Page 76 of Welcome to Pennycress Inn

‘I can’t quite believe this day has come.’ Laura shook her head and looked around the garden, the willow tree standing proudly surrounded by a ring of daffodils. She’d been looking forward to the grand opening of the inn ever since she’d arrived in Meadowfield, but now it was here, she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. What if she didn’t do Pennycress justice, what if she couldn’t live up to Vivienne’s, or her own expectations?

Vivienne joined her and looked across at the inn. ‘It’ll be fine. You’ll do a grand job.’

Laura laughed. ‘Sometimes I wonder if you can read my mind.’

‘Ah, no, but I remember feeling just as nervous when I opened Pennycress for the first time myself.’ Vivienne rubbed Laura’s forearm.

‘I just don’t want anything to go wrong. I don’t want to let anyone down.’ She pointed up to the window of the middle bedroom. ‘See what I mean? I can’t even open the curtains right, they’re all wonky.’

Vivienne chuckled. ‘Pah, you worry too much. Now, enjoy the day.’

Laura shook herself from her thoughts. ‘You’re right, what’s one wonky curtain?’

‘Exactly. I’ll go and fetch the fruit punch and then I think we’ll be ready.’ Turning, Vivienne retreated into the inn.

‘There you are.’ Jogging up to her, Jackson wrapped her arms around Laura’s middle and drew him to her. ‘I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve achieved.’

‘Ha, I haven’t even welcomed my first guests yet.’ Laura reached up and smoothed back a wayward curl out of Jackson’s eye before running the pad of her forefinger across the scar on his forehead, a permanent reminder of all that she’d almost lost.

‘You will and everything will run smoothly.’ Jackson kissed her on the lips. ‘Think positively.’

‘Yes, you’re right. I do need to be more positive.’ She grinned as she pointed to the open gateway leading from the small car park at the back of Pennycress into the garden. ‘Besides, it’s too late for any more worrying. Our first guests have arrived.’

‘Auntie Laura!’ Tammy grabbed hold of Toby’s hand as they both ran towards her.

‘Hello, you two.’ Bending down, Laura waved her hand, encompassing the empty garden. ‘Look, you two are the very first guests at Pennycress Inn.’

‘We are?’ Toby widened his eyes.

‘Yes, you are, buddy.’ Jackson grinned and pointed towards the lawn and the large garden games Laura had bought – a huge chess set, a Connect 4 and Snakes & Ladders. ‘Have you seen what’s over there?’

‘Can we pay Snakes & Ladders? It’s our favourite game in the whole wide world!’ Gripping hold of Laura’s hand, Tammy jumped up and down.

‘Haha, I know it is. Of course you can.’ She watched as they ran towards the game before turning to greet Jenny and Rob. ‘Morning. Welcome to Pennycress Inn.’

‘This is looking amazing, Laura.’ After drawing both her and Jackson in for a hug, Jenny turned on the spot, taking in the garden. ‘Did you do all of this?’

‘Oh, you know me, Jenny. I’m terrible at gardening and that’s not changed and probably never will. No, Jill has worked her magic.’ Laura looked out across the garden. It never failed to amaze her how Jill had transformed the once overgrown ramshackle garden into the landscaped delight which it was today. Over the last couple of months Jill had worked tirelessly to return it to the beautiful space she had told her it was when Vivienne had been in charge.

‘Your gardener? The lady you told us about?’

‘That’s right. In fact, she’s just arrived with her family now.’ Laura waved towards Jill and her husband as they walked through the gate, their four young children immediately running towards the games. ‘Hey, Jill.’

‘Hi. How are you feeling? It’s a big day today!’ Jill hugged Laura.

‘Good, thanks. Jill, meet Jenny, my sister. She was just admiring your gardening skills.’ Touching them both on the arms, Laura backed away. ‘I’ll catch you later. Enjoy and help yourself to some Buck’s Fizz.’

Walking past the tray of drinks, Laura took two glasses and proceeded towards the decking, which ran around the side of the inn. She’d spotted someone she wanted to talk to. As she climbed the stairs, she glanced across towards Jackson, who raised his eyebrows at her. Laura nodded and gave him the thumbs up in response before he turned back to the conversation he was having with Richie and Jill’s husband, Gerald. ‘Hello, Evie. Glad you could make it.’

Evie Taunton walked the few short steps towards her, her high heels clipping against the wooden decking. ‘Laura. Thank you for the invite, although I’ve got to admit I was a little surprised to receive one.’

Laura held out a glass. ‘I couldn’t not invite the one person who made this all possible.’

‘Thank you.’ Taking the glass, Evie lifted it to her lips and took a small sip.

‘After all, if you hadn’t shown me around Pennycress or submitted my offer to Mr Yates, then we wouldn’t be standing here today.’

‘I suppose not.’ Evie gave a slight nod of her head.

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