‘Not as scared as I was. Kind of excited. Is that weird?’
‘No. I can’t think of anything more exciting.’ She felt a pang of regret. ‘Are you going to do it now?’ asked Lottie, feeling that she was invading Emily’s space somewhat, squeezed in next to the toilet bowl.
‘I don’t know … I mean I want to, but … should I wait for Zach?’ Emily bit her lip.
‘We’ve been round this roundabout before,’ said Lottie.
‘I know, I’m sorry. It’s just …’ She stared at the tester. ‘What should I do?’
‘You should pass me some loo roll please, love,’ came Shirley’s voice from the other cubicle.
Lottie and Emily giggled. At least that answered the question. They wouldn’t be doing a pregnancy test within earshot of Shirley. At least they hadn’t said anythingobvious enough to set tongues wagging. But they had been foiled again.
They eventually left the pub, all having eaten too much and most having had one too many drinks – apart from Jessie and Emily, who were skipping across the green. It had at last stopped snowing, and Lottie could see patches on the grass where it had started to melt, but given their alcohol intake nobody was driving anywhere tonight.
‘Look, holly,’ said Jessie, pointing at the scattered sprigs of leaves and berries. Lottie looked at Zach and he thrust one hand deep into his pocket, gripped Dave’s lead tightly with the other and rolled his shoulders forwards.
She linked arms with her brother and they followed the group at a safe pace. ‘Sorry it all went wrong today,’ she said.
‘Really not your fault, Lottie. Don’t apologise. It’s another omen.’
‘Don’t be daft.’
‘It’s okay. I don’t mean I won’t ever propose. I just think that maybe now isn’t the right time.’
‘Nonsense,’ said Lottie. She was heavily invested in her brother’s romance now, and even if she couldn’t haveherfairytale ending, she still wanted Emily and Zach to have theirs. ‘We just need to come up with an even better idea.’ She pressed her lips together and tipped her head skywards. Nothing immediately came to mind.
‘Not that easy, is it?’ said Zach.
‘No, but we will think of something.’ She gave his arm a squeeze.
‘It’s all his fault,’ said Zach, indicating Dave, who was trotting along between them obediently.
‘Don’t blame Dave,’ said Lottie, feeling protective.
‘I’m joking.’ Zach gave a wry smile. ‘Don’t tell Jessie, but I’ve liked having him about this Christmas.’
‘Me too.’
‘I might check out our local dog rescue when we get home. Having a dog of our own might not be so bad.’
‘Blimey, Zach. I can’t believe you’ve been converted.’
‘It’s seeing how Jessie is with him. It must be tough being an only child. When we were kids we had each other.’
‘Oi! Are you saying I was the same as a dog?’ Lottie couldn’t help but laugh.
‘If the cap fits … But a dog might be nice – Jessie doesn’t have a playmate.’
‘Or anyone to fight with.’ Lottie’s memories were a healthy mix of fun and fighting.
‘True. It must be lonely for her sometimes.’
‘She doesn’t have to be an only child forever though.’ Lottie had a quick sideways glance at her brother. His expression was unreadable. ‘Does she?’ she added, emphatically. Lottie waited for Zach to have an epiphany, but his eyes were fixed on Jessie and Emily up ahead, laughing and holding hands, and his mind was miles away. ‘Emily would make a great mum,’ she ventured.
‘She would.’
‘And you are a great dad.’
