'Thank you. My friend Brooke, over there, decorated it.' Merri nodded towards Brooke who was busy serving behind the bakery counter.
'And what's that?' Evie pointed to the shed-like structure Ian had put together in the corner at the back of the bakery next to the tree.
'Ah, that will be a grotto for Santa to come and visit on the day of the light parade. We need to decorate it before he comes though.'
'Ooh, I remember. I came to see him last year, didn’t I, Mum?' Evie glanced up at her mum.
'You did. I've brought you to see Santa here every year since you were a tiny baby.' Hannah ruffled Evie's hair.
'I've asked Santa for a real puppy this year.' Evie stated matter-of-factly unaware that her mum was grimacing at the very thought.
'Oh, have you?' What was she supposed to say to that? She couldn’t very well tell Evie that she was sure Santa would make her wish come true, not if Hannah's reaction was anything to go by.
'We have spoken about the fact Santa can't always bring live animals on the sleigh, though haven’t we, Evie?' Crossing her fingers, Hannah waited her daughter's reply.
'I know.' Looking down, Evie sighed before lifting her head again and grinned widely. 'But he might eb able to. Especially if it doesn't snow!'
Holding her hand over her mouth, Merri coughed to hide the laughter which was trying to escape. She wasn’t sure what the weather forecast for over Christmas was, but she'd bet Hannah was hoping for snow. And lots of it.
'Right, we'd better get going before we miss your appointment, Evie. And we'd best let Merri get on too.' Hannah held her hand out for her daughter.
Slipping her in her mum's, Evie nodded. 'Yep. I need to get my sticker to show my friends. Kelsey got one in the shape of a whole tooth last time she went.'
'Bye, Merri. And thank you again for helping us yesterday.' Hannah turned and headed towards the door.
After watching them leave, Merri smiled. She never had people coming over and talking to her just like that back home. There was definitely a close sense of community here that the big towns generally lacked. She glanced towards the clock. Ten minutes to go and she' could curl up in bed for a few minutes. Just ten minutes.
Turning, she headed into the kitchen, throwing the cloth onto the counter as she passed. Helpfully Elsie had taken the shortbread out of the oven in time and she could replenish the stock. they'd been popular today.
She let the kitchen door swing shut behind her before talking. 'Hi, do you have any more of that shortbread yet please?'
'Oh, yes, love. Sorry, I'd planned to bring it out.' Carrying a tray of freshly baked cupcakes to the cooling rack, Elsie placed it down before turning and picking up a tray brimming withshortbread squares. 'I'm not really sure whether I'm coming or going today, to be honest.'
'It's okay. I can take them.' Holding out her hands, she took he tray from Elsie. 'is everything okay?'
Nodding, Elsie smiled. 'Yes, it will be, love. Just feeling a bit rushed off my feet but Ian has the day off from helping at Daisy and Ollie's restaurant tomorrow so that'll help make things easier here.'
'That's good then.' During her last visit, Ian had been on hand to help cover breaks or help out during busy periods both behind the bakery counter and with the baking in the kitchen. 'Is he...?'
She turned as the kitchen door swung open behind her and Diane peered into the kitchen. 'There's someone asking for you, Merri.'
'For me?' Holding her hand against her chest. Merri frowned. She didn’t really know many people her in the bay. At least not anyone who would come by the bakery to see her.
'Yep, Felix from Nicks' place.'
'Felix.' Despite how tired and low she was feeling, a grin spread across her face as she felt the fluttering of anticipation in the pit of her stomach. She just hoped he'd popped in to reschedule their date rather than cancel it all together. Not that she'd blame him after she cried at him yesterday whilst they were looking for her necklace.
'You might as well go on your break now, Merri. Tilly's just got back now so I'll jump on the coffee and cake counter.' Holding her hand out, Diane waited for Merri to pass the shortbread across before turning and disappearing again.
'Go on, love. Don't keep him waiting. He's a good lad, Felix is.' Walking across to the door, Elsie held it open for her, swooshing her out.
'Okay, I'm going.' Hurrying out onto the bakery floor, Merri looked around, searching between the customers enjoying their coffees and cakes and the queue of people waiting to be served at the bakery counter. Where was he? Had he seen she wasn’t here and left?
'He's taking a call outside.' Walking past her carrying a tray of used crockery, Diane nudged her with her elbow and nodded towards the window.
Following Diane's gaze, Merri felt her shoulders relax as she spotted him. 'I thought he'd gone then.'
'Nope.' Dianeplaced the tray onto the counter before holding out her hand. 'Give me your apron and go out and see him.'
