Lintwood Farm Chapter Eleven

Chapter 11

Christmas morning and the country was covered in glittering frost, Chrissie and Lindsey sat looking out of the dining room window

"I hope it snows again" Chrissie said

"Me too then we can make snowmen and snow angels and have snowball fights" Lindsey giggled

"Merry Christmas girls" Martin said entering the dining room

"Merry Christmas Martin" they replied. Martin started to get breakfast ready, Jennifer and Louis came downstairs

"Where's Ellie, is she not up yet" Jennifer asked Martin

"No not yet, she is still really tired so I'm leaving her to sleep a little longer" Martin said carrying on with breakfast. Ellie had only just been coping since Nicky had left, Martin had been so supportive and had told her to only concentrate on the shop and family whilst he took complete control over the farm with Louis. Ellie came down later that morning, everyone still at the dining room table talking,

"Merry Christmas everyone" she said

"Ellie" Chrissie ran to give her a hug,

"Morning beautiful" Martin kissed his future wife "how are you feeling today"

"I'm feeling a lot better thank you" she replied "A bit hungry though"

"Here have a seat, I'll get your breakfast" Martin said showing Ellie to a seat.

     After Ellie had eaten they all got themselves ready for the day and went to open Christmas presents. They all sat around talking before Ellie went to make dinner, she put the meat on and prepped the vegetables ready to boil later on,

"Need any help sweetheart" Martin asked her

"No I'm all good for now" she replied, Martin put his arms around her and gave her a hug, she turned around and hugged him back when there was a knock at the door,

"I'll get it" Ellie said, she went to answer the door and was shocked to see who was standing there,

"Hello Ellie"

"Ian" Ellie said

She stood there staring at him,

"Ellie, are you ok" Ian asked

"Yes, yes I'm fine, but what are you doing here" Ellie asked him

"Well I lost my arm in No Man's Land in August, been recovering ever since and then they let me come home" Ian showed Ellie his arm, It had been lost just below his left elbow. Ellie then showed him though to the dining room,

"Just wait here" she went into the kitchen to see Martin,

Martin, there is someone here to see you" Ellie told him

"Ok, on Christmas Day" he replied

"Yes"

"Ok, who is it" Martin went into the dining room "Dad"

"Hello son" Ian stood in front of Martin who went to give his father a hug,

"I thought the worst had happened to you" Martin told him. Ian showed Martin his arm and explained what had happened,

"The important thing is that you are alive" Martin told him and gave his father another hug,

"Where's Nicky" Ian asked as he sat down at the table, Ellie made him a cup of tea,

"She's gone to stay with my Auntie Maria, she's not really been coping well since Dad died and she thought it would be good for her to be in a different environment" Ellie said

"I'm so sorry, it's gotta be really hard for you looking after the farm and the shop"

"Yes it has, it's been really exhausting but Martins been amazing, completely taking over the farm and taking it off my hands" Ellie put her arms around Martin and kissed him,

"That's my boy" Ian smiled as Martin hugged Ellie back,

"So when do I get to see my daughters" Ian asked standing up,

"We'll take you though now" Martin said, they walked through to the living room where Chrissie, Lindsey, Jennifer and Louis were all dancing around to the radio,

"Jenny, Lindsey" Martin said standing in the doorway "I've got a surprise for you" they both looked up as Ian walked in

"Dad" they both ran and gave him a hug,

"What happened to your arm" Jennifer asked

"I had a little accident in No Man's Land but I'm fine now and I'm home"

"Home to stay, you don't have to go back to war" Lindsey asked

"No I don't, I'm here to stay" He gave his daughter another big hug.

Dinner was nearly ready, Martin and Ian had set the table, Ellie was in the kitchen keeping an eye on the food,

"May I say you two congratulations on the engagement" Ian said,

"You got my letter" Martin asked

"Yes I did" Ian pulled out Martin's last letter to him "got it just before the bomb went off, never got a chance to reply"

"Well we are just glad you are right, and here's the ring" Ellie showed Ian the ring Martin had bought her,

"That is so beautiful, have we settled a date yet?" Ian asked

"30th June next year" Ellie replied

"That soon"

"Yes, the sooner the better" Martin said giving Ellie a kiss, Ian smiled at them.

