Page 69 of I’ll Be Home for Christmas

‘You’ve done everything for me. You always want to help and nothing has ever been too much.’

Chrissie set the last of the cutlery in place. ‘But that has been my problem. I should’ve left things to you more, and now I promise I will. Well, as much as I can.’

‘I couldn’t wait to tell you about the idea to have the wedding here.’

‘I’m so pleased you’re doing it. And Dad…’ Her voice caught. ‘He’s beyond overjoyed that he’ll be at your wedding and walking you down the aisle.’ She stopped herself from enthusing too much, but Sarah picked up on it.

‘Mum, get excited, please. I want you to.’

She held back just a moment more before she shared, ‘Imagine it. With the snow around us, the lights, the magic… you in that stunning dress and veil with the beads and sequins shimmering beneath the lights… It’s going to be the most perfect day. Because it’s your day and Rhys’s. And you’re doing it your way.’ She had wondered whether Rhys’s parents would expect a much bigger affair, and she wouldn’t mind betting it had been Sarah’s concern. But it seemed they were willing to go with what their son and future daughter-in-law wanted.

The others bundled inside, boasting about the snowman – and snowwoman – they’d made out front, and while they took over getting everything else ready, Sarah, Chrissie and Meg went outside to make snow angels. Except that didn’t last long before a snowball fight took over. It reminded Chrissie so much of their first Christmas here as sisters. When Meg hurled a snowball her way and it hit her with precision on the chest, neither of them could stop laughing, and when she turned round she saw their parents standing at the window of the chalet, arms around each other, watching their beloved family.

Red-cheeked and glowing from the cold and the togetherness, they bundled inside the chalet when it was time for lunch.

A perfectly golden turkey took centre stage, and Earl requested Rhys carve it. He’d taken a bit of persuasion, but as he did so, Chrissie had exchanged a look with Meg. This was Earl’s way of accepting someone into the family; he’d done it with Anthony too. And they both grinned at each other when they heard him say to Jonathan, ‘You can slice the nut roast. But who knows, it might be your turn with the turkey next year.’

And they smiled even more when Jonathan acknowledged the comment with a chuckle and a big smile.

24

WINTERBRUCK, SWITZERLAND

The following December

It had been eleven and a half months since Chrissie, Meg, Sarah and Rhys returned to their lives in England, although since then Earl and Astrid had been graced with visits from their daughters, together, no less than three times, and two visits from Rhys and Sarah.

Sarah had kept going with her letters to her grandparents over those eleven and a half months, and a couple of weeks ago they’d had another letter from their granddaughter.

Dear Grumps and Nanna,

We can’t wait to see you again very soon! Can you believe we’re getting married in less than two weeks (by the time this letter reaches you).

Nanna, Rhys tried to make a fondue last night using the different cheeses you suggested, and while it was delicious, I think he needs some tips when we come over.

I had another dress fitting as it’s been so long since I chose the dress. Me, Mum and Meg went to it together – Mum and Meg made the most of the champagne as I was driving – I am so excited that I’ll soon be putting it on for real and holding your arm as you walk me down the aisle. Are you as excited as I am?

You bet he was. As he had read the letter that day, Grumps felt his emotions churn. He’d given Chrissie away and now he had the privilege of doing it all over again for his granddaughter.

Nanna, if you haven’t yet done your cinnamon roll deliveries, then I’ll help with those. Rhys said he wouldn’t mind that recipe too. Honestly, he’s supposed to be an architect, not a chef. It seems he’s hooked – or perhaps it’s got more to do with your cooking.

Rhys and I can’t wait to be at the chalet again and see the tree, the lights, and all the snow.

The wedding is going to be magical. I’ve said that so many times over the last eleven or so months, you must be tired of hearing it.

Earl had never got tired of hearing Sarah’s excitement. Chrissie hadn’t either. Sarah had made the best decision for her and for Rhys. They’d waited. Rhys’s parents had held what sounded like an enormous New Year’s Eve party in the marquee out the back of their property in Northumberland, and although Sarah and Rhys had had a quiet New Year with Chrissie in Oxfordshire, Sarah had accepted an invite to Northumberland for this New Year’s Eve.

Sarah and Rhys had spent the last eleven and a half months enjoying living together and learning about each other. They’d had their first fight – and their first make up, neither of which Earl wanted to know the details of. They were well on their way to spending the rest of their lives together.

And today it was happening. Their beautiful granddaughter was getting married. The whole family was here together, the chalet was dressed for Christmas, and that morning Astrid had gone with Jonathan, Sarah and Meg to deliver cinnamon rolls to all their neighbours as per tradition. She’d been a little late doing it this year, which was understandable because she’d been in charge of sorting out the flowers for today as well as some of the catering. But Astrid would never change. She baked for people, she never let anyone down, and in both his daughters and his granddaughter, Earl could see so much of his wife.

Astrid came up behind him in the bedroom. ‘Turn around,’ she said. He’d been looking in the mirror to adjust his pale-green silk cravat.

Astrid retied it for him and then put her hand against it, on his chest. ‘There, perfect.’

He leaned down and kissed her. ‘You look more beautiful than the day we got married.’

‘I doubt that.’ She laughed.