A Year at The Cosy Cottage Café_A heart-warming feel-good read about life, love, loss, friendship and second chances

by Rachel Griffiths

  “This is your surprise. I asked Allie if she’d have time to prepare us a nice lunch for today, seeing as how it’ll be our last bit of peace and quiet for a while.”

  “You weren’t too busy?” Dawn asked Allie as she took in the number of foil containers and various bowls on the table.

  “Of course not. I mean, we’re always busy but Jordan is working today and he’s enlisted Max to help him out. Which freed me up to do this for you.”

  “That’s so kind of you.” Dawn smiled.

  “Rick is paying me for it, so…” Allie’s cheeks coloured.

  “I bloody well hope he is. You have a business to run, you can’t keep giving stuff away, you know.”

  Dawn crossed the room then gave her friend a hug.

  “And Rick… This is so thoughtful of you. Thank you so much.”

  The aromas coming from the table were making her mouth water, even though she hadn’t long had breakfast.

  “I must be getting better. My appetite seems to be returning with a vengeance.”

  Rick came and stood next to her then slid his arm around her waist.

  “I’m glad to hear it. I’ve been so worried about you.”

  He kissed the top of her head and she leaned into him.

  “I think everything you need is there, Rick. I’ve written down some warming instructions, although everything can be eaten cold if you prefer. Oh, and I’ll just pop the ice cream in the freezer.”

  “Thanks, Allie.”

  “And you’re all sorted for collecting the children from school today?”

  “Yes, I’ll get them. I’m quite enjoying being able to do the school run. It’s amazing what you miss out on because of work.”

  Allie nodded.

  “I’ll see you out then.”

  Rick escorted Allie to the door and Dawn eyed the food on the table. It was still early, so they couldn’t enjoy it yet, but it was certainly a lovely surprise.

  “What time do you want to eat, my gorgeous wife?” Rick entered the kitchen. “I don’t know about you but I won’t be able to wait too long.”

  “I’m so glad you said that. Shall we give it an hour though?”

  “An hour maximum.”

  “What do you want to do now?” Dawn peered up at him, taking in his strong jaw, his broad shoulders and his slim hips. Something stirred inside her that she hadn’t felt in quite some time.

  Rick stepped closer and cupped her face. “I know what I’d like to do but I don’t think it’s wise right now.”

  Dawn leaned her head against his chest, breathing in his delicious scent.

  “I know, you’re right. We probably shouldn’t.”

  He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. “It’s not that I don’t want to, because I really, really do. I love you, Dawnie, and desire you more than you could imagine. But I would be too worried because of what happened.”

  “Me too.”

  She closed her eyes as he gently kissed her lips.

  “How about a head massage instead while we watch some daytime TV?”

  “With a cuppa?”

  “Now you’re talking. You go and switch the TV on and I’ll boil the kettle.”

  Dawn nodded then left the kitchen, her body conflicted between desire for her husband and a maternal need to protect her unborn baby. But her heart felt lighter than it had done for weeks.

  Because Rick had told her that he loved and desired her and was trying to show her that in a variety of ways. So daytime TV and a cup of tea would have to be a substitute for passionate lovemaking – for the next few months, at least.

  Dawn moaned with pleasure as Rick gently massaged her head. He was sitting behind her on the sofa with her head resting on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair then rubbed her temples and worked his hands backwards to behind her ears.

  When he stopped, she was weak and completely relaxed.

  Then there was a knock at the door, so Rick slid out from behind her and went to answer it. Dawn strained to listen but Rick soon returned, holding a large box.

  “What’s that?”

  “Get your shoes on and come out the back garden with me.”

  “What? Why?”

  “There’s something we need to do.”

  Dawn fetched her shoes then followed Rick outside. He carried the box down to the bottom of the garden then set it in front of the flowerbed.

  There was a slightly raised mound of earth there and she let out a sigh. “I’d forgotten to ask if you’d had a chance to bury him.”

