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Epilogue
Holly took the freshmug of coffee from Elsie and sat down at the large stainless-steel table. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re very welcome. It’s lovely for you to pop by. I know you must be busy what with your new website and everything.’ Perching on the stool opposite her, Elsie wrapped her hands around her mug.
‘Yes, I am, but I’m never too busy for a coffee and a catch-up.’ Holly smiled. ‘And I know I’ve said it so many times before, but thank you so much for taking me on as a volunteer. This trip has well and truly changed my life.’
‘Aw, now you’re just trying to make me cry.’ Elsie dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. ‘I’m so pleased that you and Joe have decided to stay down here.’
‘Me too.’ Holly grinned as she took a sip of her coffee, the bittersweet taste hitting the back of her throat.
‘And I’m very glad that you both didn’t make the same mistake that me and Ian did.’ She shook her head. ‘Now if I could turn back time and tell Ian how I felt about him years ago...’
‘Well, if it hadn’t been for you and Ian each having words with us, I think we probably would have.’ Holly laughed. It was true. If Elsie hadn’t spoken to her and Ian to Joe and told them of their own experiences and regrets, then they probably would still just be friends.
The kitchen door opened as Wendy, Molly and Diane walked through. Diane had a huge grin spread across her face whilst Molly and Wendy looked decidedly worried.
Elsie raised her eyebrows. ‘What’s going on here, then?’
‘I’ve got some exciting news!’ Diane clapped her hands.
‘Exciting...’ Wendy grimaced, ‘And terrifying.’
‘What? What could be exciting and terrifying all at the same time?’ Elsie lowered her coffee mug.
‘Go on, you tell her.’ Molly nudged Diane and grinned.
‘I’m getting married!’
Elsie chuckled. ‘I know, love.’
‘What she means to say is she’s getting married next month...’ Molly’s voice trailed off.
‘Next month? What?’ Elsie held her hands against her cheeks as she stood up. ‘No wonder these two look absolutely petrified. I’m assuming she’s asked you both to organise it?’ She looked from Molly to Wendy and back again.
‘Yes, she has.’ Wendy grimaced.
Walking across to them, Elsie shook her head and pointed at Diane, a huge smile spreading across her face. ‘Trust you.’
Diane shrugged. ‘Well, neither me nor Harry can see the point in waiting.’
Chuckling, Elsie pulled her in for a hug. ‘It sure is a good job that we love you around here, isn’t it, love?’
Hugging her back, Diane grinned. ‘I like to keep people on their toes.’
‘And don’t we know it.’ Stepping back, Elsie shook her head. ‘Well, if anyone can organise a wedding in a month, it’s these two.’
A knock sounded from the kitchen door, and Elsie frowned. Nobody ever knocked on the door from the bakery to the kitchen. Elsie pulled it open. ‘Hello, can I help you, love?’
‘Hi, this is The Cornish Bay Bakery, isn’t it?’ A woman lowered a heavy purple rucksack to her feet.
‘It sure is. How can I help you?’
‘I’ve come to volunteer.’
‘Oh, you must be Layla!’
