Second Chances in Tuppenny Bridge: A totally heartwarming feel-good read, page 18
‘Go on,’ he urged. ‘You can tell me the truth.’
‘Well,’ she said, ‘to be honest, I was kind of looking forward to watching you do the shoeing demonstration. I’ve never seen you at work before, and I really wanted to see what it was like.’
‘Oh.’ It was his turn to feel embarrassed. He managed to grin at her. ‘It’s just me banging a few nails in, remember?’
Kat laughed. ‘Oh yes. Sorry about that. I really would like to see it though.’
‘Really?’ He couldn’t imagine why, and he was also aware that his stomach had just flipped over with a sudden attack of nerves at the thought. ‘Well, Tawnie said she might be able to watch the stall on the Sunday, though I don’t think she was planning on coming to the fair really. She was never all that keen on it. I suppose I could close up for a little while…’
‘We’ll figure something out,’ she said. She ran her hands over two iron hearts, looped together on a stand. ‘These are going to be so popular,’ she told him. ‘You’re quite the romantic deep down, aren’t you?’
He watched her fingers stroking the metal and imagined what it would feel like to have her touching him in the same way. He jerked guiltily when she dropped her hand and turned to look at him, her green eyes warm and admiring.
God she was so beautiful! How had he never noticed all these years when they’d been living in the same small town, walking the same streets, even hanging out together? What had he been thinking?
Somehow, she’d entirely escaped his attention. Well, in that way at least. Always there, he’d seen her almost every day. Yet he hadn’t, had he? Seen her. Not properly anyway. She’d been the cheeky kid who lived at The Black Swan, the ponytailed teenager who everyone felt sorry for because her mum had died, and the besotted girlfriend of his best mate, who was a bit of a curiosity because she lived with the batty Pennyfeather sisters.
Then she’d been the grieving partner of Leon. And it had all got awkward, sad and too bloody difficult to deal with. So he’d backed away from her.
Well, not just him. The gang had broken up after Leon’s death, he remembered. Isobel and Noah spent all their time as a couple, and had got married a year later; he’d thrown himself into work, not wanting to think about how lonely he was without his best friend, nor how much he missed him.
Kat had been devastated, and he hadn’t known what to say to her. It had come as a huge relief to him when she went to stay with her dad in Dorset to get over the trauma. He supposed when she finally came back to Tuppenny Bridge he’d expected that she’d got over it. He’d hoped she had because that let him off the hook.
He felt ashamed remembering. He hadn’t been there for her at all. Too bloody caught up in his own misery to consider hers. Somehow, they’d gone from seeing each other almost every day to nodding greetings when they passed in the street.
Now they were adults with children to care for and a whole heap of responsibility. Kat wasn’t that young ponytailed girl any longer. And one thing was for sure, she was no longer just Kat.
It hit him, as she stood there, a half-smile on her lips, that she’d become central to his life in a way he’d never expected. After Sofia, he’d honestly thought he was done with romance, and having Tommy to focus on had convinced him his life was complete, and he didn’t need anyone else.
But the longing for her was too overwhelming to be denied, and he felt a clutch of panic as he realised his feelings for her had entirely changed. He was in severe danger of falling in love, and that would be the worst thing he could do.
He’d been here before, after all. Sofia had been a vulnerable single mother, too. She’d seen Jonah as a meal ticket for life and had fooled him completely with her declarations of love. He couldn’t go through all that again, and even though his heart was telling him Kat was different, his head was warning him that the circumstances were too similar, and he’d be a fool to ignore the signs.
‘Don’t look so shocked,’ she said, a puzzled look in her eyes as he continued to stare at her. ‘Your secret’s safe with me. I won’t tell anyone.’
‘My secret?’
‘About you being a romantic at heart,’ she said, nodding at the iron hearts.
He let out a long breath. ‘Oh, I see. Yeah, keep that quiet. I wouldn’t want anyone getting ideas.’
Not that it was likely. If Kat hadn’t noticed how he felt about her while he’d been standing there gawping at her like an idiot, there was little chance that she’d get ideas. He was reading far too much into all this. Kat wouldn’t be interested in him anyway.
