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      Silver baubles, dangly stars, fairy lights and chocolates, hundreds of chocolates, filled the shop.

      ‘Hi, how can I help?’

      ‘I’ve been put in charge of the sweets for the children’s Christmas stockings – any ideas?’ The thirty-something gentleman smiled hopefully.

      ‘Of course. We have reindeers, Santas, and angels in chocolate lollipops – great stocking fillers. There are figures of Father Christmas, too. Also, we have snowy stars in a pretty bag – little girls love those, I can vouch for my nieces – and packs of chocolate-dipped fudge.’

      ‘Well, there’s three kids to cater for, two boys and a girl, so can I have a selection? Oh, and I’d better get a nice box of chocolates for the wife.’

      Emma pointed to the three sizes of gold boxes, positioned on the top of the truffle and ganache refrigerated display. ‘Large, medium or small?’

      With a queue listening in behind him, and thoughts of fulfilling Christmas wishes on his mind, he went for the large.

      ‘Any particular favourites for your wife?’

      ‘Umm, she likes champagne truffles and caramels, I think, but a variety would be good.’

      ‘Great, I’ll pop a couple of champagne truffles in, and some caramels, with a lovely selection alongside that. Just give me a few moments and I’ll get them all ready for you.’ Emma set to work with boxes, bows and silver and gold ribbon, turning the gifts into works of art.

      ‘Wow, that all looks great. Thank you. So, how much do I owe you?’

      Emma tallied it up on the till. ‘A total of fifteen pounds thirty, please.’ She popped one of her Chocolate Shop by the Sea business cards into the package.

      ‘Thanks.’

      ‘You’re welcome, and have a really lovely Christmas,’ Emma smiled.

      Four o’clock, Christmas Eve afternoon, the till was pinging, the shop door chiming, and still the queue of last-minute shoppers continued to grow. Emma, proud owner of