He gulped his grief down then pulled the image of Tilly into his mind. Focusing on her and the joy she brought always helped him to stay positive. Only today, Tilly had surprised him by inviting Fran to see her play. He hadn’t expected to see Fran in Hairway to Heaven, and was very pleased that he had. He found himself thinking about her a lot. When Tilly had told her about the play, he’d initially felt a bit concerned that Fran wouldn’t be at all interested, but she’d seemed delighted. It would be nice to have someone else there to see Tilly perform, although Audrey, Scarlett and Harper had asked him to try to get extra tickets, so if that worked out, then Tilly would have quite a crowd there to cheer her on.
His chest expanded and he recognised the emotion burgeoning inside him: gratitude. He was grateful for the people in his life, for his family, but also, especially, for Fran. When she was around, the world seemed more colourful, more hopeful. When he thought about her, saw her and spent time with her, he felt… better about everything. As if there was hope for something else in his life.
But what that something else could be was yet to be determined.
Chapter 13
Ethan parked his car outside the shop at Greenacres then got out and looked around. The vineyard certainly was impressive. Audrey had asked him to go and collect the wine order for the dinner at the tea shop on Christmas Day. She’d emailed her order over to Greenacres so that Holly could get it ready and Ethan was glad because although he liked wine, he didn’t know a great deal about it and would have struggled to pick out a large order for other people to drink.
He walked across to the shop and pushed the door open. Inside, it was warm and smelt of spice and paper. The reasons for both became clear when he spotted Holly at the counter wrapping something, then noted the oil burner on a shelf behind the counter. She must be burning a festive oil to create an appropriate mood in the shop. There was a holly wreath pinned to the counter and mistletoe and festive greenery draped on some of the shelves.
Holly looked up and waved at him, gestured at the customer standing in front of the counter then held up a hand to indicate that she’d be five minutes, so he nodded. He was glad to have the chance to have a look around and to try to familiarise himself with some of the wines before collecting the order.
The shelves were well stocked with bottles of wine but there were also shelves of pottery goblets and bowls, candle holders and small festive figures like snowmen and Santas. He wondered if they were all Fran’s work and suddenly he was hit by a flashback of that kiss over the pottery wheel. What an embrace that had been! Ethan hadn’t been with many women in his life and Melanie had been his only major relationship, but even so, kissing Fran had been a completely different experience. She had reached something inside him that had made desire rise like flames. He could only imagine what it might have actually felt like to make love to her, because if a kiss could be so powerful, then surely even more physical contact would be incredible?
He turned and wandered over to the other side of the shop and gazed at the paintings on the wall. Some had ‘SOLD’ stickers on but three were still for sale. They had Fran’s signature at the bottom and it made his heart ache. She had created these wonderful works of art, perfectly capturing the village of Penhallow Sands through different seasons. The wintery one caught his eye, with the red light of the setting sun out over the water and the drifts of snow over the houses and pavements of the pretty village like it had just been sprinkled with icing sugar. He could make out the fronts of a few of the shops and see the steps he had descended to get to the sand. The sea was a dark expanse, appearing cold and fathomless, and he shivered as he imagined how it would feel to dip so much as a toe into its depths in the winter months.
Next to the Penhallow Sands paintings were some of Greenacres. Two were of the house and winery together, and one was of the house but from a different angle. It was set back in what appeared to be a lower field of the vineyard so the perspective looked up at the house and winery, capturing the vines rich and heavy with fruit and the vibrant green of the surrounding land. The piece was exquisite and if hadn’t had a ‘SOLD’ sticker on it, Ethan would have bought it immediately. Fran had such an eye for detail and she was able to transfer that to a canvas as if she’d taken a photograph and printed it. In the same way that she brought vibrancy to a room or location, her art did the same. His admiration for her just kept growing and again, something inside him wavered, as if he was experiencing an internal debate over whether or not his heart was ready to give love another chance.
