‘You might not be quite so thrilled about our other news.’ Toby’s expression turned serious. ‘Chloe’s accepted an incredible job offer after she graduates, but the company is in York so we’ll be moving. I’ve applied to do a geriatric-care course at one of the hospitals and if I’m accepted, they have a nursery on site for the baby.’
‘It’s a great opportunity for you both. Congratulations.’ Gage surreptitiously squeezed Tamara’s hand and she collected herself enough to sound equally enthusiastic.
‘We’ll obviously have to give up Gwartha-an-Dre, and Melissa’s decided now is a good time to sell the house.’ Tobylooked unsure. ‘We’ve heard you say that living over the shop has its drawbacks, so might it suit you?’
‘In what way?’
Gage suppressed a smile in case Tamara thought he was laughing at her. ‘They’re suggesting we might consider buying it.’
‘Us?’
‘Why not? You’ve always said, apart from Nathan’s house, it’s your favourite. You could have the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. The renters are moving out of your house soon, so you could sell it and we could pool our money. It should be easy enough to get a mortgage.’
She looked shell-shocked.
‘It’s a lovely old place and walking distance from the shop.’ Gage turned to Toby. ‘We’ll talk about this properly after Christmas when we’ve got time to sit and think it through.’
‘I’ll have a word with Melissa and let her know there’s a possibility we might be interested,’ Tamara said. ‘How are you feeling, Chloe? I didn’t think to ask.’
‘Incredible. I haven’t been sick at all, have I?’ Chloe grinned at Toby. ‘My nurse here is very happy about that. He cleans up enough puke at work, don’t you, dear?’
Toby nodded, but his adoring look said otherwise. A brief wave of regret washed through Gage for the baby that Victoria never had.
‘It’s time we started carrying stuff over to the pub,’ Tamara said briskly. No doubt she’d read the way his mind was going. Although he’d carry it in his heart always, they were in complete agreement that expanding their family wasn’t something they wanted to pursue. Their lives were already wonderfully full.
After they’d packed off the young couple, he caught hold of Tamara’s arm. ‘You okay?’
‘I will be.’ She blinked hard. ‘I would never hold Toby back and I’ll support them a hundred per cent. I’ve never clung on to Toby and I’m not starting now. Let’s go and celebrate Christmas and all it means with the friends, neighbours and family we’re fortunate enough to have around.’
* * *
‘Pixie? Oh my God, what an awesome surprise!’ Tamara set down the two heavy glass bowls of trifle on the nearest table and flung her arms around her old friend. ‘When did you arrive? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming for Christmas? How long—’
‘She still talks just as much, doesn’t she, Gage?’ Pixie laughed.
‘I did try to warn you.’
Tamara swung around to face him. ‘You knew Pixie was here.’
‘Maybe.’ He tweaked a smile.
‘Bob and Maria wanted a week off to visit their daughter back in Liverpool before she emigrates to Canada, so I agreed to run the pub for them while they’re away. I’ve got a fortnight off college, so it’s all good.’
‘You sneaky thing. Fancy not telling us.’ Tamara glowered at Gage. ‘Well, most of us anyway.’
‘I only found out because Pixie happened to ring Bob while I was getting a drink one night and the man’s a bit chatty, so he ended up telling me.’ He looked shamefaced. ‘Bob said she wanted to surprise people and asked me not to say a word.’ Gage nodded at the boxes of mince pies he was carrying. ‘I’ll take these into the kitchen while you chat a bit more.’
After he’d disappeared, Pixie beamed at Tamara. ‘You look amazing. Love suits you. And Gage seems a different man. That’s your doing.’
A flush crept up her neck. ‘We’re both different. In the best sort of way. He’s a lot more relaxed and able to socialise far easier with people. He’s settled. Content.’
‘No wedding bells yet?’
She shook her head firmly. ‘We’re fine as we are.’ She’d only shared her plan with one other person and needed to keep it that way a little longer. ‘I must get on. There’s lots to do and people will start arriving soon.’
The next hour was a whirlwind of activity, but somehow by noon everything was in place. The first diners started to trickle in and soon every seat was taken. Christmas music played quietly in the background and the hum of lively conversations filled the pub.
Monica popped her head around the kitchen door. ‘We’re ready when you are.’
