9
Willow
Silver Wish Farm was hosting a grand opening day for the Gatehouse Café and Silver Wish Stables B&B. The whole farm was in use, with the exception of where the plants grew, and so many people had turned up to help celebrate.
Willow was so excited for Kip to see where she lived, stealing glances all around every so often, searching for him.
Lance and some of the others had arrived and made a beeline for the opened double doors of the brick-built café, where the strong scent of fresh coffee wafted, attracting many. The fact it was free for the morning largely helped.
Willow helped her mum settle a little local girl, Kasey, up onto Sunray, a golden-brown pony, then she left Rhett to it, spotting Cody over by the paddock.
‘Sully, have you seen Kip yet?’
Cody adjusted his crutches as he turned. ‘Nope. Your mum sent me over here to see if Florence needed any help, but she’s got it covered. I think she just went in the house. Belle and Rosie are helping out here. Anyway, not sure what I can do.’ He raised one crutch.
Even though it had been a week, Willow still felt so bad.
‘Why don’t you do something sitting down?’ she said, gesturing towards the direction of the marquee.
‘Like what?’
‘Gran’s over there, handing out leaflets and talking shop to the bloggers and journalists. You could mingle, tell everyone how great everything is.’
Cody nodded. ‘Yeah, I can do that. What role are you playing today?’
Willow looked at the garden centre. ‘All roles. I feel as though I’m all over the place, and it’s not even lunchtime yet.’
‘Meet me in the kitchen at lunch, and we’ll take five minutes.’
She met his warm smile and agreed.
Cody hobbled away, and Willow went into the B&B to find Florence surrounded by a few people over by the reception desk Heath had made. It was only a small area for checking in and out, but it did the job, and Rhett loved it, which was all that mattered.
The group headed off with Florence on a quick tour, and Willow found her dad outside, talking to Nate and Tessie. She waved him away for a moment to see if he needed her for anything, but he just laughed and told her to relax.
He was right, she should. The day was running smoothly, all their friends from Pepper Bay and Sandly had turned up to support them, and the visitors were all smiling. However, she needed to keep extra busy to stop her mind from constantly thinking about Kip.
It was starting to annoy her, but she couldn’t be sure what irritated her the most. The fact he still hadn’t arrived or the space he owned in her mind.
Spotting Lance strolling across the field, she sprinted his way. ‘Hey, what do you think of my home?’ She splayed her arms and smiled.
Lance looked as sedated as ever as he pushed his glasses up his nose. ‘Farm life is worth writing about.’ He nodded and mumbled something to himself before clearing his throat. ‘I can see the scene. War hero, back from Mars. Coming down the path, backpack, lasers sticking out behind him.’ He pointed out towards the café. ‘She runs to him, but the war isn’t over, and down from the sky they come, and our hero is fighting once more. Right here.’
It wasn’t something Willow had ever imagined on her land, but she smiled anyway not wanting to rain on his parade. She went to speak, but he silenced her by pulling out a pen and tapping it on her lips. ‘Shh!’
Willow closed her mouth as Lance fought with his notepad and pocket whilst turning his back on her. She left him to it, making her way towards the quiet music coming from the café.
Vivien was in her element inside, serving and smiling, and occasionally stroking over her new shiny counter with love and affection. Finn was on top form, chatting happily away to future customers and some man from Hotel Royale, who was adding the farm to the Isle of Wight coach tour the hotel supplied for their guests.
Willow snatched a small bottle of orange juice from the fridge, then joined her theatre group at one of the tables. ‘Has Kip arrived yet?’ She tried for a casual tone, thinking she probably wasn’t the only one to ask.
‘No,’ replied Lavender, eyeing up Finn. ‘He said he was running late. Something to do with a phone call and his mother.’
Oh, well, that makes sense .
Soulmates wouldn’t stand each other up for no good reason. It settled her to know his mum was important to him. She wanted a family man, like her dad and grandad. It was heartwarming just knowing he existed. He didn’t have to be wrapped around her twenty-four seven.
The group nattered away, talking travel plans after the show and how they wouldn’t want to live on an island, which Willow didn’t take to heart. However, when the subject of Hollywood came up, and Lavender mentioned Kip moving there, it did make Willow wonder how on earth their relationship would work.
Perhaps he’s not my soulmate. But everything else fits. This shouldn’t have complications, surely .
She drifted back into the conversation, not having much to add, then excused herself, as she wanted to check out her gran’s fridge to make sure there was enough meat for the barbeque taking place that evening.
