‘Kitty, Tom, what are you doing standing out here? Come on in out of the cold – the log fire is roaring,’ Jeannie squealed excitedly, waving at us from the steps of the front door.
Turning around, I smiled and waved. ‘Coming!’
‘I’ll just get the presents from the boot of the car and I’ll follow you in,’ Tom said and smiled, wiping the snowflakes from the tip of my red nose and kissing it lightly. For a second he held my gaze. ‘I love you, Kitty Lewis,’ he whispered softly in my ear.
‘I love you too, Tom Drew.’
I skipped forwards towards the door and Jeannie wrapped her arms around me and gave me a hug.
‘Wait there, Kitty,’ I heard Tom shout. Looking around, he was bounding towards me. He grabbed my face with his cold hands and planted his lips on mine and kissed me.
‘What was that for?’ I asked, laughing.
‘Ha ha, look above your head.’ He laughed, bounding back towards the boot of the car. Looking up, I giggled – a huge bunch of mistletoe was hanging down from the old oak beams above.
Jeannie was standing there smiling. ‘Merry Christmas, Kitty!’
‘Merry Christmas to you too, lovely. You’re looking fantastic! Now where is that little chubbiness of delight? Aunty Kitty wants a cuddle!’
Stamping my snowy boots on the mat, I unbuttoned my coat and threw it over the banister. I could hear Christmas carols playing throughout the house already, adding to the festive feel.
The excited chatter from the living room was echoing up the hall as I followed Jeannie into the living room.
‘Kitty and Tom have arrived,’ Jeannie announced.
All heads turned towards me.
‘Merry Christmas everyone!’ I smiled as I walked into the room. ‘Now where’s Harry? I need a cuddle from my favourite nephew.’ I kissed Danny on the cheek. ‘You don’t mind if I pinch your son for some Christmas kisses, do you?’
‘Not in the slightest!’ Danny grinned, handing me over the little bundle of joy. ‘It’ll give me a chance to refill my glass! Would you like a drink, Kitty?’
‘Yes, please. I would love a mulled wine if it’s not too much trouble.’
‘Here you go, Kitty, I’ve already poured you a glass,’ Lucinda said, placing it down on the table next to me.
‘Thank you. So, Lucinda, were you on the naughty or nice list this year?’ I grinned.
‘Naughty,’ Robin said, giving her shoulder a friendly punch, then topped up her glass.
‘The nice list of course,’ she replied playfully. ‘Look,’ she said, thrusting her hand forwards to reveal a very expensive-looking bracelet.
I nodded. ‘Wow, that’s absolutely beautiful.’
‘Where’s Tom?’ Robin asked.
‘He’s enjoying playing Father Christmas. He’s bringing in the presents from the car. I think we may have gone over the top a bit and spoilt this little one,’ I said, wrapping my fingers around Harry’s little hands, ‘but he’s worth it.’
‘Ho, ho, ho.’
Everyone laughed as Tom walked through the door wearing a Father Christmas hat and a white beard, carrying an old hessian sack filled to the brim with presents. He placed them down next to the Christmas tree that stood the height of the ceiling, its branches covered in silver and purple tinsel that glittered brightly. The aroma of the real pine swept through the room.
‘Take off that silly hat and beard quickly before you frighten the baby,’ I said, laughing.
‘Spoilsport. Harry doesn’t mind, do you, Harry?’ Tom peered over at the baby.
Harry’s eyes widened and he let out a cry.
‘Sorry, sorry,’ Tom said, rapidly whipping off the costume.
‘Would you like a drink, Tom?’ Robin asked.
‘A glass of red would be lovely,’ he replied, standing in front of the open fire, which fizzed and spat as he thawed from the wintry chill outside.
‘How come I’m always late to the party,’ said Ted, popping his head around the door.
‘Because you’re always cooking!’ Jeannie and Robin replied in unison.
‘You’re probably right,’ he said, laughing.
Ted bent down and kissed me on the cheek while ruffling the hair of his newly born grandson. ‘Merry Christmas, Kitty.’
Patting Tom on the back, he then shook his hand firmly. ‘Merry Christmas to you too, Tom.’
‘Thank you, and the same to you.’
‘Dinner will only be a couple of minutes, so chat amongst yourselves until I’m ready.’
‘Do you want any help, Ted?’ I offered.
‘I wouldn’t dream of it. Don’t worry, it’s all under control.’
‘Ted, I forgot to give you this; it arrived a few days ago,’ I said, retrieving a card from my handbag.
‘What is it?’
‘It’s from Lizzie – a Christmas card.’
Ted took the card from me and opened it, then smiled. ‘It’s a shame she couldn’t extend her visit when she was here.’
‘I know, I agree; it would have been wonderful if we could all have spent Christmas together, but we speak on the phone every week and hopefully, fingers crossed, Tom and I are going to go and visit in the summer. It’ll be great to see where Violet lived and hear more about her.’
