Page 11 of Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea

Just then, the bell above the door jangled merrily, a blast of chilly air rushing in. Florrie turned to see Maggie easing herself in and hurriedly closing the door behind her.

‘Ooh, it’s lovely and toasty in here after being out there – it’s bloomin’ freezing. There’s definitely snow on the way.’ She gave a shiver before spotting her friend. ‘Now then, Florrie,’ she said, smiling broadly as she waddled over to her.

‘Hi, Mags.’ Florrie beamed at her. Maggie was a colourful sight in her berry-red boiled wool coat, stretched over her enormous baby bump, set off by a multi-coloured stripy scarf and lime-green velvet cloche pulled down over the dark waves of her hair. Her cheeks were flushed, and her nose was glowing red from the cold. ‘So, how’s things?’

‘Good, thanks, despite being the size of a very large hippo.’ Maggie patted her bump. ‘Not to mention being rushed off my feet with Christmas orders, not that I’m complaining. Mind, I haven’t a clue what I’d have done without Jean – she’s been a real star and her work is amazing. I just hope she doesn’t get fed up of making bears when Baby Marsay here makes his or her appearance.’ A cloud briefly crossed her face. Jean Davenport not only helped out at the bookshop, but she also worked for Maggie, assisting with her hand-crafted bears.

‘I’m sure that’s not going to happen, Mags. Only the other day she was in here saying how much she loves it, and she enjoys working with you,’ said Florrie, keen to allay her friend’s concerns which she knew had been troubling her the closer she got to the baby’s arrival. ‘I’ve never seen her looking so happy. What with Jack coming into her life, and her keeping busy here at the bookshop and up at Clifftop Cottage with you, it’s all made a real, positive impact on her life. I thought she was never going to get over the loss of Mr H. Now she says she’s glad she hasn’t got time to dwell on it.’

‘Well, that’s good to hear – seems we’re helping each other out.’ Maggie’s expression brightened. ‘Anyroad, you haven’t half got it looking wonderful in here.’ She glanced around the shop, her eyes shining. ‘Ooh, and I love the garlands. Are they the ones you were telling me about, with the little books on them?’ She went to take a closer look, her footsteps soft over the carpet. She gave a gasp of delight. ‘Oh, they’regorgeous.’

‘Thanks, we’re really chuffed with them.’ Florrie added the last book to the display and made her way over to her friend.

‘Oh, wow! That’s the Christmas tree made of books you were telling me and the lasses about. It’s adorable!’

‘Isn’t it?’ said Florrie, the smell of frosty air that clung to Maggie’s clothes floating under her nose.

The bell above the door rang out again as another couple of customers arrived. Florrie glanced across to see mother and daughter Susie and Sophie Frampton who were regular faces at the bookshop. Both looked around, beaming broadly as they took in the decorations. Florrie greeted them with a warm smile. ‘Hello there.’

‘Hello,’ Susie said cheerily. ‘Thought we’d get here early, take a look at the books before it gets too busy.’

‘Good plan. We’ve just taken delivery of Jenna Johnstone’s latest book and it’s selling like hot cakes. I know you’re a fan of hers,’ said Florrie.

‘Ooh, thanks for the tip off. I’ve been waiting for it to come in. Sophie’s come to look for some book ideas for her Christmas list to Santa, haven’t you, Soph?’ she asked her six-year-old daughter.

Sophie, who was wearing a woolly hat with a huge pom-pom on the top, smiled shyly and nodded, setting the pom-pom bouncing.

‘My mum used to bring me here to do that, too, when I was little.’ Florrie smiled kindly at Sophie. ‘I used to get very excitedabout it, especially Santa’s grotto. And do you know what? I think his elves must’ve paid us a visit through the night because when Ed and I got here this morning, it was all set up at the back of the shop.’

The little girl’s eyes grew wide. ‘Really?’

‘Yes. It’s all sparkly and pretty. Would you like to take a peek?’ Florrie asked.

‘Ooh, that would be lovely, wouldn’t it, Soph?’ Susie said.

‘Yes,’ Sophie said with an adorable lisp, excitement dancing across her face as she slipped her mittened hand into her mum’s. The gap in her wide smile revealed she’d had a recent visit from the tooth fairy. ‘Is Santa in the grotto?’

‘He’s not here at the moment, but he sent us a message saying he’ll be here on Fridays and Saturdays.’

‘We’ll have to book a slot for that, Soph,’ Susie said, before heading towards Santa’s grotto.

‘So, flower, are you all set for “the great reveal”?’ Maggie asked, making jazz hands.

‘Yep, everything’s ready. This is the calm before the storm.’ Florrie felt excitement flutter in her chest.

Maggie chuckled. ‘From what I can gather, it’s generated a lot of interest. People were talking about it in the street just now. I can’t wait to see what Ed’s come up with this time, especially after that amazing autumn one – that wassocosy, got me feeling all snuggly. It’s going to take some beating.’

‘He let me have a look at the display last night, and I can tell you it’s absolutely gorgeous – I reckon it’s the best yet.’ A thrill rippled through her as the images filled her mind. ‘He’s just adding the final Christmas decorations to the reading room. My mum and Jean are in there with him, setting out the nibbles.’

‘Great stuff. I had to come into town to catch the Post Office before it closed – I had a load of orders to send out. Bear dropped me off while he nipped to the decorators and said he’dmeet me here. Thought I might as well pick up that book on Landies we were talking about while he’s otherwise occupied.’

‘Ooh, good idea. It’s in a bag under the counter. I’ll get it for you once Leah’s finished serving Mrs Bakeford.’

With Mrs Bakeford heading out of the shop with her purchases, Maggie made her way over to Leah who reached under the counter and retrieved the book. ‘There you go,’ she said, handing it to Maggie.

‘Thanks, flower,’ she said, waiting while Leah stamped her loyalty card and took payment.

‘Right, is there anything I can do while I’m waiting for Bear to land? Knowing what he’s like, he could be a while in the DIY store.’ Maggie rolled her eyes affectionately as she slipped the book into her roomy bag. ‘He seems to find such places fascinating.’

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