Page 11 of Mistletoe Kisses at Cwtch Cove

‘You working today?’

‘Afternoon shift but I need to get Fifi back then go home and grab my kit and make my lunch. I don’t buy my sandwiches ready made every day,’ he said while looking at Lucy. ‘Although my mum does insist on making them for me if I’m in a rush.’

‘She sounds like a lovely mum.’ Lucy found herself wishing he didn’t have to go.

‘She’s the best. Anyway, have fun with your baking and I’ll see you again soon.’

‘Pop in later or tomorrow if you want some cakes,’ Ellen said. ‘We’ll probably have plenty there and as our local hero you deserve to have some.’

‘I might just take you up on that.’ Jack looked down at the dog. ‘Come on then, Fifi, we’d better get you home.’

Fifi barked her agreement then they walked away in the direction of the main road that ran through the village.

Ellen shivered suddenly.

‘You OK?’ Concern darted through Lucy.

‘I’m fine. Just cold. Let’s get home and put the kettle on.’

Lucy held out her arm and Ellen hooked hers through it then they turned away from the village green and headed for Ellen’s home.

* * *

‘Oops!’ Ellen stepped back from the kitchen counter. ‘I look like a snowman got me.’

Lucy laughed. Ellen’s belly was covered in flour from where she’d been rolling out scones. Her bump was in the way so she had to stretch, but even then, it ended up pressing against the counter.

‘The gingerbread stars smell amazing.’ Lucy peered through the glass door of the oven. ‘I don’t think they’ve got long left.’

‘I’m so hungry I could eat every last one.’ Ellen brushed at the flour on her top.

‘Perhaps we should make more then.’ Lucy eyed the ingredients they had left. They probably had enough for a second lot of gingerbread stars.

‘We probably shouldn’t. I don’t want to be the size of a house when Billy gets home. I think he’s going to be shocked at how big I am anyway when he sees me. I swear I’ve put on another stone in the week and a half since you arrived.’

‘Are you saying I’m a bad influence?’ Lucy put her hands on her hips and grinned at Ellen.

‘Not at all. You’re making me rest more though as you do the chores I’d be doing. I can’t deny that it’s very nice being able to put my feet up more.’ Ellen yawned. ‘Speaking of rest… I think it’s almost nap time.’

‘Go and wash your hands and change your top and I’ll make some tea. We can have that with some gingerbread before you have a snooze.’

‘Sounds good to me.’

When Ellen came back downstairs, Lucy had put two mugs of tea on the table and a plate of gingerbread stars. Ellen sat down and picked up a star and gazed at it. ‘Icing.’

‘Sorry?’

‘We forgot about icing them.’

‘They’re still a bit warm but we can do it later if you want. I’ll pop back to the shop and buy some icing sugar.’

Ellen shook her head. ‘It’s fine. Let’s do it the next time we make them. We can decorate them and perhaps make gingerbread men too.’

‘It’s a deal.’ Lucy reached for a star and took a bite. ‘Mmm.’

‘Delicious.’ Ellen reached for another before she’d even finished the first one.

They munched on gingerbread stars in silence for a bit then Ellen said, ‘So… you know Jack?’

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