‘She’s the same with jigsaws!’ yelled Charlotte from the kitchen.
‘Ignore her,’ said Liv. ‘And I’m sorry too,’ she added.
‘It’s cool. Right, I’d better get going. I’ll leave you to your cuppa.’
He got to his feet and Liv felt a sense of loss hit her. This was madness. ‘Where are you staying?’
‘I was going to sleep in the van and then set off at first light. I slung a camping mat and a sleeping bag in the back.’ He’d thought it all through.
‘You can’t sleep in the van; it’ll be oorlich.’
Fraser chuckled. ‘Och I’m used to it.’
‘Charlotte!’ yelled Liv making Fraser flinch. ‘Fraser can stay the night can’t he?’
‘If you want him to!’ she called back.
Fraser was watching her closely. Liv took a moment too long to answer and he got to his feet.
‘Nah, I’ll not impose.’ She followed him into the tiny hallway and he paused at the door to put his hat and scarf back on.
‘You can stay. It’s fine – really it is.’
‘I know. Take care, Liv,’ he said.
‘Thanks for coming and for my present. I love it.’ He nodded and reached for the door. She felt like she was losing him all over again. ‘Actually,’ said Liv. ‘I will have that hug. The one from Effie. I’ll have it now please.’
He turned to face her, opened his arms and she stepped into the warmth of his hug. It felt so right and safe. And yes he annoyed the crap out of her, but there was something there and she wanted to know if that something could be significant if it was nurtured. And he liked her – that was a very good start, especially when he’d seen her at less than her best. At last she pulled back from him and he looked down at her. ‘I would like you to stay because I like you too,’ said Liv. ‘Not fake Fraser.’ She wobbled her head. ‘I did like him a lot. But I like you too… a lot.’
Fraser looked up. ‘You don’t have any mistletoe,’ he said.
‘Don’t need it. I already live with a witch,’ she said.
‘I heard that!’ shouted Charlotte.
‘I knew you would,’ said Liv and she mouthed, ‘See she’s a witch,’ to Fraser and he laughed. ‘Why did we need mistletoe?’ she asked, her heart picking up its pace.
‘I was looking for an excuse to kiss you.’
‘You don’t need one of those,’ she said. ‘Because all I want for Christmas is you.’ She leaned in and kissed him. He held her tight and her jumper burst into song.
EPILOGUE
6 DAYS LATER – HOGMANAY
Liv pulled up outside the Lochy House Hotel. She was full of excited butterflies. It felt so good to be back. A beaming Effie raced down the steps and across the gravel to meet them. Liv buzzed the window down but before she could say anything Effie had almost launched herself through the window.
‘Hiya, Effie, this is my sister and my mum,’ said Liv trying to point.
‘Hello, I am so excited to see you all. I was worried I might actually spontaneously combust,’ she said with a deadpan expression.
‘If I can open the car door, we’ll get our stuff,’ said Liv.
‘Come in. Everyone is excited to meet you. It’s going to be wild tonight. There will be dancing, Robbie on the bagpipes at midnight and there’s soooo many people coming.’
‘Hello! Will there be men in kilts?’ asked her mum.
‘Yeah, loads,’ said Effie.
