For dessert, Emma had already made a large chocolate-orange Christmas pudding instead of the traditional fruit version, knowing that James’s girls would prefer this – who wouldn’t, it was made of chocolate! It was created with rich, dark Belgian chocolate sponge and then had a molten-middle, choc-orange centre. It had been going down a treat with the customers as a festive special in the café these past two weeks, served with a blob of thick cream. She had made an extra one yesterday, to keep back especially.

James and Chloe were bringing a smoked salmon starter with them, and some wine and champagne, so it really was an all-hands-on-deck festive event.

Max had a bottle of champagne chilled and ready to open as the first guests arrived.

Holly and Adam were first, followed soon after by James and the family. The Chocolate Shop looked extra magical with the table all set up for Christmas dinner. There were Christmas crackers and star-decorated napkins set out now too, and the chocolate favours that Emma had specially chosen for all her guests, two each, wrapped in holly-patterned cellophane bags with a twist of gold ribbon. The girls had a chocolate reindeer and a snowman, James two whisky truffles, Chloe a Baileys white-choc truffle and a champagne in milk, Holly a salted caramel and raspberry cream, Adam a mini rum-and-raisin choc bar and Max a whisky and brandy.

Max struggled a little, but managed determinedly to uncork the champagne and they all had a glass, with the girls having a flute of lemonade, and they all toasted ‘Merry Christmas!’. Gifts were exchanged, with thanks and hugs, and excited chatter. Alfie had been allowed to join them as a one-off down in the chocolate shop, and was sporting a smart red-tartan patterned dog neckerchief and having great fun attacking a rather noisy turkey-shaped squeaky toy that the twins had wrapped up for him. It was keeping him happy anyhow.

The day was just brilliant – busy, noisy, with gifts and love and laughter.

Adam and Holly had headed off with hugs and kisses and big thanks to deliver Adam’s gran’s dinner, saying they’d call back later. Emma’s family decided to go for a stroll down on the beach to blow away the cobwebs and try to make a dent in the turkey dinner, so they took Alfie and went out. Max was happy to stay behind. Emma thought he was probably still in some pain, and that he didn’t want to hold them up on their beach walk.

Down on the sands, the girls ran about with Alfie, their giggles filling the air, the gulls swooping and the sea rolling in, in a vibrant froth of winter waves. Chloe and James walked along holding hands, evidently happy in their world, and that was lovely to see.