For all he knew, Hattie’s father could still be on the scene.
He remembered the man she’d been talking to at the door. She’d been wearing nothing but a robe and had seemed perfectly relaxed considering he was supposed to be a stranger. And that story she’d told him about him thinking someone called Matilda Demple lived there. Was it likely? The Brewsters had lived in Forge Cottage for generations, so why would he have thought that?
His stomach tightened. Could he be Hattie’s father? Had she sent him away, knowing Jonah would be on his way back?
He honestly didn’t know, and it was none of his business anyway. It just proved to him, if he needed more proof, that developing feelings for Kat was a bad idea and it was time to put the lid on his emotions. Fast.
FIFTEEN
Saturday dawned at last. Looking out of the bedroom window Kat realised the rain had held off overnight and the day was cloudy but mercifully dry.
She felt a bubble of excitement rising within her. She’d always loved the sheep fair. It was the highlight of Tuppenny Bridge’s calendar really, popular not only with the residents of the town, but with people far and wide.
The market place was out of bounds to cars, naturally, since it was full of sheep pens during the fair. Cars, therefore, were directed to the council-owned pay and display car park on Bankside, just past The Black Swan, or to the private car park, which was actually a field behind the pub, owned by the people who ran it. She remembered her dad had considered that field a real asset during his years as landlord, yielding a tidy profit for no effort during events such as this.
She’d had a word with Sally and had been grateful beyond words when her friend had offered to man the stall while Jonah did his shoeing demonstration and Kat watched. Summer had volunteered to help in any way she was needed.
‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ Kat had asked, feeling she was taking advantage of their good natures.
‘Don’t be daft, love.’ Sally had dismissed her fears with a wave of the hand. ‘Rafferty’s working on Saturday any road, so it’s not like I’d have been wandering round with him. And Ben’s on duty, checking the sheep and judging some of the classes with Clive, so Summer’s in the same boat. We’ll be happy to help.’ Her eyes had narrowed at that point, though. ‘Never thought I’d see you so keen to watch a horse being shoed.’
‘It just interests me,’ Kat said, squirming with embarrassment. ‘I’ve never seen it done before, and I’d like to know what Jonah actually does all day when he’s at work.’
‘And being all manly and professional.’ Sally giggled and Kat nudged her.
‘Behave yourself! It’s not like that.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that,’ Sally said. ‘You’re a bloody awful liar, Katherine Pennyfeather. I can see that gleam in your eye. You’re imagining him in his work clothes, all hot and sweaty, with those muscles flexing and…’ She wiped her forehead. ‘Bloody hell, is it me or is it hot in here?’
Kat burst out laughing. ‘What are you like?’
‘I wouldn’t blame you, you know,’ Sally said, the smile dropping from her face. ‘He’s a lovely fella. I can’t get over the way he’s taken Tommy on the way he has. And let’s face it, he’s pretty easy on the eye too.’
‘It’s not like that,’ Kat repeated, shaking her head.
‘But why not? You’re both single, you’re both single parents, you’re even sharing a sodding house. What more do you need? What’s stopping you?’
‘Well, for a start, he doesn’t see me in that way,’ Kat said firmly.
‘Oh? And you’re sure about that, are you?’
‘Of course I’m sure. I’d know if he did. To him I’m just the girl he’s known forever, and Leon’s girlfriend.’
‘Hmm. Do you think he’s guessed how you feel about him?’
Kat blushed. ‘Honestly, I’d rather die than admit it to him,’
‘Maybe he already knows.’
‘Of course he doesn’t.’ She shifted uncomfortably. ‘Well, I don’t think he does anyway. I thought maybe I’d given myself away a couple of times but…’ She shook her head determinedly. ‘No, he definitely doesn’t. He wouldn’t be able to look me in the eye if he did and he’s been carrying on just as usual.’
‘So if you’re convinced he hasn’t guessed how you feel about him, what makes you think you’d guess if he felt the same about you?’
Kat’s mouth dropped open. ‘Well… I mean, I would, wouldn’t I?’