"Dad" Lindsey ran into the dining room and wrapped her arms round he dads waist,

"Lindsey don't think for one minute you are going to spend the next week clung to me like before I left" Ian told her

"Yes I am and Jenny is too" Jenny walked into the room

"No I'm not" Jennifer said sitting at the table with her new diary,

"Oh Jenny you promised" Lindsey let go of Ian who ran out the room

"Dad where are you going" Lindsey ran out after him

"You can't catch me" Ian said from another room.

Martin smiled

Arazona Chapter One

Here it is, the first chapter of Arazona. Enjoy x

Chapter One

Flowers bloomed, roses, lilies and orchids, a young woman with golden honey hair laid in the grass below, some of the flowers flew above her

"Antonia" a voice from a distance startled her,

"Yes mum" Antonia replied, as she did the flowers and grass slowly disappeared into thin air,

"Antonia I...Antonia" Jasmine, Antonia's mother walked into the room, Antonia was lied on her bed with the last of the flowers disappearing from the walls "what have I told you about this, if the government found out..."

"I don't get why this is such a big deal lots of people are gifted" Antonia stood up

"Antonia all those people are men, there hasn't ever been a gifted woman before, unless you count that woman 5000 years ago, but things have changed since then, so can you please keep your power to a minimum please, I don't want you getting hurt" Antonia looked at her mother "now come on the President will be visiting our neighbourhood in thirty minutes" Jasmine left the room. Antonia looked out of her window, she looked into the distance wondering what she was going to do, her mother was right, there had never in history been a gifted woman only a story, a legend, a myth and she had no idea what would happen if she was found out. She looked down at her bedside table, lying there next to her lamp was her name badge for the department store she worked at, a menial job her mother had forced her to take. All she wanted to do was join the Arazonian Military Force or the AMF as everyone called it and work for their Special Agents Service where all the Gifted one's went to work.

    She put on a dress that was hanging on the inside of her wardrobe door and went outside to meet her friend Maybelle

"So she flipped out usual" she had just finished telling Maybelle about her mother's latest freak out though she did exaggerate a little bit,

"Wow, sounds like you need to get out of there" Maybelle replied

"I do, I really,  really do, I mean I love her to pieces and that but I can't take her smothering me any longer, I'm not a kid anymore" Antonia looked around, the street they lived on was starting to fill up with people of their planet. They both lived on a planet call Arazona and they were all known as Arazonans. Antonia lived in a small neighbourhood in a small two bedroom flat with her mother with Maybelle and her parents living in the flat below

"You know your mother only cares about you. After what happened to your father, you're all she's got left" Maybelle continued

"I know but I feel like I'm at a dead end, like I have nowhere to go"

"Antonia you're only twenty, you have your whole life ahead of you"

"I know, but I want to fight, I want to use my power" Antonia lowered her voice "I want to join the Special Agents Service at the AMF"

"I know you do, I'm just scared for you, we don't know what will happen if they find out yet and what is going on over there" They looked over to a group of women about their age standing around a shop window

"I have no idea, let's find out" they walked over to the shop,

"Hey Antonia, hey Maybelle" Fifi one of the girls they went to school with, also known as the most popular girl in their year approached them "you'll never guess what"

"What's happening Fifi" Antonia asked

"President Homestead's son is coming to the visit today"

"No way, really" Maybelle asked

"Yes he is, just seen it on the news " she gave a little bitchy smile

"Wow I can't believe Luke Homestead is coming to our neighbourhood" Maybelle have a little squeak

"I know, we never see him out in public anymore not since he was thirteen" Antonia smiled at her friend

"I don't know what you two are so happy about, it's not like you have a chance with him, you're not Noble woman, like me, remember" Fifi gave a little snigger and turned and walked away

"Has anyone ever mentioned what a bitch that woman is" Maybelle said as they watched Fifi walk away

"Behind her back yes, to her face, no and it's about time someone did" Antonia and Maybelle walked back up the street

"I wonder what Luke is doing at the moment you know work wise until he becomes President" Maybelle asked

"He's gifted" Antonia told her

"Really"

"Yep, fire" Antonia smiled

"You like him don't you"

"Maybelle, how can you say that, I've never met the guy and he's the President's son and even if I did there is no way I'd ever have a chance I'm not of 'Nobility' remember" Antonia mimicked Fifi then looked at Maybelle who stared at her,

"Ok, ok I may have a little crush but it's never going to happen"

"There is no harm in having a little crush"

"Antonia there you are" Jasmine walked up towards them "that's not the dress I picked out for you"

"I know, but I wanted to wear this one"

"Antonia I thought we agreed..."

