Page 103 of The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts

‘I thought that you and I were a good team,’ he told her.

‘We are.’

He ran a hand through his hair as he tried to make sense of it all.

‘But your mum’s coming back, so you don’t need me any more,’ she said.

Josh found he couldn’t breathe. The thought of Amber actually leaving had been an idea that he’d been trying to bury away.

‘Well, I’m sure Mum will want to see you before you leave,’ he said, thinking quickly. ‘Especially with all the changes to the shop.’

Amber nodded. ‘Of course. OK. Well, I’ll book the flight for the Sunday.’

‘Right,’ said Josh, his mind reeling.

‘Well, I’d better get organising,’ said Amber, with a soft smile. ‘There’s a Christmas fair to organise in less than two weeks.’

After she had wandered away, Josh remained standing in the middle of the shop, trying to work through his feelings. The shop was rejuvenated. The floods had receded. Even the Christmas fair would help. It felt as if Cranbridge was getting a fresh start, that there was hope at last. So why did he feel as if his own life was just ending?

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Amber reached up to cut down another branch of holly from a nearby tree before dropping it into the large pile next to her.

‘The holly and the ivy indeed,’ said a voice next to her.

She spun around to find Stanley standing next to her, all wrapped up in his heavy coat, scarf, hat and gloves.

‘Glad somebody’s dressed appropriately,’ she told him, with a shiver. ‘It’s freezing! I didn’t bring my coat out with me as it’s been so mild lately.’

‘At least you’re wearing a jumper,’ he said.

She looked down to where her jumper had snagged many times on the sharp pointy ends of the holly leaves. ‘Good job it’s not my favourite,’ she replied, with a smile. ‘Are you out for your morning walk?’

‘Actually, Frank and I are catching the bus into Aldwych together. Just a little shopping.’

‘And you didn’t come to us? I’m hurt. Really hurt.’ She gave him a wink to show that she was joking.

Stanley appeared to be much happier these days, she thought. Despite having to move out of his home and into a bungalow, he was much busier going on various days out with Frank.

‘My dear, if I could get everything in your wonderful shop, I would.’

She gave him a very gentle nudge with her elbow. ‘You’re allowed to go into town. Besides, I think it’s nice that the two of you are going together.’

‘We figure safety in numbers if it’s a little busy,’ said Stanley. ‘And we’re going to treat ourselves to a little lunch as well.’

‘Well, enjoy yourselves,’ she said.

He said goodbye and walked slowly around the corner towards the bus stop. Amber watched him until he was out of view before bending down to pick up an armful of branches that she had cut.

‘I hope you left some berries for the birds,’ called out Frank as he headed past with a wave.

‘Of course,’ she told him. ‘Stanley’s just headed up there. Enjoy your day out.’

‘Will do,’ he replied. ‘Thank you!’

It was certainly a beautiful day to be outside, she thought. She placed the holly onto the veranda and looked back at the view. Under the low winter sun, the grass was sparkling and silver from the early frost. The river had finally lost its muddy colour and was crystal clear once more as it ran slowly through the centre of the village.

Did she miss the bright lights of Christmas in New York? Not especially, she found. She had realised that getting to know everyone personally was far nicer than the faceless neighbourhood in which she’d been living and working for so many years.