  “Yes I brought him out here because I thought you’d want him to stay at home. He’s all wrapped up in a shoebox and I dug quite a deep hole, so there’s no chance of anything… you know…”

  “Digging him up?” Dawn’s bottom lip wobbled. “Poor Wallace.”

  “Hey, don’t get upset. He had a good life.”

  “But he was so young.”

  “He was but he could have had a medical condition we didn’t know about.”

  Dawn nodded. “It’s still sad though.”

  “And part of life. But at least he’s home again.”

  “I know. If you hadn’t found him, it would have been awful.”

  “A giant white rat!” Rick shook his head.

  “I bet it did give Mrs Burnley quite a fright. So what’s in the box?”

  “I thought we should have some way of marking this spot. And one day, when the children are a bit older, we can tell them the truth about Wallace.”

  “If they don’t already suspect. Laura’s quite sharp, you know.”

  He smiled. “Don’t I know it? You should’ve heard her bossing me around this week in the mornings.”

  “I did, don’t worry. She doesn’t miss much.”

  “She certainly doesn’t.”

  Rick opened the box and lifted out a bare root rose that sat in a small plastic container. “It’ll need to soak in water for at least two hours then I can plant it here.”

  “Let me guess… the roses will be white?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thank you.” Dawn’s vision blurred and she blinked rapidly.

  “Don’t thank me. This is what we do, Dawnie. We support each other and look after each other and our family.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, and she relaxed against him, knowing there was no place she’d rather be.

  “Have you tried the couscous yet?” Rick gestured at Dawn’s plate with his fork.

  “No.” She lifted a forkful to her mouth. “Mmmmm.”

  “How good is that?”

  “Delicious.”

  They were sitting at the kitchen table, tucking into the food Allie had delivered. And what a feast it was: small cheese and sundried tomato tartlets, roast-vegetable couscous with a basil olive-oil drizzle, green-lentil tabbouleh, asparagus, spinach and halloumi salad, chicken panzanella and for dessert, a large cherry pie and homemade coconut ice cream.

  Allie had also provided a bottle of cloudy elderflower lemonade, that was sweet, refreshing and zesty and went perfectly with the food.

  “This has been a wonderful day, Rick.” Dawn raised her glass. “To family.”

  “To our wonderful family and to you for growing our baby.”

  They clinked glasses.

  Ten minutes later, Dawn looked at the food that was left.

  “I don’t think we’re going to be able to eat all this. I’m stuffed as it is.” She gently patted her belly that was straining against her waistband.

  “Well the children can enjoy some of it for their tea, can’t they?” Rick asked.

  “Good idea. Save me… I mean, you… cooking.”

  “Hey, I would’ve cooked for them anyway. I’m quite enjoying learning.”

  “I have to try to get back to normal, Rick, I can’t lie down forever.”

  “I know, but not just yet. Besides, I want us to share more of the household chores now, as well as the cooking. I was quite a good cook back when we first g
ot together, but when we bought the house, then had the children, I’m a bit ashamed to admit that we fell into stereotypical roles.”

  “We did, I know, and that was partly my fault for pushing us into them.”

  “I didn’t put up much of a fight though, did I? I’ve just been so tired all the time.”

  “But how is that going to change, Rick?”

  He blinked then worried his bottom lip.

  “It will. Somehow. Look… we still have the weekend and I have one more surprise for you.”

  “You do?” Dawn laughed. “But you’ve spoiled me so much already. What else could you possible have planned?”

  He tapped the side of his nose. “You’ll know soon enough. Right, I’ll get the dishes done then it’s time for another cup of tea and an afternoon snooze.”

  “Ooh, sounds good.”

  “You can make the tea if you like while I tidy up.”

