Page 41 of A Summer Wedding at Pennycress Inn
Just as she would be if things didn’t work out with Murray, but it was better to try and fail than to forever wonder about what could have been.
23
Clicking her keys over her shoulder, Ellie listened as the car doors locked before she half-walked and half-ran along the little path through the garden to the stairs up to the decking surrounding Pennycress Inn.
Pausing at the top of the decking, she looked around, eager to speak to Murray, eager to kiss him. Where was he?
Pulling the door into the kitchen open, she stepped inside hoping he’d popped in to make coffee or something. She’d been out most of the day, first visiting Ruby’s Restaurant and then trawling around Nettleford and the surrounding area, trying to locate other businesses she could use to supply decorations, flowers and even some gorgeous handmade hanging lanterns.
She’d also had time to think. After witnessing the special bond between the man, woman and baby, she’d not wanted to rush back and see Murray. Well, she had, but she’d known she needed some space, some time to mull things over and make sure she wanted to give this – whatever it was – another chance. And she did.
But now she was buzzing, she could literally feel the adrenaline racing through her veins. The wedding planning was finally on track, and she couldn’t wait to tell Laura and Jackson. And she couldn’t wait to see Murray too and finish what he’d started earlier.
As she walked through the empty kitchen and into the large hallway, she paused and spun slowly on her heels. Where was everyone? There was usually someone about. Nicola behind the reception desk or sitting sipping coffee in the kitchen whilst she updated Pennycress’s social media pages, Laura busy arranging some event or other, baking cakes or hosting visitors, Jackson cooking in the kitchen, Jill gardening. But now there was no one.
And where was Murray? Why wasn’t he outside working on the decking?
A short, sharp ping sounded from her pocket, and she pulled her mobile out. The message was from Laura.
Hi we waited until the last minute and then wondered if you’d already gone to the village hall. We have left for the meeting now. Laura x
Yikes! The village meeting. Ellie looked at the time. She must have been out longer than she’d thought. Hurriedly, she let herself out of the front door and began walking down the garden path. How could time have gone so quickly? Probably because she’d had a lot on her mind and she’d been busy, but what must Murray think of her? First she’d pushed him away, and then she’d disappeared for hours on end.
As she got to the gate at the end of the front garden, she opened it with one hand whilst taking her mobile from her pocket again and scrolling through to her messages. Nope, he hadn’t texted her. No call, no text, nothing.
Closing the gate carefully behind her, she shook her head. Her reaction had likely confused him.
As the sound of laughter drifted through the street, she looked up. Not more than ten metres in front of her were Laura, Jackson, Nicola, Nicola’s partner Charlie, and Murray.
Sticking her arm in the air, Ellie waved as she called, ‘Hey, wait up.’
She watched as the group paused and turned around before running to join them.
‘Glad I caught you up.’
‘Haha, is that so you don’t have to walk in and face Miss Cooke on your own?’ Laura laughed as they fell into an easy step again.
Ellie grinned. ‘Well, that was one of the reasons, yes, but there’s another reason too.’
‘And what’s that?’ Laura smiled.
‘Because I’ve secured someone to do the catering for your wedding. Among sorting a few other things out too.’ Ellie grinned and watched Laura and Jackson turn to each other. ‘Didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t be having a groom cook their own wedding breakfast under my watch?’
‘You did.’ Pausing again, Laura turned to her and drew her into a huge hug. ‘Thank you, Ellie. I don’t know how you did it, finding someone at such short notice, but thank you!’
‘My pleasure. But you should really thank Murray too. He was the one who suggested them.’ Ellie hugged her back as she glanced at Murray.
After their hug had finished, Laura turned to Murray and hugged him too. ‘Thank you, Murray.’
‘You’re welcome.’ Murray grinned as Jackson shook his hand. ‘I may have made the suggestion, but Ellie’s done all the work.’
Ellie looked over at Laura and Jackson as they all began walking again. ‘I’ll tell you all the details tomorrow as the restaurant is going to send an email with some menu choices.’
‘That’s such a relief to have found a caterer.’ Jackson smiled at her. ‘Thank you.’
‘No problem.’ As Laura and Jackson turned to each other, Ellie hung back a little, waiting until Murray did the same.
‘Is everything okay?’ Lowering his voice, Murray tapped her elbow before shoving his hands in his pockets. ‘I’m sorry about the kiss, I shouldn’t have. Not this morning and not last night.’
