A Winter Wish: (Little Duck Pond Cafe, Book 24) ***This is Book 2 in a trilogy of books about Clara. Book 1: 'Clara's Secret Garden' *** by Rosie Green

Author:Rosie Green [Green, Rosie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

It’s the following evening and Lois is all excited because Rory is taking her out for dinner at her favourite restaurant. (I have a feeling it’s payback for him daring to spend Bonfire Night without her.)

Rory arrives on time, smelling delicious and looking gorgeous in a dark grey suit, white shirt and blue tie. As I let him in, I call up to Lois and she says she’ll be down in a minute.

Her handsome date parks himself at the kitchen table to chat to me, loosening his tie and casually stretching out his long legs, giving me the benefit of his twinkling-eyed smile as he studies me. My poor heart feels like it’s about to give out at the sight of him, so I try very hard to focus instead on the dinner I’m making for Bertie, Irene and me.

‘That looks good,’ he murmurs.

‘Pasta carbonara. Made the real way with eggs and Parmesan and pancetta.’ I show him the pan. ‘It’s Bertie’s favourite.’

He leans forward and takes an appreciative sniff. Then he glances outside, where it’s blowing a gale and rain is dashing itself against the window. ‘Lucky you. Staying in.’ He grins ruefully. ‘This kitchen is always so cosy. Do you think Lois would mind if we gave the restaurant a miss?’

‘Oh, not at all. Whatever makes you think that?’

We look at each other and chuckle – a purely affectionate response to the idea that Lois would willingly give up a glam night out for pasta at home in the kitchen.

‘Ah, well.’ He gets to his feet. ‘Better go and see how she’s getting on or we’re going to lose the table.’

‘Ta-dah!’

The door opens and Lois appears at that moment, looking completely stunning in a silky sea-green dress that shows off her sculpted blonde waves and perfect figure to perfection.

‘You look gorgeous,’ Rory says, putting a hand on her waist and bending to kiss her, and my own hand flies instinctively to my stomach, which is rather less ‘washboard’ and more ‘cheeseboard’, courtesy of the amount of mature cheddar I get through, snacking during the day.

Must stop eating between meals.

‘Don’t spoil my lipstick!’ Lois bats Rory away. ‘This make-up took me ages to do.’

He gives his watch a good-humoured glance. ‘I know it did. We’re going to be late if we don’t leave now.’

‘Come on, then.’

Lois links his arm and turns to tell me she’ll be staying at Rory’s tonight, and I think to myself what a handsome couple they make.

She glances at her arm. ‘Oh, I haven’t put my new bangles on. I’ll just run up and get them.’

Rory shakes his head. ‘If you run in that cast, you’ll end up fracturing your other foot. You don’t need bangles. Let’s go.’ He places his hands on her shoulders and manoeuvres her firmly out of the kitchen as Lois giggles in protest.

‘Enjoy your carbonara,’ he says with a wink, turning at the door.

‘Oh, I will.’ Smiling, I wave them off.

Then I retreat to the kitchen and slump down on a chair, staring at my reflection in the darkened window.

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