The Little Bakery of Hopes and Dreams by Kellie Hailes

Author:Kellie Hailes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2019-10-09T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Callan opened the picnic basket, for what felt like the hundredth time, and checked over the feast he’d put together. Raggedly cut ham and cheese sandwiches – Mia’s handiwork – were placed next to a couple of oranges and apples that he’d thrown in as an attempt to make it look like he fed Mia fruit. Which he tried to, repeatedly, but short of hiding it in his rock-hard muffins as suggested by many a mum on the internet – muffins she refused to eat anyway – he’d yet to convince her of the benefits of fruit. He’d popped in a couple of leftover white chocolate peppermint cupcakes from the day – Josie’s latest experiment as she prepared for the Christmas Cake-off – knowing that Mia would eat those if nothing else. At the last minute, he’d also bought a bottle of merlot, should Josie want a glass.

Even if she didn’t, he was certainly keen – anything to settle the skitter-skatter of nerves that had risen on and off throughout the day whenever Josie had come to mind.

Seeing her vulnerable, seeing her wear her heart on her sleeve, and how unharmed it was, considering her childhood experiences, had made her more than just an attractive face. It had only emphasised the qualities he’d seen in her. Her kindness, her self-assurance, the quiet strength that saw her get on with things.

It had been a strange thing to admit to himself, but he liked her. Could imagine chatting with her, the way they had at the café, on a regular basis. He’d enjoyed spending time with her. Getting to know her.

And that frightened him.

As irrational as it was, part of him felt being attracted to another woman was akin to cheating on Abigail. Something he’d never done, never even contemplated doing, when she was alive. He’d loved her so much. He still did.

The front door opened with a bang as the frame hit the doorstop, and a cheery ‘yoo-hoo’ filled the shop.

Margo. Of course.

She always had a way of knowing to pop in when he needed someone most, but had no intention of asking for help, or advice.

Except maybe, just this once, he needed to put himself out there. To ask for help. To seek her advice.

‘There you are.’ Margo appeared in the doorway, a warm smile on her face.

Without waiting for an invitation to come into the kitchen, she made her way to the bench and pawed through the picnic basket.

‘A bottle of wine?’ She looked up, a twinkle in her eye. ‘Is this just for you? Or do you plan on sharing it with someone special?’

‘Just with Josie. If she wants some. She might not. I wasn’t sure. Maybe I should have got that pink wine. Women like that, right? At least the mummy bloggers I follow on the internet seem to. I should bring a bottle of water, too. Do you think she’d prefer fizzy water or still?’ Callan, aware he was rambling, squeezed his eyes shut as he noted Margo’s lips quirking to the side.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.