Epilogue

EPILOGUE

WEDNESDAY 27TH DECEMBER

‘Come in!' Stella threw open the door to her apartment. She was looking stunning as ever in a velvet knee-length shift dress in a rich shade of midnight blue, the fabric rustling as she moved. Her blonde hair was sculpted into a neat French pleat and her make-up had been expertly applied, complete with a flattering smoky eye. ‘Everyone's here, even Jazz!' She gave Ed a quick peck on the cheek before pulling Florrie into a hug that smelt of her friend's crisp floral signature perfume.

Stella usually hosted what she referred to as a cocktail party in the week between Christmas and New Year, opting for a day she knew all of the friendship group would be available. This was the first such party in her fancy new apartment with stunning views out to sea, stretching right along to Thorncliffe.

Stella hung up their coats while Florrie and Ed kicked off their boots – there'd been more snow that day so they'd opted for their wellies in case it continued. They followed their statuesque friend down the hall and into the open-plan living room, where a large contemporary electric fire flickered with surprisingly realistic faux flames and subtle music murmured away in the background. The dining table was laden with artfully arranged nibbles, while a large Christmas tree occupied the space between the two glass doors that led out onto the balcony. It was draped in cool white lights and studded with baubles in various shades of grey, with the odd one in silver tones punctuating the mix and giving the colour palette a lift. The tasteful décor of the space reflected Stella's personality perfectly: minimalist with an undertone of warmth.

Florrie and Ed were greeted by a cheerful chorus of hellos and wide smiles, making them feel instantly welcome.

Florrie's gaze travelled around the room, excitement racing inside her, so desperate was she to share their news. Lark and Nate were looking cosy together on one of the large, L-shaped sofas – they're so meant to be together – Jasmine sitting on the sofa opposite next to Alex's twin sister Zara who'd become a regular visitor and had plans to move to the town. Bear was chatting to Alex who stood at the kitchen peninsular where an assortment of bottles and glasses were set out, mixing drinks for Jean and Jack who'd arrived only minutes before Florrie and Ed.

‘S'good to see you survived Christmas,' said Maggie, heading over to Florrie, smiling warmly. She was looking voluptuous in a deep-red maxi dress with its plunging neckline, her dark curls framing her face. ‘You're looking gorgeous, flower.'

‘Thanks, and so are you. In fact, you look amazing.' Florrie felt positively dowdy in her simply cut aubergine knee-length dress – though Ed had told her she looked beautiful when she'd done a twirl for him at home just before they headed out.

‘Oh, and please excuse the baby sick on my shoulder. It was a parting gift from Lucy as we dropped her off with the in-laws. I didn't have time to change – or anything half-decent to change into, for that matter, while my boobs are the size of over-inflated watermelons. Nowt fits at the minute.' Maggie chuckled as she swept Florrie into a hug that oozed warmth and happiness with a hint of newborn baby thrown in.

‘TMI, Mags,' said Stella, feigning an expression of disapproval. ‘Anyway,' she said, addressing Florrie and Ed, ‘Alex is chief cocktail maker, so if you let him know what you fancy, he'll impress you with some fancy drink-mixing moves.'

Alex obliged by pulling a mock-cool pose and throwing a cocktail shaker up into the air. Everyone burst out laughing when he reached to catch it but missed and the metal container hit the kitchen floor with an almighty clatter.

‘I should point out, when I said impressive , that's not what I had in mind,' Stella deadpanned as Alex chuckled.

‘And how was your first Christmas as parents?' Florrie asked, looking between Maggie and Bear.

‘The best ever,' said Bear, beaming broadly. ‘Little Lucy's an angel – the most perfect baby.'

‘I'll second that but add exhausting,' said Maggie, picking up her glass of virgin mojito. ‘But I wouldn't change it for the world.'

‘We've been dying to know how the Boxing Day Dip went,' said Jasmine, sipping a long vivid blue drink through a straw once greetings had been exchanged.

‘Ooh, yes, Nate and I saw the pictures on the town's social media pages. You both looked fab in your pantomime dame costumes.' Lark chuckled.

‘Aye, you did that,' agreed Nate. ‘We'll show you later on.'

‘Ugh!' Ed gave an exaggerated shiver. ‘I've never been so cold in my life! I swear I still haven't fully defrosted.'

‘I take it your name's top of the list for next year's dip.' Jack gave a throaty chuckle.

Ed looked horrified. ‘No way! Never again!' He gave Florrie such a pointed look he had everyone laughing.

She returned it with a wide grin, ‘You know you don't mean tha?—'

‘Hang on just a minute,' said Stella, eyeballing Florrie and slicing off her words. ‘What's that I see, madam?'

All eyes turned to Florrie as Stella reached for her left hand. Florrie's heart leapt, her face growing warm with the joy of being able to share her news. She caught Ed's eye, his happy smile setting her insides alight. ‘It's an engagement ring. Ed proposed.'

