Advice? It was a family Christmas. Her advice would be to enjoy. But then she put herself in Hayley’s position and imagined spending Christmas with a close-knit family of whom she knew precisely one person. And that person seemed oblivious to the stress Hayley was feeling. Why hadn’t Hayley said something to him?
And then she thought of all the things she hadn’t said to Declan. It wasn’t always as easy as it sounded.
“You’re not supposed to be doing anything at all,” she said firmly. “It’s Christmas. Your Christmas. Sure, we all help out, but there is no pressure on anyone. Do what feels right.”
But there was pressure on Hayley, she could see that now. She didn’t know how she was supposed to behave. And Jamie had just abandoned her without any thought about how awkward Hayley might find it. Rosie made a mental note to keep an eye on Hayley, and also to have a few sharp words with her brother. Maybe she wasn’t finding it easy to talk to Declan, but she was more than able to reprimand her brother. It was what sisters were for.
“Let’s go together—” Rosie held out her hand. “I’ll introduce you to my twin. She’s not at all scary and also she would never ask if you were pregnant. So there’s that.”
Hayley laughed and stood up.
On impulse, Rosie took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“I’m so pleased you’ve joined our family. I’m happy for you and Jamie.”
At least someone’s relationship was working out, she thought as she and Hayley headed outside.
Rosie saw Becky laughing with Will as they unloaded luggage and parcels from the car.
Jamie was saying something to both of them and then Becky glanced up and saw Rosie.
Without hesitating, Rosie sprinted across to wrap her in a big hug.
“I missed you.”
“Yeah—missed you too—” Becky hugged her back, but Rosie sensed a certain reserve that wasn’t normally there.
Maybe it was because she was in a sensitive mood. Or maybe it was because they were all gathered outside in the freezing cold.
“You had an interesting journey.” She let go of her sister and gave Will a hug. “Good to see you.”
“You too. You and Declan did better than we did with all that snow.”
“We were ahead of you. We missed the accident.”
Rosie introduced her to Hayley, and while they were talking she tugged her brother to one side.
“You know something, Jamie? If you want to be in her corner then you need to be there in her corner—it’s easy to say and not so easy to do! She needs to feel as if you’ve got her back.”
He hauled another bag out of the car. “What are you talking about?”
“Hayley.” She spoke in a whisper. “You keep abandoning her.”
“Abandoning?”
“Yes! Like now. You shot out to see Becky and Will without giving a second thought as to whether meeting yet anotherperson might be stressful for her. She didn’t know whether she was supposed to follow you or hang back.”
He looked stunned. “I was going to welcome them. I intended to introduce them to Hayley, obviously.”
“But this is awkward for her. Difficult. All these new people. Even you have to see that, surely.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Evenme? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you’re sometimes a bit clueless. But fortunately, you have me.” She patted her brother’s arm. “You’re welcome.”
“I—”
Rosie scooped up a piece of luggage and headed back to the house without giving Jamie time to think of a suitable brotherly retort. Her own relationship might be under pressure, but at least she could help Hayley and Jamie.
