Page 8 of Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea

‘Oh, don’t say that, Mum.’

‘Well, it’s true, lovey. Mind, I’m not sure we could get your dad to give up his eighties music night, so you’d probably best not ask him to do that. I reckon it’d be a step too far,’ Paula had said with a giggle.

Back in the moment, Florrie bit down on the tears that threatened. She rushed over to Ed, throwing her arms around him, burying her face into his neck.

‘Hey, what’s this all about?’ he asked, pushing himself up and hugging her back.

‘I hate the fact that you’ve got no happy Christmas memories from your childhood. Everyone should have some – it’s not right that you don’t.’

He laughed. ‘It’s really no big deal.’

‘Well, I think it is. And I’ve decided that’s all about to change,’ she said, an idea rushing into her mind.

‘It is?’ he said, his voice muffled by her hair.

‘It is. Your festive memory bank is seriously in deficit and I intend to remedy that. From now on I’m going to make sure you have loads of happy festive memories to choose from. A whole selection of them.’ She squeezed him tight, inhaling his warm familiar scent that was guaranteed to make her heart leap. ‘I’m about to embark on “The Happy Christmas Memories Project”. I suggest you prepare yourself for a festive onslaught,’ she said, making a mental note to text her friends as soon as possible; it would be great if they could be involved, too.

Smiling tenderly, he took her face in his hands and looked deep into her eyes, setting butterflies loose in her stomach. ‘Florrie Appleton, I don’t know what the heck I’ve done to deserve you, but I thank the day you decided you could put up with me and my quirks.’

His words melted her heart. She gave a mock weary sigh and rolled her eyes. ‘Admittedly, it’s pretty tough, but I suppose it helps that you’re kind of easy on the eye.’

Ed let out a hoot of laughter. ‘I’m not so sure about that. And I never had you down as shallow, Miss Appleton.’ He pressed a kiss to her lips, his stubble brushing against her skin and sending her pulse rate soaring.

Gerty, determined not to be left out of things, heaved herself up and pushed her solid body between them, her tail thudding against the floor, amber eyes peering up at them.

Ed’s gaze switched from Florrie to Gerty. ‘Now then, Gerty-Girl, I’m not saying you’re a passion-killer, but I’ll have you know your timing could only be described as pants right now – you’ve just interrupted a five-star kiss.’

Gerty wagged her tail some more, making Florrie giggle. ‘Ahh, bless, she thinks you’re saying lovely things to her.’

‘I know.’ Ed’s gaze softened. ‘But we do still think you’re very special, pants timing or no pants timing.’ He smiled down at the Labrador and tickled her under the chin.

‘We sure do,’ said Florrie, ruffling Gerty’s velvety ears.

‘Getting back to what we were talking about before you tempted me off topic with your kisses… What I was going to say was that I’ve already got some great Christmas memories. Our first Christmas together last year. Your mum and dad made me feel so welcome. I can’t ever remember being so happy on a Christmas Day. As for the Christmas dinner!’ Ed rubbed his stomach. ‘Your mum certainly delivers the most amazing Yorkshire portions. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much delicious food in one day. And her roast potatoes… oh,wow!’ He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. ‘Yeah, that was an awesome day.’

‘You canstillsay that even though you witnessed my dad’s dancing?’

‘Especially cos I witnessed your dad’s dancing. I’ve never seen anyone put so much enthusiasm into bustin’ some shapes.’ He gave a hearty chuckle.

Bustin’ some shapes.Florrie couldn’t help but laugh at the description of her dad’s energetic attempts at dancing to the eighties playlist he’d blasted out that Christmas Day, fuelled by a glass or two of wine – well, every Christmas Day as far back as she could remember, actually. She’d share Ed’s “bustin’ some shapes” comment with her mum later so they could enjoy a chuckle together. Everything Charlie Appleton did, he did with great enthusiasm and his dancing was no exception.

‘He’s a great bloke, your dad. Your mum, too.’

‘What? Are you putting my mum in the same bonkers category as my dad’s dancing? She’d be mortified!’

Ed chuckled some more. ‘No, definitely not. I think your dad’s dancing is in its own unique category there.’

‘You’re not wrong.’ Florrie giggled.

‘I think what I’m trying to say but going right around the houses to say it, is that I can see why you’re the person you are.’

‘See why I’m…? Ugh! Now my brain’s beginning to hurt. I haven’t a clue what you’re trying to tell me.’ Though Florrie frowned, she had a hint of mischief in her eyes.

‘You’re wonderful because of your parents – how they’ve been with you, brought you up. They’re really decent folk and have passed on their good values to you. But you’re also wonderful just…’ He gave a shrug. ‘Just because you’re you.’

‘And what do you reckon Jasmine would have to say about that, I wonder?’ asked Florrie, feeling the heat of a blush his words had triggered.

‘I don’t think what Jazz would have to say could be repeated in the presence of such sensitive ears.’ Ed nodded in Gerty’s direction.

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