‘Usually, we have a queue of villagers waiting outside but I suppose they don’t want to venture out in this.’ Cam pointed towards the regular orders that were piled up on the trays at the back of the shop. ‘I think I’m going to load these up in the van and do my good deed for the day by attempting to deliver them. It’ll save people venturing out in these conditions.’
Molly slipped her arms around his waist and snuggled into his chest, ‘That’s what I love about you, you’re always thinking of others. Maybe take some extras out on the van, just in case people fancy something else. Those pies smell delicious.’
‘Good plan. Will you be okay holding the fort?’
‘Yes, of course, and Dixie will be back shortly after she’s walked Darling, who might have to be nicknamed Prancer in this snow. That dog really would prefer to be curled up in front of the fire.’
Cam chuckled. ‘That’s exactly what I’d like to be doing today. I’ll load the van up then bring in some extra logs for the fire. If we keep that door ajar and the fire stoked, the warmth should filter through.’
‘Sounds like a plan,’ replied Molly, loading up a couple of boxes of freshly made doughnuts for the van then once more looking out of the window.
‘You look lost in thought,’ observed Cam, taking a sideward glance towards Molly.
‘I’m just thinking about the shelter.’
‘What about it?’
Molly stopped what she was doing. ‘All those people with their only possessions packed inside their rucksacks and no home to call their own.’
Molly knew that there was a possibility her life could have spiralled out of control if it hadn’t been for Di and Doug. Though she’d long ago buried any feelings she might have about her biological parents, out of love and loyalty for Di and Doug, and had no burning desire to investigate her past, she couldn’t help thinking that if it wasn’t for her adoptive parents she might easily have been in the same position as Bree, sleeping in shelters.
‘We’re very lucky,’ replied Cam, staring out of the window, his hand now tightly clutching the letter in his apron pocket.
‘We are indeed. A gorgeous husband … a healthy son and a new baby on the way. And two businesses, not to mention a beautiful home. We have everything – and a wonderful future.’
Lost in thought, Cam didn’t answer, causing Molly to glance up at him. Noticing he was suddenly preoccupied, she poked him gently. ‘Earth to Cam.’
He spun round. ‘Sorry, what did you say?’
‘I was just saying how lucky we are. Are you okay? You’ve suddenly gone very…’
With his hands still clutching the letter, he forced nonchalance. ‘I’m always okay.’
Molly leant up and gave him a swift kiss. ‘As long as you’re sure … because I have noticed you have been a little quiet of late.’
‘Really?’ replied Cam. ‘I promise I’m fine.’ Wanting the pressure off himself, Cam steered the conversation in a different direction. ‘Anyway, how was the shelter last night? Packed to the rafters, I bet, in this weather.’
Molly sighed, slipping her arms around Cam’s waist. ‘Stan – one of the regulars – he’s in his late seventies. He should not be sleeping on the streets at that age. He should be looking forward to Christmas, surrounded by his family and friends.’ Molly’s voice faltered. ‘Sam and her volunteers work so hard. They make the world a better place.’
‘They do and people like Stan will be grateful to them.’
‘I know we do our bit – Sam knew we baked extra bread – but I just wish we could do more.’
Cam hugged her tight. ‘I know, but you can’t go worrying about everyone and everything. We have to take care of us because…’ There was something in the tone of Cam’s voice that caused her to look up at him.
‘Because…’ Molly prompted.
‘Because…’ The words were on the tip of Cam’s tongue but once again this felt like the wrong time to share his fears. The shop was about to open and he didn’t want Molly getting upset. ‘Because we have another arrival very soon.’
Molly looked down at her stomach and rubbed it gently. She thought of Bree. ‘It just makes me a little sad, that’s all, especially when it’s cold outside and with Christmas coming, that people don’t have family to rely on.’ Molly took a breath. ‘Let’s load that van up and get the shop open, even though I think it’s going to be quiet today.’
‘More bread for the shelter later then.’ He gave Molly a quick kiss on the top of her head then pointed to the window as he grabbed his coat and van keys. ‘It’s snowing again.’
‘The postman has been early,’ said Molly, attempting to bend down and pick up the post from the mat. She laughed. With a huge stomach in the way it was proving difficult but on the second attempt she successfully scooped up the pile of letters. ‘And it’ll be great to touch my own toes again soon,’ she shouted after Cam, who’d begun loading up the van.
Sifting through the pile of post, she found most of it was the usual junk along with the local free newspaper, the headline boldly proclaiming, ‘Winter Storms Are On Their Way.’
‘Anything interesting?’ asked Cam, picking up another tray of orders.
