Page 70 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

Seconds later Zak thundered down from his bedroom, almost crashing into his mum when he reached the bottom.

‘Go steady, Zak, these brownies nearly ended up on the floor.’

He pulled a mock horrified face, making her laugh just as Chloe appeared and skipped her way towards her. ‘I’d still eat ’em,’ he said.

‘I don’t doubt that for a second.’

The little garden at Samphire Cottage was a cheery suntrap, the flowerbeds spilling over with brightly coloured blooms. Bunting in pastel shades was festooned along the walls and around the shed, while a floral cloth was thrown over the trestle table that was groaning with food. Smoke from the barbecue swirled around on the light whisper of a breeze, tormenting Gerty.

Stella and Alex were already there, as were Lark and Nate, with the two men chatting to Ed at the barbecue. They all called over their hellos to Jasmine and the kids.

‘Maggie and Bear are running late, baby Lucy’s having a nap and since she was up most of the night, they don’t like to disturb her,’ explained Florrie.

‘Don’t blame them. I can remember those times, hopefully Mags’ll grab some sleep while she’s got the chance,’ said Jasmine.

‘What can I get you to drink, Jazz?’ asked Florrie. She was looking cool in her mint-green knee-length sundress.

‘Ooh, I think I’ll have a have a glass of cider, thanks.’

‘Kids, how about you? We’ve got some ice pops in the freezer if you fancy one of those each.’

Florrie’s suggestion was enthusiastically received by Zak and Chloe who followed her into the kitchen.

Jasmine headed over to the table and made a space for the tin of brownies.

‘Now then, Jazz, please tell me that contains something delicious baked by you,’ said Stella, looking coolly sophisticated as always in her cream linen knee-length dress that showed off her long, coltish legs. Her straight, blonde hair was swept back in a loose ponytail while dark sunglasses shielded her eyes. She had a glass of what Jasmine guessed was a spritzer in her hand. Stella invariably had prep to do for her cases on a Sunday, so limited her alcohol intake.

‘Caramel brownies today,’ said Jasmine.

‘Ooh, heavenly,’ said Lark, whose silver-threaded fine cotton dress created the illusion she was shimmering in the sunlight. Her wavy blonde locks were woven into two plaits and arranged on top of her head in a bid to keep her cool.

‘So, how’s things?’ asked Stella. She and Lark were sitting on all-weather chairs in the small, paved area of the garden.

‘Things seem to have calmed down over the weekend. Touch wood.’ Jasmine tapped her head before flopping into one of the empty seats. ‘The viewing went well yesterday, so I’m just having a think about that. I told the agent I’d ge?—’

‘Who’sthat?’ said Stella, sitting up straight and cutting Jasmine off.

‘Who?’ said Jasmine.

‘Who? The drop-dead gorgeous bloke standing next to Florrie, that’s who!’

‘Ooh, he is very attractive,’ said Lark.

Jasmine followed their gaze. ‘Oh, my days. What’s Max doing here?’ Her thoughts went into overdrive and she didn’t know which one to tackle first.

Stella and Lark exchanged confused looks.

‘That’s Max?’ said Stella.

‘I can’t believe it!’ Lark sounded as stunned as Stella.

‘Yep, it’s him,’ said Jasmine as Zak and Chloe ran by on their way to greet Connor. This wasn’t the way she’d expected to introduce Max after all these years.

‘That must be his son, he’s the double of Max when he was that kind of age,’ said Stella.

‘Isn’t he just?’ agreed Lark.

‘Yes, Connor’s his son,’ said Jasmine, her heart going like the clappers. ‘And the Labrador crossed with something fluffy that Gerty’s currently making eyes at is Ernest who’s a real sweetheart.’

---