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It was like the piece of the puzzle he hadn’t realised he was missing had dropped into place, and everything suddenly made sense. Like magic. He chuckled.

He lost track of time, disappearing into a delicious world of sugar and spices as he balanced flavours with intentions – remembering Ophelia’s words about mixing his mood into his batters.

He’d always been good at balancing flavours – instinctively knowing what was missing from a recipe just by smell or taste – although, he thought, grinning, perhaps it was less instinct and more this gift that Rayenne and Ophelia, and even the cat, insisted he had! It was still equal parts ridiculous and amazing, but it felt too right to argue.

There were a couple of times Mia popped into his mind as he was blending, chopping and kneading – but given that she was still one of his first taste-testers, that wasn’t surprising.

‘It smells wonderful in here.’ Cheryl sniffed the air appreciatively, before peering into one of the bowls waiting to be cleaned. ‘What are you making?’

‘I wanted something really summery and fresh, and maybe just a little bit magical. Something to celebrate summer and fresh beginnings.’

‘Just in time for the New Moon. First since Litha.’ Cheryl smiled and Aiden wondered exactly how much she knew. ‘They smell delicious. Will you tell me what’s in them if I ask?’

‘Along with the usual butter, flour and eggs I’ve used honey for sweetness, lemon zest for a bright, fresh start, cardamom for mystery and magic, basil for new beginnings, rose for love, romance and enchantment, and lavender for that dozy, dreamy lazy summer feel.’ He grinned as he carefully moved the last couple over. ‘I was thinking of calling them Summer Fairy Rounds.’

‘They’re delicious,’ she said between bites. ‘I’m definitely going to need you to make up some more of these.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes. Do you think you could make a cake version of this?’

‘Probably.’

‘I had an email come in late last night from a rather upset bride whose baker has let her down. These could be perfect.’

‘When for?’

‘Next week. It’s a big order. I was planning to say no. It’s not what I usually do, but you could.’

‘How big is big, Cheryl?’

‘I think she said 350…’

‘That’s big.’

‘Maybe think about it before you decide?’

‘I will.’ He nodded.

‘Oh ho, this should be good. Look’ – she pointed through the window – ‘early morning traffic warden.’

‘You think that’s good?’

‘Usually. Oh dear. Looks like someone is about to get a bad start to their day.’ She chortled, surprising Aiden. Cheryl was usually very kind. Curious, he watched as the traffic warden pulled out his ticketing machine.

‘Do you know whose car that is? Should we warn them?’

‘It’s Betty’s, who works in the corner shop. But don’t worry about it. Watch.’ She took another bite of her biscuit. ‘These really are very good.’

As Aiden watched, he could almost feel the man’s frustration through the window. He tapped his machine, then turned it over a few times, and gave it a hard shake. He shook his head, then pulled out a mobile phone and took some pictures. Or, apparently, tried to. Something seemed to be wrong with that device too. Aiden glanced to Cheryl, who was grinning broadly.

‘What’s happening?’

‘It’s a Hudsbury thing.’ Cheryl winked. ‘Traffic wardens and the like have a horrible time round here.’

They watched as the warden pulled out a pad and pen, and started to write. Then scribbled against the pad, tapping the pen a few times, then scribbling again. Seemingly frustrated, he threw the pen down and stomped off.

‘I almost feel bad for him. He’s just doing his job.’