Page 62 of Snowflakes Over Micklewick Bay

‘Pretty much sums it up.’ Remembering she needed to be up in town, Hannah said, ‘I’m really sorry, I have to dash, I’ve got an appointment.’ Seeing his expression, she added, ‘Honestly, it’s with the solicitor.’

‘What will you do? About the chef, I mean?’

‘I’m going to have to ring around the agencies.’

‘You’ll be lucky to get anyone half decent at this short notice. I can step in – if you’d like me to?’ A grin broke out across his face, starting a flutter in her stomach. ‘I can give you the number of some folk I’ve cooked for. You can ask them what they think, if I’d be up to the job.’

Something told Hannah she wouldn’t need to do that. ‘Seriously? You wouldn’t mind?’ She wanted to pinch herself, make sure she wasn’t dreaming. This was turning into a very bizarre day.

‘Seriously.’ He laughed at her reaction. ‘Listen, why don’t I join you in your car up to town, we can talk about it some more on the way, then continue after your appointment? Maybe I could prepare something for you to eat by way of an interview.’

‘Deal,’ said Hannah. If her smile got any bigger, she was in danger of getting lockjaw.

Back at the restaurant, Hannah was met with a smiling Correy. ‘I’ve sorted out replacements for Sophie and Louis. I’ve worked with them both before and I know they’re good.’

‘That’s brilliant! Thanks so much, Correy.’ Relief washed over Hannah. ‘And I’ve sorted our head chef problem – temporarily, at least.’

‘That’s great. I wonder if it’s anyone I know? What’s his name?’

‘It’s Lachie.’ She stood aside as Lachie stepped in.

‘Hi, Correy. Fancy meeting you here.’

‘Lachie! You’re back!’

‘I sure am.’ He grinned at her.

‘Lachie’s got some pretty amazing credentials. I know he’s a bit bashful about it so he won’t have shared this, but he’s worked in some top Michelin star restaurants and been a private chef for some pretty wealthy people,’ Hannah explained.

‘That’s so cool.’ Correy looked suitably impressed. ‘I’m looking forward to working with you already.’

‘Hannah’s bigging me up, I’m a passable chef.’

Was he actually blushing? Hannah wondered.

‘He’s going to cook some food, show us his style. You’re welcome to join us if you like,’ Hannah said.

Correy gave a grin Hannah couldn’t quite read. ‘Thanks for the offer, but I think I’ll leave you both to it. If it’s okay with you, I’ll head off now. I promised my mum I’d babysit my little brother.’ She reached for her coat and her bag. ‘See you guys tomorrow. Good to see you again, Lachie.’

‘’Course, yeah. Thanks again for coming to the rescue, Correy. See you tomorrow.’

‘Bye, Correy, good to see you again, too.’

Correy turned as she got to the door. ‘Enjoy your meal, Hannah.’ She gave a waggle of her eyebrows before she disappeared into the night.

Hannah turned back to Lachie, pretending she hadn’t noticed, but judging by the smile that twitched at his mouth, it hadn’t escaped his attention.

‘Right, let’s get cracking.’ Lachie rubbed his hands together.

Hannah took a seat on the restaurant side of the pass while Lachie acquainted himself with the kitchen, checking to see what ingredients were available. He set to, prepping, chopping, rolling pasta, as if it was second nature to him and it wasn’t long before the kitchen was filled with the most delicious aromas.

As he cooked, they chatted, catching up on all that had happened since he’d left. Hannah had been interested to hear that his father had reluctantly agreed that Lachie’s younger brother Duncan could take his place and help run the estate in Scotland – for now, at least. ‘It’s best we let you get it out of your system,’ he’d said.

‘Right then, madame, the moment of truth is almost upon us.’

Though he did it with speed, Lachie also took care to dress the plates, giving the edges a final wipe with a tea cloth.

‘There we are.’ He set a pristine white bowl before her filled with angel hair pasta, glistening with a lemon-scented sauce, threaded with langoustines and jewel-green peas. It was garnished with a chorizo crumb and finished with a crack of pepper.