He shook his head. It couldn’t happen. Just because Fran was attractive, sweet, funny and talented didn’t mean that Ethan was about to throw himself at her feet. He could not allow himself to make Tilly vulnerable and it surely wouldn’t be fair on pregnant Fran either when her emotions were probably already up in the air – she had enough on her plate as it was without a new relationship and the changes it could bring.
‘Hello, Ethan.’ Holly waved at him as the customer left the shop. ‘Have you come to collect the wine for Rosewood?’
‘I have, although Audrey showed me the email she sent you and I’m not sure I’ll get it all in my car.’ He laughed.
‘It is a really decent order.’ Holly smiled. ‘Rich has packed it ready so I’ll help you carry it.’
‘I can do that if you just show me where it is once I’ve paid.’ Ethan got the credit card Audrey had given him from his pocket and handed it to Holly.
‘There’s a discount on this because Audrey and Gary are regular customers and because it’s a bulk buy,’ Holly said as she rang the sale through the till. ‘I saw you admiring Fran’s work.’
‘Yes, she’s very talented.’ He nodded. ‘It’s a shame that the one of the vineyard isn’t for sale or I’d have bought it.’
‘The perspective of that one is from down by the old oak tree in one of our fields. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?’
‘Stunning.’
‘I’m sure that Fran would consider painting another for you if you wanted to commission one. She’ll probably be able to do it in the new year.’ Holly smiled at him, her blonde bob framing her pretty face, her green eyes kind and friendly.
‘I wouldn’t want to give her extra work to do… what with her expecting and all.’ Ethan frowned. He hated the thought of Fran being overworked.
‘Oh… she’ll be fine.’ Holly waved a hand.
‘Not if she overdoes it.’ Ethan shook his head. ‘She needs to take care of herself.’
Holly dropped her gaze to the counter and colour crept into her cheeks. She tucked her hands into her jean pockets and shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
‘She is okay, isn’t she?’ he asked, concern filling him. ‘As her best friend, you’d know, wouldn’t you?’
‘Yes, she’s okay.’ Holly nodded. ‘She’s not unwell if that’s what you mean.’
‘Well, I hope that her partner is looking after her properly.’
‘Her partner?’ Holly frowned. ‘Oh, Fran doesn’t have a partner!’ Holly’s eyes widened in horror. ‘What I mean is that… uh…’
‘You mean to tell me that some idiot got her pregnant and now he’s not even on the scene?’ Outrage filled Ethan and his whole body tensed. ‘What kind of man does that?’
‘No, it’s not like that.’ Holly shook her head. ‘Not at all. See… Fran’s very independent and she… uh… she…’
‘It’s okay.’ Ethan sighed, trying to unclench his jaw. ‘It’s not really any of my business. I just… I don’t like to think of someone as sweet and kind as Fran struggling with a baby alone. It’s not easy, you know.’
‘Yes, I do know.’ Holly nodded.
‘You do?’
‘I wasn’t here when I found out I was expecting Luke. Rich and I had broken up and I left Penhallow Sands. It was a difficult time and doing it alone was scary.’
‘That must have been very hard for you.’
‘It was very lonely. But… I came home for my grandfat
her’s funeral, thinking I’d leave again afterwards, only it never happened. It was so wonderful having my family around me again and then Rich and I were able to talk and find a way through our problems and now we’re closer than ever.’
‘That’s a happy ending. Good for you and for your baby.’
‘Yes.’
‘I found the same moving here. After being a single father for so long it’s incredible to have Audrey, Gary and the girls around us, and I know that Tilly loves it too. There’s security in having people who love you nearby and it’s something I’ll never take for granted, as I know what it’s like to be alone.’
‘I’m sorry that you were alone.’
‘It’s certainly not your fault.’
‘No.’ She smiled. ‘But all’s well that ends well, right?’
‘I certainly hope so.’
‘Would you like a hand then?’
‘No, honestly, you just show me where the wine is and I’ll take it out to the car. You have another customer anyway.’ Ethan gestured at the elderly man gazing through the shop window.
