

  Annie had a mountain of work to prepare for the new school term, including the project on Fountains Abbey that she was planning, but when she sat in the study after lunch and tried to concentrate, all she could think of was Jon. She couldn’t decide whether she was excited or terrified about Thursday evening, but knew for certain she wasn’t managing to create the more peaceful life she sought away from the dangers of dating.

  After catching herself staring out the window for the umpteenth time a row, she called it quits on getting any work done today and popped out for some fresh air and supplies from the post office. As she was leaving the shop, her head already feeling clearer for the short walk, she heard someone calling her name and was delighted to see Sam strolling down the high street.

  ‘How are you?’ Sam asked – or that’s what Annie assumed she said, because at that moment the roar of an oncoming tractor drowned out her voice. They both waited for it to pass before speaking again and Annie was surprised to see Nathan at the wheel.

  ‘He seems incredibly young to be in charge of such a big vehicle,’ Annie murmured, eyes still following the tractor.

  ‘He’s eighteen, even though he doesn’t really look it. But he’s very responsible and Jon trusts him,’ Sam informed her. ‘He loves driving. Apparently he had a summer job after leaving school and saved up enough money to take lessons as soon as he could.’

  ‘Where’s he from?’ Annie asked curiously, turning back to Sam.

  ‘Nottingham. He lives with his mum. His dad left when Nathan was about seven. He came to Kilnbeck when he left school as part of the National Citizen Service and then last year he came back for two weeks, when previous students can return as volunteers.’

  ‘And now he’s working on the estate?’

  Sam drew her brows together, her sympathy evident in the small gesture. ‘Yes. He was an athlete, by all accounts a talented middle-distance runner, and then he got mixed up in a gang and gave up running and his place at college. A couple of months ago a boy was robbed and badly beaten up. Nathan was arrested, along with most of the rest of the gang, but no witnesses came forward and the police couldn’t bring charges. He swore he didn’t have anything to do with it, but his mum was distraught and came to see Jon, pleading with him to have Nathan here for the summer, to give him a chance away from the city. Jon agreed and so Nathan’s staying with Arthur Middleton and his family, who’ve had students at home before. I think Nathan loves being here but tries hard not to show it, and he worships Jon. I suppose you don’t make friends where he’s from if people think you’re weak.’

  Annie’s heart softened as she thought of Nathan trying to become part of a place he had only glimpsed from the outside, and she wondered how he was coping. Sam laughed, her eyes crinkling with merriment.

  ‘But word has it that he’s extremely popular amongst the females of our community, and he certainly seems to spend a lot of money in the shop.’

  ‘Of course, Cara! Are they seeing each other?’

  Sam brought her hand up to rest on her expanding bump. ‘I don’t think so. She’s only just turned seventeen and her parents aren’t too keen. He probably won’t stay, and they won’t want her to get hurt.’ Sam’s gaze became mischievous again as she looked sideways at Annie. ‘So come on, tell me, what’s going on with you and Jon? I saw the way he was looking at you the other night when we had supper. Are you two dating yet?’

  Annie couldn’t restrain the anticipation at seeing him, leaving her glowing with something she knew Sam wouldn’t miss. ‘I’m having dinner with him on Thursday,’ Annie admitted, hoping she sounded more casual than she felt. ‘Nothing more. I’m really not looking for anyone else right now.’

  Sam reached across to squeeze Annie’s hand with a grin. ‘Doesn’t matter. These things often find us when we least expect it. Just enjoy it, Annie, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time together. He’s a lovely man. He really went out of his way to help Charlie and me settle in here. And…’ Sam drew out the last word, her eyes becoming merry.

  ‘And what?’ Annie couldn’t keep the amusement from her voice, already guessing what might be about to follow.

  ‘Surely you don’t need me to spell it out for you! I might be married but I’m not blind!’

  ‘Sam!’

  They chatted for a while, swapping storm stories before heading their separate ways. As Annie was passing the farm, Robert hailed her from the yard and ambled over, asking if she could help at the agricultural show in the village a week on Saturday. Put on the spot, she agreed without quite realising what she’d done until it was too late.

  * * *

  When Thursday arrived, she was almost expecting a fanfare to herald her awakening on the day of the date. Despite the calming effects of lavender crystals in the bath, tension, or anticipation – she couldn’t tell which – twisted her nerves into knots as she got ready. She decided her make-up should be simple and understated and chose a foundation that flattered the tone of her already sun-kissed skin. The rest was easy and familiar, and she stroked a little blusher over her cheeks once she had finished her eyes. She slid lip-gloss across her mouth and dropped the tube into a small handbag, shrieking out loud as she realised it was a quarter to five already.

