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He hadn’t planned on any of this, but Hudsbury’s magic seemed to have extended its usual reach and lined things up – not to make them happen, because free will still trumped magic, but to encourage the situations that would let things happen as they should. And he really hadn’t planned the words bubbling up in his chest, but he didn’t think he could keep them in any longer.

‘Amrita?’ He stroked her hair back to see her face where she was cuddled against his shoulder. ‘Can I tell you something without you freaking out?’

She looked up at him, concern in her eyes.

‘It’s nothing bad – at least I don’t think it is – and I meant what I said about not wanting to push you, and I wouldn’t even dare to hope that you would feel the same…’

‘Jamie, you can tell me anything.’ She squeezed his hand.

‘I know it’s early – that we’re still getting to know each other in so many ways – but I need you to know that this… us… it’s serious for me, Amrita. I think I could fall in love with you. In fact, I think I’m already falling.’

‘Oh, shukar hai Rabb da.’ Jamie didn’t understand the words, but he felt them deep in his heart, just below where her hand rested, soothing and reassuring. ‘I was worried it was just me. It’s insane. Too fast. Ridiculous. But I’m falling for you too, Jamie.’

‘Really?’ He laughed, delighted.

‘Yes.’ She pressed her nose against his, then kissed him again. ‘Crazy as it is, yes, mera sajjna.’

‘I’m going to have to learn Punjabi.’ He chuckled. ‘But that sounded nice.’

‘Mera sajjna is like beloved, or sweetheart. This is going to sound silly, but… sometimes being with you is so comfortable and familiar that I feel like we’ve known each other forever, so I assume you understand me. But I’ll try to remember that you don’t.’

‘I like that you’re so at ease with me. And I’ll happily try to learn – if you’re willing to try teaching me.’

‘Of course I will.’

‘What was that other thing you said? Shakkahi rabbit?’

‘What?’ Confusion flashed across her face before she laughed. ‘Shukar hai Rabb da. Thank God. Praise God. Like I said, I was worried it might be just me.’

9

Aiden swirled the frosting – cherry blossom and lemon – onto the vanilla cupcake and added it to the café’s glass display counter, feeling pleased with his work. Not bad for early Monday morning. He looked up when the door opened and was surprised by the unfamiliar face – usually it was only locals this early.

‘They look amazing.’ The woman smiled in greeting.

‘Thanks. My Spring Zingers. The soft subtly of blossom, with a hint of lemon for that feel of a fresh spring day.’

‘Even better.’ She tucked a strand of long brown hair behind one ear and leaned closer to the glass. ‘Can you box me up four please? And is there any chance you sell coffee?’

‘Of course, what would you like? Cappuccino, latte, mocha…?’

‘How about a bag? Preferably roasted and ground – at least until I unpack enough to find my roaster.’

‘Oh, you’re new to Hudsbury?’

‘Arrived properly yesterday. With about a thousand boxes.’ She laughed. ‘And I’m desperate for some good coffee to get through them. Any chance?’

‘It’s not something we usually do. We’re more of a coffee with your cake or lunch type of place. But for a new neighbour, I’m sure the café owner would be happy to make an exception.’ He grinned. ‘Especially as she’s not here to know!’

‘Oh no, I couldn’t get you into trouble! I’ll take the cakes still, but don’t worry about the coffee. I’ll grab some instant from the corner shop.’

‘It’s no trouble at all,’ Aiden reassured her. ‘I’ve got a medium roast arabica-ish blend ready for the grinder. I can put that through for you, if you’ve got a few minutes?’

‘For coffee, I’m making the time. I don’t suppose it’s fair trade at all? I’m kind of big on that.’

‘Well, it’s local. Does that count?’

‘Local? Wow. That must be one heck of a greenhouse.’