Page 66 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

‘I reckon the daft hound would be in his element there, wouldn’t you, buddy?’ Max said, as Ernest trotted over to him for an ear ruffle.

‘Now then, flower, had a good day?’ Jasmine turned to see her dad making his way across the kitchen.

‘Hi, Dad, it’s been busy. How about you?’

‘Can’t grumble.’ He flashed her a smile, his teeth looking extra white against his sun-kissed skin. ‘Are you stopping for your tea?’

‘Um—’ Her mind went to the christening cake she’d yet to cover in marzipan.

Before she could reply, her mum jumped in. ‘Max and Connor are staying, you might as well, too. I’ve made a massive quiche and some potato and chive salad so there’s plenty to go round.’

‘Please, can we stay, Mum? We’re having the best time.Please.’ Chloe’s pleading look was all it took.

‘Okay then, thanks, Mum, that’d be really nice.’ Jasmine was known for not being able to hide her feelings, but for the sake of the kids and her parents she was going to have to keep a lid on her annoyance with Max. It wasn’t going to be easy.

Happy with her mum’s answer, Chloe skipped off into the garden. Ernest scrambled to his feet, his claws clicking over the floor as he followed her.

‘Looks like you could do with this, lovey.’ Heather pushed a mug of tea into Jasmine’s hands. ‘Go and sit yourself down, you look worn out.’

‘Thanks, Mum, I’m shattered.’

‘You okay, Jingilby?’ Max asked, his eyes roving her face. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

‘I’m fine, thanks. This cuppa should put me right.’ His comment made her bristle and she didn’t like herself for it. She knew he was trying to be kind. She just wished he’d stop or transfer his help elsewhere.

Max nodded, though he didn’t look totally convinced. It crossed Jasmine’s mind she probably looked as drained as she felt.

‘Actually, now you’re here, Uncle Steve, I’ve got something for you and Auntie Heather.’ Max reached down to a backpack by his seat.

‘Oh?’ Heather closed the fridge door, chives in hand.

‘Why have you got something for us, lad?’ Steve asked.

‘Jingilby mentioned you’re celebrating a special wedding anniversary this year, and are planning a trip away.’ Max glanced between them.

‘Aye, that’s right,’ said Steve. ‘Mind, we won’t be going away till next year on account of us having a few unexpected expenses recently.’

‘It’ll give us longer to look forward to it,’ Heather said with a chuckle.

Jasmine fixed her gaze on Max, wondering where he was going with this.

‘Well, you might be able to go away a little earlier than you thought. This is for both of you.’ He got to his feet and handed a large white envelope to Heather.

‘Whatever’s this?’ she asked, her face pink from the warmth of the potatoes boiling on the hob nearby. Steve moved beside her.

‘Open it and see.’ Max gave a mysterious smile.

Jasmine watched as her mum opened the envelope and pulled out a ruby wedding anniversary card.

‘Are you sure we should’ve opened it now? It isn’t our anniversary for a good while yet,’ Heather said, puzzled.

‘Yes, you definitely should open it now,’ said Max.

As Heather opened the card, a smaller envelope fell out onto the floor. ‘Oops.’

‘Ey up, what’s this, then?’ Steve bent to pick it up, handing it back to his wife.

Heather reached into the envelope and pulled out what appeared to be a voucher. ‘What’s… I don’t understand.’ Her face was wreathed in confusion. She glanced up at Max who was smiling down at her.

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