"No you agreed I didn't..."

"Antonia please I only want you to look your best"

"No you're smothering me as usual, I'm twenty years old, I'm not a child anymore and can make my own decisions" Music started and the crowd began to cheer

"Oh my god here they come" Maybelle grabbed Antonia's arm and pushed their way to the front of the crowd

"We will talk later Antonia" Jasmine called after her daughter.

As they watched a gold carriage came up the road, four pure white horses with wings covered in gold reins were attached to the front of it. It stopped a little way up the road from them, the footman dressed in gold traditional attire stepped down from the back step of the carriage opened the carriage and held out his hand. A woman hand took it and she stepped out of the carriage. She was tall with long dark hair,  she wore a long gold dress with a few chunky bracelets on her upper arms and bangles around her wrists. She also wore a gold headdress that made her look like a queen. Seraphina the President's wife stood before the crowd.

"Wow she looks incredible, traditional wear as well, she looks a bit like Earth's Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra, don't you think" Antonia looked at Maybelle

"How do you know what Cleopatra looks like"

"I took Earth History in school remember"

"Oh yeah, you did" Maybelle stood on her tiptoes as she was a few inches smaller than Antonia. They both looked as President Homestead got out of the carriage, he was a middle aged man with neatly cut beard and a bit of a gut, then out stepped the most handsome man Antonia had ever seen, he was tall, clean shaven and had the cutest smile that would make any woman swoon. Luke the President's son stood next  to his father. Their neighbourhood Vice-Chancellor stepped forwards with his daughter Fifi who immediately stepped up to talk to Luke. The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the President to their neighbourhood and began to walk their way. Fifi tried to take Luke's arm but was immediately stopped and escorted back to the crowed by a woman in military uniform,

"Who's that" Maybelle asked

"Luke's sister Crystal, she's head of the military along with General Alcatech"

The President stopped several times with his family to talk to a few people, children where greeting Seraphina with flowers and pictures and chocolates as all the young woman tried to get a good look at Luke and the ones at the front trying to at least shake his hand. They moved closer to where Antonia and Maybelle where standing, as they approached Luke turned to shake Antonia's hand when Fifi ran up to her lifted her skirt and pushed her into the road where she scraped her knee on the uneven surface and landed with her underwear showing.

A New Story is on the Way

Very shortly I will be posting a new story one chapter at a time.

It is called Arazona. The story is of Fantasy, Sci Fi and Action. It is set on a planet called Arazona, here the people are called Arazonian's. They have a President which is inherited instead of voted for. On this planet there are several Arazonian's who have powers and are called Gifted, they work for the Arazonian Military Force (AMF) in their Special Agents Unit. The Gifted are usually men and there has not been any Gifted women for 5000 years and no one know what would happen if a Gifted woman now came forwards, but more woman will after Antonia, the next Difinity (the strongest Gifted ever defender of the universe) who has kept her powers hidden, is enrolled into the AMF to join the rest of the Gifted including the President's son Luke.

Chapter one will be on it's way soon.    

Lintwood Farm Chapter Ten

Here is Chapter Ten, enjoy! x

Chapter 10

Months had passed and there was still no answer from Ian after Martin had sent his letter. He stood outside in the cold looking in to the distance. Ellie looked out of the dining room window as she made lunch,

"Martin sweetie come inside it's freezing out here" Ellie said as she walked outside, she put her arm round him, "you'll catch a cold if you stay out here" Martin looked at her then gave her a hug. They both walked back into the house, Martin sat down at the table,

"I'll make you a cup of tea" Ellie said

"Thank you beautiful" Martin replied staring out of the window, Ellie made his tea and set it down in front of him,

"Martin talk to me, please" she sat next to him and put her arms round his waist,

"I wish I knew if he was alright and safe, we've not heard anything since June and it's now November, I need to know he is alive and safe, I can't watch Jenny and Lindsey go through what they went through when Mum died" a tear rolled down his cheek, Ellie put her head against his,

"You're not alone, you've got me and I'm not going anywhere" she gave him a little squeeze and kissed him on the shoulder. Martin gave a little smile and turned to face her and his hand on her waist, she whipped away the tears from his eyes and leaned in to give him a hug,

"Thank you Ellie" Martin said

"What for" she replied

"For everything, for the support and for just being fantastically amazing in every way possible. You're one in a million. I love you Ellie"

"I love you Martin" they smiled at each other

"I'm going to finish making lunch" Ellie said making her way towards the kitchen,

"You need any help" Martin asked

"No I'm fine, you drink your tea" she smiled at him,

"Anyone ever told you, you have a beautiful smile"

"Yes Martin, you tell me all the time"

"That's because it's true" he walked up to her and kissed her

"Mmm, so wonderful when you do that"

"Yeah"

"Yeah" they smiled and kissed again.

