Page 75 of Christmas at Hollybush Farm
‘I’m a bit worried about Dad. He said he’d meetme back here, but I’m not sure where he is. I haven’t seen him since they set up the Tannoy and got the music going. That was quite a while ago.’
Mae looks around. ‘Okay, we’ll keep an eye out for him. And let others know if need be.’
I head back to the lorry and spark up the tea lights in a muffin tray, a little kitchen hack I saw on social media, and put the cawl and curry on to keep warm. I stand back and feel proud of how I’ve created these dishes, using instinct and memories. No books or measurements, just what I can remember. As Dad said, I’ve followed my heart.
‘Smells amazing!’ says Evie, poking her head into the back of the lorry. ‘Okay if I put my easy-up tent out here?’ She indicates the side of the ramp.
‘Fine, let me give you a hand,’ I say, going down the ramp into the lightly falling snow. Together we put up the easy-up and she settles herself in a chair. Owen comes over, kisses her and lights a fire in an upside down bin lid, on a circle of stones. ‘Will you be warm enough?’ he asks.
‘I will.’
‘Owen, have you seen Dad?’
He shakes his head. ‘I’ll keep an eye out for him,’ he says, and returns to his big barbecue with a spring in his step and Jess at his side in her Christmas scarf, which has had holly and mistletoe added to it.
‘It’s so good to see the two of you together,’ I say,trying to push any what-might-have-beens with Llew to the back of my mind.
‘It took me by surprise,’ she says, picking up her knitting. ‘I didn’t think I was ever going to feel anything for another man. But that night we spent in the café, just talking, we understood each other, the hurt, the loss, but also made each other smile. I don’t feel guilty, though I thought I would. I know he would be happy for me that I’ve found Owen.’
‘I do too,’ I say. I look up at the snowy sky and wonder where Llew is and if he’ll have the Christmas he hoped for.
At five o’clock, Owen opens the gates and the queue starts to pour in.
By six there’s still no sign of Dad and I’m really worried. What if he’s collapsed somewhere? Or what if he decided to tell Myfanwy and she doesn’t feel the same way? I shouldn’t have pushed him into it. What if he’s upset? Despite the money box being full, and there being lots of people around, I won’t relax until I know where Dad is and that he’s okay. I turn away and pull off my apron.
‘Shepherd’s pie, please. I hear it’s one of the best around, like the shepherd who made it.’
‘I’m sorry, I’m not serving right now …’ I stop in my tracks, my insides jolting, and slowly turn, staring at the familiar face, as if there’s nobody else around.
He smiles.
‘You’re back.’
He inclines his head.
‘For a decision on the field?’
‘I told you, that’s not my business any more.’
I frown. ‘Then’ – I swallow – ‘why?’
He stares at me. ‘Because I couldn’t stay away.’
‘Why?’ I say again, needing to hear it.
‘Because there was somewhere else, with someone else, I would far rather be.’
I go to step forward when I hear a shout. ‘Jem! Quick!’ It’s Owen, calling to me from the barbecue at the front gate.
‘Oh, what? Is it Dad?!’ I run to the ramp. ‘Owen? Where is he?’
I turn to Llew. ‘Look, there’s all sorts of things I want to say.’ Words and feelings canter around my head, meeting my worry about Dad head on. ‘But right now, could you look after the stall?’ I toss the apron to him.
‘Of course. You go.’ He moves seamlessly around and behind the table. ‘We have plenty of time to say what we need to say,’ he says, making me feel like home is within touching distance. ‘Go and find your dad!’ Owen bounds up the ramp, like the young Labrador he always reminded me of.
‘Hey, you’re looking happy!’ says Llew.
‘I am. It’s what finding love again can do for you, mate! Good to see you back!’
