Page 78 of Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm

Now that the visitors were all gone for the day, however, peace had returned and it was just them and the warm summer evening.

‘The strawberry field was busy when I looked over,’ said Harriet.

Flora nodded. Because it was only over the other side of the path to Cranbridge, she had placed a ‘Pick Your Own’ sign and most visitors had wandered over after visiting the lavender fields.

‘It’s a big win for all of us,’ said Katy. ‘Because everyone’s coming into Platform 1 for lunch and to cool off. We’ve been rushed off our feet today. And both railway carriages have had plenty of enquiries for the rest of the year!’

‘Even my boxes of chocolates have sold out,’ said Libby. ‘I only put them next to the counter in the coffee shop a couple of days ago.’

Flora was so pleased. It seemed as if everyone in Cranfield was getting a boost. The tiny village was coming back to life after so many years lying quiet.

‘And Bob and Eddie have had plenty of visitors to see the steam train as well!’ added Katy, laughing as she massaged her feet. ‘Gotta say, though. I’m absolutely beat!’

Flora knew how she felt. The campsite was now three-quarters full. Not that she minded. Life on the site had slowed down in the heat. People wandered down to the swimming pond to cool off or dropped some pennies in the honesty box so that they could help themselves to Grams’ home-made lemonade. Others just lazed on their sundecks and enjoyed the glorious weather.

She looked over to the strawberry field once more and saw Nico walking down the hill. She was enjoying his company more and more. There was lively conversation over dinner and then quiet nights watching the sunset with him when Grams was out dancing.

As he drew nearer, however, she realised that he was walking quite fast and looked serious. Her heart automatically beat faster as she prepared herself for some kind of bad news.

‘Hello, Nico!’ called out Harriet when she too spotted him coming towards them.

‘Scusi,’ he said, almost out of breath when he arrived. ‘I don’t mean to interrupt.’

He looked so serious that Flora was instantly worried.

‘What is it?’ she asked, clutching her heart in fear. ‘Is it Grams?’

He swore in Italian and shook his head. ‘No, no,’ he told her, taking her by the arms. ‘It’s good news, I promise.’ He took a deep breath. ‘We’re full. The campsite is completely full until the summer bank holiday at the end of next month!’

Flora was amazed. ‘I don’t believe it!’ she cried. ‘Seriously?’

‘Definitely!’ he replied, laughing and picking her up to spin her around.

She was once more reminded of his impetuousness and how much she liked being swept up in his excitement. She also liked the feeling of being in his arms, but all too quickly it was over.

He placed her carefully back on the ground. ‘I couldn’t believe it!’ he told her, his words coming out at a rush. ‘There has been a mad rush these past few days. And now we’re full!’

‘Wow,’ said Flora.

‘Congratulations!’ said Katy. ‘That’s fantastic news!’

Flora suddenly remembered her friends were standing next to them.

‘Isn’t it?’ said Nico, beaming from ear to ear. Then he looked between them all. ‘I apologise,’ he carried on. ‘I’ve interrupted your conversation. I just had to tell Flora, but I’ll go now.’

Despite their protests, he gave them all a wave and began to walk away back up the hill.

Flora watched him, still amazed that the campsite had become such a success. She turned to her friends with a wide smile on her face, which faltered somewhat when she found them all smiling at her with the same goofy expression. ‘What?’ she asked.

‘Nothing,’ cooed Libby, with a wink.

Flora realised that her friends had completely misread the situation between her and Nico and she needed to put them right. ‘I’m going out on a date this weekend,’ she told them.

‘At last!’ Harriet clapped her hands excitedly.

‘With Tyler,’ added Flora.

Harriet’s face immediately dropped. ‘Tyler?’ she spluttered. She looked across at Libby, who merely shook her head as if in disbelief.