Page 23 of Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm

‘Haven’t we, Flora?’ prompted Nico, giving Flora a wide smile.

She shot him a pointed look before looking at her grandmother. ‘We’ve been talking,’ she began.

‘Well, that’s a start,’ said Grams, giving Nico a wink.

Flora faltered, seemingly unsure as to what to say. So Nico took over. ‘There was an idea that perhaps we could renovate the old stables together,’ he told her. ‘Turn it into self-contained accommodation. And then there was a further idea to create a campsite in the field over there.’

‘In the new wildflower meadow,’ added Flora.

Grams’ eyebrows shot up in surprise. ‘I see,’ she said.

‘But that’s something that you wouldn’t be keen on, right?’ asked Flora quickly.

Grams was quiet as she thought. ‘Actually, I think it’s a good idea,’ she said. ‘But it all sounds quite complicated,’ she carried on. ‘And, unfortunately, terribly expensive.’

‘I have offered to be the business partner in the renovation, putting up the funds to complete the necessary work,’ said Nico. ‘And I’m also a pretty decent carpenter, so I could do a lot of the work myself.’

Grams looked delighted. ‘Well, that is good news! So you’ll be wanting to stay for a while longer?’

‘If that’s all right with you both. I was thinking of staying over the summer whilst the renovations take place,’ said Nico.

‘Of course,’ said Grams, shooting Flora a grin.

Flora merely stood as still as a statue before finally giving them a brief nod of her head.

‘This is marvellous,’ carried on Grams. ‘And with you helping, I feel like our luck has finally turned. A fresh start for the farm and a profitable business. How exciting!’

Nico nearly choked on her words as they hit home. If he failed, the farmhouse would be lost. And he was absolutely determined that, what little money he had remaining, he would use it for some good. For some people who actually deserved it. It was the least he could do, to help one family when his own was in ruins.

He caught Flora’s frown and wondered how much of an uphill battle it was going to be. But no matter, he decided. Failure couldn’t happen again. He wouldn’t let it happen. This time they had to succeed. Because he wasn’t sure he could live with himself if it didn’t.

14

‘You’re going to renovate the old stables?’ came the chorus.

Flora looked at her friends as they exchanged wide-eyed glances before seemingly getting over their shock.

‘And start up a campsite?’ asked Harriet.

‘Well, the railway carriage accommodation worked, didn’t it?’ said Katy with a small, smug smile. ‘I think you’re onto something.’

‘Aren’t the stables a bit of a mess?’ asked Libby, frowning as she peered inside.

‘A little,’ said Flora. It was an understatement, such was the dilapidated nature of the place.

‘But how are you going to afford to do them up?’ asked Harriet, frowning. ‘I only ask because Joe was moaning about the cost of timber the other day.’

Flora took a deep breath. ‘Nico has offered to be our financial partner for the renovation,’ she said through gritted teeth. ‘As well as taking on the carpentry role, apparently.’

She was still struggling with the idea of being beholden to anyone, especially Nico whom she had only known for a matter of days.

All three of her friends took a shocked intake of breath.

‘Oooh!’ said Harriet, her eyes gleaming. ‘So he’s staying for the summer? This could be interesting. See what develops between you two.’

Harriet was a romantic who saw love at every opportunity.

‘Nothing will develop between us,’ said Flora quickly. ‘The man’s a playboy who can’t take anything seriously.’