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This family loves its ice cream! “Vanilla honeycomb sounds good.”
“It’s incredible. All made locally, too.” Tarquin joined Fiona, gathering bowls and plates. “I’ll help.”
“Oh, sure! You just want to pinch extra fudge!” Fiona laughed, heading for the kitchen.
“Well, Orkney fudge IS the dog’s bollocks!” Hands full with dishes and cutlery, Tarquin kissed Leia on the top of the head and whispered, “Be right back.”
“I come, too!” Ava clambered off her chair and raced after her uncle.
Sat alone with Rupert and the baby, Leia flashed a tight-lipped smile. “I’ll just see who called.” Pressing the phone to her ear, she listened to the rambling message, the voice ducking and diving until it finally revealed its reason for calling. Shit. Disappointment pooled in her stomach. So that’s it, then. She lowered her phone, erasing the recording with a resigned press of her finger.
“Is everything all right?” Rupert kissed Poppy on the top of her head.
Leia rubbed her temple. “It’s a supplier I was checking out. I heard about this amazing vegan leather made from mushrooms. It’s meant to be softer and more breathable than animal leather, plus it’s completely biodegradable—perfect for Frill-Seekers.”
“Sounds great!” said Rupert as the baby’s pudgy hand grabbed hold of his shirt’s collar.
“Yeah, too great, unfortunately. Turns out they’re not as environmentally friendly as I thought.” Leia glanced up. Tarquin carried a plate crowded with fudge of various flavors and homemade cookies from the kitchen. “Their vegan leather is actually made from polyurethane. They said they hope to incorporate mushrooms and other plant-based materials down the road, but they’re not there yet.”
Brows peaked, Tarquin placed the desserts in the middle of the table and sat down. “But that woman at the Institute said…”
Leia shook her head. “She was wrong.”
“And polyurethane leather is…bad?”
“It isn’t as harmful to the environment as animal leathers, but it’s still problematic. It’s plastic-based and doesn’t degrade as easily as true vegan leather,” Leia explained as Bert laid his floofy body by her feet. “I know it’s considered the lesser of two evils, but I can’t incorporate it into my designs with a clear conscience.”
Tarquin rubbed Leia’s back. “So, what will you—”
“Uncle Talk!” Ava barreled into the dining room, giggling loudly and waving an accusatory spoon. “You ate allll the ’nilla fudge!”
“Peedie, that was our secret!” Tarquin’s naughty chuckle sparked a howl of laughter from his niece.
Honestly, she’s the cutest little thing. Leia smiled despite her news.
Fiona followed with five ice cream-filled bowls on a tray. “Ava, shhh! Inside voice.”
“Sorry, Mummy.” Her large blue eyes followed the ice cream coming in for a landing.
Tarquin muted his grin. “Leia, what does this mean for your dresses?”
“Well”—she sighed—“it’s too late to find another supplier. I was at my wit’s end when I stumbled across this one. I’ll have to start from scratch, do something different with those dresses.” A smile broke through her frown. “On the upside, I won’t be flying to New York on December 1st.”
“But don’t you have to sort a few things?” asked Tarquin, helping Fiona hand out the dessert bowls.
“It’s nothing that can’t wait until I’m back in February for Fashion Week. So, it looks like you’ll be stuck with me until then.”
“Brilliant!” Tarquin beamed, kissing her quick on the lips as Ava giggled.
Rupert glanced above his spoonful of toffee ice cream. “Any chance you’ll up sticks and move to the UK full-time?”
“Maybe.” Leia nodded, ogling her boyfriend. “I’m warming to the idea.”
• • •
The next day
Leia threaded her fingers through Tarquin’s as they strolled into the Storehouse for the private baptismal lunch. Dating back to 1880, the iconic B-listed stone building had been completely restored into an airy restaurant and small hotel. Many of the structure’s original characteristics—its stone arches, rustic wood doors, and timber beams salvaged from tall ships—remained, earning a smile of approval from Tarquin. He squeezed Leia’s hand. “We’ll just get something to eat, say hi to a few people, then do a runner, okay?”
