Font Size:  

‘Honestly, I didn’t realise. Not until Ollie pointed it out.’

‘I believe you. Come here. I’m sorry for teasing you.’ Diane pulled Brooke towards her and hugged her. ‘I’m really pleased you and Max are together. You make a really cute couple.’

‘Yes, we all are.’ Heidi rubbed Brooke’s shoulder.

‘Anyway, now the gossip is over, we’d best open up.’ Pulling away, Diane grinned and walked towards the door.

‘Oh, hold on.’ Wendy placed her empty mug down on the tray. ‘Brooke, I’m not sure if anyone’s told you, but it’s Hudson’s birthday party on Saturday. It’s at the community hall. You’ll come, won’t you? Max too? It’s at three. Elsie is closing early so everyone can be there.’

‘I’d love to come. Thank you.’ Brooke turned and rubbed her eyes. She may only have known the people Elsie referred to as her bakery family for a short while, but the way they had accepted her and made her feel included was something she’d not had for so long.

‘Tell her the best bit!’ Diane turned the sign to Open before returning to the counter. ‘There’s going to be a bouncy castle!’

‘For the kids.’

‘For the kids.’ Diane rolled her eyes and laughed. ‘But if we stay and help tidy up, we’ll be able to have a go, won’t we?’

Wendy laughed. ‘Maybe. It depends on how good a job you do at tidying up after twenty-three-year-olds.’

‘Aw, you do know that Harry will never forgive you if you don’t let us have a turn, don’t you?’

‘Yep, I’m well aware of that.’ Wendy grinned and closed the wedding office door behind her.

‘It’s going to be so good! You should see the present Harry has ordered for little Hudson. It’s actually pretty cool.’ Diane grabbed a paper bag ready for the first customer.

‘I’ll have to try and get a present. What does he like?’ Brooke frowned. She hadn’t had much experience with three-year-olds.

‘Oh, Wendy won’t expect you to get Hudson anything.’ Heidi turned to a customer. ‘Hi, what can I get you today?’

‘You’re off on a date with Annie’s son, Max, tonight then?’ Ian filled the kettle up before clicking it on. ‘Do you want a cuppa before you go?’

‘No, thanks. Yes, I’m not sure where we’re going. He’s keeping it as a surprise.’ Brooke looked down at her jeans and sandals. She’d teamed them with a purple floaty top in the hopes that she’d look dressy enough for dinner at a nice restaurant while also casual enough for a stroll on the beach. However, many times she’d asked him where they were going, Max had refused to tell her. The only thing he’d let slip was that it would be a blast from the past. But what that meant, she had no idea.

‘Ah, they’re always the best sorts of dates. Surprise ones.’ He grinned as he picked up his and Elsie’s mugs. ‘Have a lovely evening.’

‘Thanks.’ She checked the time. She might as well wait outside; the evening was warm, and he’d be here any moment.

––––––––

BROOKE WATCHED AS Acouple walked hand-in-hand across the promenade, their two young children running as fast as they could across the cobbles towards the ramp leading down to the beach. She waved as the young boy smiled at her as he ran past. The beach was still busy; families and couples still lounged on towels and picnic rugs, friends walked through the shallow waters linking arms, laughter and chatter carrying on the slight breeze, dogs ran ahead of their owners, splashing in the sea before shaking and spraying everyone in their close vicinity with salty water.

Penworth Bay was beautiful. There was no mistaking that. The local residents were welcoming and friendly, as were the tourists the bay attracted. The bay’s community seemed to be active; Carrie had mentioned she was going to her first craft fair at the community hall early next week to some of her pottery pieces, and she’d seen a sign for a coastguard demonstration tacked to an A-frame sign at the top of the beach.

Was that why her gran had wanted her to visit? Because she had and knew it would be a place Brooke would appreciate?

She sighed. She should have opened the letter as soon as she’d arrived. But if she had, she would no longer have this—the anticipation of what the letter held. A few more days and she’d have to open it.

A low beep sounded behind her, and she turned. A vintage VW campervan slowed to a stop next to her. Was that Max? She grinned as he leaned out of the window.

‘Jump in.’

Running around to the passenger side, she pulled the door open and clambered in, glancing around before securing her seatbelt. ‘Wow, this is gorgeous! Where on earth did you find it? It’s in mint condition.’

‘It’s my grandma’s. It was her pride and joy for years.’ He grinned as he released the handbrake. ‘My grandfather bought it as a complete wreck for her one Christmas and spent years restoring it.’ He tapped the steering wheel gently. ‘She’s the icon of my childhood holidays. They’d pick me and my sister up at the beginning of the school summer holidays and we’d spend weeks travelling around the country. We’d take it in turns to say right or left at each turn and they’d drive for hours until we found a nice little place to park up for the night.’

‘Aw, that sounds lovely.’ Looking across at him, she smiled. She could tell by the look on his face that he’d enjoyed his childhood holidays.

‘It was.’ He nodded as he turned up the hill.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
Articles you may like