‘Are you…’

  I shook my head. ‘I’m so sorry for hurting you, Henry.’

  ‘Shush, that’s all I need to know.’ He brought his finger up to my lips to silence me. ‘I don’t want to hear the details, Lizzie. If I did, there’d be no getting through this for me.’

  I gave him a one-armed hug and he gently brushed the tears away from my cheeks.

  His eyes bore into mine and he hesitated for a second. ‘Can I come home, Lizzie?’

  My stomach flipped with happiness and my heart skipped a beat. ‘Yes!’

  He shuffled closer towards me and we fell into each other’s arms and hugged tight. I never wanted to let him go again.

  After a few seconds he pulled away and tilted my face towards his.

  ‘I’m so sorry for everything, Lizzie. Do you think we can do this?’

  ‘Yes,’ I said warmly, my eyes not leaving his.

  ‘Things will need to change. We need to spend more time together – walks, picnics, maybe a holiday abroad.’

  ‘You had me at things need to change,’ I whispered, softly kissing the stubble on the side of his face.

  ‘Henry, I’ve got something I need to share with you.’

  ‘Go on.’

  I could see his hands shaking.

  ‘It’s good news,’ I added quickly.

  He rolled his eyes and smiled. ‘Thank God for that.’

  ‘I hope you’re OK with this, but I’ve decided to make more of myself too. Now the girls have grown up and I’m not needed around the house as much, I’ve decided to do what I love most in the world and sew. After Christmas I’m going to rent the room at the back of the sewing shop and look for more clients. Abbie wants us to go into business together. I hope you don’t mind.’

  Henry smiled at me. ‘I don’t mind at all. Abbie told me yesterday. I think it’s a really good idea. She really looks up to you, you know.’

  ‘The rent for the first few months is already accounted for. I won a little money on the bingo. I’m so sorry I haven’t got round to sharing the news. We can use the money for something else if you prefer.’

  I waited for his answer with bated breath.

  ‘Lizzie Stevens, you never cease to amaze me. This is your time now and you do what makes you happy.’

  He grasped my head in his hands and kissed me. I didn’t want it to stop, and when it finally did, we cuddled up on the sofa, smiling at each other like a couple of teenagers. He inclined his head towards the door. ‘Shall we go to bed?’ he murmured.

  My heart skipped a beat. He moved closer towards me until his breath whispered in my ear, ‘Make love to me, Lizzie.’

  The hairs on my neck bristled with goosebumps, sending tingles through my entire body.

  He held out his hand and I placed my hand in his. I’d never felt happier in my life.

  47

  Christmas Day

  The flakes flurried lightly to the ground. All the cars in the cul-de-sac were veiled in a layer of fresh snow, and I waved at Ann and Leo from the window as they parked the car.

  Henry appeared behind me and pulled me in close, wrapping his arms around my waist. He kissed me lightly on the cheek before bending down and flicking the Christmas tree lights on. My heart swelled with happiness.

  ‘That’s more like it,’ Henry said, and we watched Ann and Leo traipsing up the path, armed with a handful of colourful wrapped gifts and a couple of bottles of wine.

  ‘Ann, Leo, come on in out of the cold. The fire’s roaring,’ Henry welcomed them as they stamped their snowy boots on the mat.

  I skipped out of the living room and bounded towards my best friend. ‘Merry Christmas!’ I said, throwing my arms around her and kissing her on the cheek.

  ‘Let me take those from you.’ Henry balanced the presents and the wine in his arms before disappearing into the living room with them.

  Abbie appeared at the top of the stairs. She and Freya had been snuggled up under a duvet together like the good old days, munching their way through selection boxes while they watched The Wizard of Oz.

  ‘Is Leo here?’ she asked, peering down the stairs to find Leo smiling up at her.

  ‘Merry Christmas, Leo,’ I said, pressing a light kiss on his cheek before heading into the kitchen with Ann in tow.

  Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. ‘Well? What’s going on? I couldn’t believe it when I read your text last night saying Henry was back. Is everything OK between you two?’

  ‘Yes,’ I whispered. ‘I’ll fill you in later. I think Henry and I are going to be just fine,’ I said, smiling with hope.

  ‘I’m so pleased for you, Lizzie,’ she said, squeezing my arm.

  ‘Drink?’

  ‘I thought you’d never ask!’ She smiled and took a wine glass from the cupboard while I popped the cork on a bottle of Prosecco.

  ‘The turkey smells delicious,’ she said, wrinkling her nose.

  ‘Can you believe I’ve not lifted a finger all morning? Henry and Freya have peeled all the vegetables and Abbie – well come and have a look at this.’ Ann followed me into the dining room.

  ‘Wow! It looks like something out of a magazine,’ Ann exclaimed.

  The table looked magnificent; each seat was decorated with a reindeer place setting, a Christmas cracker and an individual gift – a small red and gold box that lay on top of our serviettes.

  ‘It does, doesn’t it? Abbie’s been working hard all morning and I was instructed to put my feet up!’

  ‘Two minutes until dinner is served,’ Henry boomed from the kitchen.

  ‘Do you need any help?’ I shouted back.

  ‘No, you and Ann make yourselves comfortable at the table and enjoy your drinks.’

  Ann raised her eyebrows. ‘Wow, he has turned over a new leaf. Is this the same Henry?’ she whispered before taking her place at the table.

  We could hear excited chatter heading towards us from down the hallway. Freya, Abbie and Leo looked so happy and relaxed as they stepped into the room.

  Teary-eyed with emotion I glanced around the room at my family, all gathered in one place. A couple of days ago I’d never have thought this was possible, but now I swelled with happiness as I watched them smiling and chatting together.

