‘Get your coats and boots off. The fire is lit and there’s a possibility you will find a plate of cooked sausages and bacon in the bottom oven of the Aga.’
‘You are a keeper is what you are.’ Molly pressed a swift kiss to Cam’s cheek. ‘Thank you,’ she said, impressed by the way Cam immediately put Bree at ease.
‘And that bread you made, that’s some seriously genius baking.’
Bree looked unsure what to say so Molly chipped in. ‘You did very well, Bree. Maybe you could give us some tips on how to bake the chocolate layer to perfection?’
‘Never mind the bread, you should taste my chocolate slabs – Layers Treats,’ enthused Bree.
‘Layers Treats?’ repeated Cam.
‘On my mum’s birthday we always made our special chocolate slab and that’s what she called it – Layers Treats. Creamy Belgian milkchocolate layered with a gooey chocolate orange centreand then toppedwith Terry’s chocolate orangesegments was our favourite, but we baked it using many different ingredients like brownies, cookies, et cetera. It tastes amazing.’
‘And you’ve baked this?’
‘I have,’ replied Bree. ‘The chocolate loaf was the first loaf I’d baked since Mum passed away but we always baked the chocolate slabs on her birthday.’
Cam was impressed. ‘Well, I have to say you should be proud of yourself. As you can see, I’m not having much luck with my attempt at baking anything chocolatey.’ Cam looked down at his apron, then back up at Bree.
‘It’s Bree’s mum’s birthday today,’ added Molly softly.
Cam looked between the two of them. ‘How about you get yourself cleaned up, eat some breakfast and then, if you would like, show Molly and myself how you make your wonderful chocolate slabs … Layers Treats, you say?’
‘I think I’d like that,’ replied Bree, with a smile on her face. ‘Thank you.’
‘Bree, I am sorry about yesterday.’ Cam’s apology was heartfelt.
Bree nodded. ‘Thank you.’
‘And I’m sorry to hear about Stan,’ he added, then noticed Molly opening her eyes wide whilst discreetly shaking her head.
Damn, knowing he’d just put his foot in it, Cam prayed that Molly was about to rescue him.
‘Stan?’ queried Bree, looking between the two of them.
Molly was apprehensive as she wasn’t sure how Bree was going to react to Stan’s death, knowing they were close. But right at that minute the conversation was steered in another direction as George appeared in the doorway and ran towards Molly, who attempted to hoist him up on her hip, ‘Nope! I can’t lift you up. You are too big now! In fact, I think you have grown since I’ve been gone.’
George looked chuffed and giggled.
Molly popped a noisy kiss on his cheek. ‘George, why don’t you take Bree through to the living room, get warm by the fire and I’ll make us all a drink.’
As soon as Bree was out of sight, Molly slid her arms around Cam’s waist and looked up at him. ‘We are so lucky. I found that poor wee girl wrapped in a blanket in the church. She’d slept there last night. I can’t even begin to imagine how cold and lonely she must have felt.’
‘I can’t imagine either but she’s here now. Though I’m not sure we can get her to the shelter in these weather conditions…’
‘I know, but can she stay here today?’ Molly looked up at Cam, who didn’t hesitate.
‘Of course she can. I need someone to teach us how to bake chocolate slabs. I need some inspiration. I have a competition to win.’
Molly’s eyes widened in delight. There he was, the old Cam was back and fighting. Molly was impressed.
‘I’ve been thinking about it and we have to carry on as normal. I have to think positive and focus on what I do best…’ He looked down at his chocolate-splattered apron. ‘Even though that is debatable.’
They laughed as they hugged. ‘I’ll go and break the news to Bree about Stan and then maybe we could get everyone involved in the baking to take her mind off things.’
‘Sounds good to me.’
As Molly walked out of the bakery, she glanced behind her. ‘I really do love you.’
