Lillian’s shrewd eyes take in Cillian’s arm around my shoulder, the gift in my hand and the empty space on the bookshelves. Her thin lips stretch into a heartfelt smile.
‘This looks promising for more grandchildren.’
‘We’re certainly practicing for that, anyway,’ Cillian sniggers.
Clearly, he’s been spending too much time with his future in-laws. I’m not sure Lillian is ready for the force that is Frank and Penny Jackson, but I’m pretty sure nothing could shock her after what she’s been through. Frank and Penny Jackson will welcome her with open arms and copious amounts of wine. I just hope they don’t offer her a threesome. I wouldn't put anything past them.
Lillian might be relieved to finally know the truth, but it has to hurt. She’s shown nothing but grace, humility, and strength the past few days, but now our families are blended, she’ll have more support than she ever imagined possible.
Alex is also going to pop in to my parents’ house too. He hasn’t sought a DNA test yet, but it’s top of his to do list in January. Not that it truly matters. His daily phone calls to both Cillian and Lillian have proved himself family ten times over if you ask me.
‘Ahhhh! I got a dog!’ Phoebe screams excitedly, ripping the cardboard open like a superhero on speed.
‘It barks.’ Cillian arches a wry eyebrow. ‘Who’s for chocolate pancakes?’
‘Me.’ Lillian, Phoebe and I squeal at the same time.
‘With a side order of champagne.’ Lillian winks at me. ‘I’m starting this Christmas the way I mean to go on – my way.’
I pull her into a hug, Penny Jackson style. ‘Good for you.’
Only when every present in the house has been opened, and the floor is barely visible through the shreds of hastily discarded wrapping paper, does Phoebe sit at the table and devour two golden crepes slathered in Nutella.
Her eyes dart between Cillian and me, a question flickering in her all too astute stare. The kid is way ahead of her time.
‘You okay, sweetie?’ I pat her hand across the table.
‘Yes. I’m so happy you’re here.’ Her gaze falls to the floor, and I sense a but coming.
‘Me too, darling. Me too.’
She misses her mother. It’s obvious. And it’s natural. I’m never going to fill that role, even if Cillian and I do get married, but I’ll do whatever I can to plug it for her, so it doesn’t hurt quite as much.
‘Your mammy texted,’ Cillian says gently. ‘She’s going to pop in for hour before we go to see Ava’s parents, okay?’
‘Really?’ Phoebe bounces in her seat, bright eyed once again.
‘Yes. She’s bought an apartment in Dublin, and she promises she’ll be in at least two weekends every month so you can go and see her and maybe even sleep over sometimes.’ Cillian stands, flanks her back, and places a reassuring palm on her shoulder.
‘This is the best Christmas ever.’ Phoebe wipes the corners of her mouth with the back of her hand. ‘Wonder what Sarah Snowden got for Christmas.’
‘You’ll soon find out. You’re going for a playdate in a few days.’ Dark eyebrows wiggle suggestively at me.
‘And so are you.’ Cillian murmurs into my ear as he passes behind me.
I push my chair back and follow him over to the sink. ‘Really? Where?’
‘Paris. The city of love.’
‘Seriously?’ My boyfriend is turning into one of those romantics he used to scoff at. ‘Phoebe’s right. This really is the best Christmas ever.’
‘Only until next year.’ He shoots me that devilishly devastating smile again. ‘I won’t be happy until you’re bare foot and pregnant in this kitchen.’
‘I can’t wait.’
EPILOGUE
Six months later
