Page 18 of Mistletoe and Wishes at The Cornish Bakery

‘Yes, Holly and Josh are here.’

‘Oh good. Can I ask one of you to give me a hand, please?’ Ian popped his head around the wooden panel just as it fell forward. Jumping back, he put his hands on his hips and shook his head as it clattered against the floor. ‘I don’t know what I was thinking trying to build this on my own.’

‘I did tell you to either wait until tomorrow or to let me finish my phone call and I’d help you.’ Elsie tutted lovingly.

‘I know, I know. I just wanted it up before the morning so that we had time to decorate it before the lantern parade.’ bending down, Ian began hefting the wooden panel back up.

‘Here, let me help.’ Running across to him, Joe took the other end of the panel and they both positioned it in place.

‘I can help too. I don’t know anything about putting up sheds but I can do what you tell me to.’ Holly placed her handbag next to the wreath box and hurried across.

‘Great, thank you both.’ Ian grinned as Elsie made her way over too. ‘And thank you, Elsie, love, too.’

Elsie smiled as she shook her head at him. ‘It’ll be easier work with all of us.’

‘It sure will. Have you all got that?’ Ian back away and picked up a hammer and bag of screws.

Holly looked across at Joe. she was glad he was staying to help. It had felt odd, him trying to rush off like that as soon as they’d come through the door. He was normally one to come in and chat about the evening’s events rather than rush off. She must have annoyed him by asking all the questions.

Catching her eye. Joe winked. ‘I guess my bed can wait a while.’

Smiling, she nodded. ‘Yep.’

‘Here we are. Hold still now.’ Bending down, Ian began attaching the panel to the wooden shed base. ‘That’s it, just a little bit longer.’

‘Great. ready for the next one now, love?’ Elsie looked down at him.

‘I sure am.’

Holly stepped back and helped Joe and Elsie positions he next panel. ‘How was Connor? Is he home now?’

‘Yes, he is, love. He’s fine. Chirpy as always, although I have a feeling he’s going to struggle on those crutches he’s been given.’ Elsie frowned.

‘Oh yes, he will. He doesn’t like sitting back and letting everyone else do the work. He’ll soon be feeling frustrated that he’s not as mobile as usual once the relief of getting home fades.’ Ian picked up the screwdriver again.

‘Just like someone else, hey, love?’ Elsie chuckled. ‘I think the getting everything done straightaway runs int he family.’

‘Ay, you’ve got that about right.’ Ian grinned. ‘But that’s a good thing, surely?’

‘Not when you almost drop a shed wall on yourself. It’s not, love.’ Elsie chuckled.

‘Point taken.’ Ian nodded before smiling at Elsie and turning back to the task in hand.

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