‘You aren’t going anywhere in this as there are no vehicles getting across that track until the snow has thawed. I’ve rung Sam too. There will be no extra delivery to the shelter for the next couple of days.’
‘How is she?’
‘Broken-hearted over the loss of Stan but she was relieved when I explained Bree was staying with us until we can get her to the shelter.’
Molly’s smile widened. ‘Really? You’re saying she can stay here?
‘Yes, really. I’m not having another night like last night with you in the spare room and me not getting a wink of sleep worrying about where she is in this weather, but as soon as the shelter opens…’
‘I know,’ replied Molly, throwing her arms around Cam’s neck and hugging him tight. ‘You are simply the best.’
‘Now, what is it you aren’t telling me? Why do you need to go back to the other house?’
‘I need the suitcase from the loft.’
‘What suitcase? You aren’t thinking of going on holiday, are you?’ joked Cam.
‘My parents’ suitcase, the one full of important documents. I need to properly look at what’s in it. I was too grief-stricken to do it in the days after I lost them.’ She placed three mugs on a tray and juice for George.
‘Maybe the best time to swing past the other house is on the way back from my hospital appointment; hopefully the track will be driveable in a couple of days’ time. What do you need with the suitcase?’
‘I’ll fill you in later. For now, let’s not leave Bree in the bakery by herself. I think she’s in need of good company today.’
‘But everything is okay, isn’t it?’
Molly nodded. ‘It is.’
As they wandered back into the bakery, they saw Bree had set out numerous bowls on the worktop alongside the utensils.
‘I’ve written down the ingredients my mother used to use.’ Bree was smiling, clearly enjoying every second of being in the kitchen.
‘This looks pretty good to me,’ observed Cam, looking over the recipe. He reached up and took the weighing scales off the shelf.
‘Call yourself a baker? We won’t need them. My mother taught me the best way to bake is by estimating the ingredients.’
‘That’s a talent right there. Then that’s exactly what we do. And I’ve not even asked you, what’s your mother’s name?’ Cam asked curiously.
‘Lilian Allen, baker and creator of Layers Treats. Her chocolate bars were the best.’
‘Tell us all about your mum, I want to know everything,’ encouraged Molly, as she sat up on the stool and watched them get to work.
‘She was the loveliest, most caring person in the world . . . and thank you for this.’ Bree gestured towards the baking. ‘I didn’t think I would ever feel strong enough to bake her recipes without feeling a twinge of sadness but I’m excited to share her fabulous recipe and I hope her creations will live on.’
‘Okay, let’s do it Lilian Allen’s way,’ said Cam, disposing of all measuring equipment and quickly glancing over the recipe that Bree had penned.
‘An original S’mookie … a layer of marshmallow andchocolate filling sandwiched between two milkchocolate cookies then dipped in an indulgent layer of creamy Belgian milk chocolate. Wow, this sounds amazing.’ Cam was impressed and smiled up at Molly.
‘You could melt this bar a little and eat it with a spoon,’ shared Bree. ‘This was the type of chocolate bar we used to make on a day like today – a cold winter’s day. But today let’s start off with the brownie and cookie creation.’
‘Let’s make Lilian Allen proud,’ said Cam triumphantly. ‘Today my kitchen is your kitchen and you get to tell me what to do.’
Molly watched as Cam took the baker’s hat off the peg and handed it to Bree.
‘I couldn’t possibly wear that,’ she exclaimed, beaming.
‘You can and you will. I’m learning from you today,’ insisted Cam.
As Bree put the hat on her head her smile was wide. ‘Let’s get this show on the road.’
