The rest of the week dragged for Allie, in spite of her efforts to keep busy. It was as if there was something missing from the village, and even though she told herself it was silly and self-indulgent, she couldn’t shake the fresh sense of loneliness.

The day Chris left, she’d had her usual Tuesday evening with the girls and they’d soon worked out that something wasn’t quite right with her. It had led to reassurances and wine, and by the end of the evening, she’d been smiling again. But it was hard to get him off her mind and part of her worried that he might not return, that being back in London would remind him of why he’d decided to leave Heatherlea in the first place. That being her and the fact that she had broken his heart.

Thankfully, Friday was a mad blur of getting everything ready for the party, as Allie confirmed that the local band were able to play, and that everyone who’d replied to the email would be bringing the food they’d selected from the list.

Saturday morning, Allie was up and about early. Jordan ran things out front in the café, while Allie baked and stirred, chopped and whisked, huffed and puffed.

The August morning was warm and dry, the air sweet and fragrant with the scents of the flowers in her garden. Allie had to wear sunglasses to set up the tables outside because it was so bright, and when she removed the covering from the barbeque, she felt a flip of anticipation in her belly. She loved this time of year and had always celebrated summer with her children, wanting them to appreciate the longer days and to enjoy being outdoors. Life was for living and summer was perfect for making the most of time with family and friends.

They shut up the café at three o’clock, then Allie finished off in the kitchen and checked her list one last time.

She had no idea what time Chris was due back. He’d sent her a text the previous evening just to say hello and to ask what she was doing, but although he’d said he was looking forward to seeing her again, he hadn’t said what time he’d return. And she hadn’t liked to ask.

Allie had enough time to shower and dress before people started arriving. She hoped Chris would turn up, but if he didn’t, then so be it. She had a life to live and she intended to get on with it.

Allie strolled around the front lawn of the café, greeting friends and acquaintances, and encouraging them to help themselves to drinks. Jordan had helped her to set up trestle tables on the flat lawn at the one side of the path. There was a table for soft drinks, one for alcoholic beverages – which was manned by the vicar, who kept a watchful eye on the youngsters to ensure that none of them tried their luck – and one for food contributions.

The first year Allie had held a party like this, she’d done all the catering herself, but over the years, others had brought their own offerings and it was a relief, as it meant Allie didn’t have to make quite as much. It was also lovely to enjoy the wonderful variety of food, such as this year’s savoury delights including herb, feta and courgette risotto, chicken and ham pies, minted melon and prosciutto salad, stuffed wild mushrooms, lemon sunflower pesto pasta and olive and rosemary bread.

The desserts on offer this year were coconut panna cotta with strawberry gel, swirled meringues with blueberry sauce, orange and ginger ricotta tart and raspberry mojito cupcakes. Everything looked delicious and in spite of her apprehension that Chris might not make an appearance, Allie felt a flicker of hunger as she eyed the feast before her.

The local band set up in the corner of the garden close to the café, so that they had access to power cables. Jordan had laced fairy lights between the branches of the trees and looped them around the shutters on the café windows for when the afternoon light faded. The braziers were also ready to be lit and every table had a colourful glass tealight holder at the centre, which held a citronella candle to keep the bugs at bay.

Camilla appeared at Allie’s side, wearing a white cotton maxi-dress printed with tiny rosebuds. Her black hair was freshly cut, her eyes were lined with black kohl and her lips painted a glossy red to match her nails. Allie noticed, as she always did, how stunning her friend actually was. Camilla pressed a glass of mimosa into Allie’s hand.

“Here. This’ll help you relax.”

“Thank you.”

“How’re you feeling?”

“Good, actually. I love this party. It just makes the summer feel extra special.”

“It does. But I meant how’re you feeling about Chris?”

Allie shrugged. “Nothing to feel really.”

“Oh come on, Allie. That’s not what you said on Tuesday.”

“I know. Sorry. I’m all right, I guess. Really hoping he’ll turn up but resigned to the fact that he might not.”

Camilla rubbed Allie’s shoulder.

“He’ll come. I have a good feeling about it.”

Erica Connelly, the singer of the band, tapped the microphone.

“Hellooooo, Heatherlea! Great to be here and to see you all looking so well. As usual, big thanks go to the fabulous Allie Jones for organizing our celebration of summer bash!”

There were some cheers and whistles from the gathering. Allie waved a hand self-consciously, not wanting all the attention to be focused on her.

“And thanks, as well, to every one of you who brought food and drink. I cannot wait to try out the raspberry mojito cupcakes, so make sure you leave me one. Pretty please?” She smiled and offered a thumbs up. “So let’s kick this party off with a little number we wrote ourselves.”

The band launched into a song and some of the villagers were soon bopping around on the lawn.

“Coming for a dance?” Camilla asked.

“Not just yet. I want to say hello to a few people.”

