So much to do, so little time. After dashing about before opening, and making several calls, she was as prepared as she could be for tonight and it was all systems go again because Friday was usually a busier day anyhow.

Some ramblers came in and asked if she did takeaway coffees. For now, she couldn’t help, but she assured them that as from next week she would have a supply of cardboard cups for takeouts – another way of making money, hopefully. She could put a little ‘Takeouts available’ sign in the window.

Adam appeared at lunchtime, grinning cheerily as he came through the door. ‘Hey, Emma. It looks great in here.’

‘Cheers, Adam. Your gran did a brilliant job on the seat pads for me.’

‘I’ve just popped along from work.’

‘Everything fine for the hotel? Have you got enough of our mini chocolate boxes for the turndowns?’

‘Yes, that’s all fine. They’re still really popular … It’s just … I noticed your new window display and it looks really good, but I know Gran’s got something that might just make it even better.’

‘Interesting. Tell me more.’

‘Well, my grandad liked making things – he was really clever like that – and one year he made me a toy sleigh, out of wood. It was really cool. I loved it. Gran kept it at home, so it came out as a special treat every year. Well, the thing is, she still has it. And last night, I spotted your Christmas window display and seeing that wooden train brought it to mind, so I mentioned it to her and she’d like to let you have it for the shop, if you’re interested.’

‘Well, it sounds lovely.’

‘It’s got that old-fashioned look.’

‘Santa on his sleigh … hmm. Does it have room for chocolates in the back?’

‘Absolutely. We could even suspend it with some thin wires and have it mid-flight over the forest you’ve made,’ Adam suggested.

‘Well, it sounds absolutely perfect. If you’re sure your gran doesn’t mind.’

‘No, she said she’d like to see it used again.’

‘Aw, well thank her so much. Actually, take a couple of packs of the coffee and orange creams she loves with you as a thank you. And bring her along this evening too.’

‘I’ll take the chocolates to her, that’ll make her day. And I’ll mention the launch, but she’s not always keen on coming out in the dark evenings.’

‘Well, if she does fancy it … Will you be coming with Holly? How are things going with you two?’

‘Yeah, great, thanks, we get on really well. She’s getting really excited about Christmas already and I have no idea what to get her. I’m not very good at that kind of thing.’

‘Come and see me nearer the time. I’m sure we can come up with some ideas together.’