A Heartwarming Romance: Read an Extract From Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm by Maya Linnell

‘Three piping-hot lattes for table three, thanks Seb, and what’s the latest on the gas heaters outside? Likely to scorch anyone’s brows off today?’

Clementine Crossley grinned at her young barista, who’d come to the rescue last week when she’d adjusted the temperature settings but nearly lost an eyebrow.

‘Sure hope not,’ Sebastian Dainty said, stepping aside as Clem breezed out of her cafe kitchen with a basket of warm scones hooked over one arm and two plates of slice in her hands.

The Limestone Coast was renowned for its mild climate, and while the late-April morning had a nip of winter in the air, that didn’t stop the cafe’s regulars settling in for brunch at their usual tables. Clem admired the way the friends fiercely protected this tradition, scheduling an hour each week in between farms, kids and careers to talk books and life, health and heartache.

‘I was dreaming of scones when I woke up this morning,’ one of the ladies said with an exaggerated swoon. ‘Cracking open one of these beauties and watching the steam rise and the butter melt is better than therapy.’

Clem passed the plate of homemade jam and coconut bars to Janey, who cut them into quarters and shared them around. Laura did the same with the apple slice, while Courtney broke the fluffy scones in half with a gentle twist. Sam rearranged the mugs to make room for the food and Brenna ribbed them about ordering the same sweet treats, week in, week out.

‘They’re too delicious to resist. Please tell me you’re not ditching the apple and sour cream slice when you switch to the winter menu?’ Janey asked Clem.

‘Only if I can think up something you’ll love just as much,’ Clem promised, going to fetch the rest of their order. She’d lost count of the many customers and catering orders the Wednesday coffee crew had sent her way, and when they asked for a specialty milk she hadn’t previously stocked, or requested a few favourites to stay on the menu, she was more than happy to oblige.

‘You’re a gem,’ Courtney said, accepting the fresh pot of peppermint tea on Clem’s return. ‘Clem, before you head back to the kitchen, we need your professional opinion. We’re planning a girls’ weekend to celebrate Sam getting the all-clear from her oncologist.’

‘Oh, that’s brilliant news,’ Clem said, her relief mirroring that of the friendship group. ‘I’m so happy to hear that.’

Clem didn’t exactly eavesdrop on her customers, but the animated conversations she overheard and the confidences they shared with her as she took orders, delivered cakes and collected cups gave her a unique peek into the lives of her regulars.

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