‘I know. Right? It’s unbelievable how much my life has changed and in such a short time. Of course it means I’ll need to employ someone to help out in the shop, because I’ve been concentrating more on my own designs recently and I really want to continue with that. But the shop is gorgeous, Erin. You really must come down and see it. You must come to Fairlight Bay. You still haven’t been there and you don’t know what you’re missing.’
‘I know I’m missing you,’ I blurted out.
She looked me directly in the eye. ‘I miss you too. I really do.’
I was delighted Lucy had been spending more time on her own designs and thrilled she’d been getting more commissions, but I was concerned that, now she was taking over Fairlight Brides, she would, once again, put her wedding dress designs to one side, but when I broached the subject, she promised me she wouldn’t.
‘Sam is as concerned as you are on that score,’ she said. ‘And so are Mum and Chris. So whatever happens, and however busy things get, we’ve all agreed that making time for me to create my own designs is a priority.’
I was very pleased to hear that.
And, if I decided I wanted to change my career, I suppose I could do worse than work as a sales assistant in a bridal shop. Assuming Lucy would hire me.
‘I wish you’d move down to Fairlight Bay,’ Lucy added, and I knew how much she meant it.
I took her hand in mine and squeezed it. ‘Maybe one day. In the meantime, I promise I’ll come for a visit.’
And here I was. Finally. In the last week of June. About to see for myself whether this place was really as great as Lucy thought it was.
I must admit, I couldn’t help wondering if this cottage on Midwinter Lane might have some magic in store for me.
