Lizzie's List (18 page)

“It’s not just that Lizzie, but you think the same way he did – you seem to know what he’d have wanted and how to still keep a feeling of him with us. You’re like him very much, both accepting and enjoying the simple pleasures in life, whereas Mark and I are often searching for more. More often than not, the things Mark and I are searching for are what we already have – love. I wonder if Mark has realised this to, with his proposal to Tabitha. It’s taken me until now to learn that. The loss of my true-love has made me realise that all I ever needed and wanted was there all the time,” Mum says this quietly as if she is talking to Dad, but also to me and I notice tears very slowly making a path down her cheeks.

After a deep breath, Mum changes the subject. “Come on, it’s freezing out here – let’s get some music on and get this party started!” It’s as if her moment of reflection, needed at the time, is now over. The lanterns have taken away some of her thoughts and feelings allowing her to now continue with her life.

Note to self – New Year’s Resolutions

1. To lose 3 pounds before Kate’s wedding, without eating less cake. Find out how this is possible.
   
2. Try really hard to start putting lids on jars properly. I can fully appreciate it might be an annoying habit, especially since the beetroot stain will not come out of James’ shirt.
   
3. I cannot compromise on bath bombs and hand-made soaps – sorry James!
   

January blows in icy, cold weather that sharply pinches your cheeks each time you go outside, therefore making log fires, hot chocolate and warm clothes part of daily life. I throw myself into working at The Tea Cosy 2, since I have neglected work over the last few months. Kate has done an outstanding job developing it and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. I am aware that I will have to return her favour and let her have some time off, especially with her upcoming nuptials. Even though we now have two businesses to run, the commitment and gamble at taking on more staff seems to have paid off with both businesses having a steady flow of customers. Kate and I actually could have more time, yet the temptation to keep an eye on things always beckons like an enchanted chocolate cake – you need more of it!

Mum has started work with us again and I cannot even pretend that she is beyond coping with the loss of Dad, however, she is throwing herself into being with other people, which seems to temporarily lift her spirits. I actually love working with Mum and also with Laura back at Tea Cosy 1. The mixture of spending time at the two cafes is like a constant juxtaposition, so that the contrast between the two venues provides Kate and me with an ever changing working environment – a greater freedom to be creative within our work. We have discussed opening a third Tea Cosy, but are keen to ensure Tea Cosy 2 is more established first, and of course, searching for the perfect premises takes time.

Tabitha and Mark are throwing themselves into their own wedding plans and Tabitha is kindly involving Mum in everything, helping to keep Mum busy when she’s not working with me. At the moment, an autumn wedding seems to be on the cards, but the plans Tabitha informs us about are as ever changing as the cakes we bake daily for our customers. Talking of their wedding, one plan that’s not changed it Tabitha’s request for me to make their wedding cake. My goodness, her ideas are elaborate, so I keep forgetting about this as the fear rises within, but then again .... let’s remember my dismissal of fear and recognition of the fact that I will rise to the challenge of pleasing Tabitha and her very, very, very detailed and intricate designs – even if it kills me!

As January creeps along, Kate and I start to become excited over her and Ben’s wedding. I have baked the fruit cake, but am only going to decorate it once I return from Canada. Kate doesn’t know this yet, but I am also making loads of miniature blackberry cheesecakes as well. This is for three reasons. Firstly, Kate and I have always gone blackberry picking every year and we use the blackberries we pick in The Tea Cosy – the customers love it. When we went picking last September I froze a load of them, which I thought would be nice to use this. Secondly, the colour of blackberries almost fits in with the colour theme of her wedding, them being purple a little like blue bells. Purple is also a colour to represent magic and wealth, which I hope Kate and Ben’s marriage has. Thirdly, Kate personality suits a cheesecake, with Kate being soft hearted like the top of a cheesecake, but a really strong person underneath, similar to the base of a cheesecake.

We have chosen bridesmaid dresses and Kate has chosen her wedding dress with her mum, so am heading off with her to see it soon. We have decided that we’ll have a pamper night away for her hen do and James is letting the boys use the centre for a weekend stag do, especially as it is still fairly quiet in February before the storm of bookings which James informs me is relentless from March through to November.

