Return to Half Moon Farm, Part 4 by Holly Hepburn

Author:Holly Hepburn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Published: 2023-11-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Both Finn and Campbell were subdued as Daisy drove them back to Half Moon Farm at the end of their last school day. Campbell sighed, staring out of the window as the trees flashed by. ‘It felt weird saying goodbye to everyone. I mean, it was hard when we left our old school but we knew we’d be back. This feels like forever.’

Probably because it was forever, Daisy thought, but she wasn’t about to say it: today had been tough. She’d already promised to arrange some play dates with Alice over the summer holidays, although Finn rolled his eyes at her use of the words play date. But there was no denying that the clock was counting down on their time in Mistlethorpe. They might come back to visit but it wouldn’t be quite the same. ‘I know,’ she said quietly. ‘But Dad will be here to collect you soon. Being back in Milton Keynes will take your mind off saying goodbye.’

Thankfully, Stuart’s arrival did seem to have the desired effect. As usual, both boys went into excitement overdrive when his car pulled up outside the farmhouse and it took Daisy several minutes to calm them enough to gather their bags and last-minute essentials. Once outside, she nodded coolly at Stuart, reminded that things were still strained following their argument a few weeks earlier. ‘Hello,’ she said. ‘How was the journey?’

‘Not bad,’ he said, stretching his back. ‘I’ll be glad when I don’t have to do it anymore.’

‘Mmmm,’ Daisy said noncommittally. ‘I’ll pick them up in a couple of weeks. Don’t let Finn buy that horrible, overpriced drink he’s obsessed with. I’m sure it’s got something bad in it.’

Stuart laughed. ‘Noted. Anything else I need to know?’

She lowered her voice. ‘Campbell is a bit upset about leaving his classmates here. They both are but Cam might need a few extra cuddles tonight.’

‘Of course,’ he replied. ‘It’s hard on them, all this moving around. Things will get easier once they’re settled in one place.’

It was probably true but Daisy still felt a pang. ‘Don’t let them stay up too late.’

‘I won’t.’

The twins appeared in the doorway of the farmhouse, bags in hand. ‘Dad!’ Finn bellowed, racing across the gravel. ‘Can I get some football cards? The new season is out now.’

‘We’ll see.’ Stuart ruffled his hair, then reached across to pat Campbell on the shoulder. ‘Cheer up, mate. It might never happen.’

Campbell didn’t reply. Instead, he slung his bag into the boot and slid into the back seat of the car. Stuart’s gaze met Daisy’s. ‘Extra extra hugs, I think.’

She nodded. ‘Let me know how they’re doing,’ she said. ‘I don’t have any plans this weekend.’

Apart from a possible night of passion with Drew, she added silently, but Stuart definitely didn’t need to know about that. She waved them off, feeling the usual stab of loss as the car vanished from view. She still hadn’t decided whether she would give in to Drew’s demand; on one hand, it would be

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