Holly got the box out ready, four of each flavour as per usual. Wrapped them up, did the purple gift bow, and then weighed and priced them, which came to the normal five pounds twenty.

‘Um …’ He sounded a little uncomfortable. ‘I’d like something else. Another gift box, one like that, but a bit bigger this time.’

Emma could imagine Holly’s shoulders sinking at that point, though she’d be trying her best to disguise it.

‘And what would you like in this one, some truffles and ganaches from the counter, maybe?’

‘Yes, a selection, please. I’m not sure which – what kind of things would you recommend?’

‘Well, I love these Baileys truffles, so definitely a couple of those, and Emma has just been making a new passion fruit filling, so you could try that. The raspberry and white choc is very good too, as is the hazelnut praline.’

‘Any more favourites?’ he prompted.

‘Yes, there’s the salted caramel, better not miss that. They really are delicious.’

‘Two of them as well, in that case.’

She had filled all twelve cases now. ‘Done?’

‘Yes, that’s fine. Thank you.’

‘What kind of gift-wrapping?’ Holly asked, still managing to sound cheerful.

‘I’ll let you decide.’

So she went for a bright pink bow and ribbon, which she tied beautifully.

Emma was now spying subtly from the inner doorway. Bless her, Holly was being so helpful, even though she was probably feeling gutted inside. The tension in her assistant’s fingers was apparent, however, as she struggled to tie the bow.

‘Right, so together that’ll be twelve pounds fifty, please.’

She popped the two boxes in one of their crisp white paper bags.

The young man paid, then gave Holly a smile, which she returned wistfully.

‘Bye, then,’ she said.

‘Thanks. Bye.’ He turned at the last, with a nod.

After the door to the shop closed, Em heard Holly let out a long, low sigh. As she peered further around the door frame, she saw the young girl’s head drop and her hand lift to sweep away a stray tear. ‘Life is sooo not fair.’

She just had to go and give her assistant a hug.

13

The big day had arrived, Valentine’s Day, and Emma was awake before her six o’clock alarm.

Luke would have brought her flowers, no doubt have planned to take her out for supper. They’d only had five Valentine’s Days when they were meant to have a whole lifetime of them. It was two months before it happened that they had got engaged. They had been so full of hope. It was their future together that had been taken away: Christmases, wedding anniversaries, a wedding day, their children … grandchildren.