4 #5
When she finishes, Louane removes it, and Nolwenn invites the couple to see the pasture where the cows can go out.
It is still broad daylight, and Quentin and Ma?lle take a few steps into the field, finding it a vast space for the cows to frolic in.
Retracing their steps, they pass back through the airlock.
To their left is a door leading to a chalet—also made of light-colored pine—featuring a large bedroom that opens onto a small sitting area, as well as a spacious bathroom.
The large picture window looks out over the pasture, while the side window faces the small wood.
Nolwenn: "This is where you’ll stay when Alma is in heat, for the mating session—or sessions—needed to get her pregnant."
Ma?lle and Quentin are clearly won over; it shows. They walk around the chalet, obviously picturing themselves staying there. Everyone heads back through the sheep barn and steps outside to return to the main house.
Gathered around the living room table, Louane offers her guests another drink.
Ma?lle: "We were convinced before we even arrived, but we were afraid of being disappointed—we’d built this moment up so much in our minds—but it’s turned out perfectly."
Quentin: "You’ve managed to turn an invasive species—one that’s unfortunately proliferating along our coasts—into an asset. Out at sea, we haven't managed to do that as well with the American red crab, which is devouring a good portion of our fish stocks. Anyway, congratulations!"
Ma?lle: "Here’s the envelope with the deposit. If it works for you, we’re going to opt for the monthly payment plan, though we should be able to pay off the balance before our future calf turns three."
Louane confirms that’s perfect, takes the envelope, and thanks Ma?lle and Quentin for their trust. Nolwenn presents the contract for the couple to sign.
Everyone raises their glass and toasts to the couple’s future calf.
Louane: "During Alma’s pregnancy, you’re welcome to drop by the farm anytime to see her and check on her progress. Nolwenn and I are midwives, so we’ll be monitoring her care very closely."
Gwendal: "You can also stop by for a drink and talk woodworking with me, Quentin, while the ladies pamper Alma!"
Nolwenn: "And don’t forget, Quentin—you’ll need to come see us regularly anyway to bring fresh fish for Alma’s kibble." Quentin: "Count on me; there’ll be some for yours too—though I have no doubt your chickens are excellent as well."
Louane: "In all seriousness, if Alma likes the fish croquettes, I might well order some fish from you, Quentin, to feed the other cows. Our approach prioritizes quality, natural ingredients, and short supply chains."
With these promising prospects in mind, the couple takes their leave, and everyone exchanges the customary Breton kisses on the cheek.
Monday, September 24th: Most tourists have finally cleared out of the Breton beaches—or at least the ones (especially the women) Lo?c is interested in—making way for retirees who aren't tied to school holiday schedules.
While previously fewer in number, this demographic of tourists is on the rise.
Lo?c does, however, have a promising lead in northern Brittany that is shaping up nicely.
It will likely be the last one of the summer season in the region.
The prospect is an Italian woman working the season at a luxury hotel on the coast—the sort of place frequented by wealthy foreigners.
Lo?c shares the news with Louane, who is already delighted at the prospect of a tenth cow for her herd. He confirms she will arrive on Thursday, though he can't specify the exact time yet—most likely in the morning.
At 6:00 PM, Nolwenn has an appointment at the young Breton couple's home.
They’ve given her their address: a new house in a recent small subdivision, though built in a traditional Breton style.
The location is excellent, situated not far from the village center and local shops.
Having prepared the couple's file at the clinic, Nolwenn knows the young woman is named Morgane; she is 24 and a traditional dance teacher.
Her partner, Yann, 26, is a landscaper employed by the local council.
Both are natives of the village, where their respective parents still live.
It is Morgane who opens the door for Nolwenn and shows her into the living room.
Yann does not appear to be there, which intrigues and slightly worries Nolwenn.
Morgane immediately explains the situation.
Morgane: "Yann will be here very soon, but I wanted to have a quick private chat with you, Nolwenn. You need to know that I feel a lot of guilt—because of my medical condition—about not being able to give Yann a child. He comes from a family of five, and family is central to their lives.
