Page 79 of Forget me Knot
“I’m starting to understand that,” he says. “I will try to work on not being so nervous around you so that I blurt words out like a dickhead.”
“That would be great. I will work on being less stubborn when I know you’re worried about me.”
He kisses me lightly, but he still isn’t satisfied. “The shop?”
I bite my lip, considering the whole picture. This is a massive change, and if I’m honest, it’s overwhelming. Max seems so earnest though, it’s hard not to get caught up in his enthusiasm. “I’ll consider a move for the shop too. But it won’t be a sudden thing. This barn you speak of will undoubtedly need work. I have my garden that we will have to move over. I’ll have to inform my customers…”
“I know. It will be a lot of work, but it will be worth it. Think of the expansion, Lily. You will have so much more space for your garden, and maybe you could plant some fruit trees and have a greenhouse.” His excitement is hard to ignore. He makes it sound idyllic.
It’s infectious. I can see the future he’s painting: a tranquil life in the countryside with the men I love and my business flourishing. But it’s still a lot to take in.
“I’m not saying no,” I reply cautiously, “but I need some time to think about it. There’s a lot to do and consider.”
Max’s face lights up like it’s Christmas morning. “That’s all I ask, thank you, Lily.” He pulls me into a warm hug, and I can feel the tension easing from his body.
Jack steps closer. “Well, if we’re all good here, how about some baked goods? Fred is all up and running out of the Village Hall kitchen and invited us to go over. He’s even opened up a seating area! I think the Council will have a hard time moving his butt out of there when his shop is fixed.”
Laughing, I clap my hands. “Sounds perfect! Let’s go.”
Max and Jack take a hand each and we close up the shop and walk across the green. Suddenly, I miss Sam so much, my stomach clenches, but I know soon we will all be together, and that’s the most important thing.
The four of us will all be together, and it can’t come soon enough.
Chapter 39
Lily
The Village Hall is buzzing with activity. The smell of freshly baked goods fills the air, making my mouth water instantly. Fred has really outdone himself, transforming the usually drab community space into a cosy, inviting eat-in bakery.
We make our way to a table out in the sun, enjoying the warmth on my skin that matches the warmth in my soul.
Fred spots us and rushes over, his face beaming with pride. “Welcome, welcome! What do you think of my little setup?”
“It’s brilliant, Fred,” I say, genuinely impressed. “You’ve really made something special here.”
Fred puffs up at the compliment. “Well, when life gives you lemons, right? Or, in my case, when life gives you a burned-down bakery and a village hall with an industrial kitchen and a Food Hygiene rating of five.”
We all laugh at that, and I’m glad that Fred has made this work for him.
“So, what can I get for you lot?” Fred asks.
“I’ll have a cappuccino and an almond croissant,” I say immediately.
“Make that two,” Jack adds.
Max considers for a moment. “Black coffee and surprise me with something sweet.”
Fred grins. “Coming right up!”
As he bustles away, I lean back in my chair, taking in the scene around us. The hall inside is filled with a mix of familiar faces and tourists, all enjoying Fred’s baked goods and outside is a Lake District paradise with clear blue skies and the lake gleaming on the horizon.
“This is perfect,” I murmur, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.
Jack reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. “It is.”
Max watches us with a soft smile, a far cry from his earlier intensity. “You know,” he says, “I can see why you love it here so much, Lily. There’s something special about this place.”
I nod, feeling a swell of pride for my adopted hometown. “It’s not just the place, though. It’s the people. Everyone looks out for each other here.”
