‘Perfect. I’ll have a couple of bar staff work the night.’
‘Do you think they will?’
‘Yep. Everyone wants more money this time of year. I’ve got staff coming out of my ears at the moment wanting shifts. This will help out a couple, and Demi is going to lend a hand in the kitchen.’
Alice smiled warmly. ‘We have to make it so wonderful for Sophie and Matt. She sounded heartbroken earlier.’
Robson put his arm around her. ‘We will, Al.’
‘We definitely will,’ said Lottie, appearing in the doorway with Spencer. ‘And, as Sophie was keen to mix Christmas into her day, we can fix this place up to look quite magical.’
Spencer agreed, perusing the area. ‘Our flowers will fit in nicely, that’s for sure, and I’ve called the balloon lady to let her know where we’ll be now. She’s going to pop by at lunch for a size-up.’
Lottie raised both hands. ‘Winter wonderland meets Seaview. Christmas, wedding, love and—’
‘A Nutcracker,’ said Ginny, trying to heave a six-foot one through the door.
Robson sprinted over to help. ‘Where did you get that?’
‘It’s mine, chick. Thought it would look good on the doorstep of the farm, so I bought one. Now I think he’d make a brilliant usher for the wedding.’
Everyone stared wide-eyed at the tall festive statue, that did look rather elegant.
‘Impressive, Gin,’ said Spencer, taking a selfie with it.
Alice pointed at the dining room. ‘I’m going to need help moving the tables around, and I was thinking we could use the foyer for the DJ and music. Oh, has anyone called him?’
‘Yep,’ said Samuel, walking in. ‘He gave me the measurements of his setup, so I’m here to see where he can fit, then I’ll call him back.’
Alice looked over by the storage cupboard. ‘Here’s a good space.’
Samuel pulled out a measuring tape and got on with his task.
Lottie and Spencer started taking their own notes, and Robson went into the kitchen to see how he could create a bar.
‘Poor Soph, eh, chick?’ Ginny linked arms with Alice. ‘And the owners of that hotel. And just before Christmas as well.’
Alice thought about her own B&B, grateful she didn’t have that problem. ‘As long as we’ve got each other, we’ll always be okay, won’t we, Gin?’
‘That’s right, chick. You know what we’re like when we join forces. Nothing can stop us.’
Alice glanced at the ceiling. ‘We need garlands up there.’
Ginny laughed. ‘Well, we’ve certainly got enough mistletoe. Why so much?’
‘Jamie did that. Thought he was funny.’
‘I am funny,’ he said, approaching.
Alice chuckled. ‘You can kiss me anytime, you know. You don’t need mistletoe.’
Jamie kissed her cheek. ‘Good to know.’ He frowned on seeing the Nutcracker. ‘Where did that come from?’
‘He’s with me,’ said Ginny.
Alice nodded. ‘The new usher.’
Lottie called out for more assistance in the dining room, so Jamie went off to help.
