I added a flake to her mug and a swirl of squirty cream and sprinkles as well as marshmallows.

‘So,’ I said, sliding the packed mug towards her as she eyed it greedily, ‘how’s it looking out there so far today?’

‘It was a slow start,’ she told me, ‘but it’s picking up, though there aren’t many trees going out now.’

I supposed it was getting a bit late in the month to sell many more.

‘Mind you, the lack of early customers gave Noah the chance to tell us all about his and Michael’s plans for the wedding.’ Maya carried on, pulling out the flake and dipping it in the cream before taking a bite.

‘Oh really?’ I sighed. ‘I’m sorry I missed that.’

‘Don’t worry,’ she said, scooping up another dollop of cream. ‘He’s currently running on repeat, so you won’t miss out. In fact, you’ll most likely get to hear it all twice.’

I had to laugh at that.

‘It’s going to be the wedding to end all weddings, isn’t it?’ I said, imagining the elaborate scene.

‘Definitely,’ she giggled. ‘Beach themed of course.’

‘Don’t tell me,’ I said, feeling disappointed that I wouldn’t get to witness the nuptials first-hand, but excited for the ecstatic couple nonetheless. ‘My guess is the Caribbean or the Maldives.’

‘Wynmouth,’ Maya said, deadpan.

‘You’re kidding?’

‘Nope,’ she grinned. ‘They want to keep it local, although Sophie will be doing the catering which will mean a very Caribbean twist.’

‘Well, I never,’ I said.

‘You look as shocked as we all did.’

‘I am.’

‘Apparently, Noah has ancient grandparents who refuse to fly and, as they’ve always been so supportive, especially when he was a teenager and fell out with his dad, he and Michael want to wed somewhere they’ll be able to get to.’

‘That’s so sweet,’ I choked.

‘Don’t,’ she said, waving her hands in front of her eyes. ‘You’ll set me off again. Oh,’ she added, ‘and I almost forgot, they’ve asked Wren to design and make the rings.’

‘Oh my god,’ I squeaked, feeling more tears gathering.

‘I know, right?’ she sniffed, blinking hard.

I felt thoroughly content once Maya and I had talked, drunk more hot chocolate and made serious inroads into the Christmas tub of Roses which Ned had thought was out of sight because it was on a shelf too high for me to reach. Maya’s height came in handy once we’d decided to liberate it.