Page 70 of Winter Magic on Railway Lane

She grimaced. ‘I’d forgotten about that!’ She gave a small giggle. ‘And I’d still swear that the bollard moved, not the car.’

‘Now what were you saying aboutThe Nutcracker,’ prompted her dad.

‘Well, Ethan’s going to decorate the railway line with different scenes and they’re going to play some of the music over the speakers,’ said Libby, her words coming out in a bit of a rush as she realised the magnitude of what she was about to ask him. ‘But not everyone will know the story, so I suggested having someone narrate it over the speakers to explain what happens as we go along. Pre-recorded in advance, of course.’

Her dad nodded. ‘Sounds marvellous,’ he said. ‘But I’m still failing to understand your nerves.’

She took a deep breath. ‘Well, I suggested that you might be the perfect person to record the story as a narrator,’ she told him.

Her dad’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

‘Of course, if you don’t want to do it, then everyone will understand,’ said Libby quickly.

‘Why would you think that?’ replied her dad, breaking into a smile. ‘In fact, I’m very flattered that you even thought of me.’

‘I remembered how much you always enjoyed reading stories aloud.’

‘Thank you, my dear,’ said her dad, reaching out to pat her hand. ‘Then I accept.’

‘You do?’ Libby was thrilled.

‘Of course,’ said her dad. ‘Shall I try to find a transcript online?’

Libby got up from the table. ‘That would be great,’ she told him. She was so pleased that he had agreed to narrate the story. It felt like another huge step forward for her dad’s recovery. ‘I’d love to help but I’ve got to rush off. I’ve got the last truffles to box up in order for the delivery to the hotel in time for the party tonight.’ She couldn’t quite believe it, but she was almost there with the huge order.

‘Then it sounds as if we’ve both got a busy day ahead,’ said her dad, with a smile.

At last, she thought, as she watched her dad pick up his iPad to start searching for the transcript, it seemed as if things were finally coming together for the both of them.

Later that morning, Libby looked at the huge stack of boxes that held her chocolate truffles. ‘Well, we did it,’ she said, shaking her head in disbelief. There had been times when she hadn’t thought that they would make it, but thanks to a group effort, the order was complete.

‘Clever girl,’ said Grams, stepping forward to give her a hug.

‘I only made it on time thanks to you and everyone else helping me,’ Libby told her. ‘I owe you all a huge drink tonight, if you’re all free.’

‘You’re on,’ replied Harriet, smiling. ‘And we were happy to help.’

‘I never doubted you for a second that you wouldn’t get it done,’ said Katy, with a grin.

‘And you can always carry on using our kitchen,’ said Grams.

‘Thanks,’ replied Libby. ‘But I know how busy you’re going to be with all the Christmas pudding orders that you’ve got already.’

‘Can’t we work alongside each other?’ asked Grams. ‘It’s been so nice having another cook in the kitchen.’

‘Ahem,’ said Flora, in a pointed tone. ‘So what does that make me?’ she asked.

It was a fact that Flora hadn’t inherited her grandmother’s skill of baking.

‘The best granddaughter in the world,’ said Grams. ‘Who gets an A for effort.’

‘And a D, maybe a C minus for results,’ added Libby with a grin.

‘Very funny,’ said Flora before sticking out her tongue. ‘Why am I helping pack up all this if you’re just going to keep insulting me?’

‘Because that’s what friends do,’ Libby told her.

‘Who’s insulting mi amore?’ said Nico, coming into the farmhouse kitchen.