       It started to rain outside, Nicky ran inside along with Lindsey and Chrissie

"Where have you two been" Ellie asked as Lindsey and Chrissie sat at the table

"Helping Mum in the vegetable garden" Chrissie said putting her head on the table,

"I didn't think Mum liked anyone else helping her out" Ellie started to make their sandwiches

"We asked and she said yes" Chrissie answered

"Ah ok then, where is she now"

"She went upstairs" Chrissie said

"No surprise there then" Martin put in

"Mmm, I know" Ellie agreed

"Martin has the postman been yet" Lindsey asked

"Not yet sweetie" he replied

"But Dad hasn't sent us a letter since June" Lindsey looked sad

"I know but he is out in the centre of things so it might be hard for him to write to us from where he is and he is probably always on the move" Martin hugged his sister

"I wish he would write though"

"I know, I know, me too"

"Here Chrissie sit up and eat your lunch, you too Lindsey" Ellie put their lunch in front of them and went back into the kitchen, Martin followed,

"Are you ok beautiful" he asked

"Yes I'm fine thank you sweetie"

*************************

It soon came very close to Christmas and there was still no news from Ian, Lindsey had started to think the worse, she spent every moment she could staring out of the dining room window hoping for some good news. Martin and Jennifer were worried about their sister, Ellie was doing everything she could to help them,

"Sat by the window again Lindsey" Ellie said to her as she entered the dining room,

"Oh yes, watching out for news on Dad"

"You know Lindsey it's like a watched pot if you keep watching the drive no news will come" Ellie sat opposite her on the window sill,

"Haha funny" Lindsey replied still staring out of the window.

"Lindsey you've been doing this for a while now, everyone's worried about you"

"It's only been two weeks"

"It's been nearly two months" Ellie looked at her, Lindsey turned her head to face her,

"Really that long"

"Yes, go play with Chrissie, it will take your mind of things"

"Ok" Lindsey got up and left the room

"How did you do that" Martin asked standing in the doorway

"No idea" Ellie walked over to him and kissed him

"Hey Chrissie" Lindsey walked into Chrissie's room

"Hey Lindsey, have you come to play with me" Chrissie looked up

"Yes, what are we playing"

"Dolls" Chrissie held up her doll

"Ok I'll go got mine" Lindsey ran to get her doll.

       Back downstairs Ellie was finishing off cleaning the kitchen,

"You know Martin I've been thinking about having a summer wedding" Ellie began

"Really, that sounds great" he walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist,

"I know, then we can have the reception in the garden" Ellie lent back against him

"How about having our wedding next summer" Martin suggested

"Really" Ellie turned around

"Yes, the sooner the better" he leant in and kissed her

"So any dates in mind" she asked

"Not yet, how about we think about it and talk more tonight" Martin said

"Good idea I need to get to the shop anyway, don't want to leave Jenny on her own any longer" Ellie ran to get her coat, kissed Martin and headed out of the door.

     "Hey Jenny" Ellie said pushing her way through the line of people in the shop "so sorry I had to leave you on your own for the morning but Mum went into the city this morning without any warning"

"It's ok Ellie, I've been alright" Jennifer replied

"That's good but I'm here now, who's next please" Ellie and Jennifer carried on serving customer all afternoon. At the end of the day they closed up, tidyed the shop, putting more stock out ready for the next day, they cashed the tills and took the money home with them. They walked down the dark country lane arm in arm as not to lose each other. Ellie carries a torch with a piece of paper over the end to dim the light. It was cold, the wind blew behind them pushing them along the way. When they got home Martin greeted them and sat them down in front of the fire in the living room

"What for dinner sweetie" Ellie asked

"Squirrel tail soup tonight" Martin replied

"Squirrel tail soup, what is that?" Jennifer asked

"Soup made from squirrels, got no more meat until next week"

"Where did you get a squirrel from" Jennifer gave him a funny look

"Louis managed to get three of them" Martin replied

"Yes, Dad taught him how to use the shotgun before he left for the war" Ellie said