‘So I do.’ Holly opened a door to her right and propped it open. ‘Your boxes are just in there.’
‘Great, thanks.’
‘Ethan…’
‘Yes?’
‘Fran was meant to have spoken to you about… some things. She does need to talk to you and she will do, but knowing Fran, it will be in her own time. I won’t say any more because I don’t feel it’s my place to interfere, but please, when she’s ready to talk… listen and try not to judge.’
‘Uh… okay. Of course. I’ll try.’ He nodded, really confused about what Holly meant and quite worried, but wanting to be agreeable and approachable. This was Fran’s best friend and she would know what was going on with Fran and her situation.
Ethan picked up the first of four boxes and carried it out to the car. It was heavy but the bottles inside were tightly packed, so he wouldn’t need to worry about them clinking together as he drove home.
But when he’d loaded up all of the boxes, started the engine and left Greenacres behind, it wasn’t wine that was worrying him, it was the thought that Fran didn’t have a partner to lean on; her family were away in Italy and within months she was going to have a baby to care for while juggling her work and her animals. Even if he couldn’t be there for her in some of the ways he would like, he could be there for her as a friend.
* * *
‘You told him what?’ Fran stared at Holly, her heart racing. ‘But I was deliberately vague about whether or not I had a partner because of the whole fake pregnancy issue.’
Holly sighed and sank onto a kitchen chair. She grabbed the open packet of biscuits on the table and stuffed one into her mouth. ‘It slipped out. Perhaps it’s baby brain or something?’ Holly shrugged. ‘Anyway, at least now he knows you’re single.’
‘And what difference is that going to make to anything?’
‘Well… you might be in with a chance.’
‘A chance of what, Holly?’
‘Of love.’
Fran shook her head and reached for the biscuits. ‘The poor man thinks I’m pregnant and now, thanks to you, he thinks the father didn’t consider me worth sticking around for. He also has a child of his own and she is his priority. At the very most all I’m going to get is sympathy, but he also now thinks I want to talk to him about something, although it sounds like you left that quite mysterious too with your comments about in her own time.’
‘Fran… trust me on this. I know you’re Miss Independent and Miss Strong, and that you’ve had a few dalliances with the opposite sex – more than I have certainly – but I also know that you’ve never been in love before.’
‘What do you mean “before”? That suggests that I might be in love now.’
‘Ethan really likes you and I know that you like him. The concern in his voice when he spoke about you earlier was evident and I actually believe it’s more than just concern. You should have a frank conversation with him and be completely honest with him.’
Fran took a sip of her tea then shook her head again. ‘Stop meddling, Holly, and focus on your wedding planning. That’s why I’m here this evening: to help with that, not to be persuaded into hoping for something with Ethan or to be convinced that I might be in love with him. Some of us are just not meant to settle down. I have my own home, my dogs, cats, bearded dragons and my freedom. Why would I want any other complications? Why would I want to do anything to jeopardise my peace of mind and to… to risk being hurt or rejected? You and Rich are happy but I’ve seen what love does to other people and it’s not always pretty. So thank you very much, but I’ll stay single. And that’s all I have to say on the matter.’
‘You might not be rejected.’
‘Holly, I already have been and it wasn’t pretty. When we kissed over the pottery wheel… it was him who pulled away, not me—’
‘Oh, Fran, I’m so sorry.’
‘Don’t be because even if he had wanted me, it wouldn’t make any difference. His little girl needs him and the security of having him all to herself. It’s just the way it is.’
‘But Fran, it doesn’t have to be like that. You could bring so much to her life and to his and—’
Fran shook her head. ‘Please don’t, Hols. Leave it there, now. Please.’
She met Holly’s gaze and her friend nodded reluctantly. Holly just wanted her to be happy and Fran knew how that felt, but sometimes she also had to let things go.
Holly munched her way through another biscuit and nodded, so Fran finished her tea then reached for the notepad that was on the table.
