Page 21 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

Tara wrapped an arm around her sister’s shoulders then they stared at the notepad. This could be the key to unlocking the Christmas sales they’d dreamt of when they opened the shop, and it could be a positive thing for the village too. After all, who didn’t like a Christmas party?

11

SADIE

‘Istill can’t believe you actually did it,’ Sander said, resting his chin on his hand as he gazed into the camera.

‘Nor me but it was about time,’ Sadie replied, shuffling around on the chair to rest her legs on the arm.

It was late afternoon and she’d come up to the flat above the shop to call her husband during his break.

‘I’m so proud of you,’ he said.

‘I’m proud of you,’ she replied. ‘But I miss you.’

A tightness crawled up her throat, threatening to bring tears.

‘Hey, sweetheart…’ Sander said softly. ‘It’s OK.’

‘I know. I’m just being soft.’ She breathed in slowly, trying to compose herself. The last thing she wanted was to worry Sander. She knew when she married him that spending time apart would come with the territory, but it was still hard. Especially at times like this.

‘One of the reasons I love you is because you’re so soft.’ His eyes shone as he gazed at her. ‘I’ve never met anyone with a heart as big and squishy as a marshmallow.’

‘Marshmallow?’ She grinned. ‘I have a marshmallow heart?’

‘You do and it’s pink.’

‘A pink marshmallow heart.’ She placed a hand on her chest as if to check.

‘And it’s very special. Just like you’re very special and I love you very much.’

‘I love you too.’ She sat upright and crossed her legs. ‘And I love this shop and what we’ve achieved. But… I know Tara has been worried. However… she’s had an idea about how to increase footfall.’

‘Oh?’ Sander raised his brows. ‘Do tell.’

So Sadie filled him in on the plan and ran through what they’d need to check, like permissions, potential problems and costing, and he helped her to weigh it all up.

‘It does sound like a good plan,’ he said. ‘Perhaps speak to your landlord as he’ll probably know who you could speak to.’

‘Yes, that’s what I thought too.’ Sadie smiled.

‘What is it?’

‘Well… I don’t want to speculate or gossip.’

‘But?’ He flashed her a grin.

‘I think Tara likes him.’

‘The landlord?’

‘Yes! He’s quite handsome and he has these grey eyes that are like⁠—’

‘Ahem!’ Sander’s brows met above his nose. ‘Handsome with grey eyes like what?’

Sadie sniggered. ‘You know I only have eyes for you. I’m just trying to see him from Tara’s point of view.’

‘All right then.’ He winked at her. ‘As long as you’re just checking him out for your sister.’