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‘I know I’ve just met him, but he does seem nice. You liked him too, right? I know Valentina approves.’

Rocco looked at Frankie in confusion.

‘Who…’

‘Ben! Tall, dark hair, beard? The guy I met at the wedding who came over on Saturday when we were in the middle of the Canine Cupids Christmas thing?’

Relief washed over Rocco’s body. It wasn’t Jay. Frankie isn’t going out with Jay!

‘Go!’ He motioned her to drink up her coffee. ‘Go on your date and enjoy it!’

‘Well, it’s not really a proper date. More like an informal meeting, like for a job, but not a job.’

‘Okay, weird, but it doesn’t matter what you call it.’ Rocco stood up and hauled Frankie to her feet. ‘Leave now, drop the dogs back, shower and enjoy your evening.’ Her evening that isn’t with Jay!

Rocco felt giddy with relief. He had at least one more day’s reprieve. And if Frankie was loved up from seeing someone else, the truth might not be so damning.

Bruno padded over, one of his bottom teeth sticking over his top ones due to his underbite.

‘Please don’t say anything to anyone else,’ Frankie said.

‘Your secret’s safe with me.’ The past twelve years had proven Rocco was good at keeping things to himself. ‘Although you are meeting him on one of the village’s busiest nights. It isn’t exactly clandestine.’

‘Yeah, but it’ll be dark. Everyone will be too caught up with what’s going on to worry about me chatting to Ben.’

Rocco hoped she was right as he watched Frankie head back down the grass toward the shore, dogs at her heels.

CHAPTER 15

FRANKIE

Drumkeldy village green was swarming with people when Frankie arrived, just as the clock tower chimed seven. Despite it being busy, Frankie saw Ben immediately. Taking her advice to dress warmly, he was adorned in a padded jacket, scarf, hat and gloves, and stood on the top step of the bandstand, scouring the crowd. His features broke into a wide smile when he saw her.

‘What quaint village festivity have you brought me out to?’ Ben asked once Frankie had pushed her way toward him.

She turned and pointed to the forty-foot pine tree that sat in the middle of the green space. ‘The Drumkeldy Christmas lights switch-on. Happens every Saint Andrew’s Day and kicks off the festive season. Now, let’s get something to drink.’ Frankie led the way to the row of catering trucks at the edge of the green.

There was a loud crackle of a Tannoy screeching to life before Shakin’ Stevens’ ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ began playing.

‘It’s very cheesy but it’s tradition,’ Frankie told Ben as she got to the top of the queue. ‘Mulled wine or beer?’

‘It clearly has to be mulled wine.’

‘Great! Make that two, please,’ Frankie said to one of the assistants who she recognised from the Drumkeldy Arms.

‘Allow me,’ Ben said as he paid.

‘Thank you. Christmas can now officially begin,’ Frankie said before taking a welcome slurp, feeling the liquid instantly warm her up from the inside as it hit her tummy.

They walked around, looking at all the stalls of home baking and Christmas decorations, with Frankie saying hello to practically everyone she saw.

‘How’s Canine Cupids Christmas Club going?’ Ben asked. ‘Any wedding bells ringing?’

‘I do have a couple of potential matches, actually.’

Ben looked impressed.

‘I wasn’t sure if you’d want to eat later,’ Ben said as they wandered past a stall selling burgers and hot dogs. ‘I had thought of booking that lovely-looking Italian restaurant over on the other side of the green but it’s closed on Mondays.’