The fridge was full, and Willow knew so was Finn’s, Tyler’s, and her parents’, but it was something else to do. Overthinking wasn’t giving her the best day, and she so wanted to join in and be her usual happy self. Normally she’d be the life and soul of any family get-together, but she couldn’t seem to shrug off the dull ache in her heart.
To want is to suffer .
The words of wisdom she had been taught by an old man sitting outside a temple in India had little effect. She still had no idea why he spoke to her. Maybe he saw into her future and knew she would one day need his advice. That’s all she needed, another psychic on her case. She already had Josephine in her life, and now Mystic Maureen.
Speaking of fortune tellers, Willow spotted her knitting club as she stepped outside her gran’s house.
‘Hey, hope you lot are pacing yourselves. We’ve got a barbeque later. I don’t want you falling asleep.’
Nora chuckled. ‘Oi, we’re fitter than you, missy.’
‘Besides, we’re not leaving till we’ve seen this soulmate of yours,’ said Nana Blackcurrant.
Willow shook her head at them in disbelief. ‘Really?’
Nora tutted. ‘Don’t act surprised. It was obvious we’d want to check him out.’
‘I want to check out his aura,’ said Nana Blackcurrant.
Josephine huffed. ‘I won’t be wasting my time on him.’
Even though Willow didn’t want them to interfere, she felt slightly offended. ‘Why not?’
Josephine grumbled, then walked off to speak to Ruby.
Willow’s shoulders slumped. ‘What’s wrong with Jo today?’
Nora scoffed. ‘Today? She’s always like that. Ignore her. Now, show us this young man of yours.’
‘He’s not here yet. He’s helping his mum with something.’ She assumed.
Nana Blackcurrant nudged Nora’s arm. ‘There’s plenty of time. I’m going horse riding.’
Willow side-eyed the little old lady. ‘Erm…’ Words failed her, so she decided to leave that one to her mum.
Nora slipped her arm into Willow’s and led her to the marquee. ‘What else is going on around here?’
‘We’re championing the B&B and café, so we’ve set up riding, tours, freebies, the barbeque, and Gran’s opened the marquee early to showcase our plants, Dad’s furniture, and Joey’s got a cake stall inside, with loads of handmade goodies from Edith’s Tearoom. We want everyone to see what we have here, but also what’s local for guests to visit. So, when you mooch about, you’ll see a sweet stall run by Tyler, Dolly’s candles and gifts, The Book Gallery have some books and art on display, and we’ve got leaflets advertising attractions and so on.’
‘Ooh, that’s kind of you Silvers to shine a light on others during your big day.’
Willow shrugged. ‘We all help each other in Pepper Bay, so it makes sense. Besides, Mum and Dad wanted to show the Renshaws that they weren’t trying to pinch guests from Pepper River Inn, and the Sheridans that they weren’t about to steal some from the caravan park over on Dreamcatcher Farm.’
‘No, that won’t happen.’ Nora bobbed her head at the garden centre. ‘You’ve all got something different to add to the community. Someone who wants to go on a horse-riding retreat probably wouldn’t be interested in shacking up in a tiny caravan on a fruit farm. See?’
‘Yeah, we figured the same, and the Renshaws and Sheridans have been so supportive, but it was a concern at first.’
‘It’s a lovely bit of land you’ve got here.’
Willow smiled at her home. ‘It all came together nicely in the end.’
Nora laughed. ‘Ooh, what a history this place has got. You should add that to your web thingy or put a poster up in the café. Tourists love a bit of backstory.’
It was a thought, but Willow wasn’t sure how interesting outsiders would find the story. She found it quite depressing.
‘Stop wrinkling your nose, Willow. It’s a good story. Trust me, visitors will love it. We’re all nosey, you know, and what better than the Gatehouse story to cause a stir.’
‘I know what you’re saying, but it wasn’t exactly a nice love story that took place between Neville Silver and Abbigail Smithson. He built her the original Gatehouse so they could be together, then she dumped him and kept the house.’
Nora gave a nod towards the old gate built to divide the Silver and Smithson land. It was still firm in place. ‘Oh, if only that gate could talk.’
Willow laughed. ‘It would tell me my ancestors were irrational.’
‘Ah, love does funny things to a person.’
‘You know, I’m the only one here that’s half Silver half Smithson.’
‘See, young lady, you’re the glue that brought this place together. Now, that’s a good story.’
‘Perhaps you should write it.’
‘Perhaps I might.’
Willow snuggled into her friend’s arm as they headed inside the white marquee.
Fran had done a great job setting up the place. Normally it was only used for the Frozen Forest at Christmas, but since Vivien and Finn used it to host a Valentine’s charity day, the family had the idea to get more use out of the marquee, then perhaps they wouldn’t have to keep putting it up and taking it down.
