Callie quickly explained to Ella that Stuart and Alana were Rory’s parents and Stuart and Rory were partners in the local veterinary practice. ‘Alana has dementia, and Stuart is retiring so the surgery is closing shortly.’

‘And hopefully when Allie returns from Glasgow they can start planning the wedding,’ continued Meredith with hope in her voice. ‘I love a good wedding.’

‘Exciting!’ remarked Callie, taking the wine glass from the bar. ‘We’ve made a reservation as well. Ella has come to sample your famous roast dinner.’

‘And we hope you won’t be disappointed.’ Meredith smiled up at Ella before checking the list of bookings in the diary at the side of the till. ‘Fraser has put you on the table next to Julia, number twelve. Feel free to push the tables together.’

‘What lovely people,’ exclaimed Ella, following Callie over to the table where Julia and Eleni were deep in conversation and scribbling on a pad in front of them.

‘Good evening,’ chirped Callie, pulling out a chair and sitting at the table next to them.

Julia looked up with a big beam on her face, before standing and enveloping Ella in a huge hug. ‘It’s been too long, welcome to Heartcross!’

Callie quickly rescued the glass of wine which was spilling over from Ella’s hand and placed it safely on the table.

Julia stood and held Ella’s hands. ‘You look fabulous, how are you settling in?’

‘I’m feeling very settled already, like I belong,’ admitted Ella.

‘Let me introduce you to Eleni,’ Julia gestured towards Eleni who was looking up smiling. ‘Eleni, my right-hand woman, works at the B&B, and we are just racking our brains.’

‘About what?’ quizzed Callie, looking at them with intrigue.

‘Trying to help Flynn. You’ve had a meeting this afternoon, haven’t you?’ But before she could say any more Ella hit Callie’s arm. ‘OMG that looks like that chef off the TV.’ Ella’s jaw had hit the floor as she stared towards Andrew Glossop who was enjoying a pint on the other side of the bar.

Julia laughed and started to explain, ‘That’s Andrew, he’s the chef up at Starcross Manor and has been a rival of Gianni up at The Lakehouse for many years. Secretly I think they are very fond of each other. They’ve been in many competitions against each other. Andrew took part in the cooking show—’

‘The Road Trip Around Italy,’ interrupted Ella, still staring at him. ‘I L-O-V-E-D that programme,’ she trilled, stringing out the word. ‘He is my absolute favourite. Is everyone famous in Heartcross?’

‘Well, don’t be saying that to Gianni if you’re working at The Lakehouse,’ chipped in Callie, ‘as he is your boss.’ She grinned. ‘And you need that job!’

‘I won’t be saying a word!’