The tablecloth was one her mum had given her. They always used to have it on the family table every Christmas when she and James were children. It was so pretty, a cream linen with silver and gold stars hand-stitched on in a delicate glittery thread. Mum had wanted a change one year, back when Emma was a student, and had gone out and got herself a new Cath Kidston holly-patterned one and Emma asked if she could have the old one. She’d used it every year since and it had become a part of her Christmas. Funny how things meant so much, especially at this time of year. Traditions, memories … she and Luke had had their first Christmas dinner together, using this very tablecloth. Her heart clenched a little.
She had sent a card to Luke’s parents and his younger brother Nathan, with a Christmas gift of her handmade chocolates and a bottle of Prosecco. It would be a difficult day for them too because there was always the feeling that someone was missing …
Time to think about today, Em, she reminded herself, as she watched Max trying his best to gather knives and forks together with one hand. It was going to be a slow process setting the table, but she knew he wanted to do something practical to help. Whilst Max toed and froed with the cutlery, she set to the task of peeling her mountain of vegetables.
The turkey was already in the oven, and Adam’s gran had sent over her homemade stuffing and pigs-in-blankets, bless her, as she was no longer able to cook and didn’t want them to go to waste.
Max’s mother had also sent them away with a heap of food last night ‘to keep them going’: a whole cooked gammon joint, cheeses, a box of crackers, chutneys, grapes and mince pies. She had smiled knowingly at Emma, saying she knew how much he ate. So there would be plenty for a late supper – if they could fit anything else in, that was. At least there would be no need to cook tomorrow. Emma set the huge pan of potatoes to parboil and headed to the shop front to see how Max was getting on.
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.
There was a mini-crisis as Lucy got a bit too near to the water’s edge and a big wave came in, filling her wellington boots. There were tears until Chloe whisked her up, pulled off the boots one at a time, and tipped out the cold salty water. ‘All done.’
James caught up with Emma and they walked together slowly. ‘Max seems a nice chap,’ he prompted.
‘Yeah,’ Emma said smiling, not wanting to say too much.
‘Things going okay?’ Her little brother checking she was all right, protective, and at the same time, hoping for good things for her.
‘I think so … it’s early days yet, though.’ She was just finding her relationship feet again, and wasn’t sure she wanted to chat about it quite at this point.
‘Well, I hope he makes you happy, Em. He seems a good sort.’
‘Yeah, I think he is.’
He put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a brotherly hug.
The girls whizzed back, wanting hugs too, and were soon swept up in a line of adult, child, adult, child in a row, with Auntie Em in the middle. They made a swinging action with their arms which the twins delighted in, giggling as they swooped to and fro, shouting ‘More. More!’ until all their arms were aching.
Within a further five minutes, though, grey clouds started gathering above, and a damp, hazy drizzle surrounded them. Oh well, it had been nice to get outside, but it was now past four and would be dark soon, so they were ready to head back for some essential chill-time, Emma especially. A family movie, something Christmassy, would be on the telly – no doubt something they’d watched before, with them all piled on the sofa, or the floor in her lounge. She might even manage a mince pie with a glass of Baileys, or perhaps a good old cup of tea.
This was what Christmas was all about: family, friends, loved ones. Life was special and so precious, and sitting there a little while later, back at her cottage on a cushion on the floor, with her family, Max, and Holly and Adam, she was full of gratitude for what she had, despite the pain of the past.
James and his family left soon after seven, as the girls had nodded off by the end of the film. Lucy had taken a shine to Max and had nestled next to him on the sofa, on his good side, and chattered herself to sleep beside him, questioning him all about the blue bandage thing, and if they had had to cut his arm off, and did it hurt. It had been a long day for them: apparently, the girls had been awake at five, full of excitement and energy, desperate to see if Father Christmas had been. Of course, he had.
Her brother and his family left with hugs and kisses and thank yous and invites for Emma and Max to go and visit them soon. James shook hands with Max firmly and Em noted her brother also giving him an approving pat on his good shoulder.
Holly and Adam left soon afterwards. Gran had been most thankful for the Christmas dinner and the visit from them earlier, and they were pleased to report that she was starting to feel a little better.