The following Monday, I drive over to collect Kate from her cottage to go for her wedding dress fitting, my head fizzing with excitement like sherbet does on your tongue. As I arrive, the for sale sign in her front garden stands out like an ugly concrete post in the middle of a beautiful field of poppies, turning my fizzing thoughts into explosions similar to the popping candy chocolate I use to eat as a child. A barrage of questions build up in my head as she opens the door and I stutter unable to process which questions should leave my mouth first, as I point up at the sign. “It only went up yesterday Lizzie. Let’s get in the car or we’ll be late and I’ll explain on the way,” Kate answers to my gaping jaw and frozen statue pose. Thankfully she grasps my arm and propels me towards the car.

Once inside, she begins the torrent of information that she knows will answer my unasked questions. “Well, Ben has bought into a partnership with his vet’s practice and they are opening another branch, which comes with a house, much bigger than our cottage. It’s also closer to the Tea Cosy 2, so we thought it’d be perfect. Sorry I haven’t told you, but it all happened so quickly and I didn’t want to say anything until they definitely knew they’d got the premises.”

“Well that’s great news Kate – congratulations! How far is it?” I ask trying to hide the alarm in my voice at the thought of not living a stones-throw away from Kate, even though Kate has a right to move wherever she wishes to.

“It’s only about ten minutes away, don’t worry – not far. And it’s got loads of bedrooms, so you and James can stay over if we get together, just like we stay over at yours. It’s weird that we’re both going to end up living outside our beloved village, isn’t it?”

“It is, but then there aren’t that many houses in the village are there and most of them are tiny? I’m so happy that we’ve both ended up close though. I know life can take people in different directions, but I couldn’t imagine not living close to you.”

“I’d hate that too, but luckily we don’t even have to consider it. Shall I show you it on the way home; it’s not far out of the way, so you can see it for yourself?”

“I’d love to see it Kate, but first things first, let me see your dress.”

The wedding dress shop is stunning from the outside, with its quaint heritage-green painted wood surrounding the windows. White roses are scattered at the bottom of the window display, and at there is some beautiful white bunting at the top of the window. It’s a mixture of white lace triangles and white fabric ones with a very delicate bluebell flower on each one, so faint that you can just make out the colour of the bluebell. I stop and stare at it mesmerised by its exquisite beauty, and seeing how perfect it would be for Kate’s wedding theme.

“I know; that’s what I thought, too!” Kate answers, knowing exactly what I’m thinking without my uttering even one word. “Come on inside and see the dress.”

“I never knew this shop existed – how did you find it?” I ask her.

“Well, that’s because you’re not in the habit of searching for local wedding dress shops yet Lizzie. I saw it in a wedding magazine and came with my mum just before Christmas. We didn’t even bother going anywhere else. You’ll know what I mean, when you see my dress.”

Once inside the shop, I am struck by the attention to detail of the decor, before I even see any of the dresses. A lady greets Kate in a gracious manner that reflects the shop’s atmosphere. She has an air of confidence about her, but in a subtle way – perfect for dealing with nervous, excited or even demanding brides.

I sit down whilst Kate is taken away to try on her dress. Imagining what it would be like, if I were here as a soon-to-be bride, I think about what sort of dress I would have – one of the few things yet to be decided in my head’s wedding planning file.

My day-dream is broken when, finally the lady steps out and slowly opens the huge curtains, revealing the stunning vision of Kate in the most elegant and unique wedding dress I have ever seen. She looks so truly radiant and I can’t help the tears of emotion fall from seeing my best friend standing there–just perfect. Her dress is very simple and fitted to show off her small waist, but what makes the dress special, is the detail. The delicate lace sleeves fall gracefully at the top of Kate’s arms and the fabric at the bottom of the dress is scattered with tiny bluebells so subtle they look like they are dancing in the breeze as Kate moves.

“You look beautiful, Kate and now I know why this is the perfect dress. I hope you’re having the bunting up to decorate the Centre as well,” I reply, with my voice breaking frequently from the affection I feel for my best friend.

“Yes, of course I am. The New year’s Eve party gave me some ideas, so I’d like to go up to the centre some time with you and we can discuss the decorations, including where this bunting will go,” Kate answers, handling her dress beautifully as she turns slowly round so I can see the dress from all angles. “So you think this is the right one then Lizzie?”

“It’s perfect!”

