Page 105 of One Golden Summer

“I’ve never seen you this way.”

“What way?”

“Giddy.” Ginger’s broad smile matched Saffron’s.

“I am, aren’t I?”

“I hear you’re buying the house.” Hugh munched into a new potato cup, filled with chilli spiced crab and papaya.

“Yep. It’s time to settle down.”

Helena’s eyes followed Saffron’s gaze. “You two make a lovely couple.”

“Thank you.”

“Again, I’m so—”

Saffron stopped Helena with a raised hand. “No. It’s done.”

“What are you going to do now?” Ian had descended on the platter, swooping up gin prawns with lime, cucumber, and wasabi mayo.

“Slow down, mostly.” Saffron sipped her wine.

“What does that mean?” Ruth appeared by her husband’s side, Kirsty right behind her parents.

“Is this a dinner party or interrogation?” Kirsty joked, angling herself between Saffron and her parents.

“It’s okay. I have a feeling this is going to be a popular question for months. I’ve decided to rent the shop across from Wine Time. Open an art gallery.”

“Will you run it?” Helena wiped a crumb off the front of Hugh’s shirt.

“Not at first. I’m planning on hiring someone who actually knows what they’re doing.” A nervous giggle escaped her. “I want to ease into being a business owner and learn everything from the ground up.”

“She’s buying a beach hut so she can focus on her own creations.” Kirsty cheerfully added, “She’s good. Very good.”

“TMI.” Ginger bumped her elbow into Kirsty.

Kirsty blushed.

Everyone laughed.

“When are you bringing home your bitch?” Hugh shoved smoked mackerel pate on a potato rosti into his mouth.

“Fine way to refer to my business partner and best friend.” Helena yet again wiped away crumbs from Hugh’s five o’clock shadow. “You’re worse than when Anton was a baby.”

“Goldie’s coming home tomorrow.” Saffron threaded an arm around Kirsty’s shoulder, and let out a squeal. “My first baby.”

“She’s already set up playdates with Rufus.” Kirsty leaned into Saffron.

“I’m guessing from the name, she’s a Golden Retriever.” Ian refilled his wife’s glass with the open bottle on the table.

“That she is. At first I wanted to rename her, but after spending time with her, she really does shine.”

“Will she sleep in bed with you two?” Ginger asked.

Saffron tossed serious shade at her sister causing Ginger to laugh.

Dolly caught Saffron’s eye.