Guy added the address then gave the star back to Holly, who hung it proudly on the tree.
‘We will see you soon,’ she whispered to it. ‘And I can’t wait to decorate you.’
Libby’s heart swelled with happiness as she stared at the star on the tree swinging lightly in the chilly breeze. This was exactly what Libby had always hoped her life would be like: spending quality time on family outings, sharing fun and laughter with a man she loved and a child of her own. Then that sudden sadness crept up on her again, and she tried to thrust it out of her mind so it wouldn’t spoil the moment.
‘I’ve had a thought,’ declared Holly. ‘Would it be possible to have Christmas at the lodge and everyone can come to visit us? That means we can see Libby.’ Holly cupped her hands around her mouth. ‘You need to get her a present too.’
Guy didn’t have time to answer as a forest worker appeared beside the tree and asked them to stand back before he started up the chainsaw. Holly put her hands over her ears in anticipation of the loud noise and took off towards the trailer, leaving Guy and Libby following behind.
‘What are your thoughts about having Christmas at the lodge?’ she prompted. ‘Might be an idea, so you don’t have to travel back home.’ Libby would also selfishly love to see them both on Christmas Day, even if it was only for a while. ‘And where is home, by the way?’
‘At the minute I’m in the worst possible situation ever. I’m staying with my parents as Holly’s mum is still currently living in our family home. It’s one of the reasons why I took this job, to get some breathing space. But now because my father is ill and my ex-partner has decided to take off doing whatever she’s doing, my mother has ended up here.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Between you and me, I’ve been looking at buying Weathervane Cottage, at the foot of Heartcross Mountain, but with the situation I’m in at the minute and with Holly, everything is up in the air.’
Libby wasn’t sure what he meant by that and didn’t want to pry. ‘Heartcross is a beautiful place to live. I’m quite envious.’
‘It is,’ he agreed. ‘And maybe it is worth thinking about staying here for Christmas.’ He caught her eye and gave her a warm smile.
Libby’s heart began to race. ‘I’d love that,’ she admitted. ‘And I don’t want to speak out of turn here but maybe you could offer an olive branch? With your dad not being well, it might be nice to invite them so your mum doesn’t have to worry about any of the Christmas preparations. She has a lot on her mind, especially with your sister’s health problems too.’
Guy stopped dead in his tracks, his smile gone in an instant. He checked to see that Holly was on the back of the trailer before he returned Libby’s gaze. ‘How do you know about that?’
By the look on Guy’s face, she’d put her foot right in it. Again. She hesitated. ‘Oh God, I’ve said something I shouldn’t have, haven’t I?’
‘I don’t know, have you?’
‘When I met Cynthia, she was upset and she mentioned—’
‘You met my mum? Was this a planned meeting to talk about me?’ Guy’s tone was defensive and he looked visibly upset. ‘Why is it everyone always goes behind my back?’
‘Honestly, that’s not what happened. I was just out for a walk and we bumped into each other.’
‘But she managed to confide in you about my sister’s health.’
Libby swallowed. Whatever she said she knew that it was most likely going to be misinterpreted. ‘Speak to your mum. All I know is that she’s upset about the situation too and wishes things were different but she’s stuck in the middle between her children.’ She kept her voice calm and warm yet her heart was beating nineteen to the dozen, and not at all like the racing heart she’d felt only moments earlier.
‘We need to go,’ he said.
Guy’s good mood had completely evaporated, and all she could do was paint a smile on her face for Holly’s sake. Climbing onto the back of the trailer she sat down next to the little girl, who was thankfully oblivious to the sudden change in atmosphere.
Just at that moment Libby’s phone pinged and she rummaged in her pocket to find it. There were two messages on her screen, one from Flynn and one from Florrie. She read Flynn’s first.
Meetings are all done for the day. There are more RSVPs flooding in so we need to confirm menu options and I’m hoping it’s not going to be just black food. Otherwise Andrew will have to burn everything!
Libby smiled.At least he hasn’t lost his sense his humour, she thought as she flicked onto Florrie’s message.
Sample table decorations have been made up to match the bouquet.
Deciding to respond later, she slipped her phone back into her pocket and took a sideward glance at Guy. She realised she’d put her foot in it and she could kick herself knowing that Cynthia was going to take the brunt of Guy’s sudden change in mood when he arrived back at the lodge.
‘I can’t wait to tell Granny all about the reindeer and that Rudolf is resting with Santa.’
‘And I bet she can’t wait to hear all about it,’ replied Libby.
‘Are you going to help us decorate the tree when it arrives?’ asked Holly.
‘Thank you for the very kind thought, but I think your dad and granny are looking forward to doing that with you. This evening I have some work I need to be getting on with.’
‘But we’ll see you tomorrow, so I can show you the tree?’
