Page 50 of Welcome to Pennycress Inn

‘I think I’d probably forgive, take it at face value that their hearts were in the right place and see how things panned out.’

Laura rolled her eyes. ‘Of course you would. You’re the worst at holding grudges.’

‘You got me.’ Holding his hands up, Jackson grinned before taking her hand again. ‘Give people a chance. Meadowfield and the people who live here have a lot to offer.’

‘I…’ Laura stopped short as her mobile rang. Pulling it from her back pocket, she held it up. ‘Sorry, it’s Mum. I should take it.’

Nodding, Jackson waited while she answered.

‘Hi, Mum, is everything all right?’

‘Perfectly fine, thanks, sweetheart. How are things at your new inn?’

‘Good, thanks. All good.’

‘Super. Now, I know you’re busy with everything your end and that this is short notice, but are you able to pop round for a spot of early dinner to celebrate your dad’s birthday tomorrow?’

Laura slapped her forehead. It was Dad’s birthday tomorrow? Of course it was. She’d clean forgotten, what with everything which had been going on recently. ‘I’d love to.’

‘Fantastic. We’ll see you about one, say? That should give you plenty of time to travel back before it gets too dark.’

‘Yes, yes, one is good.’

‘See you tomorrow then. Love you.’

‘Love you too.’ Ending the call, Laura lowered her forehead against the bar.

‘Everything okay?’ Jackson’s voice was full of concern.

Pushing herself up, Laura sighed. ‘I forgot it was Dad’s birthday tomorrow and I’ve not got him anything and Mum has invited me over for dinner. What am I supposed to get at this time of night?’

‘Ah, how about picking something up in the morning, before you go?’

‘As much as I love Meadowfield, I don’t think there’ll be anything in the few shops for him and it’ll be Sunday so not everywhere will be open.’ She scrunched up her nose. There had to be something she could lay her hands on easily that her dad would love.

‘How about…’ Now it was Jackson’s mobile whose tune filled the bar area. Glancing at the screen, he frowned. ‘It’s your mum.’

‘Oh, that’s weird. I wonder what she wants?’ She nodded towards the mobile in his hand. ‘Answer it then.’

Jackson answered the call and held the phone against his ear.

Looking down at her own mobile, she texted the message group she had with Jenny and Richie:

Laura

Forgot it’s Dad’s birthday tomorrow! Help! What can I get him? xxx

Tapping the mobile against her palm, she waited until it pinged.

Richie

Haha, I almost forgot too but Jenny has bought something from all of us! X

Laura

Really? That’s amazing – THANK YOU! What is it? xxx

Jenny

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