Ted touched my arm affectionately. ‘We’ll toast her at the dinner table.’
Even though tears welled in my eyes they were happy ones.
Ted disappeared back into the kitchen and I joined Tom in the living room; he was now making Harry smile with his funny face-pulling.
A few moments later Ted announced dinner was served. The table looked magnificent. It was decorated with individual place settings, Christmas crackers and a small present for each of us was wrapped and rested on top of our serviettes. I had never seen such an abundance of food.
‘Ted, this looks amazing,’ I said.
He smiled. ‘I wanted it to be special.’
We settled at the table and Jeannie balanced Harry in her arms. I watched her as she cuddled her baby and smiled at him the whole time. She suited her new role and I’d never seen her so happy.
‘Is it possible I could say a few words before we start?’
‘Oh go on then, if you must,’ Jeannie joked.
We all turned towards Ted, who was standing up and holding a glass of red.
‘I would just like to say I never ever thought I’d see the day that we’d all be gathered under one roof celebrating Christmas together. First of all I would like to make a toast to absent friends,’ he said and raised his glass. The whole table echoed his cheers and raised their glasses too. Tom squeezed my knee. ‘And secondly I would like to welcome my grandchild, Harry, into the family and Danny, both of whom are spending their first Christmas with us. Jeannie and Danny, you have both made me very proud. Robin and Lucinda, you are both going from strength to strength. Lucinda, your business has doubled in size and is extremely successful – not to mention you make the most perfect cakes!’ He laughed, patting his stomach. ‘I hope someone has bought me a larger belt for Christmas!’
Everyone laughed.
‘Robin, I haven’t bought you a Christmas present this year because I’d like to give you a little bit of family history and I hope you’ll accept my kind offer of taking over the farm from me?’
Robin gasped. His jaw fell open. ‘Are you kidding, Dad?’
‘No, not at all, son. I think the time is right, if you would accept?’
‘Yes, yes of course.’
Robin’s beaming face said it all as he stood up and wrapped his arms around his father in a bear hug then promptly sat back down at the table.
‘Well done you,’ Lucinda whispered in his ear.
‘And I know it’s been an emotional year for all of us, especially for Kitty and Tom.’ He smiled at us both. ‘And I’m delighted we’ve been reunited after all this time. And I believe Tom has a little surprise for you, Kitty. Over to you, Tom.’ He raised his eyebrows at Tom and sat back down in his cha
ir.
I looked at Tom, startled. ‘What are you up to?’ I gave a nervous laugh.
Tom gazed at me then paused.
‘OK, here goes. I think we’ve both come such a long way in the last twelve months and, Kitty Lewis, I never believed in love at first sight until I met you. I’ll never forget the day we met – the day you ran Dotty over when you first arrived at the Lodge. The moment I hauled you off the ground and looked into your eyes was also the moment I knew I wanted you in my life forever.’
‘What are you saying?’ I gave Tom a quizzical look.
Tom stood up from the table and I turned to face him. He bent down on one knee in front of me.
‘What’s he doing?’ Danny whispered to Jeannie.
‘Shhh!’ Jeannie shot him a stern look.
‘I am saying, Kitty Lewis, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’
The whole table fell completely silent.
I clamped my hand to my mouth. ‘Are you serious?’ I gasped.
‘You better believe it.’ Tom waited patiently for an answer.
‘Yes, yes, YES!’
I slipped my arms around his neck and hugged him tight, tears of happiness brimming in my eyes.
‘Now stand up and kiss me.’
He brushed his lips against mine and I melted into his arms.
Everyone let out a cheer and applauded.
This was it – I knew everything in the past had happened for a reason. Tom was mine and I was his and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I knew there would never be anywhere else I’d rather be than with my new fiancé and my new family.
Letter from Christie
Dear all,
Firstly, if you are reading this letter, thank you so much for choosing to read Kitty’s Countryside Dream. I have without a doubt enjoyed every second of writing this book.
Over twelve months ago when I first started writing, I never in a million years thought I would already be releasing my third book. This time I wanted to write a book that was filled with friendship, humour and genuinely loveable characters, and Kitty Lewis and Tom Drew have become my new best friends. Every character in this book was full of such warmth and belonging that I have a little confession to make … I have totally fallen in love with them all and I hope you did too.
Secondly, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has been involved in the project – my publisher Bookouture, my family, friends, book bloggers and readers. I adore you all. Writing fiction can be a lonely job but your texts, tweets and emails along the way make me smile on a daily basis. Hearing what readers think is an absolute joy and makes all the hours spent tapping away on my laptop with only my mad cocker spaniel Woody for company truly worthwhile.
I sincerely hope you enjoyed Kitty’s Countryside Dream. If you did, I would be forever grateful if you’d write a review. Your recommendations can always help other readers to discover my books.
To keep right up to date with the latest news on my releases just sign up using the link below:
www.bookouture.com/christie-barlow
I would love it if you could all keep in touch.