On the way back home, Kate directs me towards her new home, which is just off the main road connecting our village to The Tea Cosy 2. As we arrive, I take in the surroundings and feel relieved that, first it isn’t too far away and second, it’s not just a vet’s surgery, but a beautiful home for Kate. The surgery will be in a separate barn that is due to be converted for this purpose and can house larger animals than the current surgery can in the village. There is a small area at the side for cars, but the main house is situated a short distance behind, with a huge garden that seems to go on forever. “Kate this is fab!” I enthuse as I wander around the side of the house. “What’s great is that the surgery is totally separate, so you will be totally private from it. And just look at this garden!”

“I know, it’s a bit too big – Ben says we’ll get a goat to keep it trim,” Kate replies, rolling her eyes.

“Imagine the barbeques you could have. I feel happier now that I’ve seen it and I think it will be a lovely home and not too far from me.”

“You’re right. It needs quite a bit of work doing inside, but I’d rather it be that way, because if we’re going to be here for some time, I’d rather start from scratch. It’s big enough for a family one day, so I’m hoping we won’t be moving again.”

“Come on, whilst were out and about, let’s go up to the centre and we can sort out how you want it for the wedding. James is there now, so I know it’s open.”

We then descend on James and he looks as if he’s not sure what’s hit him once we get started on our plans, so he retreats to the store room – or somewhere more peaceful. Spending the next few hours thrashing out ideas, we are finally satisfied we can get it perfect for the wedding reception.

Notes to Self

1. Sketch out my ideas for Kate’s cake design – now I’ve seen her dress, the perfect idea came to me.
   
2. Order a slate heart from Grasmere if they’ll post it – I have idea of how to use it for the wedding that Kate will love.
   

Life continued at its own steady pace throughout the rest of January, then February arrived with a blast of snow blanketing the area in white cotton wool. It’s now Valentine’s Day and I’m so excited that I actually have a loving boyfriend with whom I can celebrate the day. I’m making an effort to surprise him, by cooking him a lovely candlelit meal, and I’ve also purchased some Body Chocolate – after the success of the previous jar. I’ve also bought myself some new underwear and intend to be seductively positioned in front of the fire on the sheep skin rug when he arrives home.

I’ve prepared all the food, chilled the wine, buffed, shaved, moisturised and bronzed my body, dressed in my new sexy, lacy black underwear and am now waiting for the sound of his Land Rover coming up the path. My excitement makes his arrival seem like forever, until I eventually hear the crunching of snow and gravel. Darting off the sofa, I quickly position myself into what I think is a seductive pose on the rug, although perhaps I should have practised this in front of the mirror first – but too late, he’s coming up the path. I can’t help suppress a smug smile as I know that within less than a minute, I’ll be wrapped in his strong arms because he’ll be unable to resist my charms. Listening to the sound of his key in the lock, I wait a few more seconds for him to come into the room...

“Come here and seduce me you sexy ....” I announce, stopping my sentence because to my horror, I am staring into the startled eyes of John, James’ dad!

“Erm, James is just coming now,” mumbles John, trying to avert his eyes to any other part of the room other than the sheepskin rug on which I am lying in a pose that your boyfriend’s dad should never ever see.

“Sorry I didn’t know you were coming,” I stammer as I quickly grab cushions to cover myself as much as I can. “I’ll just go and get changed,” I manage to say as James walks into the room surveying the scene.

“Ah Lizzie, erm.... perhaps I should have called you first. Dad surprised me with a visit to the centre and I said he could stay over rather than drive back tonight in this weather,” James replies, perhaps knowing any chance of seeing me in my underwear later is now rapidly vanishing like mist in baking hot sunshine as my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Later on, after changing, I descend the stairs, wondering what sort of things we could possibly talk about to divert the attention from me exposing my underwear to John – thank goodness I didn’t opt for the crotch-less knickers.

As I enter the living room, both men are watching the news, mugs of tea in front of them. “I’ll just pop to the kitchen and see if dinner’s ready – or tea to you two,” I say brightly, as if I often greet guests in my underwear and then I escape to the sanctuary of my kitchen. James follows me with his empty mug.

“I’m so sorry Lizzie – I totally forgot about Valentine’s Day – you’ve not gone to any trouble have you? It’s just the weather is turning blizzard-like outside and I didn’t want Dad driving home in it,” James whispers.

“I have no problem with your Dad staying, but couldn’t you have called me first? Didn’t you think I might have organised something on our first Valentine’s Day? I am so embarrassed James!” I answer in angry, hushed tones. “There’s your card and present on the side over there.”

“You got me a present?” asks James.

