The room hushed and all eyes fell on Emma. She tried to smile, and took a deep breath. Damn, she wished she’d made a few notes now. She hoped her mind wouldn’t go blank on her.

‘Hello …’ The last few strands of conversations halted. ‘Thank you all so much for coming. I really appreciate it …’ How to put into words how she felt about this lovely community? ‘Well, I hope you like the new Chocolate Shop Café, and I hope you’ll become regular visitors and spread the word. But, more than that,’ she felt a lump forming in her throat, ‘I … I just want to thank each and every one of you for all your help, not just with this venture but in welcoming me here to Warkton-by-the-Sea several years ago, when life was quite difficult for me, and for making me feel at home. So many special people have helped me on my journey – Mum, Dad, James and Chloe and the girls, Bev, Pete, Danny, Holly … Sorry, I can’t name you all … and more recent friends,’ she looked around and her eyes settled on Max, ‘who have helped so much. A great big thank you!’

She raised her glass, because she knew her voice might not hold out much longer as the tears that had misted her eyes were threatening to jam up her throat. ‘Cheers.’

‘Cheers!’

‘To Emma!’ Bev shouted out.

‘To The Chocolate Shop Café,’ Adam rallied.

‘To friends and family,’ Emma managed, and proceeded to clink her glass with so many people’s she was afraid it might break. One little tear escaped her eye and possibly plinked down in to her Prosecco, a happy, thankful tear – she didn’t think anyone had spotted it.

Chocolates were passed around – Max and Holly were proving handy – and the platters refilled. Emma stood in the middle of the action, holding a bottle ready to top up glasses, but stopped for a second and just watched – people were chatting in clusters or sat at the new table areas, sipping their drinks in the glow of the fairy lights, with a backdrop of chocolates and Christmas decorations, and Ron’s boat-shelf taking pride of place (it had been getting lots of positive comments), the sounds of laughter and conversation. She felt a glow of pride.

Max caught her eye in that moment and gave her the most gorgeous smile. He’d been chatting with her brother James and they looked like they were getting on fine. She smiled back at him, took a slow breath, then began circulating again.