Surrogacy isn't really part of their culture—or my partner's—but I fear it might be the only solution, as adoption scares us too."
Nolwenn: "Don't worry; the solution I’d like to propose should suit you perfectly."
Just then, the front door opens, and Yann walks in, having returned from work.
Yann: "Please excuse me; I managed to slip away from a meeting that just wouldn't end."
Nolwenn: "No problem at all, Yann; you’re completely forgiven."
With the couple now together, Nolwenn outlines the proposal regarding their wish to expand their family, just as she had done with Quentin and Ma?lle.
As she explains, Nolwenn watches the couple’s faces light up and their eyes sparkle.
They hadn't imagined having a biological child without facing active or silent opposition from their families regarding traditional surrogacy.
Nolwenn clarifies to Morgane that she will need to fake a pregnancy—and keep up the charade diligently—given how close they live to both sets of parents.
To the young woman, this seems like a small price to pay compared to the prospect of a little calf joining the family.
Nolwenn then touches on the financial aspect, though this is quickly dismissed; the young couple are Bretons born and bred, and Nolwenn gathers that both their families are wealthy enough to provide financial support.
As she did with Quentin and Ma?lle, she suggests the couple choose a cow that resembles Morgane as closely as possible, ensuring the calf truly reflects the two of them.
This observation runs up against one detail: the young woman’s magnificent red hair.
Building the suspense, Nolwenn takes her tablet out of her bag.
Nolwenn: "We have only one cow that fits your criteria; I hope she’ll be to your liking."
Nolwenn shows a photo of Abbie’s face to the couple as they lean over the tablet. Morgane and Yann are stunned by the resemblance—it is striking. The two young women could easily be sisters.
"She’s magnificent," Morgane exclaims, with Yann nodding in agreement. Nolwenn then scrolls through photos showing Abbie on all fours, and others where her udder is exposed just before milking, but nothing dampens the couple’s enthusiasm.
Nolwenn immediately secures their agreement and then explains the next steps of the process. She invites them to the farm next Thursday evening to finalize their order and sign the contract.
Back at the farm, just as with her recent appointments, she arrives after dinner.
Louane and Gwendal have, of course, saved her a portion, and Nolwenn doesn't keep them waiting long to announce that the second calf has been sold at the very first meeting.
A fresh bottle of cider is taken out of the fridge.
In turn, Louane tells Nolwenn that a new cow—an Italian one—is joining the herd. She is a beautiful 23-year-old brunette named Carla. She will be the herd’s first Reggiana and is due to arrive Thursday morning.
It is finally mid-morning when Lo?c’s van pulls up to the farm.
Gwendal goes to help him transport Carla to the first changing room, the one closest to the barn entrance.
Louane handles the intake protocol while Gwendal heads back up to offer Lo?c a coffee.
Louane joins him as she returns to the house.
For once, Lo?c takes a moment to catch his breath; he has just driven back from northern Brittany along back roads after rising at the crack of dawn.
On top of Carla’s arrival, Lo?c has two new cow options from Bixente, who is taking advantage of the extended summer season.
Lo?c: "Since our clients are Breton couples, Bixente has focused on Celtic breeds. He’s offering us two magnificent Irish Kerry cows—one red, the other brown."
Lo?c shows the photos to Louane and Gwendal, who approve.
Certain that Nolwenn would agree too, they give Lo?c the green light without hesitation.
He immediately passes the word to Bixente.
The fact that the second couple chose Abbie clearly shows there is no reason to rule out red cows—quite the opposite.
Lo?c: "It’s late September, and Bixente has a longer season in the Basque Country. Should I ask him to keep looking? He wants to supply us in pairs of cows to make the transport cost-effective; that means if we give him the green light, he can almost certainly find us more cows this season."
Louane and Gwendal agree, as this second calf sale—which looks set to go through—shows them they are on the right track.
Lo?c heads home. In the early afternoon, Nolwenn returns from Rennes.
She had lunch before leaving work, knowing Carla had arrived.
Louane tells her that Carla is still asleep—as far as she knows—but has left some work for her to do.
Nolwenn gets the message; it’s a little game between them.