Pippa grimaced. ‘I could give him a little bit of work while he got on his feet, but I don’t think us working together long term would work out. I love my brother to bits, but he’s still my annoying little brother at the end of the day.’ They all laughed.
Morgan patted her hair into place. ‘Right. Let me just finish getting ready, I’m still putting my face on, and I’ll be down as soon as I’m done.’
Pippa leaned forward and pecked her aunt’s cheek. ‘You look gorgeous already.’
Morgan did a shooing action with the back of her hand. ‘Aww, get off with you. See you in a mo.’
MORGAN HAD A PERMANENTsmile fixed on her face as she worked alongside her niece. Pippa’s skin was glowing.Pregnancy suited her. She was literally counting down the days until the newest member of the family arrived.
Pippa was the daughter she’d never had, and Nile was the son. She adored every hair on their heads and would do anything for her family.
‘Are you alright aunt? You look like you're practicing for the perfect portrait photograph.’
Morgan laughed. ‘I am Kiddo. I’m feeling extra happy day. I was just imagining what it will be like to hear the small cries of a newborn again. I remember when you were born. You were such a good baby. You only ever cried a little before feeding time, and that was more of a whimper.’
Pippa’s brow shot up. ‘Really?’
‘Yes. You were an adorable little thing. Now your brother on the other hand.’ She sucked in sharply. ‘He was a completely different kettle of fish.’
Pippa laughed. ‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’
Morgan nodded as she chuckled. ‘Yes, he hasn’t changed. He was exactly the same as a baby as he is now—a whirlwind.’
The morning soon disappeared, and the lunchtime began with Morgan retelling stories to Pippa of the mischief Nile and she used to get up to as children. Declan came in to start work after his shift at the tearoom ended and also listened intently, adding small comparisons to toys they’d both owned in childhood, and similar games they used to play.
Oliver appeared with two food order lists, his brow furrowed as he placed the lists down in front of them. ‘It’s manic out there. Sorry to do this to you, but here’s the food orders so far. I’ve put all the orders from the hikers on one list and the regulars on another. I hope that helps.’
Pippa blew hard from puffed up cheeks. ‘Jeez. We’ve got our work cut out today.’ She passed the lists over to Declan, before stealing a kiss from Oliver.
Morgan smiled as she watched them. She loved how Pippa used Oliver’s slang sayings he’d picked up while living in America, it showed how in synch they were.
‘I’ll help Declan with the regulars' orders if you help him with the hikers, Pippa,’ said Morgan.
‘You’re not just a pretty face, are you aunt?’ smiled Pippa.
‘I’m not I’m even that Kiddo if I’m honest,’ shrugged Morgan.
‘Why do you think I married Pippa?’ said Oliver, ‘I looked at the family genes first.’ Morgan and Pippa laughed.
Pippa playfully elbowed Oliver in the ribs. ‘Oi, I hope that’s not the real reason.’
Oliver pulled Pippa into his arms and nuzzled into her neck, kissing her. ‘Of course it isn’t, my darling. I’ve loved you since we were teenagers.’ Morgan’s heart swelled as she watched them. Oliver pulled away. ‘I hate to leave you, but I need to get back out there.’
Morgan shook her head and turned away to look at the local’s food order list. As she read through them, she instantly recognised one in particular. It was for a steak and ale pie with extra gravy and cheese melted onto the crust.
Her chest fluttered as she prepared the meal, making extra effort to make it a little more special. When it was ready, she decided to take it out herself. ‘I’ll take this order out; I think it’s for Ned.’
Pippa looked up from what she was doing and nodded. ‘Okay.’
Expertly balancing the tray of food across her forearm, Morgan pushed opened the door from the kitchen into the lounge. She was hit by a cacophony of chatter and laughter. Oliver hadn’t been wrong about it being hectic. She stood motionless for a moment and looked towards the place where Ned usually sat at the bar, but his chair was taken by someone else. Frowning, she scanned the many faces until a cap sherecognised bobbed into view. Ned was sitting at the table they’d last shared a meal together. Her mouth quirked up. Was it nowtheirtable?
‘Excuse me,’ she said to the standing hikers in her way as she made her way over to Ned. They quickly parted letting her pass.
Ned’s face lit up when he saw her making her way over to him and he jumped to his feet and took the tray when she was in range. ‘Here lass, let me help you.’
‘Thanks Ned.’
He nodded to the seat opposite him. ‘Can you spare five minutes or so and join me?’
