10
Rhett
Rhett placed the lightest of kisses upon Heath’s head, then left him sleeping in his workshop whilst she popped over to the main house to see Fran to run her idea of cowgirl shows to the woman who had mothered her growing up more than her own.
‘It’s a bit cold this morning,’ said Fran, not turning to see who had entered the side door to her kitchen. She remained on her knees, lighting the fire in the grate.
Rhett smiled warmly at the view. Everything about Silver Wish Farm screamed homely, from its shop to each house to the surrounding land. She especially loved the rustic country kitchen that welcomed one and all.
I want a kitchen like this. I hope Heath completely changes my house. He has to.
‘Morning, Fran,’ she sang out, joining in with the happy vibe flowing through the air.
It always fascinated Rhett that some homes could lift a person’s spirit and others drown their soul. Walking into Fran Silver’s home was like swallowing a whole heap of happiness in one shot.
Fran burst out laughing as soon as she saw how Rhett was dressed. ‘Did I miss something?’
Rhett brushed her hands down her cream outfit and grinned. ‘I was running an idea past Heath.’
‘And what idea is that?’ Fran emptied the dregs of the kettle into the sink before filling it with fresh water.
‘A horse show, perhaps?’
‘Why on earth would you want to put on a horse show?’
Rhett cosied herself in a chair by the fire, removing her boots so she could tuck her feet up beneath her. ‘Raise more money.’
‘By standing on your head on top of a horse? I don’t think that’s the best idea. What if you fall?’
The thought alone made Rhett giggle. ‘I won’t stand on my head. For one, Tourmaline can be fussy about things like that. But Woody’s a show-off. He’d be my sidekick.’
Fran nodded at the door. ‘Lucky Riding Stables is known for lessons and treks, not performing animals. Are you even allowed to do tricks with animals anymore?’
‘Don’t see why not. People put on dog shows. And my Woody knows how to bow already. I’m telling you, Fran, he’s a star in the making. I think he was famous in his previous life.’
They both laughed, and Rhett shrugged herself out of the tight rhinestone jacket scratching her neck.
Fran placed a bowl of freshly sliced fruit on the table, followed by juice, bread and jam, and two canisters filled with cereal. ‘If it’s money you’re worried about, I just think takings are a little down at the moment because the café isn’t around. We all benefit from each other over here. Don’t we, lovely?’
I guess she doesn’t know about Dennis.
‘I suppose.’ She peered at the table as more breakfast items were placed in the middle. ‘You expecting guests?’
‘Oh, you never know who might pop in. I’m always prepared. I learned that lesson many years ago. Can’t remember the last time I sat alone for brekkie.’
I mostly eat on my own.
A rat-a-tat-tat came at the side door, quickly followed by, ‘Coo-ee.’ The bright-red hair of Ruby Morland popped around the door before the middle-aged woman entered fully. ‘Only me, Fran.’
Fran’s soft features warmed at her friend. ‘You want breakfast, Rubes?’
Ruby rubbed her hands together as she approached the table. ‘Ooh, lovely. I was on my way to work at the tea shop when I remembered I wasn’t due in till lunch, so I thought I’d come see how you were getting on. Hello, Rhett. Nice trousers.’
Rhett offered a smile as she flicked the tassels running the length of her leg. ‘I was testing out the idea of having a horse show up at the stables. Something new for the tourists.’
Ruby wrinkled her nose. ‘The Donkey Sanctuary does all right without all that paraphernalia. Not sure if folk want to see horses dancing.’ She reached across the table for the granola and a bowl. ‘I would suggest perhaps something more educational.’
Rhett moved her chair to the table so she could pick at some fruit. ‘Like what?’
‘Oh, I don’t know. I work in Edith’s Tearoom. All I have to do is help make cakes and serve tea. However, I think it’s nice for kids to visit places like your stables, go for a short ride, and learn some stuff about the animals.’ She glanced over at Fran, making the tea. ‘If kids are taught how to act around horses, they might not be such idiots as adults when they’re travelling down country lanes in their cars.’
Rhett lowered the slice of apple she was about to place in her mouth. ‘I do teach about animal care during lessons, but I know what you mean. I can’t tell you how many times someone has zoomed past me and startled one of mine. You would think they’d have more sense.’
Ruby’s caramel eyes narrowed in annoyance. ‘Some haven’t got a clue how to behave in areas outside their own town.’
Fran joined them at the table, nodding in agreement as she handed over a hot brew. ‘Very true, Ruby. My Finn told me that last summer he had to tell around ten tourists to move away from the boat slipway, as that’s where they’d decided to take selfies. No thought for the lifeboat having to launch into the sea to save some poor soul. Oh no. You’d think they’d prefer to take their snaps over on the soft golden sand at Sandly. I’d prefer that.’
‘Ooh, me too,’ said Ruby.
‘We need a beach day, Rubes,’ said Fran, dunking a homemade shortbread biscuit. She nudged Rhett’s arm, knocking the apple from her pinched fingers. ‘That’ll do you good. Get away for a bit.’
Ruby smiled. ‘Roll on summer. Ooh, we can organise a picnic.’
I really don’t have time to hang out at the beach.
Rhett nodded politely, knowing she’d find a way out of it nearer the time.