  Dawn switched the kettle on while Rick put lids back onto foil containers then placed them into the fridge. He had been so good to her this week and she found it wonderful yet strange, as if she should always be the one doing things. Of course, when her mother had visited earlier in the week, she’d muttered that it wouldn’t last. And that had left Dawn biting her tongue as usual. What was it with her mum? Why couldn’t she be happy when something nice happened, even if it was on the back of a difficult time? She knew her mother had been hurt and never got over it but still… surely it was time to move on? But then she thought of Camilla and her refusal to fall in love, and knew that for some people, time didn’t move on. For some people, it very sadly remained the same.

  “What was that sigh for?” Rick asked as he slipped his arms around her waist then leaned his chin on her shoulder.

  “I didn’t realise I had sighed.”

  “You did. And it sounded like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

  “I was just thinking about Mum and Camilla. About why they can’t get over what Dad did. It was such a long time ago.”

  She poured boiling water onto teabags.

  “Camilla’s okay isn’t she?”

  “Well, yes. But she’s never had a proper relationship and I don’t know if she ever will.”

  “She seems to be enjoying herself.”

  “Seems… And then there’s Mum. Won’t look at a man, which is fine, but she also carries so much bitterness around with her.”

  “I guess she was badly hurt.”

  “She was, but the way she hangs onto it and constantly bringing it up hurts me too. Sometimes I just want to live life without comparing everything to what my dad did, you know?”

  Rick turned her in his arms.

  “I do know, Dawnie. It must be hard for you and you are very patient with her.”

  “I love her and she does so much for me… for us. I can’t tell her because it would hurt her and I doubt anything would change.”

  “Probably not. But perhaps you do need to have a gentle chat about it. Just not at the moment. Wait until you feel stronger.”

  Dawn nodded. “Perhaps. Anyway, right now I’m going to forget about it and enjoy being with you. We have about two hours until the school run, so let’s take our tea upstairs and lounge in bed like we used to when we were students.”

  “How decadent!” He winked at her. “Going to bed in the afternoon… when it’s still light.”

  He released her then got the milk from the fridge and Dawn poured it into the mugs.

  “”I never want to feel the way my mother does, Rick.”

  “You never will, I promise.” He picked up the tea. “Come on, let’s go lounge.”

  Dawn followed him out of the kitchen and up the stairs, trying hard to banish all thoughts of the email she’d seen from her mind. Trying to hold her husband’s promise there instead, because what was better than his word?

  8

  Dawn stretched and savoured the delicious tingling in her limbs. She’d had the loveliest nap followed by a refreshing cup of mint tea – that Rick had brought to her in bed before leaving to pick the children up from school. They’d be home soon. She should probably get dressed again. She’d slipped into soft pyjamas for her nap, not wanting to crease her clothes.

  The sound of a car entering the street made her sit up. That couldn’t be Rick; he’d walked to pick up Laura and James as it would be lazy to drive the five minutes to the school.

  She was about to lie back down again when she heard footsteps on the path. Was that Rick? An urge to throw herself into his arms and tell him how much she loved him consumed her. Recently, she’d been beset by so many doubts but the way he’d treated her this week had to show that he loved her, surely?

  Dawn reached for her dressing gown and slipped it on then descended the stairs, her heart full of love and happiness. She unlocked the front door then swung it open, about to greet her husband, and she stopped dead. Because the person on her doorstep was not the one she’d been expecting at all.

  “Hello, Dawn.”

  She opened her mouth but nothing came out.

  “What’s the matter, dear? Didn’t Rick tell you I was coming?”

  Her mother-in-law gave her a quick once over with her hard olive-green eyes then patted her dyed chestnut hair.

  “Are you still in your dressing gown?”

  “Yes actually, Fenella. I was having a nap. I’ve been told to rest.”

  “Yes, I know that.” Fenella Beaumont sniffed. “So let’s get you back to bed then.”

  She pushed her way into the house.

  “My suitcase is in the car but Rick can get it when he comes home.”

  “Suitcase?”

  “Yes, dear. I’ve come to stay.”

  Dawn’s heart sank.

  “Sorry?”

  “It was going to be a surprise. Rick said not to let on.”

