But her wait was over, for the perfect time to talk to Kate.
She breathed in, nervous, and waited for Kate in the large sitting room at the back of the house. Lights off. Curtains open onto a starry night. The decorated Christmas tree reached the top of the high ceiling, and its lights cast a gentle glow over the room, reflecting on the windows and adding to the stars.
She’d rehearsed what to say, whichever way this conversation headed. Reassurance that everything could stay the same, if that’s what Kate wanted. The financial repercussions if they married and making sure Kate’s two older children felt comfortable and supported. How to protect everyone.
She sat down and tucked the ring box beneath the sofa.
Another deep breath, and long exhale.
Ready.
***
This was it.
If Kate was ever going to get a quiet moment with Olivia this Christmas, it would be now.
Kate quietly closed Bea’s bedroom door behind her, Bea drifting off to sleep before the end of the book, at this late bedtime. She gently knocked on Ralph’s door and poked her head round.
Still on his computer.
“Bed!” she mouthed, not wanting to embarrass him on the phone to his friend.
“Gotta go,” he said, and tapped his mobile.
“Get to sleep, please,” Kate whispered.
“Mum,” Ralph moaned.
“I need you to have a good night’s rest.”
“Why?”
“Because...” Reasons. “Santa doesn’t deliver presents if you’re not in bed.”
“I’m alongway past believing in Santa, Mum,” he ridiculed.
She gave him a look. “I'mSanta. Now get to bed.”
And he laughed, diving onto the bed and switching off the light.
Tonight, with all the presents except Santa’s beneath the tree, and the kids guaranteed to stay in bed, this was her opportunity.
She found Olivia sitting on the sofa in the living room, subtly lit by the Christmas tree, feet tucked up on the sofa, elegant in a soft grey dress. She clearly mulled over something as she stroked her hair behind an ear.
Kate patted her hoodie pocket to check for the ring. There. And she entered the room.
Olivia immediately swung her feet to the floor and stood up. She smoothed down her dress and held out her hand towards Kate, and Kate automatically stepped forward, smiling wide.
“Hi,” Kate whispered, and they gazed at each other.
Kate sighed, the warmth of Olivia and the festive room working magic on her. Now. It had to be now. Surely there wouldn’t be a better moment.
She cupped Olivia’s cheek.
“I want to talk to you.”
“Me too,” Olivia whispered. “I’ve been putting it off, but I need to say something.”