So, Max and Emma had a cosy night in. Alfie managed to sneak up on the sofa after polishing off a delicious bowl of turkey and trimmings, and lodged himself between them – well, it was Christmas after all. Emma felt really tired, but in a happy, contented way. In fact, it had been the best Christmas she had had in years.
Bedtime, and after helping Max remove his clothes, they snuggled together under the double duvet in her room. She wasn’t quite so afraid of banging into his injured shoulder now. In fact, it was amazing how you could adapt sexual techniques to compensate for a broken collarbone, and though she was tired, she wasn’t that tired. There was just one point where she wasn’t su
re if the groan above her was of pleasure or pain, so she quickly popped her head up over the duvet to check.
‘Huh, what the hell are you stopping for?’ came a frustrated cry.
‘Okay, okay, just checking I haven’t hurt you.’
‘That was pleasure not pain,’ he grinned, with such a yearning please-don’t-stop-now look in his eyes.
‘Sorry, sorry,’ Emma muttered, and went back to finish what she had started.
After making love, very carefully, she lay beside him, aware of the amazing feelings growing within her that she hadn’t felt in such a long time. She curled up against his good side, relishing the feel of his skin against hers; his warmth, his body so close, and they were soon fast asleep.
50
Boxing Day, and she wasn’t alone this year. Emma woke up with a gorgeous, very much alive – though a little bashed-up – man in her bed. A man who had helped her bring The Chocolate Shop back to life, and was making a damned good effort at fixing her shattered heart.
‘Morning, beautiful.’ He looked across at her from the other pillow.
‘Morning, bashed-up gorgeous.’
And despite his battered ribs and shoulder, she managed to snuggle a little closer to him.
Christmas Day had been just wonderful in a busy, beautiful way with her family and friends, and her parents were due later on, but for now today was their day. There was no need to rush, or to be anywhere in particular, and Emma was intent on savouring their time together.
Late morning, they drove down to the beach to get some fresh air and give Alfie a bit of exercise. Emma pulled up in the car park in the dunes, and slowly, due to Max’s injuries, they walked down the track to the sands. He was struggling a bit, so said he’d sit on a rock for a while and watch as Emma took Alfie for a short stroll to the shoreline, where the waves frothed in. The sound of the sea, its rush and pull, was relaxing, rhythmic. Alfie was having a ball with a stick she was throwing into the waves for him, which he fetched back to her countless times, full of bouncy spaniel energy.
Emma looked out across the sea and thought of Luke, and how arbitrary life could be, how harsh; and yet it could also be beautiful. She turned to see Max, who waved at her from his rock seat. This patient, kind, sexy man who she had a feeling might be about to play a part in her future.
She headed back towards him, Alfie at her heels.
‘Okay?’
‘Absolutely,’ he answered. ‘Just been enjoying the view.’ He smiled. ‘Fancy seeing you here again,’ he quipped. ‘Haven’t I met you here before?’
‘Possibly.’ She grinned. And that fateful day with the scarf, exactly one year ago, came to mind for them both.
Thank heavens it had been a wild, windy day this time last year, or they might never have stopped to say hello. Who knew where life would take you next?
Max stood up with a wince. ‘Ribs.’ He gestured.
They walked back to the car steadily, hand in hand, then stood at the top of the rise, more or less in the exact same place where they had kissed last Boxing Day. Emma leaned across, being extra careful not to bang into his damaged shoulder, and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. He pulled her closer with his good arm, and the kiss grew deeper, full of tenderness, passion, yearning and hope.
When they finally pulled away, Emma smiled.
There might just be some room in her tattered heart after all.
Acknowledgements
In the making of this book I had to research and of course taste a lot of chocolate! Thanks to the wonderful Louise Frederique, chocolatière-pâtissière at her fabulous chocolate shop and café, Cabosse, in Warkworth. Also to the lovely June Carruthers who not only welcomed me into her home, but also showed me how to make truffles and chocolates by hand, as well as craft the most amazing things – the filled chocolate hat-box idea is all hers.
Bev Stephenson, thanks for a great phone chat talking out the highs and lows of chocolate-making and answering my many questions.
Thanks as always to my family: Richard, Amie and Harry as well as their partners, Toby and Rowan. This book was written amidst wedding plans, hen dos and all sorts, so between all the festivities I had to hibernate at times. Much love and happiness to the newlyweds!
