Page 53 of Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay

Having seen her former childhood home, Hannah had reached the decision that it was the harbourer of too many unhappy memories for her to ever want to return there. Once probate was complete on her aunt’s estate and ownership had been transferred into her name and Polly and Darryl had moved out of Midsummer Haven – she had no qualms about speaking to Mr Cuthbert and hurrying them on their way – she was going to see that the monstrous gold lions were removed along with the gate, and the house given a full refurbishment, removing all traces of Polly’s tacky paw marks. That done, she was going to put it on the market and hope that it would sell quickly.

Renovating the pier café, as far as Hannah was concerned, was a no-brainer. She’d employ the services of Alex’s surveyor friend – Stella had already texted her his number – and get things moving with that. While she waited, she was going to dive into researching professional kitchens along with seeking out a suitable interior designer.

The only downside to her plans was moving away from Birdie, though an idea had come to her as she drove away from Micklewick Bay, and it was something she wouldn’t mind running by her neighbour at some point today.

‘I think it all sounds wonderful, lovey,’ Birdie enthused.

‘I’m glad you think so.’

‘Hmm.’ Birdie went quiet for a moment, nibbling on her bottom lip, the light atmosphere of moments ago suddenly not so bright and shiny.

Hannah waited for her to share what was on her mind. She was relieved when it didn’t take long.

‘Have you thought about what you’re going to do with Fern Cottage? I assume you’ll be renting it out. Micklewick Bay’s too far for you to commute from here.’

Ah, so that’s what’s troubling Birdie.

‘You’re right, I’ll rent out Fern Cottage and move to a house in Micklewick Bay.’ She focused her gaze on her neighbour. ‘And how about you, Birdie? Are you still keen on moving to the village?’

‘Hmm.’ Uncertainty flickered in the older woman’s eyes. ‘Aye, I suppose so.’

Hannah’s heart went out to her. It was glaringly obvious as happy as Birdie was for these new plans, the changes that would ensue had unsettled her. It was hardly surprising.

It was her cue to test the water. ‘I’m just going to put this out there, no pressure or anything. It’s just something for you to think about, okay?’

‘Oh? Okay, fire away, young ’un.’

‘When I was in Micklewick Bay yesterday, I had a drive around, taking a look at all the properties Mr Cuthbert had listed as part of the O’Riordan estate. While I was there, I spotted the cutest little cottage not far from the town centre with a gorgeous view of the sea. It’s up for rent at the moment and – even better – it was on Mr Cuthbert’s list.’

Hannah watched Birdie’s expression change as the implications sank in, her neighbour’s eyes widening.

‘You mean…?’

‘It’s yours if you fancy? We could pop over there and take a look. It’s empty at the moment. I’ll speak to Mr Cuthbert about us having a viewing. Like I said, though, no pressure. It’s all entirely up to you. All I’ll say is that I’ve got us a couple of tickets for an author reading at Florrie’s bookshop next Wednesday. Thought we could make a day of it, have some fish and chips at The Jolly, maybe go for a wander along the pier if the weather isn’t too inclement, take a look at the cottage… Just say the word and I’ll get on to Mr Cuthbert.’

Birdie clapped her hands to her face, her eyes shining with an excitement Hannah hadn’t seen for a long time. ‘Ooh! “The word!”’

Hannah’s brows knitted together. ‘The word?’ Her puzzled expression made Birdie chuckle.

‘You told me if I was interested that I should just say “the word”, so I did. “The word”.’

Hannah threw her head back and groaned good-naturedly. ‘Ugh! Birdie. Have you picked up the mantle of bad jokes left by Auntie Coll?’

‘Might’ve done.’ She gave an impish grin that melted Hannah’s heart.

‘Come here, you gorgeous woman, and let me give you a hug.’

‘With pleasure, sweetheart.’ The two women got out of their seats. Birdie tucked herself under Hannah’s chin and wrapped her arms around her. Hannah squeezed her tightly, a rush of affection washing over her. She was inordinately glad to have Birdie in her life.

‘Has anyone ever told you, you give a pretty mean cuddle, Birdie? I mean, apart from old Bert Winspear who I now know models at those life drawing classes you pretend you don’t go to, the ones I drop you off at once a week and you come out all flushed and flustered with yourself with old Bert hot on your heels. I reckon he knows all about your cuddles.’ Hannah gave her a wicked grin.

‘Get away with you!’ Birdie said through her giggles. She gave Hannah a quick tickle in the ribs, making the younger woman squeal with laughter. ‘You know full well you drop me off at the belly dancing classes, that’s what puts roses in my cheeks.’

‘Ah, so that explains why Bert looks all of a dither at the end of them. Seeing you wiggle those temptress hips of yours gets him all hot under the collar – or at least it would if he wore one, or wore anything for that matter.’ It had been a long time since she and Birdie had enjoyed a bit of light-hearted banter and Hannah found she couldn’t stop her giggles.

‘And for your information, Bert Winspear isn’t interested in me – perish the thought. It’s Elsie Chapman he holds a torch for, and she’s welcome to him. I’ve seen the state of his feet; he has toenails like budgie claws and they’re as mucky as can be. Mind, it hasn’t put her off from the way she flutters her eyelashes at him.’ Birdie scrunched up her face in distaste.

‘Ooh, you paint ever such a lovely picture.’