Page 53 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

‘Seriously.’ Jasmine nodded.

At eight months pregnant, she’d found herself looking for a new home for herself and Zak, and her unborn baby. Her parents had told her she was welcome to move back in with them, but Jasmine was used to her independence and didn’t think it would be fair on them to have a toddler and a newborn baby suddenly descend upon them, shattering their peace.

‘Anyroad, I managed to find the place we’re in now, and made it as homely as possible. Moving there was the most settled I’d felt for ages, and the best thing was, Zak seemed to thrive.’

Max sank back in his seat. ‘Between us we’ve had some testing experiences, Jingilby, but I think we’re similar in that we try to pull the positive out of a negative situation. With allwe’ve been through, I’d like to think it’s made us stronger, more compassionate people.’

‘Hmm. Maybe. Though I actually feel it hardened me. I feel like I’ve surrounded myself in an impervious shell that only my kids can get through. Can’t see that ever changing.’

‘I’m not so sure. You’ve got a big heart, it wouldn’t be right to keep it locked away.’

She met Max’s gaze, conscious of his eyes searching hers. He smiled and a flurry of butterflies took flight in her stomach.

TWENTY-FIVE

A succession of pings pulled Max’s attention away from Jasmine. ‘Someone’s keen. Sorry, Jingilby, I’d better check who it is just in case it’s urgent.’ He scooped up his phone and tapped the screen.

Jasmine took the opportunity to survey him unobserved. With his head tipped forward, her eyes roved over his hair, noting it was cropped close, but still long enough to give a hint of his curls. Her gaze dropped to his shoulders, broad and strong, a far cry from the skinny, undernourished frame he had as a young boy. Her eyes slid to his arms – she already knew what it felt like to have those wrapped around her. She felt the heat of a blush creeping up her face at the reminder. Before she knew it, she’d released a wistful sigh, making Max’s head jerk up.

‘Apologies, that was really rude of me. Turns out it was nothing important.’ He set his phone down.

‘No, not at all, it’s fine. I was just…’ From the corner of her eye, she became aware of someone watching her. She glanced over to the bar to see Bill and Pim smiling broadly. Bill waved and Pim gave her another thumbs up, his eyebrows dancing mischievously.

No points for guessing what those two are thinking.Jasmine couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head.

‘What’s up?’ Max followed her line of sight. ‘Ahh.’ He chuckled and returned Bill’s thumbs up.

It occurred to Jasmine that, after filling him in on her time with Bart and the situation with his parents in one massive splurge, Max might have formed the impression she was a right old self-pitying misery guts. She felt the need to rectify that straight away, and make sure he knew she was a generally cheerful person.

‘Max, can I just clarify something?’

‘’Course. What is it?’

‘I’m conscious that what I’ve just told you makes it sound like my life has been one long doom and gloom session, but it hasn’t been that way at all. I’m told I’m quite an upbeat person – granted, I can be a bit feisty at times.’

His mouth twitched at that, making her smile.

‘Anyroad, I feel lucky in so many ways. I’ve got the most supportive family. My parents are amazing, and it goes without saying that I love my kids to bits and feel incredibly blessed to have them. On top of that, I’ve got the best group of friends anyone could ever wish for. And now, with the Lady Caro and Danskelfe Castle wedding cake contract, it looks as though I’ll have my dream job, too.’ Saying it out loud reminded Jasmine she had much to be thankful for. ‘And it wasn’t all bad with Bart, we did have some good times. I wouldn’t have stuck with him otherwise.’

She hoped she hadn’t overdone it, and made everything sound too saccharine sweet, but she didn’t want to add to her tales of woe telling him how much of a struggle it had been since Bart’s death, scrimping and saving so Zak and Chloe wouldn’t have to go without – and she certainly didn’t want his pity, that would be unbearable. Her parents were a great help as faras childcare was concerned; there was no way she’d be able to manage her jobs without them. Though, her pride made sure she drew a line as far as financial help was concerned, which wasn’t hard since she’d always been fiercely independent, even as a child. It was in her DNA. It was important to her that she didn’t accept handouts, and not just because Bart’s parents had accused her of only being with him because of his money – they refused to accept that he didn’t have a bean. Their words still rankled to this day.

But it wasn’t just that. She knew her mum and dad didn’t have much spare cash to splash around, especially now they were saving for a special anniversary holiday. And she held back from telling Max that taking time out and chilling like this wasn’t the norm for her on a Sunday – not least being on her own in male company. That was unheard of and without a shadow of a doubt it would set tongues wagging! But she had to admit, it did feel rather nice. More than nice. Max was easy company and, weird as it felt, it was almost as if he hadn’t been away for all these years, that their bond had remained as strong as ever, ready to be picked up on his return. And then there were the other feelings he was stirring inside her…

Forty-five minutes later, they were having a steady walk back through town, Max telling her of his plans for the new Campion’s store there in Micklewick Bay. He’d threaded her arm through his and Jasmine found herself quite liking how it felt, marvelling at how natural and easy everything seemed with him.

‘Will you be stocking Maggie’s bears at the Campion’s store here?’ she asked.

‘Of course. Em Bramley, who’s my buyer for the stores, is about to give Maggie a call.’

‘Mags will be thrilled. Hopefully you’ll get to meet her soon.’

They were pulled out of their conversation with a start thanks to the loud beeping of a car horn.

‘Flippin’ ’eck! Who’s that?’ she said, looking up to see a car slowing down, the driver and front seat passenger wearing wide smiles and waving enthusiastically.

Though her heart sank, she forced a smile and waved back. Her heart plummeted further still when the driver pulled up beside them and wound his window down.

‘Ey up, lass, it’s grand to see you out and about on this fine sunny day.’ It was local author and poet, Jack Playforth. He was squinting against the bright sunshine that was picking out the silver strands in his salt and pepper hair. Beside him in the passenger seat was fellow author, Jenna Johnstone.

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