‘Right then…’ Fran tapped the pen on the paper. ‘The next item on the agenda is… the wedding cake, seeing as how Lucinda has hurt her wrist by slipping on some ice and can’t make it as promised.’
‘I was thinking… before you just told me what you did… that perhaps you could speak to Ethan about that for me. He might be able to whip something up.’ Holly shrugged nonchalantly, her eyes wide with innocence, but Fran scowled at her.
‘I know what you’re playing at, Holly Dryden, and it’s not going to work. I thought you understood me just now when I explained things.’
‘Fran… I have no idea what you mean. This is purely about my wedding cake.’ Holly poked out her tongue and Fran started to laugh.
‘You are incorrigible! Do you know that?’
‘Who? Me?’
Fran shook her head. ‘Okay I’ll ask him tomorrow.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Thank me if he says yes.’
* * *
The next morning, Fran drove up to Rosewood as she had promised Holly she would. Throughout the drive there, she debated turning around and heading for Newquay to see if she could find an understanding baker who would put together a wedding cake at very short notice, but then she’d remind herself that she was only going to ask Ethan and that the worst he could say would be no.
Outside the tea shop, she gazed at the Christmas tree. The lights weren’t on because it was only ten o’clock, but the wonderful variety of colourful decorations sparkled as they caught the light and the star at the top of the tree was like a symbol of hope shining down on the yard. She wondered which decorations Tilly had chosen and if Ethan had done so too when the adults’ turn came. It was a lovely tradition and one that could be very special for families and it was something to look forward to every year.
She took a deep breath. She could do this for Holly. Of course she could!
Inside the tea shop, it was warm and cosy. A few tables were occupied with people enjoying brunch or an early break, and the familiar aromas of baking and coffee filled the air. Christmas songs drifted from the speakers in the corners of the tea room and Fran felt the frisson of excitement that always came with the festive season. It was a throwback to when she was a child, but it was still very pleasant when it burst into life again, reminding her of what a special time Christmas could be.
She went to the counter and Audrey smiled warmly.
‘Hello, Fran. It’s cold out today, isn’t it?’
‘Very. I seem to spend my days wrapped up, indoors and out.’
‘Can I get you a warm drink?’
‘I’m actually here to see Ethan, but I would love a latte, please.’
‘Of course. Anything to eat?’
‘No thanks.’
‘Mince pie?’
‘Oh go on then, you’ve twisted my arm.’ Fran laughed. ‘I can’t resist mince pies, they are an all-time favourite.’
‘Take a seat and I’ll call Ethan and get your drink and treat.’
‘Thank you.’
Fran pulled off her gloves and hat then sat at a small round table for two near the counter. As she shrugged out of her coat, her stomach flipped. She was nervous about seeing Ethan and about asking him to do this for Holly. Why, she didn’t know, because she’d seen him before and asking him to make a wedding cake wasn’t exactly beyond his remit – and he could always say no – but even so, she had some serious butterfly action in her belly.
Fran pulled her smartphone from her bag and checked the screen. No new messages; nothing to distract herself with. She opened the photos and scrolled through the ones she’d taken of Luke yesterday. He was such a beautiful child and so happy. How he would adapt with a sibling coming along – maybe even two if Demelza was right – she had no idea, but with his loving parents, grandfather and great grandmother, as well as his grandparents on Rich’s side, she felt sure that he’d be fine. He was still very young and would be close in age to the baby, or babies, so they might even end up being good friends. Fran hoped so because having siblings must be nice. When she was younger, she’d longed for a sister or a brother, but as she’d grown up she’d realised that being an only child meant that she got all of her parents’ time and attention, like when her dad taught her to drive and when her mum would sit and help her with her homework for hours on end, or when they’d both pack up a picnic and take her on hikes around the beautiful Cornish coastline. She’d had a joyful bucolic childhood and had been lucky enough to feel secure and content in her parents’ love. Of course, these days they lived away, but they weren’t far and Fran knew that she could speak to them whenever she wanted to.
The Christmas Tea Shop at Rosewood Page 16