Page 16 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

‘A whole lot. And it was a risk, of course. There was a chance that I might not get any customers and a chance that people might not be happy with me opening up here. But so far, the reception I’ve received has been amazing. And I’m sure it will be the same for you. There are locals who are now regulars, tourists and those passing through the village. You’ll benefit from the same customers; I have no doubt of it.’

‘But we’re only here for the Christmas period,’ she said, something stirring inside her that she recognised as longing.

Pete shrugged. ‘For now, but you could change your mind and decide you want to become a more permanent part of Wisteria Hollow. Perhaps you won’t and next year, you’ll open a pop-up shop in Scotland or Wales or somewhere else. What matters is that you’re giving it a go and you should be really proud of yourself for that. Do you know how many people have dreams that they’re too scared to try to realise? How many people have regrets that they didn’t try to do what they wanted to? Don’t let that be you. This is your chance to live the dream, and I, for one, feel certain it will work out for you.’

‘You should be a motivational speaker,’ she said with a smile.

‘Ha! Now there’s a thought. I have actually been asked to go into the local school to speak to the children about setting up a business.’

‘Is that the primary school?’ she asked.

‘Yes.’

‘Aren’t they a bit young for that?’

‘You’re never too young to learn about money or how the world works. I’d have done all this sooner, I think, if I’d been educated in how to go about it all. If there’s an entrepreneurial spirit inside you, it’s good to know early on.’ He winked.

‘Thank you,’ she said.

‘What for?’ he asked.

‘For being kind and encouraging. I feel foolish for having a wobble, but you’ve made me feel better.’

‘I’m glad I could help.’ He drained his mug. ‘You going to try that pie?’

‘Yes. It looks so good.’ She cut into it then took a bite and closed her eyes. Cinnamon and nutmeg, creamy pumpkin and brown sugar danced on her tongue. ‘It’s delicious!’

‘Excellent! You can come down here every day for your coffee break and try the daily special and become one of my regular customers.’

‘I’d love to.’ She took another bite, thinking that she could have a good Christmas season if she came here every day for coffee and cake.

‘Right,’ Pete gestured at the hut. ‘I have a customer waiting. You enjoy your pie and your hot chocolate and just wave if you want anything else. And that’s on me to say welcome to the village.’

‘Oh, thank you. That’s so kind.’

‘It’s my pleasure.’ Pete got up and walked over to the hut while Tara finished off the pie then washed it down with her drink. Good food and hot chocolate in the fresh air. What could be better than that?

‘Hello there.’

Tara turned to see Seth approaching her.

‘Oh! Hi!’

‘I almost didn’t recognise you what with you being above the table,’ he said.

‘Sorry?’ She frowned.

‘Well, yesterday you were under the tree…’

‘Oh!’ She snorted. ‘Of course I was. And now I’m not. Uhm… Thanks for rescuing me. I was in such a pickle.’

‘You were indeed. But it was a pleasure to rescue you,’ he said softly, his cheeks colouring slightly. ‘Mind if I sit down?’

‘Not at all.’ She patted the table. ‘I mean, I’ve finished my hot chocolate and pie, but you can sit down. Of course you can.’

He sat opposite her and placed a takeaway coffee cup on the table in front of him. ‘I thought you’d be glued to the shop today.’

‘I was. But I was also too jittery, so Sadie told me to go for a walk and I ended up here.’