Page 10 of Mistletoe Kisses at Cwtch Cove

‘She also said that one lifetime isn’t enough to do all the things you want to do.’

‘I think that’s true. I mean, look at us… thirty-one and thirty-five and I don’t think we’ve done many of the things we planned on doing when we spoke about them as children.’

‘I don’t think we have. I wonder if we ever will.’ Ellen cradled her bump protectively and Lucy gave her shoulder another squeeze.

‘Maybe not but the most important thing is that we’re as happy as we can be in the time that we have. You’ve got so many lovely things ahead of you now with Billy and your baby and I’m looking forward to spending time with you all too.’

Ellen turned to face her. ‘Move here then.’

‘Ellen…’

‘Please. I wish you would. Cwtch Cove is such a gorgeous place to live and I’m sure you’d find inspiration here for your stories.’

Lucy saw the plea in her sister’s eyes and had to swallow down the urge to say she’d definitely move there. If she was even to consider it, she’d need to sort some things out in Cardiff first and then find a place to live and change her address with everyone she knew and—

‘Stop making it into a bigger deal than it needs to be. People move all the time and some move from one side of the world to the other. This is relocating from Cardiff to Cwtch Cove so it’s hardly an enormous move. Plus, think of Dad. He’s getting older and it would be easier for him to visit then because we’d be in the same place. I’m sure he feels torn about which one of us to go to because he doesn’t want the other to feel left out.’

Lucy giggled. ‘That’s emotional blackmail.’

Ellen shrugged. ‘I’ll use whatever tools I have at my disposal.’ Ellen’s gaze moved from Lucy’s face. ‘Look! There’s Jack.’

Lucy’s heart leapt. ‘Where?’

Ellen pointed at the tall figure across the green walking a small, white dog. He was wearing a grey puffa jacket and black jeans and his cheeks were pink from the cold.

‘Jack!’ Ellen waved and Lucy suddenly felt self-conscious about her choice of outfit. Her faded black leggings, oversized jumper under a wax jacket — that her dad had given her because it was too small for him — and battered hiking boots felt scruffy and mismatched. In comparison, Jack looked smart and handsome, tall and strong.

He waved in return and walked over to them, the dog trotting at his side.

‘Morning.’ He smiled. ‘Looks like they’re going full on with the festive decorations this year.’

‘It does.’ Ellen nodded. ‘Are you coming tomorrow for the turning on of the lights?’

‘I certainly am and I can’t wait! I’ll be accompanying my parents who always look forward to anything festive.’

Lucy took advantage of the opportunity to get a good look at him while he spoke. His short blond hair was lighter than his eyebrows and the stubble on his face. What would it feel like to run her hands over that stubble? Would it tickle her palms? His eyes were such an intense blue that they made her think of summer skies and his lips were so full and kissable.

Kissable? What?

He turned those blue eyes on her and she blushed like a teenager.

‘Nice dog!’ she blurted.

‘Thanks!’ He looked down at the dog. ‘This is Fifi. She belongs to my parents but I like to take her for walks around my shifts. She has a lot of energy to burn off and it’s good to get some fresh air into my lungs.’

‘She’s lovely.’ Lucy crouched down and stroked the dog, thinking how cute she was and how funny a pair she and Jack were. He was so big and strong that she could easily have imagined him with a larger dog like a Doberman or an Alsatian. A Bichon Frise looked incongruous at his side.

‘Do you have any nice plans for today?’ he asked as she stood up again.

‘We’re going to do some baking.’ She waved the carrier bag.

‘I have cravings that need to be satisfied,’ Ellen said, then her eyes widened. ‘Goodness that could be taken the wrong way!’

Jack laughed. ‘I knew that you meant food cravings.’

‘I’m so glad.’ Ellen sniggered. ‘Lucy and I thought we’d bake some of the things our mum used to make. Have us a nostalgia day with cake, savoury scones and lots of tea.’

‘Sounds good to me.’ Jack glanced at his watch. ‘Sorry to chat and run but I’d better get a move on.’

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