"Louis can use a shotgun" Jennifer and Martin said together

"Yes, so can I, I didn't really agree with Louis knowing how to use one at his age but when Dad left he became the man of the house" Ellie replied

"Can you teach us" Martin asked

"Of course" Ellie smiled at him, Martin went back into the kitchen and carried on with dinner, Louis set the table as Nicky walked through the door

"Hello everyone" she shouted

"Mummy" Chrissie ran down the stairs and gave her mother a big hug "you've been gone all day" she stated,

"I know I've been looking at more fruit and vegetables for the garden and getting advice as well" Nicky replied

"You could have given us some warning" Ellie stood in the doorway to the living room

"I'm sorry sweetheart, I will next time" Nicky took her shopping upstairs. Ellie looked at Martin and signed, she walked over to the dining room

"I can't take this anymore" she said to Martin who gave her a hug "she needs to get her act together, she's gone from spacing out to swanning off without anyone knowing where she's going, it's not on anymore, she's got a farm to run" Ellie said

"Ellie I don't mind taking care of the farm" Martin told her

"I know you don't but the farm is hers and she needs to look after it as well" Ellie put her head against Martin's chest, he held her tight, tears started to run down her face

"I can't cope with her anymore and what's she's doing to us" she told him

"I'll talk to her if you like" Martin suggested,

"Ok" she gave a little smile and hugged him.

Later that night after everyone had gone to bed Martin went to talk to Nicky,

"Nicky, can I talk to you downstairs please" he said putting his head round her bedroom door

"Well I was just about go to bed but sure" Nicky went downstairs with Martin following behind her "What's up" she asked as Martin closed the living room door,

"This has to stop now, all your swanning off and spacing out and paying all your attention on the vegetable garden and ignoring your children it's got to stop" Martin told him

"Martin I'm sorry, but it's hard, I've lost my husband and..."

"I know Nicky and I am sorry but you have to pull it together now, even my Dad wasn't this bad when my Mum died, yes he grieved but then he pulled it together for us, for his children, yes he misses her, yes he still cries for her, but he keeps it together for us and you need to do that to, for Chrissie and Louis and Ellie especially Ellie because she can't cope anymore not anymore" Martin looked at Nicky who looked back at him,

"I'm trying Martin, I really am"

"No, you're not, you always say you will but you don't, things have got to change, starting now, I'll see you in the morning" Martin walked up the stairs and went to bed. Nicky followed after thinking about what Martin had said, she went into Ellie's room,

"Ellie darling, oh hello Martin" he said as she saw Martin

"Mum what are you doing I'm trying to sleep" Ellie replied

"I know but this is important" Nicky sat on the end of Ellie's bed

"What is it" Ellie asked

"Well after talking with Martin I have decided to go and stay with your Auntie Maria for a while"

"What" Ellie was shocked

"Whoa, Nicky that's not what I meant" Martin stated

"I know, but at the moment ever since Patrick, your father died, this whole place reminds me of him and everywhere I go I see him, I think if I'm somewhere different I may be able to move on and pull myself together"

"Mum are you sure"

"Yes, I will be leaving tomorrow"

"Tomorrow, Mum it's too short notice"

"I know, I know but if I don't leave as soon as possible then I will only get worse, I will make my own way to the train station by myself in the morning" Nicky took Ellie's hand

"Ok I guess there is no way of talking you out of this, but you're the one telling Louis and Chrissie" Ellie told her mum,

"Ok I will tell them in the morning before I leave" Nicky got up and left the room.

The next morning before Nicky left she talked to Louis and Chrissie, she gave them both a big hug before making her way to the door,

"Write to let us know you have arrived safely" Ellie told her

"I will I should be there before dark anyway" Nicky smiled "also all your Christmas presents are in my wardrobe"

"Ok Mum have a safe trip" they hugged each other then Nicky left to go to her sisters.

Ellie sat on the window sill in the dining room wondering what the future would hold for them all now Nicky had gone

"When do you think she will be back" Jennifer asked her,

"Honestly, I don't think she will" Ellie replied, Jennifer walked off, Ellie continued to look out of the window

"We're all on our own now" or so she thought.