‘Speaking of gatherings,’ added Ruby. ‘The Sparrows are having a quiz night tomorrow at their pub. Come down, won’t you.’ Her focus seemed to be on Rhett, and Rhett felt she couldn’t decline the offer, not with Ruby beaming her way so happily. ‘It’s for charity. We only have to pop a fiver in the pot.’
Great, more money.
‘We’ll be there,’ said Fran. She slid some cereal over to Rhett. ‘Something different, eh, lovely. I’ll cover our lot. One donation from Silver Wish Farm.’
‘But I’m not Silver Wish Farm.’
Fran scoffed, flapping away the comment with one hand. ‘Of course you are. Pretty much. What’s one old gate between families? Besides, you’re my granddaughter’s mother. You’re tied in with us lot whether you like it or not.’ She winked at Ruby. ‘But I think she likes it.’
There wasn’t much to argue about. The Silvers were her family, and she loved that. Life with Heath was often weird and a little awkward, but the fact he was always there had made things bearable, at least. She couldn’t imagine him not being around. Her gaze went to Fran.
She must miss Benton so much.
‘Okay, I’ll come. I’ll bring Florence as well.’
Ruby shuffled closer to the table. ‘The new girl? I’ve heard about her. What’s she like?’
Not much stayed quiet in Pepper Bay for long, not that Florence was hiding. Rhett just knew her houseguest was taking a break from life.
‘She’s nice. From London. Happy to be here.’ Rhett was pleased with that description. She didn’t feel there was more to add, plus she felt uncomfortable gossiping.
Ruby scooped up a mouthful of granola. ‘I heard she might be sweet on Heath.’
Fran choked on the tea she’d just sipped as Rhett’s heart flipped.
Florence hasn’t said anything of the sort.
‘About time he met someone,’ added Ruby. ‘Ow!’
‘Sorry.’ Fran glanced down at Ruby’s leg. ‘Didn’t realise you were so close to my foot.’
The door swung open, and Vivien walked in. ‘Ooh, brekkie, lovely.’ She washed her hands and joined the mix. ‘Finn’s still out running. He’ll be in soon.’ She smiled over at Rhett, then plonked herself at her side. ‘So, what’s the goss?’
‘No gossip here,’ said Fran quickly, as Ruby had opened her mouth. ‘Just breakfast.’
Vivien laughed. ‘And Rhett’s new fashion.’ She gestured at the tassels.
‘I was thinking of putting on a horse show, but I’ve already changed my mind.’ Rhett wasn’t in the mood to eat anymore, let alone have a conversation about horse shows. Florence was so pretty, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Heath did look at her in that way.
Vivien’s dark eyes twinkled at her sister. ‘Where’s Heath?’
‘How would I know?’ Rhett didn’t mean to snap. Ruby’s words had got under her skin, and now she wasn’t sure what to think. She felt bad immediately for taking her foul mood out on Vivien. ‘Sorry,’ she added sheepishly.
‘We’re going to a quiz night at The Ugly Duckling tomorrow, Viv,’ said Fran, clearing the stale air caused by Rhett. ‘You in, lovely?’
‘Yes, definitely. Finn’s got the night off. You can count us in.’ She glanced at her sister. ‘Are you coming?’
Rhett nodded into her tea. ‘Hmm.’
Vivien stretched her arms. ‘It’ll be nice to go out for the evening.’
‘And the new girl will be there too,’ said Ruby.
‘I like Florence. I’ve had a few chats with her now. She seems nice. Just between us, I think she might end up staying. Pepper Bay has grown on her already.’ Vivien laughed as she got up to make a start on frying an egg.
‘See,’ said Ruby. ‘I reckon it’s because she’s got her eye on Heath.’
‘She hasn’t,’ Rhett snapped, without thinking.
Vivien turned from the large range cooker. ‘She’s not his type.’
‘Who’s not whose type?’ asked Finn, stomping his feet on the doorstep.
Ruby beamed his way. ‘The new girl and Heath.’
Finn’s dark eyes sparkled as he laughed out loud. He approached Vivien, kissing her cheek and pressing his cold nose in her face, making her squirm away, chuckling. ‘I’ll have one of those, please,’ he said, gesturing towards the sizzling egg in the pan. He glanced over at Ruby as he washed his hands at the butler sink. ‘Heath’s not into Chanel. More… leather.’ He winked at Rhett, and she could have hit him.
As they all chatted whilst pottering around the kitchen, Rhett wondered if Heath did still love her at all. Just because that was how she had always felt didn’t mean he’d lived a life feeling the same.
Oh, good grief. I think I’m having an early midlife crisis. Why did I even kiss him earlier? What is wrong with me lately?
She quickly snaffled some more breakfast goodies before making her excuses and hotfooting it back to her horse, as she really couldn’t handle Heath walking in. It was bad enough Ruby thinking he’d end up with Florence.
Vivien and Finn had subtly suggested he still had the hots for her instead, and all with Fran sitting there looking innocent.
Fran and Benton had never hidden the fact they wanted her as a daughter-in-law.
Unable to help herself, she stole a quick glance inside Heath’s workshop as she passed by. He was still attached to the sofa, sleeping.
Rhett smiled at how peaceful he looked, and part of her wanted to tiptoe over and snuggle under his big strong arm. She laughed to herself as she crept away, remembering how much smaller his build was when they were teens. The memory of them parting back then came crashing in, and just like that, she was sad again.