Page 2 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘Yes, it is,’ Livvy answered. ‘Remember, be nice.’

Pip tutted and proceeded to examine her nails.

Livvy took a deep breath and, with a slight hesitation, knocked on the door, all the while rehearsing what she was going to say.

After a few seconds, she knocked again. Still no answer, and it stalled her. She hadn’t been prepared for no one to be home.

‘What are we going to do now?’ Pip flopped down and sat on the doorstep.

‘We’ll have to wait.’

‘But that could be ages!’

Livvy dropped down next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. She pulled Pip close, thankful there was no resistance. Looking up and down the street once more, she made a decision. She would leave a note and then go back to the high street. They could get something to eat and drink.

And then perhaps Pip might forgive her when she had something sugary inside of her.

Chapter Two

Hannah Lockley sat on the settee with a thump. She’d only finished stripping wallpaper a moment ago. It had taken ages to remove the seven layers that had been rolled on, painted over to make acceptable. Some of the plaster had come away in places, but her partner, Doug, was dealing with that.

Hannah had met Doug five months ago when he’d moved into Hope Street. He’d been the talk of the women as soon as he’d landed. After introducing himself, they’d become friends. A little matchmaking had gone on, and they’d finally got together after a hitch or two. Everything had been rosy for the past two months.

Doug had moved to Somerley when he’d needed a break from his job. He and his brother owned a construction company, a family-run firm that they’d grown into a multi-million-pound business. A workaholic, Doug had run himself into the ground and had a heart attack while in the office. It had been mild, but a warning.

Taking time out to recuperate had brought him to Hope Street, where he soon integrated with the community. Finding Hannah had given him a new lease of life, so he’d decided to stay.

Since relocating to Somerley, Doug had set up a new company, Peterson Property Services, which helped to maintain the properties he owned in Hope Street. Along with a team of qualified staff, he’d set on several apprentices and was offering his expertise and skills to train them up into permanent employees.

Having two houses between them hadn’t been a problem as Hannah spent most of her time with him now. She didn’t want her own home to be rented out just yet; she wanted her independence. Hannah was forty and Doug ten years her senior. The relationship suited them, and she had never been happier. But who knew where they might be in a year or two, even though she was besotted with him?

Hannah had wanted to play her part in renovating number thirty-five, but she hadn’t realised how long it would take to strip a wall. Even when she’d been offered help, she’d refused, coming across all martyr like. In all fairness, if she’d realised it would take forever, she would have left the apprentices to it.

‘Caught!’ Doug came in behind her and clasped his hands on her shoulders. ‘You’re always on a break.’

‘I’ll have you know I’ve uncovered at least a square metre of wallpaper.’ She grinned as he bent down to kiss her, his bristles tickling her. ‘What have you been up to?’

‘The lads are busy in number four. I’ve been helping them to fit the kitchen.’

‘So it should be finished soon?’

‘Yep.’ He joined her on the settee. ‘It’s going great, Han, isn’t it?’

‘It sure is.’

They both sat in silence for a moment, contemplating their futures together. Doug hadn’t mentioned the M word yet, but if he did, Hannah would say yes, even though she would be scared to commit so soon. It was a chicken and egg situation. But you have a feeling the older you are that things can work out, that you should take a chance, anyway. Life’s too short, and all that.

She laughed under her breath, but he heard her.

‘What?’ he asked.

‘Oh, nothing.’ She shook her head in amazement. Her life had fallen apart a few months ago when her mum died, and now here she was in love with someone. She’d never thought a relationship would come her way.

‘You’re getting soppy on me again, aren’t you?’ he teased.

‘No!’

‘Good, because I thought we could take advantage of the house being empty.’ He took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

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