‘You don’t think they should buy the place?’
‘Myles and Darcy are very similar when it comes to career – they both give it their all but sometimes it can mean they neglect their relationship. They’ve had some ups and downs, they almost didn’t get married. They’re too nice a couple not to go the distance. They need to remember it’s not all about work.’ They watched Darcy disappear out of the room with one of her guests who’d just come downstairs.
‘Says the woman with the business, the market stalls, the family.’
With a wry smile Cleo conceded, ‘Point taken.’
Amelia turned to admire the tree again. ‘It’s beautiful, I love seeing it from the street, and it smells gorgeous. The pine scent is a real reminder of the season even though Christmas is weeks away.’ You couldn’t possibly forget the holiday season in a city where in almost every place you looked, each hidden corner, were decorations – twinkly lights, garlands, window displays – some huge, others smaller but no less impressive.
‘The tree came from Mitch’s farm,’ said Cleo.
‘The same Mitch you’ve earmarked for Kyle to give a hand to?’
‘The very same. And I’d have set you up with him if he wasn’t taken already. He’s just your type.’
‘Oh yeah, and what type is that?’
‘Good-looking, kind, spark of mischief about him.’
She wasn’t sure Paul had ever fitted that description, and he had been her type until he ended things. ‘I hope he and Kyle get on.’
‘Mitch is very kind. He’ll have no problem warming to Kyle, and vice versa, I’m sure. And, like me, Mitch needs the help.’
‘Are you beginning to think you took on too much this year?’
‘Dylan thinks so, and I protested at first but he’s right. Having a market stall at Inglenook Falls is more than enough along with the store and running a family. But this was such an exciting opportunity. And it’s worked out well that Mitch signed up too – I have transport each way on most days, when it fits in with our timings. Dylan works from home so can get the kids from school, and it’s only short-term.’
‘But still, it must be exhausting.’
‘It is.’
Amelia set her empty glass down on the table. ‘How’s your grandpa Joe?’
‘In his words, he’s hanging in there,’ Cleo laughed. ‘He’s getting older but he’s doing well, no real serious health issues even though he’s slowed down quite a lot.’
‘I’ll bet he’s excited about the wedding.’
‘He keeps going on about how he’ll be six feet under if Dylan and I put it off much longer.’
‘You are taking a while,’ Amelia grinned. ‘I was kind of hoping I could come for a holiday and be there for your wedding.’
‘We’re thinking of a winter wedding, next year.’
Amelia couldn’t hold back the smile. ‘See now you’re going to make me have to visit again.’
‘Would you come?’
‘Try and stop me. I get the feeling one holiday in New York would never be enough, but I’d better start saving.’ And sort herself out at work too so she actually had a reliable income. Her behaviour lately hadn’t been within the parameters of the job description and while she hadn’t wanted to take a month off, it was probably the best idea when it was heavily suggested by her boss in a tone that brooked no argument.
‘Anyone new on the horizon?’ Cleo ventured. ‘Since Paul.’
Amelia shook her head. ‘Nobody.’
‘Have you heard from him?’
‘Not apart from coordinating the collection of my things from the house when we broke up. Nothing since then.’
‘Do you miss him?’
