Page 23 of Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

‘Nearly … keep up, slowcoach,’ Jack gave a wry smile. Then he took her hand in his for the walk through the dunes.

Up the first marram grass rise, and meandering up a high dune, sand shifting under their feet … and there … with just seconds to spare, was the sweep of sandy bay, with the haunting silhouette of Dunstanburgh Castle behind. And there … they stood and watched as the sun rose bold and beautiful behind those ancient ruins.

It was timeless and stunning. A burst of molten gold glowed around that semi-circle and then, bam, a circle of bright, blazing, bronze sun. There were bold pinks and dusky oranges and mauve seeping through the layers of blues and greys. The dawn scene was so beautiful, it took your breath away.

‘There, told you it would be worth it.’

Lucy nodded, taking it all in … the expanse of the bay … the glistening black-green of the rocks and pools, the cliffs that rose to the mystical-looking historic stone ruins.

She had to admit, it was quite a sight. And it was one she wouldn’t have seen if it wasn’t for Jack.

He moved even closer, cupping her head gently between his hands, and gave her the most beautiful kiss she had ever experienced. Even more toe-tinglingly awesome than that amazing sunrise.

It was a feeling and a moment that she didn’t want to end. Oh God, her and Jack … But could she keep him here with her, when his soul was so free, so damned adventurous?

She couldn’t put it all into words. But maybe that didn’t matter.

Jack, Lucy, and Dunstanburgh at dawn … a magical moment that would stay in her heart forever.

Finally, after watching the sun rise higher, filling the sky with a myriad of colours that reflected down onto the wet sands before them, Lucy managed to speak. ‘Yeah, I suppose this was worth getting up for.’

Jack just grinned knowingly.

This man who made her heart sing … he really wasn’t like anyone she had ever met. She hoped upon hope that this, them, was the start of something, not just a drop in the ocean. That they might find their way together for a very long while yet. But why did her heart keep warning her otherwise?

Come along to The Corbridge Christmas Tree Festival

& Christmas Market

Saturday 20th November

Chapter Twelve

‘Aw, doesn’t it look pretty!’ Abby exclaimed as they pulled into the cobbled market square at Corbridge.

Craft stands and catering, cards, candy, books and bakes filled the space. The stallholders were well on their way with the setting up, everyone putting on a fabulous show of festive displays and lights. Along the street, every shop and cottage had its decorations up, with swoops of gently sparkling coloured lights, and windows full of tinsel and treasures.

It was now mid November, and today was an exciting day, as this was All Fired Up’s first ever Christmas event booking. And, of course, they had their own festive finery ready to festoon over the vintage horsebox. It was soon looking dandy with its twinkling strands of fairy lights, tinsel glistening around the serving hatch and bright-red baubles dangling from the top corners of the pizza menu blackboard. Even Lucy and Abby were sporting their Christmas jumpers. Lucy’s featured a bright-red robin. She’d just pulled the jumper out of storage in the cottage’s loft. It hadn’t got an airing at all last year. She had only just landed in Embleton and was still feeling rather lost. She’d found solace over Christmas time with her mum and Nonna at Rothbury, but still hadn’t found herself wanting to celebrate in the usual way at all. It had been the toughest of years.

But here she was, eleven months later with her new catering venture up and running … and today looking very much the seasonal part. Helper Abby’s bright-green jumper was fittingly sporting an elf, and Lucy had to smile as they both set to work behind the counter. Abby then went off in search of a couple of coffees to fire them up, whilst Lucy cracked on with organising the catering. Warmed with cappuccinos, they were soon busy prepping the fresh pizza bases.

A few minutes later, Lucy looked up to find Abby grinning at her goofily and wearing a pair of bright-red antlers.

‘Hah, brilliant,’ she spluttered into her cup. ‘Where did you get those from?’

‘The stall over there, it’s great fun.’

‘I need a pair!’ Lucy smiled, then paused. ‘Hmm, though maybe not for when I’m working at the oven, come to think of it. Might set them on fire as I lean in! And end up frazzled at my first ever Christmas pizza event. So, perhaps not. Hmm, I wonder if they do mini ones for Dachshunds, though? How cute would that be. I could take a pair for Daisy. Did you spot anything like that?’

‘Nah, don’t think so. But I did notice a pet stall setting up across the way.’

‘Ooh, well I’ll certainly have to visit that before the day is out.’

Daisy, who was in the back of the Jeep today, deserved a new Christmas outfit at the very least.

The quaint town of Corbridge had gone all out with its festive decorations. There were beautiful little real-fir Christmas trees hoisted and angled high on the old stone walls of the many independent shops and cottages. Lights of all colours and sizes glowed and twinkled. It was still late morning as yet. How gorgeous would the little town look later in the afternoon when dusk settled. Lucy began to feel a flutter of excitement, along with a nip of anxiety to make today a real success. Already, there were several locals and visitors mooching about, no doubt keen to get in and find the best gifts and goodies early. A couple dressed in warm coats and woolly hats slowed beside the horsebox and perused the pizza menu.

‘Hello there. We’ll just be another half hour until the pizzas are ready to serve,’ Lucy explained. ‘I’m just waiting for the oven to get up to temperature.’