Lintwood Farm Chapter Nine

Here is Chapter nine. Sorry its late x

Chapter 9

"It is so hot out there" Louis said entering the kitchen. The mid summer heat had covered the whole country, the green grass shimmered in the sunlight, white daisies scattered themselves all over the fields, blue skies were seen for miles as the animals lied bathing in the sun,

"Where's Lindsey and Chrissie" Martin asked Louis

"Lying in the back garden I think"

"Ok, I made some lemonade to keep us all cool" Martin handed a glass to him,

"Thanks Martin" Louis took the glass and drank half of it straight away, Martin smiled and then carried a tray outside to the garden,

"Got any fives" Chrissie asked Lindsey

"Go Fish" she replied,

"Hey girls" Martin put the tray down next to them "made some lemonade"

"Yay thank you Martin" they both said reaching for a glass each,

"Right time to put some more sunscreen on so you don't burn, where's Nicky" he asked

"She's gone round the fields looking for manure" Chrissie said

"Ah ok, well everything on the farm is done for today, so we can relax and enjoy the sun"

"Yes, water fight" Lindsey ran over to the outdoor tap, filled up a bucket and though it at Martin

"You are going to pay for that" he said getting up and running towards the outdoor tap. The water fight cooled everyone down in the hot heat of the sun.

     At the shop Ellie and Jennifer were nearly done for the day,

"It is so hot, I can't wait to finish" Jennifer said to Ellie as she wiped down the counter,

"I know good thing we are nearly done for the day" Ellie replied walking down the ladder she was stood on,

"I'm done tidying the counter"

"Yeah I think we are actually done for the day now" Ellie grabbed her bag and they both walked out of the home. The sun beamed down on them every inch of the way. They walked at a gentle pace and slowly approached the house. Meg ran up and greeted them, she lead them round to the back garden where the water fight was still going on,

"Ellie" Chrissie ran up to Ellie and gave her a big hug when they both came round the corner,

"Hey you two, how was your day" Martin asked as he ran up to them and kissed Ellie,

"It was good, hot but good" Ellie replied and kissed him back,

"That's good, I'll go get you a drink to cool down" Martin walked into the house, Ellie followed him,

"So how has your day been" she asked putting her arms round him,

"It was good, I missed you though"

"I missed you too" she turned him around and gave him a long seductive kiss"

"Mmm that felt nice, do it again" Martin said, Ellie kissed him again. They both returned to the garden to the garden to find Nicky had joined the kids, Martin put a tray of cold lemonade down on the grass,

"How was your day Ellie" Nicky asked as she sat down,

"It was good, a bit hot though" Ellie replied "we got quite busy early afternoon which was good"

"So a good day all in all"

"Yes it was, wasn't it Jenny"

"Yes, really wish there had been a bit of a cool wind around though" Jennifer said

"How was your day Mum" Ellie asked

"Hot, been in the garden most of the day" Nicky smiled, Ellie smiled back then looked at Martin.

Nicky went to bed early and was soon followed by everyone else except Martin and Ellie who stayed up a little longer,

"Can't believe how hot it's been this summer" Ellie said standing next to the living room window,

I know, I hope it will start to cool down soon or a cool wind will start to pick up, Lindsay doesn't cope well in the heat"

"I've noticed, Chrissie doesn't either but it might just be her age at the moment" there was a bit of silence between them,

"How has Mum been today" Ellie asked

"Same as everyday always tending to the vegetable garden, she hasn't spaced out though, she hasn't for the past few weeks" Martin had walked over to her and wrapped his arms round her. He kissed the back of her shoulder and gave her a little squeeze. Ellie gently lent back against him and smiled,

"I can't believe we have lasted this long with everything that has happened" Ellie said

"I know but I've told you before I'm not going anywhere" Martin turned Ellie round and kissed her. He took her hands and intertwined his fingers with hers,

"Ellie I know it hasn't been long but I love you and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else, I don't want to spend my life with anyone else" Martin got down on one knee,

"Oh my god" Ellie knew what was about to happen

"Ellie, will you marry me"

"Yes" Ellie smiled as tears rolled down her cheeks, Martin got up and kissed her, Ellie put her around him and him back,

"We will go into the city tomorrow and get you an engagement ring" Martin told her in between kisses,

"Ok" Ellie agreed and continued to kiss him.

