Emma was to open up for late-night shopping thereafter. It made sense with so many people milling about, and it would be a great way to earn some extra income – the shop’s finances always staying firmly in her mind. Things had picked up since the opening of the coffee shop, but she had her parents to pay back, as well as keeping up with the rent and other outgoings – Emma knew she was by no means out of the woods yet. She didn’t want to miss the lighting-up ceremony herself, so was organised to run back up the hill and open up five minutes after the lights went on. She had added an extra strand of fairy lights to the counter, and The Chocolate Shop was looking all festive and full again. Then, at a quarter to six she turned the sign to ‘closed’, ran upstairs to pop on a warm jumper and fetch Alfie plus his lead, wrapped herself up in scarf, hat, gloves, coat – she’d learned her lesson at the market! – and walked quickly down the hill to meet up with Bev and Pete.

There was quite a crowd gathered around the fir tree and several people milling about on the little hill that led up towards the pub; there were couples, and families with small children holding tight to their parents’ hands. A sense of eager anticipation filled the air as Emma spotted Danny from the pub wandering through the masses balancing a full tray and handing out plastic glasses of mulled wine. She headed his way, quite fancying a glass of something warm and festive. Alfie’s tail was wagging happily – he loved a crowd and an event, inevitably getting plenty of affectionate strokes – and he raised his brown nose to the air, smelling the delicious scent of mince pies, hoping a crumb or two might come his way. She thanked Danny, asking how he was as she took a glass of wine.

‘I’m great. Seem to be very popular tonight.’ He winked. ‘Think it’s my mulled wine rather than my charm, unfortunately.’ And he moved on through the crowd.

Emma then spotted Holly with Adam. ‘Hey.’

‘Hi, Em. You okay?’

‘Yes, fine, been busy at the shop. Only just got away in time.’

‘Oh, are you doing the late-night opening too?’

‘Sure am.’

‘Well, if you need a hand, I’ll happily call in afterwards.’

‘Thanks, Hols, that would be great.’

‘Busy at the hotel, Adam?’ Emma asked.

‘Yes, we’re getting lots of Christmas party bookings in now. Work dos and the like. All go.’

‘Well, good luck.’

Emma felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Bev.

‘Hey you! Thought you weren’t going to make it for a while there.’

‘Yeah, me too. Had the café full until nearly six. All good, though. More money in the coffers, so I’ll not complain.’

‘Absolutely.’

‘Hi, Pete.’

Bev’s husband joined the group.