‘Oh, wow! And it's absolutely gorgeous,' said Stella.

‘And I can't tell you how relieved I was when Florrie said yes,' Ed said, struggling to make himself heard through the resultant cheers and whoops that were bouncing around the room. The women rushed over to Florrie, taking it in turns to deliver heartfelt hugs and kisses, while words of congratulations rang out. Florrie had no idea it was possible to feel this much happiness.

‘Huge congrats, lovey, Bernard would be over the moon to know his greatest wish had come true.' Jean Davenport pressed a kiss to Florrie's cheek, her face damp with tears of joy.

‘Thank you, Jean.' Florrie smiled, emotion making her throat tight.

On top of this joyful news, Florrie and Ed had finally managed to get the message across to Dodgy Dick that they wouldn't be selling the bookshop to him, or anyone else for that matter.

They'd been walking Gerty along the top prom earlier that day when his four-wheel drive slowed down, creeping along and keeping pace beside them. The blacked-out window slowly inched down, sending a shiver of goosebumps over Florrie's skin.

‘I hope you two have been giving my offer plenty of thought. I'm a patient man, but I don't need to remind you that this year's drawing to a close and time's running out.' Dodgy Dick's smirk that followed made Florrie's blood boil.

Ed turned to him. ‘Actually, Dick, we don't need to wait until the New Year to tell you our decision, we can do it right now.'

Dodgy Dick puffed himself up. ‘I'm pleased to hear it. I'll see to it that the documents are drawn up quick sharp.'

‘That won't be necessary,' Florrie said, a strange mix of pleasure at delivering the news and fear at how it would be received making her heart pump fast.

‘What d'you mean?' The businessman's smile momentarily faltered.

‘We're not selling. In fact, we've only recently gone into partnership with some well-heeled investors. And I can tell you for a fact, selling their shares, or agreeing to us selling the business is the last thing they're interested in. Like Florrie told you on your recent visit, we've got big plans for the bookshop's future, and our new investors are keen to support it in any way they can.'

Dodgy Dick's face fell. He brought the car to a halt. ‘What?'

‘We never wanted it anyway.' Wendy's voice spilled out of the window. She pushed her husband back, glaring out at them. ‘We've found somewhere far superior to your shabby little building. So you can stick it where the sun don't shine as far as we're concerned.'

‘Why, thank you,' said Ed.

‘We're pleased you've found somewhere more suitable.' Florrie so desperately wanted it to be true.

‘Oh, and I don't suppose you know who could be sending us bits of smashed up snow globes or yanking down the Christmas tree above the bookshop door, do you? The police are onto it, but we've been asking around, too. Interestingly, the same names have been cropping up. It's looking like there's a family connection with the little cherub who threw water over our till.'

Stella's words of warning about not getting on the wrong side of Dodgy Dick surfaced in Florrie's mind, sending a pulse of alarm rushing through her. She willed Ed not to say anything further.

‘I know nowt about what's been going on at your poxy little bookshop. And I wouldn't be seen dead going in there now. I'll thank you not to trouble me about it anymore.' With that, the window rolled up and Dodgy Dick went to race off with a dramatic wheelspin, but the car stalled with a noisy splutter instead.

Florrie and Ed walked away, snorting with laughter.

‘What a turkey,' said Ed. ‘I reckon he got the message.'

‘Let's hope so,' said Florrie.

‘Look at that sky,' said Ed, his words floating out in a cloud of condensation. They were making their way home, hand in hand, after Stella's cocktail party and had paused a moment on the top prom. Frost was sparkling on the ground, the chilly air pinching at their skin.

‘It's beautiful.' Florrie tipped her head back, taking in the vast expanse of inky-black studded with millions of twinkling stars that stretched out above them. The iridescent glow of the pale moon shimmered on the sea below. It made for a magical sight. It was only then did she realise they were standing beside Mr and Mrs H's bench. ‘Oh, look where we are.'

‘I know, it's why I stopped here. I just needed a moment with my grandfather.' Ed smiled down at her before tilting his face heavenwards. ‘I know you and I didn't have much time together, Grandad, but I loved every single one of the minutes we shared.' His chest heaved as he sucked in a deep breath. ‘And thank you with all my heart for leading me to Florrie. I'll be forever grateful.'

‘Oh, Ed.' Florrie leant into him, resting her head on his shoulder, following his line of sight. ‘Thank you, for bringing Ed to Micklewick Bay, Mr H.' Her voice was thick with emotion. ‘I know I wasn't best pleased at first, but now I'm ever so glad you did.'

Just then, a cloud floated across the sky and large featherlike snowflakes started swirling down.

‘I reckon he heard us,' she said, blinking back tears.

‘I reckon he did,' Ed said softly, their eyes meeting as he kissed her tenderly.

*

If you were swept away by Florrie and Ed's festive tale in Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea , you'll adore the story of how they met in The Little Bookshop by the Sea .

Get it here, or read on for an exclusive extract!