Nora marched Willow straight to the book stall, frowning at Stan sitting behind the trestle table. ‘Where’s Anna and Jake? You should be resting. Retirement is when you get to sit down for a bit.’
Stan’s dark eyes filled with amusement as he gestured to his chair. ‘Stop fussing, I’m fine.’
‘But you get a bit breathy, Stan.’
Willow leaned closer to him. ‘You do? Are you all right now?’
Stan bobbed his head. ‘I’m fine. Anyway, I’m surprised at you, Nora.’ He grinned, and it was Nora’s turn to frown.
‘Why?’ she asked, thumbing the romance book closest to her.
‘Not knowing the latest news.’
He had Nora’s full attention. ‘What news? Don’t toy with me, Stan.’
Willow bit her lip to hold in her laugh. If anyone on the island had the news before the press, it was Nora.
Stan completely milked his moment, taking his time, shuffling in his seat, and folding his arms.
‘Out with it, Stan,’ snapped Nora.
‘Anna gave birth in the wee hours. Baby boy.’
‘Aww,’ Willow cooed, holding a hand over her heart as Nora got busy with her mobile phone.
‘Details, Stan.’ Nora clicked her fingers, and Willow and Stan shared a smile.
‘Name’s Jay. Six pounds four ounces. Mother and baby are well.’
Willow warmed. She couldn’t wait to have a large family, as she loved being surrounded by her own.
Nora laughed to herself as she rapidly typed. ‘I take it Scott Harper wasn’t involved this time.’ She glanced up at Willow. ‘Poor little Harper, being born in the back of Joseph Sheridan’s truck.’
Stan cleared the phlegm in his throat as he stood. His dark, weather-worn face held a touch of offence. ‘There’s nothing wrong with our Harper, thank you very much. She’s perfectly fine, and Scott did a grand job bringing her into the world.’
‘Just saying,’ mumbled Nora, heading off to tell the world the news of baby Jay Reynolds.
Willow smiled at Stan. ‘She doesn’t mean any harm.’
Stan sat back down. ‘Yeah, I know. Harper calls me Grandad, and I can get a little protective of her and Anna, that’s all. It’s all good, love.’
Benton was the same with Willow. Her heart suddenly ached for him.
Stan must have read her expression. ‘Hey, Willow, I know I’m not your grandad, but if you ever need anything, you can always knock on my door. I want you to know that.’
His words were so sweet and filled with meaning, Willow’s heart warmed once more. ‘Thanks, Stan. Now, let me go grab you a coffee or something.’
‘Ooh, cup of tea, please, love. And if Joey’s got any more of her mouth-watering lemon drizzle, I can manage a slice of that too.’
‘Won’t be a sec.’ Willow noticed Cody talking to a couple of visitors as she made her way over to the cake stall.
Joey was swamped with people wanting to taste her wares and get more news on her new nephew now that Nora had quickly spread the news, so Willow helped herself to a plate around the side of the table where Josephine sat, watching over her granddaughter.
‘I’ll just get this for Stan, then I’ll help you, Joey,’ said Willow, giving Josephine a pointed look.
The old lady returned the look. ‘I’m resting my back. My Joey loves a bit of chaos anyway.’
Joey’s blonde ponytail swayed as she shook her head. ‘No, I don’t, Gran.’
Josephine huffed. ‘Josh should be helping.’
‘He’s got the kids. Ours and Anna’s.’
‘Give me one sec, and I’ll muck in,’ said Willow, sorting Stan’s cake. She grabbed Tyler, heading to the loo, and asked him to fetch Stan’s tea on his way back, then she jogged over to the cake stall, peeled back the sleeves on her flowery blouse and started serving.
‘Helps take your mind off things,’ said Josephine, nudging Willow’s ankle with her foot.
Willow frowned at her leg. ‘I don’t have my mind on things, except this place.’ She handed over a chunky slice of carrot cake and smiled at the visitor.
‘Soulmates,’ chuckled Josephine.
Joey turned and grinned. ‘Glad I’ve got mine. Life just feels peaceful with Josh. Wasn’t that way to start, but we got there.’
That’s Kip and me. Yes, that’s it. Not everyone has an easy start. I can take that. A few bumps in the road will help build us as a couple. Oh, where is he? How are we supposed to build anything when I hardly see him? I wish my soulmate was by my side .
Half the people in the marquee suddenly decided they wanted cake, and Willow felt like an octopus. Cody appeared, balancing on one trainer and one medical walking boot. He squirted some hand sanitiser into his palms, then got busy helping to serve cakes, much to her relief but not surprise.