Page 74 of Sun, Sea & Strawberry Shortcake
As he thunders off down the stairs, I call after him. ‘Mind,I’m holding you to that quality time!’
But the front door has already slammed. He’s gone.
I’m determined to enjoy the last day, though, so I take mytime running a bath and wallowing in the lovely, perfumed water, thinking backwith a touch of astonishment over everything that’s happened since we arrivedjust seven short days ago.
The doorbell goes as I’m getting out of the bath.
It’s Bee, inviting Hudson and me to a special brunch at Emerald’scottage. ‘Jaz and Mitch are already there. Emerald wanted to thank you forbeing such good friends to me and Jodie.’
‘Oh, lovely. But Hudson’s not here.’
‘Come yourself, then. Let him know where we are and he canjoin us when he’s free.’
‘Great.’
‘She grins. ‘Better get back. Jodie’s convinced Emerald thatthe teapot lid is the best thing since sliced bread and they’re in the parkhaving a go.’
‘Emerald as well?’
‘Oh, absolutely.’
‘Brilliant.’ I chuckle at the thought.
*****
Emerald and Bee have produced quite a spread, and everyonetucks in eagerly. There’s smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on lovely nuttytoast. And Bee nudges me and says there’s strawberry shortcake for afters.
We exchange a knowing grin. I mentioned mine and Hudson’s‘sun, sea and strawberry shortcake’ joke to Bee a while ago and she obviouslyremembered!
‘You’d better make sure Hudson gets some.’ She grins at me. ‘Strawberryshortcake, I mean. If he’s not going to get here, you can take a doggy bag forhim.’
‘Well, he does have averysweet tooth,’ I reply,tongue firmly in cheek, and we start to laugh.
‘So are you tempted to stay in the village, now that Emeraldis moving here?’ Mitch asks Bee, having been chatting to Emerald about herexciting plans to be more ‘hands-on’ with the charity.
Bee nods. ‘I think we will. What do you say, Jodie? Wouldyou like to stay here and keep Auntie Em company on the teapot lid?’
‘Yes!’ Jodie’s eyes are shining and my heart gives a littlelurch of happiness. They’re going to be okay.
Bee smiles. ‘We talked a lot last night and I’m going to belearning the business and helping Emerald keep this wonderful charity going.And Jodie will be helping, too.’
‘I’m going to make fairy cakes with Mummy.’
‘Are you? Wow. That’s fabulous,’ smiles Jaz. ‘Will they befor the guests to eat when they arrive?’
She thinks about this. ‘Yes. I’ll just probably eat two.’
I nod solemnly. ‘I think you should. And maybe one for Mummyas well?’
‘Yes.’
Bee strokes Jodie’s hair and smiles warmly at Emerald. ‘Soyou see, it’s going to be a proper family affair.’
‘Can I help as well?’ says a deep voice, and we turn to findJon standing in the doorway. I watch as Jodie runs over and shows him herpicture. Bee follows at a more stately pace, her face glowing at the sight ofhim. A shaft of sunlight is shining on Jon’s curly blond hair like a halo, whichseems suddenly very appropriate. Jon is her angel. No doubt about it. AndJodie’s, too. The three of them look like a little family already! Actually,four,because they have lovely Emerald in their lives now...
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN
By the time I arrive back at the cottage, I’mexpecting to find Hudson there.