  She knew exactly what she was going to wear and deftly removed the cornflower blue, floral wrap dress from the wardrobe, wondering again if it were too casual and hoping Jon wouldn’t turn up in a suit. Annie slipped the dress on and it slid down to rest just above her knees, its fit and flare style with a V neck flattering her cleavage perfectly. She found white pumps and slipped them on, already feeling fantastic and decidedly sexy at the thought of seeing him so soon. She told herself that it was just dinner, but it didn’t really feel that way as she remembered sitting with him in the darkness of Sunday evening and the things they had shared.

  She was still trying to decide whether to wear her hair up or down when she heard a knock at the front door and quickly ran her fingers through her hair, tousling the curls. She grabbed her bag and a denim jacket from the bed and made her way downstairs, pausing in the hall. Jon knocked again and she took a deep breath as she opened the door. He was facing the garden and spun around sharply, smiling as soon as he saw her. He gazed at her for a long moment and she knew her choice of outfit had been right.

  He wasn’t wearing a suit and in those few seconds she took in every detail of his appearance. Dark indigo jeans and brown suede desert boots looked incredibly sexy on his tall
frame, worn with a sky-blue Oxford shirt that seemed to draw out the distinctive blue of his eyes.

  ‘Hi. You look perfect,’ he said softly.

  ‘Thank you.’ She hardly recognised the high pitch of her voice, clutching her bag with one hand as she draped the jacket across her arm. ‘So do you. I like your shirt.’ She knew her response was tame and completely at odds with the glowing sensation awakening every sense.

  ‘Thanks.’ He gave her a quick grin, holding out his arm for her to take. ‘Are you ready?’

  She nodded, very conscious of him as they walked to the gate, knowing he had shortened his long stride to keep pace with her. He unlocked the car and as she lifted one foot inside, she felt his hand on the small of her back. The sudden heat flared every nerve ending into complete awareness of his slightest touch. It was only a moment until he was beside her and started the engine.

  ‘Elvis Presley?’ Annie raised her voice in disbelief as the sound of Suspicious Minds drifted from the speakers. Her eyes darted across to Jon’s and he laughed as he lowered the volume, one hand on the steering wheel while he turned the car onto the high street. The pub was still busy, and the warm evening sun was encouraging the last of the day-trippers to linger before they left this pretty little place to its inhabitants and made their way home.

  ‘Hey, what are you trying to say?’ His laugh became a smile as he drove. ‘It’s my stepfather’s fault, I guess. Elvis songs were always playing in the house growing up and somehow it didn’t put me off. Actually, it’s my speciality.’ Jon waved at somebody as they headed out of the village, and Annie resisted the impulse to slide a little lower in her seat to make herself less visible, trying to ignore the thought of gossip and the interest their being seen together would bring.

  ‘Excuse me?’

  ‘Impersonating Elvis. It’s my party trick.’

  ‘Seriously?’ Annie’s voice was incredulous, her eyes still on Jon’s. ‘No!’

  ‘You don’t believe me?’

  ‘No! Well, yes of course but really! Elvis impersonator? Do you do weddings?’ Annie was enjoying the look of pleasure on his face as she teased him.

  ‘No. But maybe when you’ve seen me perform you can decide if I’m good enough for a wedding.’

  ‘White jumpsuit or black leather?’

  ‘I haven’t got a jumpsuit, so I guess I’d have to say the black leather.’ His smile became lazy and she suppressed a shiver.

  ‘So where are we going tonight?’ Annie’s eyes surreptitiously took in small details she had missed before, the faded scar more prominent on the left side, the strands of grey visible amongst the brown.

  ‘To a restaurant where the two halves of my heritage meet.’ Jon turned his head to grin at her until the demands of driving claimed his attention and he looked back at the road in front of them. ‘It’s not very big but I hope you’ll enjoy it. It’s in Whitby, hence the earlier start but if I’m honest I’d like the extra time with you.’

  Surprised, her gaze flew back to his and she saw the truth of his remark reflected in his eyes.

  ‘It sounds lovely.’

  The conversation became simpler as they talked of the village, the people they remembered and those who had moved on. Jon shared some of his plans for Kilnbeck, and Annie was beginning to understand how passionate he was about the centre and relished the opportunity to teach young people ways to improve their confidence and skills. By the time they parked in Whitby, Annie was feeling wonderfully relaxed and desperate to find out more about the man beside her.

  ‘The restaurant is on the other side of the river. If you’re happy to walk round I thought it might be nice to see some of the town.’

  ‘Love to.’ Annie was glad she was wearing pumps, not heels, as she collected her bag and got out of the Land Rover, Jon already there to open the door for her. He took her jacket from the backseat and Annie slipped it on. It was a beautiful evening but breezy, the sun sliding into the landscape behind them with the smooth calm of the sea stretching far ahead. Across the river she saw people strolling from the abbey now it had closed for the day. The call of seagulls and that typical briny smell made her smile in delight.

  ‘I can’t remember when I last came to a seaside town like this,’ she told Jon as they set off. ‘It must be nearly twenty years.’

