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‘Do you have time for one more bit of advice, or have I taken up too much of your time already?’

‘I have another minute or two if you don’t mind me cleaning the machine while we talk.’

‘Of course not. I was planning a soft reopening… some sort of party. Maybe this weekend. What do you think?’

‘This weekend is pretty soon.’

‘It is. But I think that’s when the cherry blossoms will be at their best, and I want to take advantage of that. And trees are trees. They don’t need so much work.’

‘That makes sense.’ He nodded. ‘What were you thinking?’

‘Something that would get locals involved and onside. I’m hoping to reopen the restaurant… eventually… and turn it into something of an event space alongside the inn, so they’ll be a big part of my target audience. I was thinking some sort of cherry blossom appreciation party – music, drinks if I can get my liquor licence sorted. What do you think? I’d welcome any suggestions you might have.’

He nodded slowly, thinking. ‘It sounds like the type of thing my fiancée’ – the word still sent a thrill through him – ‘would love. You could consider setting it up as a bring-your-own event: blankets, bottles, baskets of food…’

‘Just… bring your picnic and come say hi?’

‘Exactly. That way you don’t have to stress about licences or catering. From what I’ve heard, it’s pretty run-down. I can’t imagine the kitchen is up to code.’

‘No, it’s not. And I don’t have any staff yet either,’ she admitted.

‘So, make it a picnic, let people worry about feeding themselves and you can focus on the rest. Trails through the trees, lights for when it gets dark, cutesy photo spots… things like that.’

‘And you really think people would come to that?’

‘I’m pretty sure there’s nothing big on at the weekend. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m pretty new here still, but even I know Hudsbury folks are nosy. I figured that out within about two days. Everyone loves an excuse for a get-together and a gossip. And people will be thrilled to hear the inn is reopening, so they’ll probably be out to show their support.’

‘And have a good nosey?’

‘At you as much as the inn,’ he said with a chuckle.

* * *

Aiden looked up as Amrita entered the café and smiled at her. ‘Well, if it’s not our favourite physio. What can I get for you?’

‘Just a tea and a latte to go please. Oh, and maybe some of those muffins. They look really good.’

‘They are. And one of Jamie’s favourites. Assuming you’re seeing him today.’

‘Yeah, just a quick lunch.’

‘I’m glad you’re finally getting some more time together.’ His smile was warm and genuine, putting Amrita at ease. ‘I know Mia said you were struggling to find time to spend together.’

‘Things have settled down now.’ She nodded, feeling her cheeks warm a bit. ‘Your mum is doing really well,’ she said, changing the topic.

‘The progress since she met you has been phenomenal.’ Aiden smiled hugely. ‘Did she tell you she was thinking about taking up a dance class?’

‘No, she didn’t, but that’s brilliant. I’ll have to ask her about that at our next session. She’s such an amazing patient to work with. So driven.’

‘She says the same about you. She thinks you’re amazing. We all do.’ He handed over her drinks and cakes. ‘I can’t thank you enough for how much you’ve helped her.’

‘She’s helping herself really. I’m just guiding a bit.’

‘It’s more than that, and you know it.’ Aiden smiled as she paid. ‘So, thank you.’

‘You’re more than welcome.’

* * *