Martin and Ellie headed into the city after breakfast the next day to look for an engagement ring but first Martin had to go to the bank,

"So after I have been to the bank we will head to the jewellery shop" Martin said as they both got off the train,

"Ok, why do you need to go to the bank" Ellie asked

"To take some money out for your engagement ring" he kissed her on the forehead. They walked out of the train station and headed into the bank. Martin withdrew some money and brought Ellie her engagement ring,

"Martin, it's beautiful, it's perfect" Ellie said admiring her new ring. It was a small ring with a small white sparkling diamond as it was all Martin could afford,

"I know it's not much but..." he started

"Martin I love it, anyway I did pick it out myself" Ellie smiled

"That is true, come here" Martin smiled and put his arm round her, Ellie put her arm around him as they walked down the street. They stopped off at a little cafe for lunch,

"Can we have two ham sandwiches, a pot of tea and a slice of chocolate cake with two forks please" Ellie asked the waitress,

"Of course" the waitress replied then went to get their order,

"Chocolate cake" Martin said smiling,

"Yes, my treat" Ellie replied

"So any ideas on what kind of wedding you want" Martin asked

"Well I want to get married at the church but not sure if I want a winter, spring or summer wedding yet"

"Getting married at the church sounds good to me" Martin smiled "I love you Ellie" he took her hand,

"I love you too" she replied and leaned into kiss him.

They returned home late afternoon to find Nicky in the vegetable garden and Chrissie and Louis arguing in the dining room,

"What now" Ellie said as they walked up the drive

"What is going on" Ellie said as she stood in the doorway to the dining room, they both looked at her,

"Louis hit me" Chrissie said pointing at Louis,

"Tell tale snitch" Louis said,

"Louis why did you hit your sister" Ellie asked walking towards the table,

"I told him not to touch the cooker and he did" Chrissie said,

"Me and Jenny were only going to make dinner for a change" Louis replied

"Really, is that true" Martin said sitting next to Ellie

"Yes it is" Jennifer said coming out of the kitchen,

"See" Louis stood with his arms folded,

"Ok, but you shouldn't have to hit your sister" Ellie looked at Louis

"Yeah see I've got a bruise now" Chrissie showed Louis her arm,

"That's not a bruise" he said

"Yes it is" she snapped

"Ok you two that's enough, Louis don't hit your sister again and as punishment you can clean the barn out tomorrow ok"

"What all by myself"

"Yes Martin will supervise and be on hand to help when needed"

"Yes Ellie"

"Right what's for dinner then you two" Martin asked

"A nice chicken salad" Jennifer replied

"Sounds great" Martin smiled. Louis and Jennifer went back into the kitchen,

"I'm off to find Lindsey" Chrissie ran out of the room "Lindsey" she shouted

"Yes" a voice shouted back

"Where are you"

"Upstairs in my room"

Chrissie ran upstairs. Ellie and Martin looked at each other and laughed,

"What are we going to do with them" Martin asked

"No idea though we could always work them really hard on the farm, you know all work no play" Ellie gave Martin a flirty smile,

"We can hear you" Jennifer and Louis shouted,

"Want to go outside to the garden" Martin asked

"Of course" Ellie replied. They both got up and headed outside. They both laid down on the grass, Martin put his arm round Ellie and intertwined his fingers with hers. He looked at her and started into her eyes. He kissed her passionately slowly making his way down to her neck.

Jennifer came out later to set the table outside ready to eat dinner, Ellie and Martin where still cuddled up on the grass,

"Oh Jenny we didn't see you there" Martin said as he and Ellie noticed her,

"Don't mind me, I'm just setting the table" Jennifer went back inside,

"Did she see anything" Ellie asked,

"Not a clue" Martin said putting his arm back round her waist and kissed her

"Dinners ready" Jennifer shouted as she came back out with the others in tow. Ellie and Martin jumped up. They all sat at the garden table. Nicky joined them.

"Did you buy anything when you were in the city Ellie" Chrissie asked,

"Not really just window shopped, though we do have an announcement" Ellie replied

"What announcement" Nicky asked,

"Well Martin and I are going to get married" Ellie said

"Really" Chrissie asked

"Yes we are" Ellie assured her

"Yay congratulations Ellie" Chrissie gave her sister and Martin a big hug

"Ellie that's wonderful news" Nicky congratulated her daughter and gave her a hug,

"Congratulations Martin" Jennifer and Lindsey congratulated their brother. They all celebrated that evening before Martin went to write a letter to his father to give him the good news,

"Are you ok Martin" Ellie asked entering his room,

"I'm fine, I'm just hoping this letter will reach my Dad"

"It will Martin, it will" Ellie put her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. Martin got up and kissed her back before falling on to the bed.