  ‘But the smell of fish and chips never changes, does it?’

  At some point during their walk, Annie realised they were holding hands and had no idea who had reached for whom, trying not to love the feel of his fingers folded around hers. She still didn’t know what to expect for dinner and when they halted, she looked up and laughed, thrilled with his choice. They were outside a glass-fronted American diner with white lettering on a red background, close to the bridge on the other side of the river. Quirky pubs and seaside attractions stretched across each riverbank, clinging to the hillside rising behind them.

  ‘So I’ve never been here before, but it’s meant to be really good and I loved the idea of bringing you somewhere America meets Yorkshire. It’s kinda the two halves of me.’

  Annie didn’t know what to say; she wasn’t sure how to tell him how much she loved his originality.

  ‘Ready?’ He was watching her, and she nodded.

  ‘It looks wonderful. I can’t wait to try it.’

  Pale blue walls surrounded low booths with red and white striped seats. They were shown to a corner seat and Jon slid in opposite her. The walls were covered with American posters and paraphernalia and an American flag was pinned to the ceiling. A huge jukebox stood in a corner on the black and white chequered floor and their eyes met, both starting to laugh as an Elvis track came booming through the speakers. A friendly waitress with a broad Yorkshire accent passed menus across the plain white table and listed the specials. Once she’d gone away again with their drinks order, Annie leaned forwards and shrugged out of her jacket.

  ‘I love it here. I feel as though I’ve stepped straight into Grease.’

  ‘The movie? I’ve never seen it.’

  ‘No! You must have, everyone’s watched it.’

  ‘Not me.’ His glance was amused as he looked up from the menu. ‘I know, something for the bucket list. Maybe we could do that together.’

  Annie shrugged casually, not wanting her body to reflect the acceptance her mind was already clamouring for, turning to the menu, sensing him still looking at her all the same. Within a few minutes the waitress had returned with root beers and took their order.

  ‘Is your family home yet?’ Annie asked, lifting her head to find Jon’s waiting gaze. The noise was building around them now that every table was taken, and she had to raise her voice.

  ‘Saturday.’ He took a sip of his root beer. ‘My dad hasn’t been well and Emma, my stepmother, took him on a Mediterranean cruise to recuperate.’ And then he grinned, mischief in his eyes as he continued. ‘He hated the idea of a cruise. I can’t really see him trundling around a huge ship with a load of other OAPs getting in his way. He’ll probably run them over. Sorry, I should’ve explained earlier. He’s in a wheelchair now after a bad accident a few years ago. He came off a quad bike on the estate and was left paralysed from the waist down.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ she murmured.

  Jon nodded his thanks. ‘He might not have survived without the fell rescue team. They realised immediately when they found him how serious it was and treated him at the scene before he was flown to hospital.’

  ‘Is that why you volunteer with them now, because of your dad?’

  ‘Partly. I knew I had good experience to offer and I feel it’s another way to be useful in the community. It was kinda because of my dad’s accident that I ended up coming home. I’d left the mission and was working with a summer camp in France when it happened. I’d planned to look around for something else once Dad was settled but Emma sat me down in the hospital one day and was pretty blunt. She made it clear that Dad needed me here, not just for the business but in the family as well.’

&nbs
p; ‘Do you miss Kenya and the missionary work?’ Annie asked, watching him steadily.

  ‘Not any more. At first everything at home was so different to what I was used to, especially the pace of life, even in a quiet village.’ He rested his elbows on the table as he leaned towards her. His voice lowered and she unconsciously copied his gesture until the distance between them shrank further, the noise around them fading away in their intimacy. ‘I’d wanted a new challenge, although I hadn’t expected to find it back at home. Once I started to think about the estate’s resources and ways to use them, I pretty much knew I had decided to stay.’

  Annie understood him instantly as she thought of what he had already achieved since coming home.

  ‘How about you? Are your parents still living abroad?’ He reached for his drink, curiosity in his expression.

  She began to relax again, wondering if any shared detail between them had been forgotten. The waitress returned with their meals and they were silent until she had placed their plates on the table. Jon thanked her and after she’d left, Annie continued. ‘Yes. They moved to an apartment in Malta when my dad retired. They were used to living in the sun and didn’t want to come back to England.’ She smiled wistfully, still trying to work out the best way to eat her hot dog, relatively plain and simple compared to Jon’s, which was loaded with cheese and a smoky sauce. ‘I don’t see very much of them but Malta is lovely to go to for holidays.’

  ‘Whom do you take after?’ he asked curiously. ‘Perhaps I shouldn’t ask but you don’t sound like either of them from what you told me earlier.’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’m not adopted.’ They laughed together, and she knew he was still listening as he ate. ‘I suppose I’m quite serious, like my dad. I’m told I look like my grandmother on Dad’s side – my hair is a similar colour to hers. I never knew her. She died before I was born.’