‘How?’
‘I just would. I live with him!’
‘And he lives with you, but you’re pretty certain he hasn’t got a clue how you feel.’ Sally shook her head. ‘What if you both feel the same way and neither of you has the courage to tell the other one? This could go on for years. Don’t waste time, Kat. If you like him in that way, tell him.’
‘But what if he doesn’t feel that way about me? How could we go on living together after that? It would be too awkward. Impossible. I’d have to leave.’
Sally sighed. ‘All I know is, it was a similar situation for me and Rafferty. I nearly left anyway because I was that fed up with it all. I was constantly trying to guess how he felt, but neither of us had the guts to say it out loud, so in the end I nearly finished us. But when we finally said it—’ She shrugged. ‘Well, you know how that turned out. You were at the wedding. I just think if he matters that much it’s worth the risk. Think how much fun you could both be having instead of dithering.’
As Kat hastily got dressed, she thought about what Sally had said. Was she right? Was it time for her to be brave and tell Jonah that her feelings towards him were no longer strictly platonic?
Feeding Hattie her breakfast twenty minutes later she wondered what she’d been thinking. Seeing Jonah hurriedly buttering toast and slathering on peanut butter for Tommy, she thought he couldn’t possibly look less like a man in love. He seemed far too busy for that; his thoughts clearly focused on the day ahead. Yes, he had a lot to think about, but surely if he had romantic feelings towards her there’d be something? A lingering look perhaps, or a tender smile in her direction…
She sighed inwardly and gave Hattie another spoonful of porridge.
Jonah placed a mug of tea in front of her. ‘I’m going to load up the van with the stuff,’ he said, sounding distracted.
‘Already?’ She frowned. ‘Do you need a hand?’
He shook his head. ‘I can manage. I’ve got plenty of time. You’ve got enough on your plate seeing to these two anyway.’ He hesitated. ‘Are you still going to watch the shoeing demonstration?’
‘Yes, I told you. Sally and Summer are minding the stall, and I’ll bring the kids to watch you at work. I think Tommy will love it.’
Tommy, who was munching his peanut butter on toast, gave an enthusiastic nod.
‘Okay. If you’re sure.’ He gave her a faint smile. ‘Right. I’d better make a move.’
‘You haven’t had breakfast yet,’ she pointed out.
‘I can grab something later at the fair,’ he said. ‘They’ll be serving breakfasts soon enough. You know how popular they are with the farmers.’
Kat nodded. She used to love watching the market place getting ready for the fair from the window of her flat. Preparations would start on the Friday evening, when the pens were erected, ready for the arrival of the sheep the following morning. By now, she knew, the market place would be a hive of activity, and the air would be heavy with the smell of sizzling bacon and sausages, with participants queueing up for their breakfasts and catching up with fellow stallholders and farmers.
It was another thing to miss about the shop. This house was beautiful, and she loved living here, but it was tucked down a quiet lane and she was used to the bustle of Market Place.
Jonah ruffled Tommy’s hair and told them not to worry if he wasn’t back because he might be needed to give people a hand, and he had his stall to get ready.
‘You’re sure you can manage with these two?’ he asked worriedly.
‘Don’t be daft. Of course I can. Go on and get ready, and I’ll see you later,’ Kat told him cheerfully.
‘Thanks, Kat,’ he said, and hurried out of the kitchen.
She sat back in her chair and puffed out her cheeks. Tommy looked at her and grinned.
‘Are you excited to watch Daddy putting shoes on the horses, Kat?’
She smiled. ‘I am, Tommy. Are you?’
‘Yes, but I’ve seen him do it before. He took me to a farm once and I had to stand with this girl while Daddy got the fire out of his van and melted the shoes, so they’d fit her pony. They’re not like our shoes, you know.’
Kat raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. ‘Are they not?’
He shook his head. ‘Nope. They’re metal. And Daddy has to cut their hooves before he puts the shoe on, but don’t worry because it doesn’t hurt. Daddy says it’s just like cutting our toenails.’
‘Fancy that.’ Kat gazed at him. ‘Well, you learn something new every day. Thanks for that, Tommy.’
