Summer at Lavender Bay: A fabulously feel-good summer romance perfect for taking on holiday!. Sarah Bennett

standing just behind her from the way his eyebrows raised.

      She turned to include Jack in their circle. ‘Jack’s from up at Gilbert’s farm. He’s having a bit of engine trouble with a tractor and I thought you might have time tomorrow to take a look.’

      Paul Barnes stood to offer Jack his hand. ‘I’ve seen you in here a time or two, Jack.’

      He nodded. ‘Haven’t been down for a while, Mr Barnes, but Jason and I used to enjoy a drink here.’ Always hopeless in the face of raw emotion, Eliza blinked hard at the sudden sting of tears which rose unbidden at the stark expression on Jack’s face.

      Her dad placed a hand on Jack’s arm. ‘Terrible business, that, lad.’ He gave himself a little shake, then continued. ‘But I’m sure you’re sick of people saying so. Pull up a seat and let’s have a chat about this tractor problem.’ Scooting his chair back, he cleared a space at the table. ‘Shove over a bit, Pops.’

      Eliza’s grandad—universally known as Pops to everyone in the family—obliged and Jack borrowed a spare stool from a nearby table to settle between them. Obviously not wanting to be left out, his chocolate Labrador wiggled in next to Pops and nosed the empty wrapper from a bag of peanuts. With a laugh, Eliza leaned forward to snatch up the packet. ‘None of that now.’