An hour and a half later she was throwing open the door of Tea on the Lea to a satisfyingly large crowd—well, at least a dozen people, but the little shop couldn’t fit many more. Christmas carols played merrily, and the space was filled with festive smells, ringing with laughter, filled with friends, acquaintances, and a few smiling strangers besides. More than one person told Olivia they hadn’t even realised Tea on the Lea had been on the high street—but they were sure to stop in now. Words to warm her heart, and hopefully increase her bank balance.

Tina was circulating with platters of cupcakes and mince pies, and Ellie was doling out the mulled wine and apple cider, served in Olivia’s ever-growing collection of mismatched teacups.

After an hour, when many of the cakes had been scoffed and cups of wine or cider drunk, Olivia decided it was time to start the Christmas quiz. Simon still hadn’t made an appearance, and she tried not to let that bother or worry her as she called everyone to attention and began to hand out pencils and sheets of paper for the quiz.

“You can work in teams... Phones away please!” She gave a look of semi-mock severity at Harriet’s husband Richard, who had been thumbing buttons on his phone.

“You can’t get good reception in here, anyway,” he said good-naturedly, and Harriet poked him in the ribs.

“Or anywhere in the village. Let’s do this the old-fashioned way. Set a good example for the kids.” She rolled her eyes at Olivia. “He’s always been competitive.”

“You’re a good match, then,” Olivia teased. The sound of jingle bells as the door opened had her lifting her gaze and then her heart turning over as she saw Simon coming in—unwinding his scarf, smiling sheepishly, looking wonderful.

“You’re just in time for the quiz,” Ava called out with a devilish glint in her eyes. “Why don’t you go on Olivia’s team?”

“I don’t have a team,” Olivia protested. “I know all the answers.”

“Even so,” Ava said, grinning. “It seems fitting.”

“Oh, really.” Olivia turned away to hide her blush. Ava didn’t need to be so obvious, but Simon was laughing and somehow Olivia didn’t mind. In fact, she rather liked it—the good-natured teasing, the feeling that she was part of something.

“Sorry I’m late,” Simon murmured as he joined her at the front. “Stroppy parent.”

“These Cotswold mummies can be quite precious about their children sometimes.”

“Indeed. Have I missed very much?”

“Just a few cups of mulled wine.” Olivia cleared her throat. “All right now! Question number one...”

The quiz went swimmingly, with plenty of good-natured competitiveness and joshing, and a bottle of fairly decent plonk to the winning team. Afterwards Olivia topped up more glasses and served more cakes, before they ended the evening with a collection of carols to sing.

I’m happy, she realised with a jolt as she stood side by side with Simon, singing Ding Dong Merrily on High. Happier than I’ve been in a long while. She didn’t think she’d been unhappy all these years on her own, but she definitely hadn’t felt like this. And yes, she knew that first rush of excited infatuation would pass, but already she hoped it might be replaced by something far deeper and stronger.