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“I like our wine and kissing nights.”

“But it was good to talk, too.” If there was one thing this accidental Christmas had taught her, it was the importance of good communication. “I love you, Matt.”

“I love you, too.” His tone was serious for once and he kissed her gently. “I’ve loved seeing you relax and enjoy the whole thing instead of being the captain of the ship. Next year I’m going to do more so it’s not all on you. And I know I won’t do it as well as you, but does that matter? I think if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past few days it’s that just because things don’t go the way you planned doesn’t mean you can’t have the best time.”

“That’s true. I was worried the girls would be disappointed, but they’ve loved every minute. Of course, it helps when your unexpected host happens to be their superhero author.” She still couldn’t believe how kind Mabel had been to Elsie. “I’m excited about tomorrow.”

“You just want to build another snowman.”

“That’s it. You know me.”

“I do.” He pulled her closer. “Now, get to sleep or Santa will know you’re awake and then he won’t come. And if that happens, I’m leaving you to explain it to Poppy.”

34

Izzy

Christmas Day was everything she’d ever wanted it to be. It was a Christmas of cornflower-blue skies and bright sun-shine, of snowy trees and the endless dazzle of white. Mostly, it was a Christmas of friendship and warmth.

When she’d first realised that she’d be spending Christmas here, she’d been relieved to just get through a difficult day with company. She hadn’t anticipated that she’d feel part of it.

“Izzy, look!” Poppy ripped open a gift and produced a sparkly tutu made from layers of pink and violet tulle that she immediately pulled on over her clothes. “I love it. Santa is very clever.”

“I love it, too! It will be perfect for twirling.” Izzy crossed the room and took her hands. “Let’s twirl, ballerina.”

They danced together, the tutu bouncing as Poppy jumped and spun.

“Mmm. That’s not quite the look Santa was going for,” Brooke muttered, and Matt glanced at her.

“What exactly is offending you? The dinosaur leggings poking out from underneath or the chocolate round her mouth?”

Izzy was fascinated by how different the two sisters were. While Poppy treated the room like a stage for her performance, Elsie sat quietly by the tree with Crumpet and Cupcake on her lap, carefully unwrapping presents.

“I love you, Izzy.” Poppy held up her arms to be lifted, and Izzy scooped her up and hugged her.

“She’ll rub her chocolatey face on you,” Brooke warned, but Izzy didn’t care about that.

There was a strange pressure in her chest.

“I love you, too, monkey.” She saw Jason watching her and set the little girl down, self-conscious.

If he was upset by her rejection, he didn’t show it. He was his normal self, as good-humoured and patient as ever. He’d carried on as if nothing had changed between them.

He hadn’t pushed her. He’d made no further attempts to persuade her.

By behaving normally, as if the conversation the day before had never happened, he’d made it easy for her.

But nothing about this felt easy.

When she’d walked out of the room yesterday morning, she’d been sure she was doing the right thing for her, but as the day had progressed, the doubts had set in. When Jason had whispered that he had an idea for the girls and he needed her help, she hadn’t felt able to refuse, but being closeted with him all afternoon had made her feelings all the more complicated. The more time she spent with him, the more she liked him.

“Right, girls.” Brooke rose to her feet. “Time to call Granny and wish her happy Christmas.”

Jason stood up, too. “While you do that, Izzy and I will go and get our present for the girls. When you’ve finished, put your coats on and we’ll meet you outside.”

Poppy clapped her hands. “I want it right now.”

“You have to wait,” Elsie said, neatly stacking her gifts in a pile. “First, we speak to Granny because she will be sad we’re not there.”