Page 143 of The Romance Library

After we’d eaten a plate of crumpets and different pastries, we headed back to the library. We didn’t get to say goodbye to Maddie because she wasn’t there. She must’ve been on a break.

‘I’m so relieved that everything’s turned out so well with the renovations. It’s going to take days to get everything ready, though. I don’t know how we’re going to do it all.’

As we approached the library, my mouth dropped open.

Stood outside were at least half a dozen familiar faces, including Maddie, Edwin, Barbara, Glenda and Candace.

‘What are you all doing here?’ I said, trying to stop my eyes flying from their sockets.

‘Theo said you might need our help,’ Edwin replied.

‘You know the saying, love,’ Barbara added. ‘Many hands make light work. Tell us what you need and we’ll help you get it done.’

‘I can’t ask you to do that!’ I said. ‘You’ve got the pub to run. And, Maddie, what about the bakery? And Candace—’

‘Don’t you see, Jessica?’ Edwin said. ‘You’re part of our community now. And that means when one of us needs something, we all rally round to help. So like Babs said, put us to work. Not just today, but always.’

My heart inflated like a hot-air balloon. They were all so kind.

‘Thank you.’ I put my hands to my chest, then turned to Theo and threw my arms around him. ‘I really appreciate you organising this.’

‘That’s what boyfriends do for their girlfriends.’

‘Look at them.’ Candace grinned. ‘They’re adorable!’

‘Aren’t they just?’ Edwin winked. ‘I knew from the minute they locked horns in my office that they were made for each other.’

‘Wait a minute…’ I frowned. ‘Did you set us up?’

‘I have no idea what you mean.’ Edwin smiled. ‘I wanted to ensure Seaview High was sold to the best candidate: someone who understood the community. The fact that you had to spend time together and take part in community activities was just a happy coincidence…’ He winked.

‘I knew you weren’t as innocent as you looked!’ Theo joked. ‘Thank you for helping to bring us together.’

‘You’re welcome. My wife and I met at Seaview High, so I like to think this building helps to bring people together. And didn’t you say Mrs Davis met her husband there too?’

‘Yep!’ I said.

‘Who knows who else will find love at The Romance Library?’ Edwin grinned. ‘I’m very much looking forward to the opening.’

‘Speaking of which,’ Maddie added, ‘we’ll be here to help for the opening day too.’

‘Really?’ My eyes widened.

‘Course!’ Candace agreed. ‘I’ll send one of the girls over to serve some orange squash to keep the crowd hydrated.’

‘If you print some posters, we can all put them in our shop windows,’ Maddie suggested.

‘Great idea!’ Barbara said. ‘If you do leaflets, we can hand them out and put them on the bar to help spread the word.’

‘That’d be amazing!’ I said.

‘And I can make some book-themed biscuits for the opening too if you like?’ Maddie offered. My eyes widened as I remembered that I’d thought of the same idea when I was brainstorming with Sarah, but I hadn’t plucked up the courage to ask Maddie.

‘Kara from the hairdressers said she could do your hair and make-up if you want to tart yourself up for all the photos the paps are going to take,’ Barbara said. ‘Bob offered to act as security, but I reckon he’ll be about as helpful as a Chihuahua!’ she cackled.

‘I don’t know how I’ll be able to repay you all.’ Tears filled my eyes.

‘Simple,’ Edwin said. ‘By doing your best to make the library work! We’re all rooting for you!’

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