Before Eve could ask what he meant they turned a corner and the market came into view.
Flora gasped and stopped. ‘It’s so beautiful.’
Eve wasn’t sure what to expect but the market exceeded all expectations.
The market stall tents were all in red and white with striped awnings and pointed tops, looking a little like Santa hats, with jolly gifts beneath them.
Rows of column heaters lined the pathways, glowing and welcoming, while rows of Christmas lights were strung across from tent to tent.
A large fire pit was surrounded by stools made from tree trunks and signs suggesting shoppers sit a while and indulge in a mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
There was a roaming folk band playing Christmas songs and Christmas elves handing out sweets and little presents to children passing them by, while singing with gusto to the adults.
The market was filled with scents of burning pine and apple wood, chestnuts, popcorn and sugar.
And everywhere she looked were items on sale that made her smile.
‘I could do all my shopping here,’ she said to Edward.
He smiled at her. ‘Look at you. You’re so excited.’
Flora pulled her hand to look at the handmade wooden toys on sale.
*
Within an hour, Edward was carrying bags of wares and following Myles, Eve and Flora, as they stopped and looked at every stall.
‘I feel like Tenzing Norgay,’ he said as he put another bag across his shoulder.
‘God, Mum would love it here,’ Eve said as they stopped at a table and sat down.
‘Cider?’ asked Edward.
‘Lovely,’ Eve replied.
Myles and Flora watched some jugglers as Edward came back to the table with some cider and chips.
‘You should bring your mum next year,’ Edward said as he sat opposite her.
Eve ate a chip. ‘I should,’ she said carefully.
‘I mean,’ Edward said, ‘you might be here again for Christmas.’
Eve felt a smile playing at her mouth. ‘I might,’ she said. ‘Unless I get asked to move to outer Timbuktu to work on a tardy author’s book.’
‘Oh don’t say that.’ Edward shook his head. ‘What a state I was in and look how it’s all humming along now. You are truly a miracle worker, Eve.’
He looked into the fire for a moment and then turned back to her.
‘It’s more than the books though – you know that?’ He paused. ‘You never need to speak to me about writing again. I just want to be with you.’
‘I think my days of being at Serena’s beck and call are soon to be over.’
‘Why?’
He leaned forward to hear her better.
‘I’ve applied for a promotion, an editorial role,’ she said. ‘I think I’m ready and I deserve it now. I’m tired of being Serena’s beck-and-call girl.’ She laughed.
