Page 38 of Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea

‘I’m positive.’ Though Florrie’s tone was friendly, she spoke firmly, hoping to convey that she wasn’t open to any further argument.

‘Okay, then,’ Jasmine said, a note of reluctance in her voice. ‘I’d best get off to work – it’s changeover day at the holiday cottage so there’s loads to do. I should be done by half past two, so just let me know when you want to drop the kids off or for me to come and get them.’ She glanced into the kitchen where Zak and Chloe were fussing Gerty. The Labrador was in raptures, lying on her back, her legs in the air while the pair tickled her tummy. ‘See you, kids, be good for Florrie and Ed.’ She turned to Florrie, chuckling. ‘Doesn’t look like I’m going to be missed much today.’

‘Bye, Mummy,’ said Chloe. ‘Love you.’

‘See ya, Mum,’ said Zak.

‘Love you both, too. Don’t forget to keep them ears covered when you’re out in the cold, Chlo.’

‘Okay, Mummy.’ Chloe had suffered from an ear infection a few weeks earlier and had needed a couple of rounds of antibiotics before it finally cleared up.

‘I’ll make sure she does,’ said Florrie reassuringly. She knew from what Jasmine had told her it was the little girl’s Achilles heel, and that she was keen to ensure Chloe didn’t succumb toanother infection and risk spoiling her enjoyment of Christmas Day.

‘Bye, Ed, have fun.’ Jasmine grinned at him, with a look in her eye that said, “Have you any idea what you’ve let yourself in for?”

‘See you, Jazz. I’m sure we will.’ Ed grinned back.

At the door, Jasmine turned to Florrie. ‘Thanks for this, I really appreciate it. The kids have been so excited, they love you and Ed, you’re like extended family to them – and me.’

Florrie felt a tug in her heart. She knew it hurt Jasmine that Bart’s parents showed no interest in their grandchildren. ‘Hey, we love you all, too. And I was going to say you’re welcome to join us for a meal this evening. Nothing fancy. Ed’s been saying he’s got a taste for pizza, so we’ve got loads in the freezer – there’ll be plenty to go round.’

Jasmine’s face fell. ‘I’d love to, and I don’t mean to sound like I’m being awkward, but I’ve got a cake to finish icing. It’s getting collected first thing tomorrow morning and some of the decorations are quite fiddly.’

‘Well, just join us when you’re done then. We can always stick an extra pizza in when you get here.’

‘Are you sure?’ Jasmine’s frown lifted.

‘’Course I’m sure.’

Jasmine flung her arms around Florrie in an uncharacteristic display of affection. ‘You’re a star. Honestly, you’ve no idea what a help you’re being. I hate fobbing the kids off when I’m busy with a cake, telling them to entertain themselves, but I know they’ll love being here.’

‘You could never be accused of fobbing your kids off.’ Florrie felt her throat squeeze with emotion. ‘You’re a great mum, Jazz, the kids are testament to that. Stop beating yourself up, okay?’

Jasmine released her and nodded, her eyes glistening. ‘Okay.’ She sniffed. ‘I’d best dash or I’ll be late getting started.’

Half an hour later, Florrie and Ed set off with a high-spirited Zak and Chloe eager to get out into the snow. Gerty trotted along on the end of her lead, watching the children with interest.

Florrie slipped her gloved hand into Ed’s as they made their way down the road, Zak and Chloe running ahead, trailing their sledges behind them. Her heart swelled with happiness. It was one of those perfect winter days, a pale sun shining down from a cornflower-blue sky, making everywhere sparkle, while the air was crisp and fresh, making her cheeks and nose tingle.

The two children soon got bored of pulling their sledges, complaining that it made it hard for them to run around in the snow and throw snowballs. ‘Here, I’ll take them,’ said Florrie. Zak and Chloe didn’t need telling twice, dumping their sledges and running off excitedly, their shrieks echoing around the street. Florrie stacked theirs on top of hers and Ed’s, making it easier for her to pull them all along.

She’d just finished when Zak hurled a snowball in Ed’s direction. It landed at his feet with a splat.

‘Oh, it’s like that, is it, big fella?’ Laughing, Ed didn’t waste a moment. He scooped up a load of snow, made it into a ball as best he could while holding Gerty’s lead and threw it at Zak.

‘Wargh!’ Zak tried to dodge it, but it brushed by his arm, making Chloe squeal with delight.

‘I reckon that’s one-nil to me, don’t you, Zaky Boy?’ Ed grinned as he handed Gerty’s lead to Florrie and placed his hands on his hips.

Gerty gave a happy bark, her tail swishing in the air, her eyes bright. She was eager to join in the fun.

‘See, Gerty agrees,’ said Ed. He bent to ruffle the Labrador’s ears when a snowball exploded on the back of his neck. ‘Argh!! That’sfreezing!’ he said, gasping. ‘You little rascal, Zak Ingilby!’

Florrie hooted with laughter as Ed fished bits of snow from the depths of his scarf. ‘That’s what you get for crowing too soon.’

‘Yeah, remind me never to do that again.’ Ed pulled a face as he retrieved a large lump of the snowball that had worked its way down the collar of his jacket.

He’d just finished removing the last of the snow when Chloe gave an ear-splitting shriek of delight. He looked up to see another snowball hurtling towards him, this time landing squarely on his thigh, Zak chortling gleefully as he dusted snow from his gloves.

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