Page 105 of The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop

‘Are you able to come here?’

‘Yes, I’m feeling sore but I’m way better. And I’d love to be with you.’

‘Well, I have James and the family for dinner, but yes, no problem, you could come along too. That’d be fine.’

‘The only thing is, I’m trapped here. I can’t drive yet and Mum won’t let me stay home on my own, absolutely won’t hear of it on Christmas Day. Is there any chance you could come and fetch me? I’m sorry, I know that’d be a pain as you’ll still be flat out at the shop.’

‘Oh, after work tomorrow, Christmas Eve, I could come down and get you then. You’d better clear it with your mother first, though. I don’t want to be in the middle of any family dramas when I get there.’

‘Will do, but she’ll be fine if I’m with company and being fed. She just didn’t want me left alone. Honestly, she’s great, my mum, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like I’ve reverted to being eight years old this week. She even cut up my dinner for me yesterday. She did just about hold off spoon-feeding me, however.’

Emma chuckled. ‘She’s only trying to look after you, I’m sure. I bet you’re sitting there all grumpy like Victor Meldrew. Okay, I’ll come and save you. But clear it with the family first. Call me back to confirm, and I’ll try to get there around six.’

Christmas Eve arrived at last. Holly was helping, and Bev was due in later. At eleven o’clock it was pretty hectic already, lots of last-minute gifts and stocking fillers being bought, and people looking stressed-out calling for pep-up coffees on their way back from the supermarket, or visiting family. Then there were the lucky ones who were already off and relaxing for their Christmas break in their cottages and B&Bs by the sea, with the workers still going strong, like a little army of ants keeping all the cogs going, the chocolate supplied, the teapots filled.

Emma was tired, but she did love this time of the year. Yes, it was busy, had been for weeks, but it was also special. She had her Christmas lights on, carols and festive pop music playing, and was sporting her old faithful reindeer jumper, which made its outing every year, with red bauble earrings. Bev was about to turn up shortly in her elf costume, apparently (they’d decided a Christmas outfit was a must) and Holly was here as Father Christmas in a red-felt suit, with a white beard and all – though she was having problems as the beard kept dunking in the hot chocolates! Oh yes, less than twenty-four hours to the big day itself, and they were in full Christmas mode.

In one way, Emma couldn’t wait for the door to close, for the final customers to be gone and allow her just to kick off her shoes, chill out, and make the most of three days’ holiday. She had decided to take the day after Boxing Day off too – everyone would have had so many chocolates over Christmas no one would be wanting more that soon. And it was time she took a little bit of time out for herself.

Mind you, she would be driving down to Morpeth straight after work today, to collect Max, so not quite kicking off her shoes. But then, she was really looking forward to having him here with her and the family too.

They served a group of six sitting around one of the window-seat tables, and then Holly’s mobile went off. Emma nodded to let her know it was okay to take the call, and her assistant went out to the kitchen to speak more privately.

Holly came back looking a little upset.

‘Everything all right?’ Emma asked.

‘Not really. Adam’s gran is quite poorly with the flu, bless her. We were going there tomorrow for dinner. She wanted to cook for us, as we really wanted our first Christmas together and my mum and dad are away down south visiting my brother. Adam’s mum died when he was young, that’s why he’s extra close to his gran, and his dad’s got to work. He’s a chef and someone has to cook all those Christmas dinners, so we don’t really have anywhere to go.’

Two more wouldn’t hurt, Emma mused; she had a turkey that was big enough to feed a family of twelve, and she could soon prep some extra vegetables. ‘Why don’t you both come here? It’s fine. I’ve got James and the family over, and Max now too. He’s on the mend.’

‘Aw, I’m so glad about Max! That’s such good news, Em.’

‘So two more will be fine. Oh, and make sure you take a turkey dinner away for Adam’s gran too. You can call and visit her, see how she’s doing. I wouldn’t like to think of her on her own all day for Christmas. What do you reckon?’

‘I think that would be amazing.’ She gave Em a big hug. ‘I’ll ring Adam straight away. Are you really sure?’

‘Absolutely, the more the merrier.’ It’d be a busy day cooking, but hey, she’d have plenty of helpers and wasn’t that just what Christmas was all about?

49

‘Merry Christmas!’ Max was sitting beside her; he’d managed to prop himself up against the pillows and had a big cheesy grin on his face.

‘Merry Christmas, Max.’ She smiled, and moved carefully across, remembering his injuries, to plant a kiss on his cheek.

So, it was real, not some Christmas wish she’d been running in her mind. He was really here, his arm in a sling, and apart from the broken collarbone and cracked and bruised ribs, he was okay, though no doubt sore.

Last night had been interesting. She had offered to sleep on the sofa to give him the chance to get some uninterrupted rest, but he insisted she stay with him, that he’d be fine. But she was frightened she might roll over or starfish and bang into him in the middle of the night, so kept herself tight to her side of the bed.

It was Christmas Day. She had a turkey to cook, presents still to wrap for James and his family – she would have done them last night, but then she’d had her last-minute trip down to Morpeth – and they’d be arriving all too soon. Holly, Adam, James, Chloe, the twins, all to feed and entertain. She had invited her parents too, but they had already made plans to have lunch with close friends. They were going to call in and see her late afternoon on Boxing Day. But hey, it would all come together, there was no mad rush. For now, what she really wanted was to just cherish a few quiet moments with this gorgeous man beside her.

‘Surprise!’ Max bellowed above her head.

Or maybe not so quiet, then.

‘Now, I can’t quite reach it,’ he continued, ‘but there’s something wrapped up for you under my side of the bed. Do you mind getting it out for me?’

Emma sat up and got out of bed. She was just about to lean under the bed, when she realised she was totally starkers and thought better of it – that particular position might not look very elegant, so she slipped on her satin dressing gown.