Clover Cottage: A feel good cosy read perfect for your summer holiday reading (Love Heart Lane Series, Book 3)

by Christie Barlow

  ‘I won’t tell a soul,’ Allie said, placing the envelope of photographs on the table and sitting down opposite him. ‘How is Alana today?’

  ‘Today has been a very good day. It’s like everything is just normal and there is nothing wrong.’

  ‘That’s good then,’ said Allie reassuringly, seeing the relief on Stuart’s face. She took a breath. ‘I’ve been reading up on the diagnosis,’ she said tentatively, ‘and there are some wonderful, inspiring blogs on the internet written by people in your position. They didn’t know what to expect and how it was going to change their life, but one man’s story I just couldn’t stop reading. It was so positive and uplifting.’

  Stuart nodded. ‘I’ve read through a couple of blogs. Everyone’s story is different.’

  Allie rummaged inside her bag, then and slid a piece of paper across the table.

  ‘What’s this?’ asked Stuart, taking his glasses from their case and peering through them.

  ‘This is the email and the phone number of a guy called Simon. I was reading his blog and … I think you should read it. I sent him an email to tell him how much his story touched my heart and he gave me his details when I explained what our family was going through. He told me to tell you if you need someone to talk to who’s been in the same situation, then don’t hesitate.’ Allie hoped she hadn’t overstepped the mark.

  Stuart nodded. ‘Thank you. I might just do that,’ he said appreciatively.

  Allie poured her tea and watched Stuart flipping the piece of paper over in his hand before placing it carefully in the top pocket of his shirt.

  ‘There is a lot of support out there,’ she said knowingly. ‘You aren’t on your own.’

  She saw him swallow. He leant forward over the table, cupped his hands around hers and shook them heartily. ‘Our family … I like that. You are a part of our family and you are good for Rory. Keep him on the straight and narrow for me.’

  ‘I will, I promise,’ replied Allie, meaning every word.

  ‘I’m scared,’ admitted Stuart, then he hesitated. ‘I don’t want to let my good lady down.’

  ‘That’s understandable and you won’t, but talk to Simon; he’s been in this situation. It will be good to have some outside support too.’

  ‘I will, I will. Thank you, Allie.’

  ‘You, Stuart, are one in a million, one of the good guys, just like Rory, and you won’t be on your own. We will all be here for you both.’

  Stuart picked up the envelope of photographs. ‘We are going to make this a night to remember.’

  ‘You’d better believe it! If you want to write the captions for each of the photographs, I’ll sort out the slideshow.’

  ‘And of course, I’ll be making the cake,’ chipped in Rona, passing with a handful of dirty plates she’d collected from a nearby table. ‘And no charge, before you ask.’

  ‘Perfect! Thanks, Rona.’

  For the next five minutes they devoured their cake and watched the weary hikers climb over the stile and fall into the teashop. Rona always baked a fresh tray of sausage rolls just before the teashop was due to close. With all the hungry walkers spilling back down the mountain, she knew there wouldn’t be enough to go round otherwise, and within a matter of minutes of the oven-timer pinging, she was proved right.

  ‘Am I too late? Is there anything left?’ asked a worried-looking Zach, coming through the door followed by Sydney.

  Felicity was wiping down the counter and looked up. ‘Still half an hour to go before we shut up shop. What do you fancy?’

  ‘Any of your homemade lasagna left? With a little salad and a coffee?’ he asked hopefully.

  ‘One serving left with your name right on it,’ said Felicity. ‘Go and sit down and I’ll bring it over.’

  ‘Thanks,’ said Zach, turning round and smiling at Allie, who was waving at him.

  ‘Come and join us,’ she said, pulling out the chair next to her.

  ‘I’m not intruding, am I?’ He looked between Stuart and Allie.

  ‘Not at all,’ confirmed Stuart, devouring the last of his Bakewell tart.

  ‘My final supper,’ said Zach, thanking Felicity, who’d brought his coffee over.

  ‘Are you all packed and ready to go?’ asked Allie, thinking she’d got quite used to seeing Zach around the place.