Warm wishes,
Christie x
@ChristieJBarlow
ChristieJBarlow
www.christiebarlow.com
Also by Christie Barlow
A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother
The Misadventures of a Playground Mother
A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother
BUY HERE!
* * *
Ever had the pleasure of collecting your children from the school playground? Even if you haven’t, this is a hilarious must-read.
* * *
Fed up with the playground mafia at her children’s school, Rachel Young is desperate for a change.
* * *
With her family and various pets in tow, a picture-perfect village in the countryside beckons. There, Rachel’s children will be able to keep chickens and skip through fields and she’ll bid farewell to the botoxed, fake-Gucci wearing Mumzillas forever.
* * *
But at the new school the mums are even worse, and before long, Rachel finds herself fighting for her place amongst the playground mafia.
* * *
While the children are practicing their sums and perfecting their reading, Rachel is learning some harsh lessons on the other side of the school gates, and ruffling plenty of feathers along the way…
* * *
An entertaining, heart-warming and funny tale, perfect for fans of Fiona Gibson, Kerry Fisher and Katie Fforde.
* * *
‘Well-observed, highly-relatable and wickedly-funny.’ Cathy Bramley
* * *
READ HERE
The Misadventures of a Playground Mother
BUY HERE!
* * *
New Term. New Dramas. New Friendships. And that’s just the parents…
* * *
After a year of country living, Rachel Young is finally getting into the swing of things. Her four kids are happy and content at the village school, and she’s managed to navigate the choppy (shark-infested) waters of the playground mafia.
* * *
Or… so she thought.
* * *
When Penelope Kensington moves herself and her kids into Rachel’s home, after discovering husband Rupert has been having an affair, Rachel knows she must ask them politely to leave. The problem is, Penelope never takes no for an answer.
* * *
As Rachel tries to deal with Penelope, she also meets new school mum Mel. Mel is a breath of fresh air but her arrival sends ripples of gossip through the playground. Mel has a few secrets in her closet, and it seems she’s not the only one…
* * *
Hilarious and entertaining, with characters you won't forget in a hurry, fans of Fiona Gibson, Kerry Fisher and Tracy Bloom will love this book.
* * *
READ HERE
The Thank Yous
As always an enormous thank you to the people I love most in the world – my family: Christian, Emily, Jack, Ruby, Tilly (Mop), Mum, Dad, Graham, Penny and Georgie. This book would never have been written without any of you, it’s as simple as that. Your patience has never gone unnoticed while I have been locked away in the cave, writing.
A ruffle of the hair for Woody, my mad cocker spaniel, who is by my side every day and is unquestionably the best company ever.
I couldn’t do this job alone and I want to express huge love to Bookouture. I am beyond blessed to be working with such a fantastic team. Many thanks to Claire Bord and Olly Rhodes for turning my stories in to books. I still can’t believe it! I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My sincere thanks to both my agent Madeleine Milburn and my editor Lydia Vassar-Smith for your energy, vision, patience, continuous support and faith in me. Last but by no means least, a huge gin and tonic for Kim Nash, who I know I have driven to drink on many occasions in 2015! I love you Nash!
High fives to my wonderful friends, Anita Redfern, Lucy Davey, Nicola Rickus, Catherine Snook, Louise Speight, Chantal Chatfield, Sarah Lees, Suzanne Toner, Bev Smith and Alison Smithies. Your enthusiasm for my books and constant sharing of posts have not gone unnoticed, you all rock!
A special mention to Mike Denman who I think is a frightfully brilliant actor. After watching him stalk across England in the award-winning musical The Bodyguard I have visions of him one day not only playing James Bond but also Tom Drew from Kitty’s Countryside Dream!
Being a writer has brought many opportunities my way, opportunities that I may never have had the chance to do before and for that I am eternally grateful. Due to the success of my first two books and my constant tweeting I was approached by The Zuri Project Uganda to become one of their ambassadors. They are a UK registered charity that supports the design, delivery and evaluation of a variety of locally led development projects in rural communities in Uganda that work towards improving community well-being and alleviating pov
erty. It’s times like this I know I have the best job in the world and I was delighted and honoured to become an ambassador. So a sincere thank you Team Zuri: Martin Hewell, Ross Young, Greig Young, Anne Whewell, Chris Hogan, Rebecca Kealey, Danielle Cawood, Jenna Draper, Bhasker Patel and Sam Aldridge who not only do phenomenal work for the charity but support my writing and mention my books at every opportunity.
Big love to some very special people, all the wonderful readers, book bloggers and followers. You all mean the world to me and it is a pleasure to know you all.
Finally, Kitty’s Countryside Dream would never have been written if it wasn’t for Neil Roobottom, a farmer who sold me my very first chicken over eight years ago. Since then Neil has taught me everything I need to know about rearing and breeding chickens. Chickens have become a way of life in our house and it was my feathered friends who provided that little spark of inspiration for this story.
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