Mum and Dad for all their support over the years, a big thank you, and also to the wider family. My sister Debbie, very best of luck, you are so near to achieving your dream – keep going. Cheers to all my friends – the fun, laughter and Prosecco moments have fuelled me along.
Ongoing thanks also to my friends at the Romantic Novelists’ Association for their support and advice over the years.
To my wonderful home county of Northumberland for inspiring me yet again. Warkton-by-the-Sea is a mix of Warkworth village and Craster with a few tweaks of my own thrown in to make the perfect setting for this book, capturing the beauty of the Northumberland coast.
Thanks to my wonderful editor Charlotte Brabbin for her help in shaping this book to something more special and to all the team at HarperImpulse and HarperCollins. My lovely agent Hannah Ferguson and to all at Hardman & Swainson, thank you.
Last, but never least, my readers and the book blogging community, huge thanks for reading my books, posting reviews and for taking the time to contact me with your lovely comments. I would never have enjoyed the success I have without your support. It took me over ten years to first get published, and I am still pinching myself whenever I see my books online or in a shop.
Well then, I hope you have been curled up with something chocolatey whilst reading this book. And if you are yet to dive in, relax and enjoy – happy reading!
All best wishes,
Caroline x
The chocolate magic doesn’t end here!
Turn the page to discover Emma’s favourite festive recipes
Festive Chocolate-Orange Truffles
(Makes approx. 36)
Ingredients:
250g of good quality (at least 70%) dark chocolate
125ml fresh orange juice (or home squeezed even better)
150g caster sugar
Zest of 1 orange
150g dark chocolate to decorate
Method:
1. Finely chop the dark chocolate and place in a bowl.
2. In a saucepan, bring the orange juice, sugar and zest to a simmer, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour onto the chocolate and stir until melted.
4. Chill until firm in a fridge (around 4 hours).
5. Scoop out a teaspoon of mixture and roll into a ball between the palms of your hands, place on a tray lined with greaseproof paper; repeat.
6. Melt the decorating chocolate gently in a bowl over hot water. Using a fork or cocktail sticks, dip the truffle balls into the melted chocolate to coat. It needs to be smooth but not too runny to coat the truffle centres properly; just allow to cool a little more if it seems to slide off.
7. Transfer to greaseproof paper to set.
Emma’s Boozy Truffles
(Makes approx. 36)
Ingredients:
125ml double cream
250g of good quality (at least 70%) dark chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons whisky, Irish Cream, brandy or rum
To decorate, 150g dark, milk or white chocolate
Method:
1. Bring the cream just to the boil in a small pan. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate until melted and the mix is thick and smooth.
2. Stir in your chosen liqueur. Pour into a bowl and chill until firm (in a fridge for around 4 hours).
3. Scoop out a teaspoon of mixture and roll into a ball between your palms, and place on to a tray lined with greaseproof paper; repeat.
4. Melt the decorating chocolate gently in a bowl over hot water. (White chocolate goes well with the Baileys Irish Cream, dark with whisky, but choose your own preferences.) Using a fork or cocktail sticks, dip the truffle balls into the melted chocolate to coat. If it slides off the truffle centre just allow to cool and th
icken a little more first.
5. Transfer to greaseproof paper to set.
As these boozy truffles are made with cream, store in a fridge and eat within one week.
I hope you enjoy these truffles! Ideal to share with friends and family, or as gifts.
Merry Christmas!
If you loved this from Caroline Roberts, don’t miss the first ‘cosy’ baking adventure!
‘Cakes, castles and oodles of charm: this book is huge fun and pure escapism’ Cathy Bramley
Can Ellie bake her way to a happy ever after? A deliciously heartwarming novel for fans of Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson.
When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna’s brilliant baking legacy.
When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie’s showstopping bakes look set to go down in castle history!
Now all that’s missing in Ellie’s life is a slice of romance – can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie’s dream?
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Ellie’s baking adventures continue in this second, deliciously festive Cosy Teashop novel. Don’t miss this Christmas showstopper!
‘Cakes, castles and oodles of charm: this book is huge fun and pure escapism’ Cathy Bramley
From sleigh bells to wedding bells …
The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop Page 30