  ‘I have to say I’m packed but not ready to go. I’ve grown quite fond of this place. There’s something about this little Scottish village hidden away in the mountains.’ Zach took a sip of his coffee. ‘And when I get home I’ve got to say goodbye to this one.’ He bent down under the table and gave Sydney a pat. ‘It’s the hardest thing, leaving her behind, but I’ve managed to secure a few weeks off here and there so I’ll be on the first flight home.’

  Rona appeared at the side of the table. ‘One lasagna with salad and a special slice of Victoria sponge for dessert, on the house.’

  ‘Thank you, Rona. You’ve all been so welcoming, I actually don’t want to leave.’

  ‘You know you are welcome back any time and I’m sure Isla and Drew will always have a van available for you.’

  ‘I hope so!’ he replied, picking up his knife and fork and tucking into his food.

  ‘And it’s a shame you’ll be on the other side of the world when the TV show is aired. We are planning a night of it here.’

  ‘It is an absolute shame, but I’ll get to watch it somehow.’

  ‘So it’s Africa for you next?’ asked Stuart.

  ‘It is, a place I’ve always wanted to go and a documentary I can’t wait to make.’

  ‘Very David Attenborough,’ teased Allie.

  ‘He was a massive idol of mine when I was a child, still is. I’d sit for hours watching those wildlife programmes. My guess is Rory would have loved this trip. It’s right up his street. It’s a shame he’s no longer coming … I’m sorry to hear about Alana.’

  Allie looked between Zach and Stuart, knowing that Stuart knew nothing about Rory accompanying Zach on the trip to Africa.

  Zach continued, ‘I really enjoyed working with him and it’s not often someone fits in with the crew as easily as he did.’

  ‘Rory … Africa? No longer going?’ questioned Stuart, looking down his glasses, which were perched on the bridge of his nose, straight at Zach.

  Allie dithered for a moment, her stomach twisting in a thousand knots. ‘Rory had the opportunity to travel with Zach for twelve months, to work with the lions in Africa, but he’s decided not to go,’ she said, trying to play it down.

  ‘And this is the first I know about this? Why isn’t he going?’

  Allie looked at Zach.

  ‘Sorry, sorry. I hope I’ve not said anything I shouldn’t have,’ said Zach, looking embarrassed.

  Stuart, still looking bewildered, scratched his head. ‘Why hasn’t he said anything? It sounds like an amazing opportunity.’

  Allie took a deep breath. ‘Because there’s no way Rory is leaving you to manage everything – the surgery, the family – for twelve months. That’s just way too much pressure to put on anyone.’

  ‘Nonsense! We can easily get Molly to cover the surgery. She loves working with me. I mean, who wouldn’t? Easygoing, good-humoured …’ He tipped Allie a wink. ‘Will he be making the documentary with you?’

  ‘Yes, joint presenters,’ Zach confirmed. ‘Well, that was the plan. Apparently we have that on-screen chemistry and to have a vet on site would be an absolute bonus.’

  Stuart pushed his empty plate to the side and folded his arms on the table.

  ‘He must go. I’d give anything to have had an opportunity like that at the start of my career.’

  ‘He’s made up his mind, Stuart. With everything going on, he doesn’t want to leave Heartcross for twelve months.’

  ‘But this is the best time for him to go and accomplish his dreams. Alana will be so proud of him, watching him and following his journey.’

  ‘But he doesn’t want to leave her or you,’ said Allie.

>   Stuart scratched his head. ‘He can’t put his life on hold just for us. This is something he’s always wanted to do, a cause he’s always supported. What’s your take on it?’ He held Allie’s gaze.

  She took a breath. ‘If I’m truly honest, I wasn’t all for it at the start, for my own selfish reasons. I had us moved into Clover Cottage, married, children, but I know that can only happen when both of us are ready, not just one of us. Rory wants to do this. He wants to work alongside Zach and see these wild animals up close and personal. But in the grand scheme of things, to be committed for twelve months now, under the circumstances …’

  ‘He’ll regret that decision,’ said Stuart. ‘Mark my words.’

  ‘I agree. Could you cope at the surgery?’ queried Allie.

  ‘It’s twelve months, not a lifetime. A year flies by. I feel like I’m always dragging those Christmas decorations out of that blooming loft.’

