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‘Yeah, Lily-Ann’s place is pretty amazing.’ He twiddled his fingers. ‘She’s green-fingered. Let me just put the grinder on for you.’

‘Thanks.’

Aiden was back a minute or so later, a cup of coffee in hand. ‘While you’re waiting for the grinder.’ He shot her a wink. ‘I’m Aiden, by the way.’

‘Elara. It’s nice to meet you. And thank you for this.’ She took the coffee gratefully.

‘Moving is always stressful. Wouldn’t want to try it without caffeine. Although the Peterson place was refurbished before they listed it to sell, so I guess that helps some?’

‘It might have, if I’d bought the Peterson place.’ She took a sip of the coffee and sighed happily. ‘Absolute nectar.’

‘You’ve got me curious now. If you didn’t buy the Peterson place, where are you living? I hadn’t heard of any other sales. Are you renting, with your thousand boxes?’

‘I just signed the final contracts to buy the inn.’

‘Oh wow. So, it wasn’t the wind, or something, that took the sign down.’

‘Well, it was. But I didn’t bother to put it back up. I’m planning on reopening it.’

‘Holding weddings?’ Aiden asked, hopefully, suddenly thinking he might have found the solution to his wedding worries.

‘Hopefully one day. But I’ve got a lot of refurbishment work first. Long term, my plan is to turn it into a wellness retreat – to offer yoga, complementary therapies, that type of place.’

‘That sounds amazing. And like you should definitely come see me at my other job.’

‘Other job?’

‘I work in Glimmers and Sparkles. It’s the store just up from here. I think a lot of what we sell would complement the type of place you’re talking about.’

‘What does it sell?’

‘Everything.’ He chuckled. ‘My bakes, teas, books, crystals, candles, herbal blends, soaps and cosmetics… the types of things that can give people comfort and guidance and complementary support in life.’

‘Sounds wonderful.’

‘I don’t mean to be rude’ – Aiden leaned against the counter – ‘but Glimmers isn’t exactly the most subtle of stores. Didn’t you notice it when exploring?’

‘This is the first place I’ve been except the inn.’ Elara shrugged. ‘And that looks like it’s going to be keeping me plenty busy.’

‘You didn’t explore Hudsbury before you bought the inn?’ Aiden was shocked, and slightly amazed.

‘No. I didn’t feel the need to – or have a huge amount of time.’ She shrugged again. ‘My situation changed quickly, the stars aligned, and the inn looked and felt like exactly what I needed: a new home. So I took the leap of faith and here I am.’

‘It sounds like you’ll fit right in here.’

‘I hope so.’

Aiden looked up at the sudden quiet as the coffee grinder rumbled to the end of its job. He quickly tied up the bag and handed it to her.

‘Make sure you drop by Glimmers when you have a chance. I’d be happy to introduce you to my boss, Ophelia, and Rayenne, who is a complementary healer. I think it sounds like there would be a lot of crossover in the customer base. And let me know if I can help with making contacts or introducing you to anyone. My fiancée and her friends are mostly Hudsbury born and bred, so know everyone for recommendations and similar.’

‘Thank you. I will. What do I owe you for this?’

‘Call it a welcome-to-the-neighbourhood gift.’

‘Thank you.’ She smiled. ‘It really has been a friendly welcome so far.’

‘Just what Hudsbury is like.’