He shrugged. ‘S’all right.’
‘Are you nearly finished eating? Because if you are you can run upstairs and clean your teeth, then we’ll get you dressed.’
‘In my new woolly jumper?’ he asked eagerly, and she nodded, smiling.
Tommy slid out of his chair and obligingly headed to the bathroom. Kat eyed Hattie’s porridge-smeared face.
‘Right, young lady. Time to get you washed and changed. It’s going to be a big day, Hattie. I can feel it.’
Hattie waved her arms in delight and beamed at her mum. It was almost, Kat thought hopefully, as if she sensed it too.
All the sheep had to be in their pens by ten thirty, but even though Kat had arrived in the market place an hour early, it was, as she’d known it would be, absolutely heaving. The entire square was full of sheep of all sorts of different breeds, while the pavements teemed with tourists, farmers, and residents, exchanging news, taking photos, or hanging over the pens to admire the sheep.
Several food stalls were doing a roaring trade, and in Little Market Place, a trailer had been parked in front of the Town Hall for the sheep shows. From past experience, Kat knew that the three shortlisted sheep of each breed would be brought onto the trailer at several points throughout the day, to be shown off by their handlers, while a man with a microphone explained to the crowd what the judges were looking for and what made a champion sheep.
The local school, All Hallows’ Church of England Primary School, would soon be open for people to wander in and check out the harvest display in the hall. In the church, the flower festival was due to take place from ten forty-five, with displays from local gardeners and florists, including Isobel, naturally.
Even though it was the same thing every year, it never ceased to fill Kat with wonder. Tommy was delighted to see the sheep in their pens, and Hattie lunged forwards in her buggy, clearly also excited to see these new and interesting creatures.
‘Isn’t it wonderful?’
Kat spun round and smiled as she saw the Lavender Ladies beaming from ear to ear. Eugenie Lavender looked elegant as always in a pale grey dress and white cardigan, with smart but sensible shoes. Rita and Birdie, meanwhile, had no doubt disgraced themselves again in her eyes; their ensembles could hardly be called elegant, featuring a clashing palette of oranges, pinks, greens and purples, the crocheted waistcoats that had definitely seen better days, and the usual garish adornments in their dyed red hair.
Whatever Eugenie thought of them—and Kat could well imagine—to Kat they were just her great aunts, and their appalling taste in clothes was yet another reason to love them. She gave them both a big hug, and smiled a welcome at Miss Lavender, who nodded graciously in return.
‘I must say the market place is looking wonderful,’ the old lady said, glancing around with pride, as if she’d been personally responsible for the entire thing. ‘We have a record number of entrants, you know. And all proceeds going to such good causes.’
Any money raised, once costs had been covered, was donated to the Tuppenny Bridge Fund, which had been set up decades ago by Eugenie Lavender’s father. Throughout the year people could personally donate or hold charity events for the fund, and each year after the Harvest Festival celebration the money was divided between local causes, voted for by the townspeople.
This year the residents had voted to donate some money to Whispering Willows Horse Sanctuary, some to the local primary school, and the rest to the church to help pay for the running of its much-valued Community Club, which was held twice-weekly at the Town Hall.
‘Tommy!’ Rita ruffled the little boy’s hair in delight. ‘What a fabulous jumper.’ She beamed at Kat. ‘Did you make that for him?’
Kat nodded as Tommy grinned up at her aunt.
‘It’s got a sheep on it,’ he informed her, as if she hadn’t spotted the big woolly animal on the front of his dark green jumper. ‘Kat knitted it and I helped her with the wool, didn’t I, Kat?’
‘You certainly did,’ she said, smiling fondly at him. ‘Your daddy hasn’t seen it yet, has he? It’s a surprise for him.’
‘Is Jonah not with you?’ Birdie asked, sounding and looking disappointed.
‘Er, no he’s not,’ Kat said with deliberate nonchalance, knowing any hint that she would have liked him to be would only fuel the Lavender Ladies’ thirst for gossip. ‘He’s actually in the field behind the churchyard right now, setting up his stall.’