  For a moment they sat in silence while Allie mulled over an idea in her head. Suddenly, she had a lightbulb moment. A fleeting smile played across her lips, but first she needed to run it by Zach to see if what she was thinking was at all possible.

  ‘Zach, I’ve got an idea,’ Allie said enthusiastically, keeping her fingers crossed behind her back.

  Zach and Stuart were all ears.

  Chapter 23

  A text from Rory pinged.

  Don’t be late.

  Allie bit her lip and smiled. She had no clue what he was up to, but after continuous messages landing throughout the day there was no way she even dared to be a second late.

  After her conversation with Zach and Stuart, Allie was walking on cloud nine and couldn’t wait to share her idea with Rory. It took her approximately ten minutes to walk to Clover Cottage but as usual she stopped to take photographs at every opportunity. On arrival she stood and pointed the lens towards the cottage. There was definitely a good feeling about this quaint little piece of rundown paradise, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Taking one last snap she pushed open the gate and walked towards the front door. She twisted the knob, but the door was firmly locked. Taking the path to the back of the cottage she called out Rory’s name, but there was no reply. The back door was ajar. Allie stepped inside the cottage and let out a tiny gasp. Lying on the floor was a trail of crimson paper hearts that led her through the kitchen up a step and into the living room. She couldn’t believe her eyes – the entire room was swathed with twinkly fairy lights draped around the walls. In the middle of the room were two chairs facing each other on either side of a small table. The white linen tablecloth was skilfully decorated with scattered sugar-pink rose petals. Dozens of tea lights were dotted over the floor, all lit and twinkling away. It was plain to see a romantic meal was on the cards.

  Allie had no idea what was going on or what this was all in aid of.

  ‘You took your time,’ said Rory, appearing in the doorway.

  ‘What’s all this?’ she said, feeling a flutter of excitement.

  Looking more handsome than usual, if that was even possible, Rory walked towards her and pulled her in for a hug. The scent of his aftershave made her feel dizzy; her body trembled, her heart pounded.

  ‘This is dinner, brought to you by Little India,’ said Rory as he tilted her face towards his then kissed her tenderly on the lips, making her shiver with goosebumps.

  Little India was her favourite Indian restaurant, just over the bridge in Glensheil. Rory pulled out a chair and Allie sat down. Then he disappeared into the next room and returned with two steaming plates of food. ‘This is the reason you couldn’t be late – we have no oven to keep it warm,’ he said with a grin, placing her favourite dish of lamb Rogan Josh in front on her. ‘We have poppadums, chutneys, rice, naan bread and this …’ He disappeared once more and returned with two champagne flutes and a bottle of Lanson Black Label champagne. Allie couldn’t contain her grin.

  ‘Are we celebrating?’ she asked, her eyes wide, still not really understanding what all this was in aid of.

  ‘I hope so, but first tell me how it went this morning. Did you find the best photographs to suitably embarrass my parents?’

  ‘We did our best, but I have to say it was a little emotional at times.’

  ‘I bet.’

  ‘In fact I’ve just given your dad the photos we’ve selected … And how have you been after the revelations last night?’ asked Allie.

  ‘Still shocked, to tell you the truth. My dad in a boys’ home, my grandparents not my biological grandparents … but I could see how hard it had shaken Dad, finding out about James Kerr, and that he’d given him this place.’

  ‘I know, it was all so surreal.’

  Allie looked around the living room. There was no wallpaper, the plaster was hanging off the wall and there wasn’t even a radiator plumbed in. All James seemed to have had was the battered old armchair next to the coal fire, which was probably the only heat in the house.

  ‘And there’s more,’ said Rory tearing off a piece of naan bread and passing it over the rickety old table to Allie. ‘This morning, I tried to encourage Dad to open the envelope, the one from Flynn Carter …’

  ‘Out of curiosity?’

  Rory nodded. ‘Yes, but he was having none of it. Dad took the envelope from off the mantelpiece and threw it in the fire and set it alight. “The cottage stays in this family. Over my dead body will any property developer get his hands on it. It is not for sale for any amount of money.”’

