Page 17 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

‘Best coffee in the village,’ Seth said.

‘It is good. Well, the hot chocolate is. I’ll definitely be back for more.’

Seth removed the lid of his coffee, and a waft of gingerbread reached Tara.

‘Is that a gingerbread latte?’

‘Yes.’

‘So you like gingerbread but not Christmas?’

His gaze dropped to his cup. ‘Did I say that?’

‘Not exactly that, but there was some hostility towards Christmas when we spoke the other day.’

He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. ‘This is coffee and anything coffee is good with me. But you’re right, I’m not a fan of Christmas. It’s too much fuss over one day.’

‘Christmas isn’t just about one day,’ she said, sitting up straighter. ‘It’s about the build-up and the thought that goes into buying gifts. It’s about celebrating being alive and enjoying the peak of winter. It’s a way to bring light into your home and to share food and drinks with loved ones. It’s about so much more than just one day.’

He was watching her carefully, his grey eyes seeming darker outdoors than when she’d spoken to him in the shop. They were the colour of slate tiles this afternoon or stormy skies, but there was no anger or hostility in them, just interest.

‘OK, I’ll concede that to you, but it’s still not for me.’

‘Shame.’ She shrugged. ‘If you surrender to the festive season, you could find yourself enjoying it.’

He wrinkled his nose. ‘I’ll take your word for it. Anyway, how was the grand opening?’

‘Well, not really a grand opening, more of a quiet opening.’

‘That bad, eh?’

‘No. Not in that way. It was just that while we had some customers, it wasn’t a mad rush. However, it’s early days and it will pick up, I’m sure.’

‘I’m sure it will.’

‘Right then… I should get back so Sadie can take a break too.’ She picked up the tray with her empty plate and cup on it. ‘You, uhm… You said you might pop into the shop today?’

Her cheeks flushed when she realised it sounded like she was keen for him to stop by.

‘I did say that and yes, I’ll try to pop in later. If that’s OK?’

‘Of course it’s OK. You may see something you want to buy.’

‘I doubt it.’ He met her eyes. ‘I’m sorry! That sounded bad. I didn’t mean that I don’t think you have lots of good stock or anything, just that I don’t decorate for Christmas.’

‘There are gifts too. And things that may not be just for Christmas.’ She shifted from one foot to the other, feeling embarrassed now. ‘But don’t worry. You don’t have to spend anything.’

‘I’m sure I can find something there to purchase.’ His smile was warm and reassuring and Tara relaxed again. It was OK to ask if he was planning on visiting the shop today. He was, after all, the landlord.

‘I’ll see you later then,’ she said.

She took the tray over to Pete, who said he’d stop by the shop soon, then she walked back towards the village, feeling better for having had something to eat and drink. She’d tell Sadie about The Little Hut in the Hollow so her sister could walk down there too. She’d like the location and no doubt find Pete as pleasant as Tara had done.

It seemed that being in the village was going to be even better than she’d imagined. Wisteria Hollow had been a good choice of location for their pop-up Christmas shop.

9

SETH