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I might need another mini-scoop.
    “Looks like the sorbet is getting low too. I’ll do some more tonight, I’ve still got stacks of frozen berries in the freezer.”
    “Lovely.”
    “I’ll do some more sherbet too, shall I?”
    “Perfect.”
    “Right, well I better be off, we’ve got a big group in for dinner later, and Con’s on at me to pull out all the stops. Some family birthday, so they’ve ordered a cake.”
    “Lucky them.”
    Laura looks longingly at him as he goes out and sighs. “I wish I could meet someone like him. Maybe a bit younger. But basically just like him. The ice cream alone would make it worth it.”
    “Maybe you should check out the local catering college?”
    She smiles. “Have you seen them? Either they’re seventeen and nervous or they think they’re God’s gift. No thanks. Mark’s so clever with the new flavors, you know; some of our regulars come in just for that.”
    “Actually, I think that was Connie’s idea. They serve the ice cream at the pub too, and they like the menu to change so they can keep things seasonal. They’ve taken on a new apprentice now, just for the pastries and ice cream.”
    “I know, he was telling me. Actually, that’s the only thing I don’t like about him really.”
    “What?”
    “That he’s got such a lovely wife.” She grins.
    “Yes, that is a drawback, I can see that.”
    “It’s bloody typical. All the good ones are married, or gay.”
    “Tell me about it.”
    She laughs, and then we realize Elsie has come into the café and has heard me. She’s not pleased. Damn. Not only have I inadvertently cast aspersions on Martin, which is something only she’s allowed to do, but we forgot to call her in for the Tasting. Bugger.
    “You’ve got to try this, Elsie.”
    “I’ve just had my lunch, thank you.” She sniffs, clearly annoyed. Great.
    Laura winks at me as I follow Elsie back into the shop.
    Things are still pretty frosty when Martin arrives.
    “Hi, Jo. Hello, Mum. I’d love a coffee.”
    “I’m not using that silly machine; you can have tea and like it. Better for you.”
    “Okay.”
    She goes into the café, and Martin looks puzzled.
    “What’s up with her now?”
    “Mark brought some new ice cream in, and I forgot to ask her to help us taste it.”
    “Oh dear, I’m sure she’ll get over it.”
    “Yes, but how long will I be getting the sniffing routine?”
    “Well, she’s still not speaking to my aunty Doris over that shortbread.”
    “And when did that happen?”
    “Three years ago.”
    “Thanks, Martin, that’s very encouraging.”
    He grins. “Sorry. Look, have you got a minute? I’ve got something to show you.”
    Oh God, I hope it’s not another bit of floorboard. Or a kitchen brochure.
    Buying the wreck of a barn to renovate was definitely one of his better ideas. It combines his passions for carpentry and all things wooden with bargain hunting and reclaiming old materials, so it’s eco-friendly too. I’m sure it will be stunning if he ever finishes it. But it does seem to involve me in more conversations about oak versus walnut than I ever imagined possible.
    “I’ve got about fifteen minutes before I need to leave to get the boys. Can it wait?”
    “I’ve found a new book—well, an old one really—with patterns, for cabinets and cupboards, for the kitchen. I got it at the library.”
    “Great.”
    “Do you think I need a plate rack?”
    “Sorry?”
    “There’s one with a sort of rack, for plates, built into the cupboard. Would that be good?”
    “Depends on how many plates you’re going to have. You’ve only got three so far.”
    “Two actually, Trevor got a bit excited when the lorry turned up yesterday with the bricks, and he knocked the table over.”
    Trevor the bloody Wonder Dog is now fully grown, and even more enormous than when we first met him pulling our new neighbor Mr. Pallfrey up our garden path on the night we moved in.
    “How’s Mr. Pallfrey doing?”
    “Fine, I