“Okay. But no mooning around waiting for you-know-who.” Camilla headed towards the dancers and Allie went to the table where Dawn sat with her husband, Rick. They were a handsome couple with two beautiful children who were currently running around with their friends, safe in the front garden of the café.

“Evening.” She took a seat next to Dawn.

“Hey you.” Dawn smiled at her but Allie noticed that she didn’t look well.

“How’re you feeling?”

“I’ve felt better.”

“Morning sickness?”

Dawn nodded.

“Since I found out, it’s become a hundred times worse. I’m sure it wasn’t this bad with the first two.”

“Perhaps it’s because you’re tired? I mean, you have got two young children to look after already, so you’re probably not getting as much rest this time around.”

Dawn glanced at Rick and he shifted in his chair.

“It’s difficult with Rick working such long hours.” She bit her bottom lip as if preventing herself from saying more.

“She’ll be all right. It’s just early days.” He slid an arm around Dawn’s shoulders. “The sickness usually disappears around fourteen weeks then she’ll return to her usual superwoman self.”

Allie swallowed a response. She wondered if Rick was helping out enough at home, if he did his fair share? If he was working long hours, it meant that Dawn would be spending a lot of time home alone. Allie knew from personal experience that being a mum wasn’t easy, especially when you felt under the weather.

“Excuse me a moment.” Rick got up.

“Look, Dawn, if there’s anything I can do, just let me know. I can have the kids for you so you can get some rest or I’ll come over and cook you all dinner.”

Dawn smiled.

“Thank you, Allie, you’re a star. I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s just a bit of a shock still. And Rick’s right, I do get over the morning sickness after the three-month point, so not long to go!”

“You’re that far along then?”

“About nine weeks.”

“Wow!”

“I know. I missed all the usual signs because I was so busy.” Dawn shook her head. “But what can you do? It’s happened, so now I just have to deal with it.”

“Well you both have to… deal with it. Not just you.”

Allie hoped that Dawn would soon feel more positive about the pregnancy and that it wasn’t just something to deal with, or she’d have a difficult few months ahead.

“You’re right. I think Rick’s just a bit shocked too.”

Allie watched Dawn’s husband as he accepted a bottle of beer from the vicar. Rick had a successful city career in investment banking. Dawn had met him at university in Northampton and when she’d returned to Heatherlea, he’d come along too. Dawn had conceived Laura, who was now eight, at twenty-five and James had followed two years later. Dawn had given up her teaching post when she was pregnant with James because she’d been struggling to juggle everything. She’d insisted she was happy with that. For a while. But now… Allie wondered if that was still the case. And she wondered if Rick was using his job as an excuse not to be around more.

But, she reminded herself, it wasn’t her business. Dawn was her friend and she’d be there for her but she had no right to interfere.

“Isn’t that Chris?” Dawn pointed at the gate to the café garden.

Allie’s stomach flipped. “So it is.”

“Well go on then.” Dawn grinned.

“Go on what?”

“Go say hello. I know you’re desperate to see him.”

“There’s some peppermint cordial inside. I’ll get you a glass. It will help with the nausea.” Allie swallowed her desire to rush over to Chris. She had to stay calm and in control. She’d get Dawn a drink first. Otherwise, she was going to seem far too keen, and she was so glad he’d turned up that she might just wrap herself around him.

And that would be way too embarrassing.

She headed into the café and located the peppermint cordial behind the counter. She poured some into a glass, annoyed that her hand was trembling, then topped it up with bottled water.

The doorway to the café darkened and when she looked up, she almost cheered.

“Allie!” Chris crossed the floor in three long strides.

“Oh hello…” Her heart fluttered.

“It’s so good to see you.” He opened his arms then leaned over the counter and kissed her cheek. His spicy scent washed over her and she wobbled on her feet.

“Good to see you too. I wasn’t sure what time you’d be back.”

“I missed the damned train I’d intended to catch but thankfully made the next one. Then there was a delay.” He shook his head as if shocked at his choice of transport. “But I couldn’t wait to get back.”

“You couldn’t?” She gazed at his face, appreciating the familiar contours, the deep dark brown of his eyes and his kissable lips that were smiling at her right now.

“Of course not. It felt like weeks, not days, that I was away.” He paused as if realising how frank he’d just been. “It looks amazing outside. Did you do all that?”

“I had some help. It’s a community thing, most people who attend bring something to eat or drink, however small.”

“Great band too.”

“Yes, all locally grown.” Allie laughed. “They do some of their own tunes but also some covers.”

Chris raised his eyebrows. “Do they take requests?”

“I believe they do.”

He nodded. “Good to know.” He looked at the glass of green liquid she was holding. “What on earth is that?”

“Peppermint cordial. For nausea.”

He frowned. “Aren’t you feeling well?”

“I’m fine.” Now you’re back. “It’s for my friend Dawn to help with her morning sickness.”

