Page 47 of A Recipe for Romance in Brambleton

‘Her name is Lauren, and that’s none of your business,’ Marc said firmly. ‘However, she is coming over tomorrow to see me and the boys – we wanted to bake some cakes for her, as an additional thank you for the excellent job she did on the birthday cakes, but she’s offered to bake her signature recipe with the boys.’

Joel let out a low whistle. ‘So she’s coming round and doing all the work? Smooth, mate, very smooth.’

Marc’s irritation prickled. ‘She offered.’

‘All right, all right.’ Joel held up a hand. ‘I’m only joshing with you. Keep your hair on. What time’s she getting here?’

‘About two o’clock.’

Joel grinned. ‘Well, I’ll make sure I’m out of your hair. Wouldn’t want the old Joel Hathaway charm to distract from your sad efforts to pull her, would we?’

Gritting his teeth, Marc reminded himself silently that if he rose to Joel’s attempts to rile him, his brother would probably hang around the lake house tomorrow afternoon just to wind him up. ‘I’d appreciate that,’ he replied, trying to keep his tone carefully neutral.

‘No worries, bro. I’ll get myself off to the pub or something. I’m sure a few pints of scrumpy will keep me out of trouble.’

Looking at the after-effects of a fair few glasses of booze yesterday, Marc wasn’t so sure it would, but again, he held his tongue. ‘Thanks, mate.’

‘Got any toast?’ Joel asked. ‘I think the coffee’s sorting out my hangover and I’m starving.’

‘Sure,’ Marc replied. ‘There’s bread in the box on the counter. Help yourself.’ This isn’t a B&B, he added silently. ‘I’d better go and check on the boys.’

Marc loved both of his brothers, but having Joel in his face 24/7 was already beginning to wear on him. He was starting to count the hours until Joel would be going off to London. Weirdly, though, he also knew he’d miss Joel when he decided to go back home. Family, he thought wryly. Can’t live with them…

The four adults had decided that Marc should be the one to tell the twins about the surprise mini break. Bella had secured the tickets late yesterday evening, and Noah had booked the hotel. The plan was all good to go.

‘Hey,’ Noah said as he entered the living room. Glued to the Switch, the boys replied without moving their gaze from the TV screen. Knowing it would be pointless to try to talk to them until they finished their current round of Mario Kart, he took a seat on the other sofa. Eventually victorious, Liam did a victory lap around the living room, before coming to sit again next to his dad and brother.

‘So,’ Marc began. He told them about the London plan and Liam looked immediately thrilled. Luca, who wasn’t quite such a big Minecraft fan, less so, but when Marc explained that the Natural History Museum was on offer, too, Luca perked up.

‘And you can take lots of pictures and call me whenever you want to.’

‘Promise?’ Luca said.

‘Promise.’

After a couple more games of Mario Kart, Marc let them know about the tea party with Lauren tomorrow. Both seemed keen, Luca especially. When he went off to finish the picture he was colouring for Lauren, Marc took the opportunity to have another game with Liam.

‘Are you excited about going away with Uncle Noah, Uncle Joel and Aunt Bella?’

Liam nodded. ‘Yeah.’ Then, with a glint in his eye, asked: ‘Will we have to share a room with Uncle Joel? I heard you talking about bunk beds last night.’

Marc laughed. ‘Weren’t you asleep?’

Liam shook his head. ‘And I heard Uncle Joel snoring last night, too. I don’t want to share with him!’

‘Lies, all lies!’ Joel, obviously feeling better, ran through the living room door and proceeded to tickle Liam until he begged for mercy.

Marc shook his head. With his brother staying, it really did feel as though there were three kids to look after.

40

The next day, Lauren pulled up outside the lake house and took a deep breath. She’d double-checked her box of supplies when she’d put it in the boot, and she knew she had everything she and the twins would need for a fun afternoon’s cake baking and decorating. She couldn’t resist a last look in her rear-view mirror, just to check that the subtle-coloured lipstick and eyeshadow she’d applied hadn’t smudged, and that her hair, pulled back with a claw clip in the shape of an exotic flower, was still in place. Satisfied that she’d achieved an I’ve tried, but not too much look, she breathed out again and then got out of the car.

This wasn’t exactly a date, especially if Marc was being truthful and it had been the kids’ idea, but she still felt the emotional stakes had raised. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this afternoon, but with the twins very much in evidence, presumably a third kiss would be out of the question.

‘Lauren, hi.’ Marc was out of the front door and hurrying over to help her with the big box she was carrying before she’d made it even halfway up the path. ‘Let me take that.’ His hands brushed hers, sending a jolt of electricity through her, as he relieved her of the box.

‘Thanks.’ Lauren smiled. ‘I’ve got a bag as well, I’ll grab that.’