  ‘Good for him, and I can understand why, after everything that’s happened. Julia’s not keen on Flynn Carter either. Apparently, she knows him from years ago and he jilted an old schoolfriend at the altar!’

  ‘It’s a small world,’ observed Rory.

  Tucking into her food, Allie was unaware of Rory watching her. He reached over the table and put his hand on top of hers, making her jump.

  ‘I’ve got something I need to tell you.’ His voice was soft, his smile warm.

  ‘I was wondering when we were getting round to the champagne moment because I’ve got the best news too, and you are going to love it!’ Since walking into the cottage Allie had had to do everything in her power not to blurt it out. She didn’t know how she’d already kept it in so long without bursting. She knew she had a wide grin on her face.

  ‘Is that so? What are you up to? I know that look.’ He narrowed his eyes and Allie laughed.

  ‘It’s all good, I promise.’

  ‘Who’s going to go first?’ asked Rory, eyeing Allie closely.

  ‘Rock, paper, scissors?’ suggested Allie with a chuckle.

  They exchanged looks. ‘Let’s just blurt it out at the same time,’ proposed Allie, sitting up straight and moving her plate to one side while she rested her arms on the table.

  ‘Okay,’ agreed Rory, copying Allie’s stance. ‘One … two … three.’

  ‘You’re going to Africa!’ revealed Allie.

  ‘We’re going to renovate the cottage!’ declared Rory.

  ‘Woah, woah, woah … What do you mean, “We’re going to renovate the cottage”?’ asked Allie, unable to contain her excitement. She was up on her feet kissing his face and hugging him tight.

  A bewildered-looking Rory pulled away. ‘What do you mean, I’m going to Africa? I can’t go to Africa with everything that’s going on.’

  ‘You can, you can. It’s all sorted.’

  ‘How is it all sorted?’ Dazed, Rory sat down and waited for Allie to explain all. ‘You know it’s impossible now. I can’t leave Mum and Dad for twelve months.’

  ‘This is the good news: you don’t have to go for twelve months. I’ve spoken to Zach and your dad and they are in favour …’

  Rory was shaking his head. ‘You’ve spoken to Dad?’

  ‘I have. Just listen. What if you went for three months? Molly can definitely cover the surgery for a few months, it’s not too much of a burden on your dad, and your mum will be so proud watching you on TV.’ She took a breath. ‘Zach has cleared i
t with the producer and director and they are willing for you to take part in some of the series. I know it’s not the full twelve months’ experience but surely something is better than nothing?’

  Allie noticed the corners of Rory’s mouth hitching into a smile. ‘And it’s okay with Dad – and you?’

  Allie was beaming and nodding. ‘It’s more than okay with your dad and it’s more than okay with me too. If he had his way, he’d be packing you off for the full twelve months. And if I get the job in Glasgow it might turn out that I’m away longer than you but—’

  ‘But what?’

  ‘I’ve had another idea.’

  ‘You are full of them today, aren’t you?’ Rory grinned.

  ‘I’ve been thinking about James Kerr and the life he led. I want to give something back to the community, something in his memory.’

  ‘Go on. What are you thinking?’

  ‘There’s not a lot to do around these parts, especially for kids,’ continued Allie, ‘and I was thinking I could combine my photography skills with my patience, as I have a lot of that, dealing with you,’ she said teasingly, ‘and set up a small centre for those more disadvantaged. We could start with a photography club and if I successfully land the job at the paper maybe I could persuade the editor or local businesses to help support the project, perhaps with funding. We could call it The James Kerr Centre.’

  She watched Rory break out into a smile. ‘I think that’s a brilliant idea. You’d be perfect to run something like that. You have fantastic people skills and you are caring and I think Dad will be made up at the idea.’

  ‘Surely there will be grants for this type of thing. I’ll talk to Alfie – he’ll know.’

  ‘You never cease to amaze me, Allie Macdonald. Behind a good man is always a good woman.’ Rory pulled Allie to her feet, taking her by surprise. He cupped his hands around her face and kissed her passionately, taking her breath away.

  ‘This all sounds too good to be true,’ she said, bursting with happiness.

  Allie loved Rory with all her heart. This was true love: watching each other grow, supporting each other and cheering them along the way.