Page 13 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

‘Yes, please, and make it decaf because we’re both too jittery for caffeine.’

‘Good plan!’

Tara went through to the kitchen and put the kettle on. She stared out of the window at the small yard, wishing she could see some trees or water or something that would soothe her.

While she made the tea, she sang along with the carols on the sound system. It relaxed her as the warmth of Christmases gone by enveloped her in a nostalgic hug. Growing up, Christmas at her parents’ home had been a warm and jolly affair. There had been family traditions, delicious food and lots of quality time together. Grandparents had joined them until they’d passed away and then they’d been fondly remembered with cheers and tears.

Back in the shop, she found Sadie gazing out of the window.

‘Everything OK?’ she asked as she handed Sadie her mug.

‘I was just wondering if it might snow,’ Sadie replied.

‘Do you think it might?’ Tara peered at the sky.

‘I don’t know. I mean, it’s November and it can, technically, snow at any time of the year.’ Sadie shrugged. ‘I can remember having lots of snow in March a few years back. But the forecast is for a cold winter and I think we could have snow soon. Maybe today.’

‘Snow could be good but also bad for us.’ Tara grimaced. ‘Good in that it will make people feel more festive but bad in that it will make it harder for people to get here.’

‘What about if we have just enough snow to give everything a wintry feel though?’ Sadie flashed her a grin. ‘That would be good for business, surely?’

‘Oh look, there they are!’ Tara said. ‘Good old Mum and Dad reporting for duty.’

Sadie giggled as she opened the door and their parents entered along with the cold air and the scent of doughnuts.

‘We brought breakfast.’ Their mum handed Tara a cake box. ‘Freshly baked at that lovely bakery just along the road.’

‘Cake Expectations?’ Tara asked.

‘That’s the one.’ Her mum shrugged out of her coat. ‘The name makes me think of Dickens and A Christmas Carol.’ She nudged her husband and he took her coat.

‘Yes, dear, we must make sure to listen to that on the radio this year.’ He folded her coat over his arm.

‘Every year.’ Sadie winked at Tara.

Tara smiled. Her parents’ traditions were the things that had made Christmas so magical. They’d always listened to the story on the radio in the lead-up to Christmas. And, of course, there were their dad’s impressions…

‘Bah humbug!’ he said, as if reading her mind and they all laughed.

‘Oh no,’ Sadie muttered. ‘Stop him or he’ll scare the customers away.’

‘Come along now, Martin,’ their mum said, ushering him towards the kitchen area. ‘Let’s go and hang our coats up then we can get ready for the rush.’

Their parents went through to the kitchen then Tara shook her head. ‘He never changes.’

‘I hope he never will. It’s what makes Christmas Christmas.’ Sadie smiled.

‘OK then.’ Tara sucked in a deep breath then went to the door.

‘Wait!’ Sadie hurried to join her. ‘The lights!’

‘Of course.’ Tara nodded as Sadie flicked the switch that lit up the trees. The colourful lights came on and filled the windows with a warm glow. Around the shop, more lights flickered on, adding an extra layer of festive sparkle. Goosebumps rose on her arms and she met her sister’s eyes and saw they were glistening.

‘Come here,’ she said, opening her arms and pulling Sadie into a hug. ‘I love you.’

‘Love you too.’

When they stepped back, they held hands and Sadie counted down: ‘Three. Two. One…’