Page 66 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
Jessica looked at her in confusion. ‘The boys?’ Had she missed something? Did Iris have lodgers or new men in her life?
‘Scrumpy and Sidney,’ said Iris as way of explanation.
Jessica remembered she had mentioned them at the Christmas fair.
Flora chuckled and cleared her throat. ‘They’re Gran’s rescue parrots,’ she explained.
‘Ah, I see,’ said Jessica with a laugh. ‘I did wonder who you were talking about.’
‘Did you think I’d found two new men for myself?’ She chuckled. ‘Sadly not, but I do love them dearly. You should pop in and see them sometime before you go back to London. They would love to say hello.’
‘She’s not joking about the saying hello bit,’ said Flora. ‘In fact, some of their chat is quite interesting.’
Jessica nodded at her with a smile and then the realisation of all ofthiscoming to an end soon started to dawn on her. She turned away as she felt tears spring in her eyes and busied herself restocking the counter.
‘Oh good,’ said Flora. ‘Gran has been telling me about these cinnamon buns and I thought you had sold out and we’d missed them.’
‘You’re in luck,’ said Gillian warmly.
Iris looked at Jessica conspiratorially. ‘Are these ones yours, dear?’ she said in a whisper.
Jessica nodded.
‘Don’t tell Struan, but yours are way nicer than his.’
‘Thanks,’ said Jessica, grateful for the compliment. ‘I won’t say a word.’
After they’d left the shop, she knew she was being watched. She turned to find Gillian leaning against the doorway of the kitchen with her arms folded. She raised an eyebrow. ‘Care to share anything with me?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘You didn’t tell me Reuben was spending Christmas with you,’ she screeched.
Jessica tried to shrug nonchalantly. ‘He’s not just spending it with me. It’s all of us. Mum didn’t want him on his own.’
‘Mm-hmm. And you?’
‘I’ll do whatever will keep my mum happy.’
Gillian waited for Jessica to expand, and when she didn’t, she tutted in frustration. ‘I know you, Ms Stewart, and I know when you’re not telling the truth. Something is afoot.’
Jessica feigned innocence. ‘Is Millie excited about Santa coming later?’
She rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Trying to change the conversation, not very subtly at all. But, yes, since you ask, she is. We’ve been on the final countdown for what seems like weeks. Let’s just say that I don’t think I’ll be having a lie-in tomorrow morning.’
Jessica grinned at her. ‘That’s the best part of Christmas. Being small and getting up really early to open your presents and eat chocolate and then going back to bed.’
Gillian nodded at her. ‘Is that what you and Reuben plan to do too?’
Another flurry of customers came in the door at that moment.
‘Looks like I’ve been saved by the bell,’ said Jessica good-naturedly.
Less than an hour later, Struan had turned the sign to sayClosedand he sighed. ‘Phew. Girls, thank you so much. I couldn’t have done any of it without you. You have both workedso hard.’ He choked back a sob which had Gillian looking at Jessica with a panicked expression. Struan had never shown any sign of emotion, just general grumpiness since she’d met him. The last couple of days he had really relaxed and been happier around them.
‘Are you okay?’ said Jessica kindly.
‘I’m fine. Just a wee bit emotional. And tired.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Anyway, look, you two head away and I’ll finish off here. You’ve got your families to go and see to. Have a very happy Christmas both of you.’ Then he handed them both a Christmas gift bag. ‘Just a wee something from me to say thank you.’
