‘And don’t forget we’re going to see the Winter Wonderland,’ Beamish reminded me. ‘I’ve got a match tomorrow afternoon, but after that I’m at your disposal.’

‘Lucky Hattie,’ said Rose, waggling her eyebrows.

‘And there’ll be another advent candle lit on Sunday,’ said Dolly, ignoring Rose. ‘And the carol concert Monday evening.’

‘Well, there you are then!’ I laughed. ‘You lot are positively smothering me in all this festive cheer, so it’s little wonder I’m finding my Christmas spirit, is it?’

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

I slept from the moment my head made contact with the pillow that night until Dolly came in with a cup of tea the next morning.

‘Morning, Dolly,’ I yawned, snuggling down even deeper into the warm, soft bed. ‘What time is it? Have I overslept?’

‘Not really,’ she told me, kindly keeping her voice low so as not to pull me too far out of my delicious slumber. ‘But I’ll be leaving in a minute and I didn’t want you to wake to an empty house.’

‘Of course,’ I said, ‘it’s the auction and bake sale today, isn’t it?’

‘Yes,’ she confirmed, ‘and I’m getting a lift into town to help get things set up.’

‘You aren’t going to be on your feet baking all day, are you?’ I asked, finally opening my eyes properly.

As well as selling cakes, I knew that the town hall would be opened up to anyone who wanted to try their hand at a bit of festive baking and Christmas cookie decorating. I was surprised Dolly hadn’t added it to the list as an event for me to take part in.

‘No,’ she said. ‘Jemma from the Cherry Tree and her team are in charge of baking. I’m serving teas.’

Not baking then, but on her feet all day nonetheless.

‘I bet it’s going to be busy, isn’t it?’

‘Oh yes,’ she nodded. ‘It’s hugely popular. Practically the whole town turns out today.’

‘Please don’t overdo it, Dolly,’ I pleaded. ‘Yesterday was hard work and you really should be putting your feet up today.’

She laughed and headed back towards the stairs.

‘There’ll be plenty of time for me to do that in a few days,’ she reminded me. ‘I’ll see you later, won’t I?’

‘Of course,’ I said, sitting up and turning on the bedside light. ‘I’m very much looking forward to it. I wouldn’t dream of missing out on all the fun. I’ll even help serve teas with you if you like.’

‘That would be very much appreciated,’ she smiled, ‘and if there’s a space, you might even try your hand at transforming a cookie or two.’

The list wasn’t completely forgotten then.

‘And watch out for Beamish,’ she added, ‘he’s on mistletoe duty this morning before his match. Apparently, it’s been a bumper year!’