Chapter 42
FORTY-TWO
Nathan calls me in the morning to ask if I am up for the Boxing Day walk.
‘But first, I would like to show you something, if you’re up and dressed,’ he says, leaving me intrigued.
Fifteen minutes later, he has arrived at the cottage.
‘So where are we going?’ I ask, surprised that we are not heading to his cottage, or climbing into his car.
‘Just around the corner,’ he tells me, as we make our way towards the shop. Soon enough, we are standing outside the huge green barn.
‘I have been thinking about what you said,’ he explains as we stand looking at the empty building. ‘About the community hub.’
‘You have?’ I say, my heart soaring.
‘It kind of makes sense to use it for something for the village, as it is only sitting empty. So, shall we take a look?’
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when we stepped inside, but the huge barn is spotless. It is completely empty apart from a load of hay bales in one corner.
At once, I can imagine walls lined with bookshelves, and chairs dotted about.
One end of the barn lends itself to a counter selling drinks and cakes, in my mind’s eye. It could be wonderful.
‘So what do you think?’ he asks. ’Obviously, the hay bales would have to go.’
‘Would they?’ I say, an idea suddenly springing to mind.
‘Maybe you could leave them there for the children to play on? Especially in the wet weather, when they cannot use the playground outside…’ I suggest. ‘And over there, you could serve drinks and cakes.’ I point to the end of the barn.
‘Maybe even rustle up some of your own to sell.’ I realise I am getting completely ahead of myself.
‘I could even make a few myself, although I am a little out of practice.’
‘You seem to have things all figured out,’ says Nathan with a smile on his face. ‘I think I am a bit too busy to supply the cakes but we already have a supplier that serves the café. And I am sure Penny would like an outlet for her cakes, if she has the time to make them.’
‘Maybe she could do with an assistant…’ I say idly.
‘Are you offering?’ he asks.
‘What? No, of course not.’ I laugh. ‘Although you never know. So do you think it is doable, then?’
‘I definitely do!’ he says. ‘And a counter selling drinks and snacks would generate some money.’ He rubs his chin. ‘Unfortunately I don’t have the time to get involved in such a project, but if Marilyn and some of the other villagers wish to do so, then yes, let’s make it happen!’
I practically leap on him, as I wrap my arms around him and pull him in for a kiss.
‘You are the best! I can’t wait to tell Marilyn. In fact, I will FaceTime her now!’ I say excitedly.
Marilyn lets out such a scream of delight at the news, it has Gerard rushing into the room to check that she is alright.
‘Nathan Woods, you will surely get your reward in heaven,’ she tells Nathan, who is smiling at her reaction.
‘I haven’t told you how much the hire of the barn is yet,’ he says.
‘Ah.’ She frowns. ‘But I am sure it will be reasonable.’
‘I am joking.’ He grins. ‘It will be free of charge, but I am thinking visitors to the hub might buy a drink, or pop into the shop and spend some money, so maybe I am not as benevolent as you think.’ He grins.
‘Well, you have made my day, that’s for sure. I can’t wait to chat about it later. This is the best Christmas present ever.’
‘You never fail to surprise me,’ I tell Nathan as we enjoy our crisp winter walk.
There are still clumps of snow clinging to the grass, although the footpaths are clear.
True to his word, he walks at my pace, with Ben and the boys are up ahead of us. We follow the river around the village, greeting several other walkers as we do so.
‘Is that a good thing?’ he asks, as he curls his hand around mine.
‘Up to now, it is, yes.’
‘You haven’t surprised me too much,’ he says, suddenly stopping and facing me. ‘Because I knew all those years ago how wonderful you were. And still are.’
Despite the chilly weather, I feel a warm glow inside.
Up ahead, we notice Dylan and Ben on a footbridge, dropping sticks into the river and watching them disappear beneath the bridge.
‘Pooh sticks, that takes me back,’ says Nathan as he watches them. ‘Nice to see they haven’t outgrown that…’ He smiles.
‘It seems there are some things we never really outgrow,’ I tell him.
‘I couldn’t have put it better myself,’ he replies, as he pulls me in for a kiss.
‘Just look at that buffet.’ Marilyn stands back and admires the variety of food on the tables of the village hall. ‘It just shows what a community can do, when they all come together.’
It’s New Year’s Eve, and as news of the new community hub has spread, the village have decided to pull out all the stops and have the best New Year’s party ever. We decided to put New Year in London on hold but there is always next year.
Even Will Sutton has donated several cases of champagne and paid for a firework display.
He had suggested to Marilyn when he ran into her in town that he might abandon his own party and come to the village hall instead.
‘That might be nice, as people seem to have forgiven you, regarding the library,’ she had told him.
‘That’s because it’s a win-win situation,’ he had reasoned. ‘New houses, and a new reading room for the villagers ’
‘I suppose so. And the fireworks have probably gone some way to appeasing folk too,’ she had said. ‘They were too costly this year.’
We have the most marvellous evening, listening to the talented band that play an assortment of music styles and have everyone on their feet. Will has brought Henry along, who has danced the night away with various women.
‘That was interesting,’ Nathan tells me as he returns from a chat with Will Sutton and clutching a bottle of beer.
‘Oh, yes?’
‘He was asking if I have any land to sell,’ he reveals as he sips his beer.
‘And do you?’
‘I do as it happens. A couple of acres beyond one of the crop fields.’
‘I presume he wants it for housing?’
‘That’s right. Two luxury homes. Which would be in an idyllic location, I suppose. The views from the bedrooms would overlook the river…’ he muses.
‘Sounds wonderful. So what do you think?’ I ask.
‘I think I could agree to it, if he builds one luxury home. I can think of someone who would certainly enjoy living there,’ he says, with a slow nod of his head.
‘Oh right. Who?’ I ask, as the penny slowly begins to drop.
‘Me of course. My cottage is really only big enough for one.’
As the countdown to the New Year begins, I think of all that has happened in such a short space of time. I also think of my apartment in London, that suddenly feels cold and empty, despite its luxury interior and impressive location.
The words of Nathan’s father, and how he spoke of things going full circle, pop into my mind and I have come to realise that what is meant to be will be, however we may try to fight it.
‘Happy New Year!’
There are congratulations and hugs all around, as above our heads, rockets turn the dark sky into a sea of pink, green and cascading silver stars.
As I glance upwards, with Nathan’s arms around me, I can almost hear Gerard and Marilyn telling me that God moves in mysterious ways. And I think to myself that maybe he does just that.