“Does she know the rest of it?” It seemed that my genius niece was only confident with the first line. I put this down to poor parenting from my sister and when I was out of her reach, I’d happily tell her so.
And sleep with my eyes open.
“Hmmm, she did last week. The week before it was ‘’inkle, ‘inkle, ickkle twat’ which didn’t go down too well at playgroup.” Killian glanced in the rear-view mirror as he spoke, probably checking that Claire was still asleep. “Three guesses where she learnedthatword from.”
I laughed. That was one for later. Definitely one to tell Mum and watch the fireworks after.
“If you ask her about it, she’ll tell you it was from me.”
“It’s okay. We know her well. What’ve you got her for Christmas?” I was hoping that if I could find out what Killian had bought her; I’d get some ideas. If Killian was in a talkative mood, he might tell me what he’d bought the others too.
“A weekend away before the baby’s born. This spa in Tintagel where they do pregnancy massage. She doesn’t know about it.” He was shaking his head dramatically, meaning that Claire did know about it because she’d been sneaking around, being nosy.
Standard.
“What’ve you got Max?”
He chuckled. “You know, Seph, it doesn’t matter what we got Max. You need to get him something uniquely from you.”
I groaned, the first line oftwinkle twinklenow replaced by something about sharks.
Definitely Claire’s daughter.
“I have no idea. I’m crap at buying presents.”
I genuinely liked my brother-in-law. I suspected he was definitely insane, having both married my sister and tied himself to her for the rest of his life by having children with her, but he was a decent guy. Possibly more so than Jackson and definitely less of a dick-wad than Maxwell.
“Vouchers. Get each couple a restaurant voucher.”
I shrugged. “I do that for birthdays, so it’s a bit of a cop out.”
“True.” Killian shrugged. “To be honest, it’s usually your sister who sorts these things out. Before we were together I didn’t bother buying presents apart from Nick’s twins.”
“That isn’t helpful.” I shook my head. “If I don’t at least buy my sisters something my balls will be toast by lunch on Christmas Day and served with the stuffing. I can already hear Payton going on about it.” The words were already imprinted on my brain and she had even said them yet – not since last year anyway.
“So just get the girls something. Buy your brothers, me, Owen and Eli a bottle of scotch. Decent stuff, not the crap Callum gets.” He winced. “All that does is give you a hangover with none of the pleasure.”
“What was that about pleasure?” Claire’s voice sounded sleepy.
That, however, wasn’t proof she’d actually been asleep.
“Callum’s choice of whisky. Isn’t pleasurable.” Killian indicated to turn off the main road onto the narrow country lane that led to my parents.
There was a yawn, a loud one. “Your spawn is making me tired.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s your spawn as much as mine. But anyway, when we get to your folks, go to bed. I’ll see to Eliza.”
And that was why Killian was perfect for my sister: laid back, easy going, didn’t bother to argue back unless it was something he was absolutely sold on.
“Sounds good. She’s looking sleepy now anyway. Which means she’ll probably wake up about five.” There was a sigh from Claire. “Maybe her favourite Uncle Seph could set his alarm and entertain her while his best sister has a lie-in?”
I thought for a second. “Would you consider that your Christmas present?”
The steam coming from my sister was enough to cook the Christmas pudding. I took it as a hard no.
I needed another plan.
Marie Callaghan, nee Green, was nothing if not fierce. She had to be, managing my father and taking on four step-children, then having three of her own. No one could say she ruled the roostquietlyor with carefully chosen words. She was patient to a point and could be tactful when she chose. Which was only for about the first five minutes of any conversation that wasn’t work related.