“Better get it out to her then.”

“Yes.”

“I’ll come with you.”

They went outside and Allie took the drink to Dawn, then introduced Chris to Rick. The two men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

“So you’re Chris Monroe, the author?” Rick asked.

“The one and only.” Chris winked at Allie to show he was teasing.

“Wow, great to meet you. I’ve read most of your books.”

“Really?” Chris asked.

“Absolutely brilliant stories. Um… while you’re here, if you ever want some financial advice, about investment and so on, I’d be happy to have a chat. How about I give you my card?”

“Sure.” Chris accepted Rick’s business card.

Dawn rolled her eyes at Allie. “Always on duty.”

“Well I have a growing family to provide for.” Rick gently patted Dawn’s belly.

“Thanks for this.” Dawn raised her glass to Allie. “It’s very refreshing, even if it does look like pond water.”

“There’s plenty left inside if you want more. In fact, you can take the bottle home with you.”

“Thanks, Allie.”

The late afternoon turned into evening and time passed quickly, as food was eaten, song requests were played and the amber-streaked sky turned indigo. Jordan switched the fairy lights on, giving the garden a magical quality. Allie went inside to get her cardigan, and when she came back out, she saw Chris speaking to Jason Robins, the lead guitarist of the band. Jason was nodding, his long blond ponytail hanging over one shoulder and his round glasses – that always made Allie think of John Lennon – perched on his aquiline nose. Allie had known Jason since he was at primary school with Mandy, and although he was a year older than Jordan, the young men were good friends.

Allie stood back and watched the party of people in her café garden with a sense of pride. After she lost Roger, even before she lost him, she’d never have imagined she could organise something like this, let alone do it year after year. Her confidence had been so eroded that she’d barely believed she could iron a shirt to a satisfactory standard. But recent years had gradually strengthened her self-belief. Organising this party gave her a sense of achievement and she found great satisfaction in doing things for others and in bringing people together. With modern life being so busy and such a struggle at times, having a sense of community was important, and for her, The Cosy Cottage Café was the heart of that community. She knew it wouldn’t be the same for everyone, but she hoped that the people of Heatherlea did see the café as somewhere they could go to relax, to seek comfort and enjoy good food, a drink and a warm welcome. Special occasions such as this one offered her the opportunity to cement friendships old and new and to bring new people into Heatherlea.

New-old people, even.

Like Chris.

Who was walking towards her right now, a smile playing on his handsome face as he held out his hands.

“Dance with me?”

“I don’t dance.”

“Nonsense!”

“No, I don’t. I’m not graceful enough and I have no sense of rhythm.” It was true and one of the reasons she had avoided Camilla’s invitation earlier.

“I don’t care. You can step all over my toes if you like.”

“Oh, Chris, I don’t like to be out in front of everyone making a display of myself.”

“But you’re always in front of people. You run a café, remember.”

“That’s different. I’m safe behind the counter then. Or hidden in the kitchen. They’re roles I’m comfortable in. Dancing is different, it’s like… letting go and I’m not very good at that.”

He took her hands and laced his fingers through them. “You’re a funny one, Allie Jones, that’s for sure. Come with me.” He led her around the side of the café and beneath the pergola. Fairy lights sparkled amongst the delicate pink flowers of the honeysuckle and its sweet, heady fragrance permeated the air.

From the front lawn, the opening chords of a familiar song rang out.

“Dance with me here,” Chris whispered as he gently pulled her close.

Allie’s breath caught in her chest as Chris slid his arms around her and rested his hands on her waist. Her hands seemed to have a mind of their own, and they moved up Chris’s arms to rest on his shoulders.

They danced together slowly, and the years fell away.

Allie was eighteen again and Chris was twenty. She gazed into his deep, dark eyes and saw what she had seen all those years ago.

Love.

Her heart pounded and she gasped as his arms tightened around her.

“Allie.”

“Chris.”

“I should have come back before I did.”

“Perhaps it wasn’t the right time.”

“But if I had come sooner, then we could have talked about things. I could have helped you with things after Roger died.”

“It doesn’t matter now.”

“But I wish I had. I just wanted you to know that.”

“I’m glad you’re here now. I had a journey to travel after losing Roger and I don’t regret having to do it alone. I needed some space, to be honest. I’ve learnt a lot about myself and I know I can be strong, that I can do things I never dreamt of doing before.”

“You’re wonderful and you’ve always been wonderful.”

He lifted a hand and stroked her cheek, sending heat coursing throughout her body.

Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

His lips were warm and soft.

His body was hard and strong as it pressed against hers.

Allie wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and pulled him closer.

The world spun around them and she became weightless as a long-buried passion flooded through her limbs, awakening sensations at her core that made her shiver with delight.

When Chris finally pulled away, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes sparkled.

“Welcome back,” Allie said as her heart filled with happiness.

“It’s good to be home.”