Page 99 of The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

‘It has?’ Emma’s tone was incredulous. Things like this didn’t happen to Emma. Her life had taken so many downturns she couldn’t believe that finally, what she’d wanted for so long, was really happening.

‘Yes, Mr Neil has confirmed that he’s happy to accept. We already have your solicitor’s details, so we can start putting the wheels in motion straight away.’

‘That is just wonderful! Thank you so much.’ Emma stood, gazing out to sea, hardly able to believe what was happening.

‘We’ll keep you updated, but the seller’s solicitors will be contacting yours shortly.’

‘Thank you.’

The grin started spreading widely across her face. She jumped up into the air. ‘Woohoo! We’ve only gone and done it, Alfie!’

The dog ran to her side, looking slightly confused, then picking up on her buoyant mood, began barking loudly.

‘Come on, lad.’ She legged it up the beach, Alfie bounding beside her.

They ran as fast as they could, past the harbour, up the hill, Sheila catching sight of a flash of them from behind her counter, wondering what was going on in the village now.

Emma dashed into the shop just as Bev came out into the café from the kitchen with a tray of coffee and brownies. Emma stood in the middle of The Chocolate Shop, her Chocolate Shop, and shouted out, ‘We did it! We only went and bloody did it!’

‘What?!’ Bev was still trying to make sense of it all. She dropped the tray down on the countertop.

‘My offer’s been accepted. Wow! The Chocolate Shop is going to be mine!’

Stan and Hilda were in now, as well as a couple of holidaymakers, and all four cheered loudly and clapped, caught up in the moment.

‘That’s fantastic, Emma.’ Bev was grinning from ear to ear.

‘Oh my, I still can’t quite believe it. Well then, it’s free drinks and cakes all round. We need to celebrate,’ Emma exclaimed. She wouldn’t take a penny from any of the customers there.

‘Oh, Em. That is just marvellous news.’ Bev delivered the order to Hilda and Stan who were smiling away, delighted. Then her friend came across and took Emma into a big hug. ‘You so deserve this, hun.’

‘Is it really real, Bev? Tell me this isn’t a dream.’

‘This isn’t a dream.’ She punched her lightly to prove it.

Em felt a little giddy. She still felt scared that something might happen to make it fall through. Could The Eel change his mind at the last minute? But it was already going into the hands of the solicitors … today. And, he’d got his asking price. Mr Neil probably knew he was on to a good thing. Emma had heard that the other offer from The Brewery Boys had been £5,000 below asking price, and they had been pushed to make that. She mentally wished the lads well in finding another suitable property, but this was hers, and hers to keep.

She really did feel a bit wobbly. Bev spotted her unsteadiness, grabbed a nearby chair and sat her down.

‘You all right, hun?’

‘Dizzy, but bloody marvellous. I feel like someone’s just poured a bottle of champagne down my throat,’ Em admitted.

‘Hang on, I’ll fetch you a cup of sweet tea. Now stay put a moment. Stan, keep an eye on her. It’s all the excitement.’ Bev’s tone had turned schoolmarmish.

Em felt a bit better by the time Bev came back with a pot of tea and two cups. After a reviving cuppa, amidst hearty congratulations from Stan and Hilda who kept saying it was ‘Marvellous news’, Emma couldn’t wait to share the news with Mrs Clark, whose amazing generosity had made this happen.

A few minutes later, once she felt steady again, she said, ‘Bev, can you hold the fort for a little while? There’s someone I need to thank.’

‘Hellooo,’ Emma called out, as she let herself into the front door. ‘It’s only me. I’ve brought a little thank you with me, Mrs C.’

The little thank you was in fact an enormous bouquet with roses, carnations and all sorts of stunning flowers, that she’d had made up especially at the florists in the next village. Emma appeared in the living room, where Mrs C sat in her comfy armchair.

‘Oh my goodness. These are just delightful.’ The old lady beamed. ‘But there’s no need.’

‘Yes, there is, because we’re celebrating, Mrs C. I’ve just heard that my offer on The Chocolate Shop has been accepted. It’s really going to happen, and it’s all thanks to you.’ She passed the bouquet over.

‘Well, it’s not all down to me, lass. It’s you that’s got the rest of the deposit together and you’ll have the mortgage to keep up … and the shop to make work.’ Mrs C was playing her part down. ‘But I’m sure you’ll manage. I have every confidence in you, Emma. And thank you, these are lovely. Would you mind popping them in some water for me, pet? My best vase is in that glass cabinet over there.’