  I bet he did.

  Dawn closed the door.

  “Right, dear. It was a long drive so I’d love a cup of tea. I’ll make it of course as you need to go back to bed.”

  ‘Of course. No. I mean… I’ll make it now.”

  “I’ll just go and powder my nose.”

  In the kitchen, Dawn filled the kettle and noticed that her hands were shaking. She couldn’t believe that Fenella Beaumont was actually here. It wasn’t that she didn’t get on with her mother-in-law, more that she enjoyed the fact that they lived a good two hours’ drive apart. It meant that family get-togethers were limited to once or twice a year. Fenella was a very proud and opinionated woman and Dawn always found being in her presence somewhat tiring. So the idea of dealing with Fenella in her current fragile condition was something that made her anxious.

  It wasn’t Rick’s fault, of course. Dawn had never told him about the things his mother said that made her uneasy, or that led her to doubt her own abilities as a wife and mother. She’d never wanted him to be in a position where he felt awkward having the two women under the same roof. But then that had never happened on more than a handful of occasions and then it had only been for a night or two.

  But now…

  It seemed that Fenella Beaumont had come to stay and Dawn had no idea how long for. Or how she would manage. Or how this would help her to relax.

  When she heard Rick’s key turn in the lock, she took a deep breath. She had a feeling it was going to take all her strength to stay positive.

  “I’m the winner!” James shouted as he ran into the hallway.

  “Really James, I wasn’t even racing you.” Laura shook her head as she removed her coat, eight going on eighteen.

  “Hello guys.” Dawn opened her arms and hugged them both. “How was your day?”

  “It was okay.” Laura shrugged.

  “Great, Mummy, we played football in afternoon playtime and I was the winner!”

  “James!” Laura scowled at her brother.

  “I was under the impression that footballers played in teams.” Rick closed the door behind him.

  “I told him
that, Daddy, but he won’t listen. He’s just obsessed with winning.”

  “Good word, Laura.” Dawn smiled.

  “We had theassawsuses today for creative writing.”

  “Theassawsuses?” Dawn frowned.

  “Yes, you know with all the different words in. Not to be confused with dictionaries!” She wagged a finger at her mother.

  “Ah… you used a thesaurus.”

  “That’s what I said, Mummy.”

  Dawn met Rick’s laughing eyes and pulled a face. “Silly me. Uh, Rick… I think my other surprise has arrived.”

  “Oh?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “Yes.”

  “Ohhhh… I thought I saw an unfamiliar car on the road. Dad no doubt changed it again.” He shook his head. “Are you okay with the… uh… surprise?”

  “What surprise, Daddy? I want to see!” James tugged at Rick’s hand.

  “Well if it isn’t my beautiful grandchildren!”

  “Nanna!”

  “Nanna!”

  Fenella enveloped the children in floral-scented bear hugs and Dawn suppressed a smile as she noticed James trying to wriggle free. He still liked hugs but didn’t enjoy being squashed.

  Then Fenella went to her son and took his face in her hands.

  “Darling Rick, you look tired. Are you all right? I bet you’re working too hard and trying to run the house now that Dawn’s incapable. I mean incapacitated.”

  Rick glanced at Dawn, evidently uncomfortable with his mother’s effusiveness and with her wording.

  “Yes, I’m fine, thanks. It’s Dawn that we’ve got to look out for.”

  “And that’s why I’m here. To help you all out while darling Dawn rests.”

  Dawn swallowed her disappointment.

  “Rick, be an angel and get my suitcase from the car. It’s that flashy new Jag out on the road. Your father’s choice, not mine. Laura and James, come with me and I’ll fix you a healthy snack.”

  “There’s food in the fridge actually,” Dawn said. “Left over from lunchtime.”

  “Left over?” Fenella’s drawn on eyebrows shot to her hairline.

  “Yes. Allie brought lunch over for us… Rick asked her to. It was delicious. All freshly cooked and plenty of variety…”