Page 36 of Christmas at the Little Cornish Bakery
Tristan arrived so quickly that he must have run down the seafront. He pushed open the door, making the bell jingle. Lola glanced up from where she was tidying away Alf’s breakfast things and trying not to blame herself for the fact he hadn’t finished his mince pie.
‘What happened?’ Tristan swept over to her.
Lola put down the plates and used the edge of her apron to dab at her eyes. ‘I think I’ve just upset Alf,’ she said, her lip trembling as she allowed Tristan to pull her into his arms.
‘Ah, I see.’ Tristan exhaled as he gently rubbed her back and made soothing sounds.
Lola melted against him. Burying her head in his shoulder, she inhaled the scent of him, his citrus shower gel, his washing detergent, and the feeling of coming home washed over her. Standing in the café with Tristan’s arms around her felt like the safest place on earth.
‘What if I have ruined everything?’ she mumbled into his shoulder.
Tristan stroked her back. ‘You’ve not ruined anything, Lola, it was probably just a bit of a shock, that’s all. I still think you’ve done the right thing. Alf adores you. Give him a few days and he’ll be back again with some quip about Cathy.’
Lola looked up at him even though she didn’t share his positivity. ‘I hope you’re right, he’s been like a grandfather to me. I hardly remember my own, they both died when I was small. I hope no one else finds out I upset him, they’ll definitely run me out of town with pitchforks if they do.’
Tristan gave her a squeeze. ‘I won’t let that happen. You’re far too precious.’
Lola managed a smile but as their eyes met all responses fizzled into nothing.
She wondered how right Alf had been because as Tristan gazed down at her there was an undeniable bond between them, like they were two halves of a whole that had found each other.
Time slowed down and waited like a paused breath.
Lola didn’t know who moved first but as her hand came up to Tristan’s face, he lowered his lips towards hers.
Her eyes closed as she leaned into the moment.