Page 83 of A Scottish Highland Hideaway

“Stop right there, boss.”

“Why? Don’t you like any of my ideas?”

“It’s not that,” said Amber, coiling one finger around the end of her plait. “It’s just that you seem a bit … manic…’

“Well, this is my business and I want it to be a success.”

Rowan nodded. “We get that, but you need to slow down … take a bit more time for you.”

Amber chewed her bottom lip. “And I hope I’m not putting my size sevens in it, but we both noticed that the sexy journalist hasn’t been around for a while…”

I shrugged and hoped I looked unfazed.

“He’s gone back to Glasgow. He’s working on some big story,” I said breezily.

Amber eyed Rowan meaningfully.

“Honestly,” I said. “It’s all fine.”

“Sure,” said Rowan. “If you say so.”

Thankfully, the shop door opened, bringing with it more customers before I could respond to that.

“Right,” I said, instead. “Action stations, ladies.”

* * *

The morning flashed past, bringing with it a visit from a nearby nursery.

The little ones toddled around, marvelling at our miniature Christmas trees, the tubs of ruby-red poinsettia and our fake snow-decked festive wreaths. They were delighted with the little packs of sunflower seeds we gave them to plant.

Once they departed, their stubby fingers waving goodbye, I took a few moments to slip away to my office and ring my mother, to make sure there were no other last-minute items she wanted me to bring over for Christmas.

“You can bring a guest with you for Christmas lunch, darling, if you wish. Plenty of room at the inn.”

I gripped my mobile, shutting out thoughts of Zach. “Thanks, Mum, but I don’t have anyone to bring.”

I could hear her brain ticking over. “Well, in that case, I could invite over that handsome young nephew of Lucinda Duncan’s. His name is Troy Meadows and he’s a chiropractor.”

“For God’s sake!” I snapped. “My back’s fine, and I don’t want to be set up on Christmas Day with Lucinda Duncan’s bloody nephew!”

Mum tutted at my outburst.

“It’s Christmas dinner, Mum, not a blind date.”

My mother started to make a series of protesting sounds. “I’ve seen photos of him. He’s very attractive. Reminds me of that young man in Outlander. He’s split with his girlfriend recently and his parents are on a cruise, so he’s at a bit of a loose end.”

“Charming,” I grunted under my breath. “Marcus is going to be coming on his own this year as well, don’t forget. Let’s not rub it in.”

Before my mother could come back at me with a counter argument, I rounded off the call. “See you on Christmas Eve, Mum. Text me if I need to bring anything else with me.”

* * *

Amber, Rowan and I spent the remainder of the day making sure the final flower orders were placed for Ezra’s event, so that we could hit the ground running on the 28th and start working on the displays. We also ensured we had enough gold, silver, and white satin ribbon in stock. I’d already delivered the first of Ezra’s flowers for his home and he’d been thrilled with the myriad scents, textures, and shades I’d come up with, especially the berry, fig, and pine cone decorations.

It was a busy time, keeping up with order collections, local deliveries, and the increased footfall. I knew January would be much quieter, so I tried to enjoy the busy period and embrace the festive chaos.

At the end of the day, the three of us each nursed a mug of tea and demolished a flapjack from the local bakery. I was so glad I’d found Amber and Rowan to help, and I hoped they felt like they were learning something that they could put to good use in the future, whatever they decided to do.