Page 33 of Promises & Petals in Nettleford-on-the-Wold
‘Cheers.’ Taking them, Sophie glanced around the kitchen. ‘How’s it going in here?’
‘Good, good.’ Pushing herself away from the hatch, Lucy glanced between Sophie, Gemma and Hannah.
Sophie frowned. ‘Are you sure? Is something going on?’
‘Nope. How about out there?’ Lucy waved her hand towards the hatch. ‘It’s looking good.’
Sophie ran her fingers through her hair. ‘Do you think? I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I normally love a good party, but Richard is bringing Florrie in a few minutes, and I think I just might throw up.’
Stepping forward, Hannah placed the crisp packet on the old pine table in the middle of the room before she drew Sophie infor a hug before pulling away and holding her hands, the scissors dangling between them. ‘You’ll be fine. You’ve done an amazing job, and this is going to be the best party.’
Taking a deep breath in, Sophie sighed. ‘I hope so. I just want Florrie to enjoy it. You know to have a super happy memory before we tell her that her parents are splitting up and break her heart.’
Joining them, Gemma rubbed Sophie’s forearm. ‘She won’t be heartbroken. Sure, it’ll take her some time to adjust to her new reality, as it will you all, but two happy homes are always better than one miserable one.’
Sophie nodded. ‘I know. I just... I don’t know. I just want to fast forward a year and have everything sorted out and feel settled.’
‘That year will go by as quick as a flash.’ Lucy walked across to them before leaning against the work surface. ‘You’ve got this, Soph. And you’ve got us all behind you cheering you on.’
‘That’s right, you do.’ Gemma added.
‘Yep.’ Holding her arms up, Lucy pretended to wave two pom-poms. ‘Go, Sophie. Go, Soph!’
Shaking her head, Sophie smiled. ‘Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without the three of you.’
‘Now go and finish the decorating before Florrie arrives and is bowled over by how pretty and princess-like you’ve made this hall.’ Taking her by the shoulders, Gemma twisted Sophie on the spot and guided her towards the door.
‘Okay, I’m going.’ Laughing, Sophie pushed open the door again, letting it swing shut behind her.
Turning back to face Hannah, Gemma raised her eyebrows. ‘Now, where were we?’
‘Please, not here.’ Hannah picked up the bag of crisps again and snapped her head in the direction of the door as it swung open again.
‘What don’t you want to do here?’ Josh’s easy voice filled the room before he appeared through the doorway.
Biting down on her bottom lip, Hannah felt both Gemma and Lucy scrutinise her for any hint of a reaction.
‘I think I’m going to pop to the Ladies. That coffee I had earlier is going straight through me.’ Gemma pulled the tea towel from her shoulder and laid it on the counter.
‘Me too.’ Clutching her belly, Lucy hurried towards Gemma before grabbing her by the elbow and practically marching her out of the kitchen.
‘What was that about?’ Josh stared at the door as it swung shut behind them.
‘I...’ Hannah kept her eyes fixed on the door in case anyone else decided to wander inside and whispered, ‘They know about us.’
‘Okay.’
Looking at him, Hannah met his gaze. ‘You’re not annoyed that they’ve both guessed?’
‘Why would I bet?’ Glancing behind him at the closed kitchen door, he walked across to her and wrapped his arms around her. ‘They’re two of your closest friends; it’s not a surprise that they guessed. Especially since, I’m guessing, they know all about our conversation before you left to travel?’
‘They do.’ Wrapping her arms around him, she sank into his embrace. ‘They won’t say anything, but we do need to tell Soph before she guesses.’
‘We will.’ Josh kissed her on top of her head, his lips lingering against their hair.
‘Good.’ She smiled, butterflies forming in her stomach at the thought of them being able to do this whenever they wanted instead of sneaking around behind closed doors. She glanced towards the door as it swung open and jumped back, picking up the bag of crisps she was still yet to empty.
Letting the door close behind her, Sophie looked from Hannah, who was now quickly shaking the crisp packet, to her brother, who was standing in the middle of the kitchen dithering on the spot. ‘What’s going on here?’