“Of course I’ve got you a present – open it!” I demand, completely annoyed because his reaction suggests that he hasn’t thought to get me anything. James opens the card, body chocolate and also a framed recent map of the area, which now has the centre labelled on it. “I thought it would look good next to your map with the red cross where you intended opening the centre – to show what you’ve achieved.” I mumble still miffed with him.

“Lizzie, this is great!” he says holding up the map. “I hadn’t realised they’d put us on this year’s edition.” James is still unsure of the territory and I can almost see his brain processing the best step forward. “Can I have a hug or are you going to clonk me over the head with that frying pan you’re holding?”

“You can have a hug and I’m pleased you like your present, but I’m not happy you haven’t even bought me a card,” I reply in a mock vexed tone.

“So there’s no chance of opening the body chocolate later on then?” James teases.

“You really are pushing your luck you know. Go and set the table; the food’s ready.”

James and his dad eagerly tuck into my home made mushroom soup, followed by beef Wellington. “This is delicious Lizzie – I can certainly see why your cafes are doing so well. Thank you for this and for having me to stay,” says John. “I must also apologise again for arriving so unexpectedly.”

“It’s no problem and much better for you to drive home tomorrow when it’s light,” I answer as I get up to get the dessert, “and after all, that underwear cost a fortune – it seems a shame for only one man to see it,” I add as James chokes on his food from my comment.

Now this is where my problems start again. I had made two chocolate cakes, each with a cherry on top. An idea came to me whilst I was decorating them, which I thought at the time, would be quite funny. I shaped them into a big pair of boobs. How on earth can I take this through and serve James’ dad a huge boob-shaped chocolate cake for his dessert? Oh, what the heck, he’s seen me in my underwear, so I pick up the boob cake and take it through.

“Goodness me love – that’s the loveliest looking pudding I’ve had for many years!” laughs John, causing James and me to burst out laughing. “I can see you weren’t planning on guests tonight, Lizzie – I’m sorry – again!”

“Don’t worry about it – you just enjoy your boob!” I reply, still laughing.

Later that night when I sluggishly climb the stairs to bed, I noticed John’s light is off in his room, so I head into the bathroom before joining James in bed.

When I enter the room, James is reading and glances up from his book briefly, which annoys me even more because he isn’t even attempting to seduce me, although to be fair, his dad is uncomfortably near. Tugging at the duvet, I lift it up, about to moodily climb into bed, when there waiting for me near my pillow was a small box. Oh my goodness is that what I think it is? It is the perfect shaped box to hold a ring. “You didn’t forget?” I beam trying not to appear over excited. “What’s this” I ask giving James the chance to go down on one knee.

“I didn’t forget, but could hardly give you a Valentine’s day present in front of my dad, could I? If I’m honest, I find you very sexy when you’re angry, so I let you think I’d completely forgotten for a while. Your present is something you need.”

I carefully slide the lid off the box ... keeping my eyes shut in anticipation ... “Oh what is it?” I ask giving James more time to prepare himself for his question. As I open my eyes, I see glinting metal waving at me, however it is not in the shape of a ring.

“It’s a whistle. After you skulking off to the Lakes that time on your own and with all the walking you do, I thought you’d be safer with a whistle. It’s not just any whistle either, it’s a key ring one so it can just clip on your keys.”

“Oh ... that’s very thoughtful – thanks,” I reply mustering up as much enthusiasm as I can for the whistle.

“And I also got this for you – didn’t think you’d be so happy with a whistle if I honest,” says James as he hands over another box, but slightly larger this time, so I certainly do not expect a ring.

On opening the box, I find a delicate diamond heart necklace – it’s beautiful. “This is fantastic and I do admit that I prefer it to the whistle, but thanks for both,” I say as I hug James.

“Anyway I was thinking–perhaps you could recreate your fireside pose for me – Dad said it was not to be missed!”

“He said that?” I asked astonished.

“Yes he did. His exact comments were something like–if Lizzie can map read so brilliantly, pose in fine underwear, as well as cooking such a scrumptious meal – why haven’t you put a ring on her finger?”

“Hmmmmmmmmmm – well he does have a point!” I laughed as James pulled me into him for a cuddle – just a cuddle – well his dad was just down the hall and has probably had enough of our antics tonight!

Note to self

1. In future, always check that James is alone before discarding any of my clothes.
   
2. Boob cakes – not a good idea, but funny!
   
3. Try not to scream with happiness – his dad says he should marry me!