‘Great effort with the lights today,’ Emma said.

‘Well, I hope so. Time will tell.’ He looked slightly anxious.

The mayor stood up on a small wooden podium, dressed in his velvet-robe finery and heavy gold chains.

‘Welcome, everyone, welcome!’ The crowd hushed. ‘Yes, welcome to the Warkton-by-the-Sea Christmas lights. I am honoured to be the one in charge of the magic button.’

The children in the crowd looked at him in awe.

‘Thanks to the WI ladies and The Fisherman's Arms for their excellent hospitality, which I’m sure you’ve all enjoyed.’ The crowd showed their appreciation with a round of applause. ‘And we are fundraising this evening for …’ He paused, looking a little confused. ‘What is it?’ he whispered to the lady next to him.

Someone shouted out, ‘It’s for the Hospice.’

‘Oh yes, the North Northumberland Hospice, a fabulous charity. So, if you feel you’d like to contribute there are donation jars about, and there’s a raffle being drawn in the pub hereafter, for the same worthy cause. Well then, I think it must be nearly time for the official count down. So, here we go. Five. Four. Three. Two. One!’ He went to press the button and there was a second’s delay when the crowd held their collective breath, and then ping. The most glorious glow of white lights appeared, strung around the harbour walls, and all the way up the street above them. Two of the boats in the harbour had also rigged up lights and lit them at the same time. The Christmas tree was now lit with a variety of coloured globes and a twinkly white star at the top and the whole effect was stunning. The crowd clapped and cheered, and Alfie gave a woof.

It was really lovely. Emma looked around her, from the twinkly festive lights back to the people she was with: Adam, Holly, Bev, Pete, happily chatting as couples. And. for a second, she wondered what it might have been like to have had Max here with her. To have someone to share things with, someone to go back home with. But the moment passed. No point even thinking about that now. She needed to get back up the hill and get The Chocolate Shop open again sharpish, or she’d be missing custom.

‘Aw, that was lovely. But I’ve got to go. They’ll be going on home, else, and not calling in to pick up their festive chocolate goodies on their way back up the hill.’

‘We’ll be up in a mo,’ Bev said.

‘And I’ll come and give you a hand,’ confirmed Holly.

‘Thanks, folks. See you soon. Come on, Alfie.’

And with that, Emma set off up the road that was now all twinkly and pretty with white lights.