Page 36 of I’ll Be Home for Christmas

‘The big ice Top of Europe sign was impressive.’ Sarah put both hands around her mug of hot chocolate and lifted it so the steam could warm her face. ‘And the penguins were so cute.’

Meg helped herself to a couple of the chips from the bowl they were sharing. High altitude sure worked up an appetite – or maybe that was just her. ‘I thought the polar bear and its cub were the cutest. Whoever carved them is hugely talented, especially to do all that whilst battling the cold and the difference in the air.’

Sarah looked briefly out of the window at the view. ‘Thank you for letting me come today. It’s been good to get away.’

‘Thank you for coming with me.’ She felt comfortable with Sarah and while she’d resisted asking anything too prying before, it felt right to do so now. ‘What do you mean when you say it’s been good to get away? From work?’

Sarah didn’t meet her gaze. ‘Not work.’

‘Your mum?’ She knew it wasn’t her place to mention Chrissie, and she almost wished she hadn’t, but Sarah answered.

‘I needed to get away from Mum, from Rhys. From the wedding plans.’

She took a chance. ‘I’m here to listen if you need me to, Sarah.’

After a heavy pause, Sarah confided that she’d run off rather than come here just to see her grandparents.

‘Do you still want to get married?’ Meg asked.

‘I think so. But…’

‘You’re not ready.’

Sarah looked at her. ‘I don’t think I am. I thought I was, but as the date gets closer and closer…’

Meg thought for a moment. ‘Look, I’m no expert. But I suppose the big question is, do you love Rhys?’

‘I do…’ And then after she’d looked away for a brief moment, she turned back and added, ‘But is that enough? Is it right to commit at age twenty or should I be living my life on my own terms first?’

‘Is that what your mum thinks?’ Did that mean Chrissie regretted giving up her own career for Anthony? It gave Meg no sense of satisfaction that she might have. In all of this she’d only ever wanted her sister to be happy.

‘Mum likes Rhys but he’s seven years older, she says he’s had a life, and he’s done plenty that I haven’t – been travelling with friends, worked overseas… He’s got life experience and a confidence I don’t have.’

‘Your mum is looking out for you.’ In the same way she’d tried to do with Chrissie, except it had pushed her sister away. She really hoped Chrissie wasn’t making that mistake with Sarah.

‘I know she is, and I’m grateful, but I’m so confused. I don’t know what to do.’

‘Have you told them both how you feel?’ Meg asked. And when Sarah shook her head she advised, ‘You should. In my experience, openness and communication are key to everything, especially at the start of such a big commitment. Call them when we’re back at the chalet.’

Sarah nodded and Meg hoped she’d given her the right advice. Otherwise, it might well be something else her sister could hold against her.

By the time they got back to Winterbruck after their adventure Sarah had told Meg all about Rhys and the things she loved about him.

‘Thanks for today, Auntie Meg,’ she said as they walked towards the path to the chalet. The path was clear, but a light snowfall had just started.

‘You’re very welcome, Sarah.’

Meg had just got the key in the front door when a car pulled up on the street, and she heard Sarah behind her gasp.

Meg turned slowly. It was getting dark, but not so dark that she couldn’t see who was getting out of the car.

Chrissie was here in Winterbruck.

Which meant all hell was about to break loose.

14

SARAH