  The dining-room door swung open, and we all laughed at Henry, who was wearing a Father Christmas hat and beard and juggling the hugest turkey I’d ever clapped eyes on.

  ‘How did you ever get that bird in the oven?’ I asked, amazed.

  Freya and Abbie burst out laughing as Henry picked up a portion of the bird. ‘We cooked this half last night and this half this morning!’ he said, shaking his head with laughter.

  He disappeared back into the kitchen and began to bring out dishes and dishes of food. It all looked delicious – and smelt amazing.

  ‘Move those sprouts away from me,’ Abbie joked, pushing the dish to the far end of the table. ‘I feel nauseous just looking at them. Who in their right mind eats sprouts?’

  ‘They’re my favourite actually,’ Leo said, popping one in his mouth as Abbie hit him playfully on the arm.

  For the next hour, we all sat around eating turkey and enjoying each other’s company. There was a smile on everyone’s face, and once the plates were empty we all slumped back in our seats with our hands clutching our stomachs, each of us fit to burst.

  ‘I couldn’t possibly eat another thing. I’m stuffed,’ Leo said, pushing up his paper hat. It kept slipping down over his eyes.

  ‘Is it possible I can say a few words before we attempt pudding?’

  The room groaned.

  ‘I hope those groans are about pudding and not me!’ I said, grinning.

  Everyone smiled in my direction.

  ‘Firstly, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am to share this day with you all. Here’s to you. Cheers,’ I said, holding my glass in the air before taking a sip.

  The whole table echoed my cheers and raised their glasses.

  ‘Secondly, please forgive me for my slushy moment but I’d like to raise another toast to my best friend, Ann.’

  Ann blushed. ‘Don’t be daft; you don’t need to toast me.’

  ‘I’ll keep it short and sweet I promise. Our friendship grows stronger every day, and I don’t ever want to think of my life without you in it. And this is for you,’ I said, handing her a parcel I’d hidden by the side of my chair.

  ‘Mmmm, what have we got here?’ she said, running her fingers over it. ‘Shall I open it now?’

  ‘Yes!’ Everyone nodded in agreement.

  Ann shot me a cheeky look as she tore open the package.

  She giggled as soon as she saw Gary staring back at her.

  ‘What is it?’ Freya asked, straining her neck from the other side of the table.’

  ‘Ta dah!’ Ann said, laughing as she held up the latest Gary Barlow calendar.

  Abbie laughed. ‘Mother!’

  ‘For the last year Gary has been locked away in my pantry. We have laughed and we have cried, but this year he wants a change of scenery, and who better to look after him than my best friend?’

  ‘She talks about it like it’s the real thing,’ Abbie mouthed at Freya.

  ‘I’m too emotional to speak!’ Ann said, beaming. ‘Thank you so much, Lizzie. I promise I’ll give him a very good home!’

  ‘You’d better!’

  The entire table applauded.

  Suddenly Henry cleared his throat and looked sheepish. ‘I have two presents for my beautiful wife,’ he declared before standing up and disappearing into the hallway.

  I raised my eyes at the girls and they shrugged, not giving anything away.

  We waited patiently for Henry to return.

  Ann smiled across at me, and I noticed Leo squeezing Abbie’s hand. They were in the first flush of love and made the perfect couple.

  A few seconds later Henry wandered back into the dining room and handed me a gift bag tied with a pink satin bow. Our eyes met and I smiled.

  ‘Thank you,’ I said, pulling on the ribbon and peering inside. Wrapped amongst the delicate tissue paper was a small burgundy box.

  ‘What is it?’ Abbie asked impatiently.

  Flipping the lid open, I gasped. ‘Henry, it’s stunning!’ I stared down at the diamond ring with tears in my eyes. It was absolutely perfect.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ I said with a shaky voice.

  Henry reached out and slipped it on to my finger.

  ‘I know I never bought you an engagement ring, so I thought I’d make up for it now. I hope you like it.’

  ‘I love it, thank you,’ I replied, leaning forward and kissing him on the lips, my heart soaring with happiness.

  ‘New beginnings,’ he whispered to me before sitting back down at the table, and I held my hand out proudly for everyone to see.

  The diamonds caught the light and sparkled fiercely. ‘It’s beautiful,’ the girls gasped in unison.

  ‘You said two surprises,’ Leo reminded Henry, and all our eyes switched back towards him. He raised his gleaming eyes towards the girls and slipped them a wink.

  ‘Hey, what’s going on here?’ I asked, catching the look between them all.

  They both began to giggle and raced out of the living room together.

  ‘I could swear they’ve just disappeared outside the front door.’

  Henry and Ann didn’t say a word; they just smiled at each other.

  What are they up to? I wondered.

  Five minutes later I could hear them whispering outside the room. ‘Are you ready?’ Abbie shouted from the other side of the door.

  ‘Hang on. Close your eyes and put your hands out,’ Henry instructed.

  ‘And no peeping,’ Ann ordered.

  ‘You know what this is, don’t you? I can tell by the look on your face!’

  ‘I may do,’ she said and smiled, taking a sip of her wine.

  I closed my eyes, not knowing what to expect, and put my hands out.

  ‘Come on in, girls – your mum’s eyes are shut.’

  I jumped out of my skin and my eyes shot open when a small furry body was deposited in my arms.

  ‘A puppy!’ I gasped, looking down at the tiny ball of black and gold fur staring back at me. He had wide eyes and paws that looked way too big for his body.

  I squealed with delight as it began to burrow into my neck, and I clamped my hands around its pot belly and lifted it into the air to have a proper look.

  ‘Oh my gosh, he’s gorgeous! How have you managed to keep him quiet all morning?’ I asked, my eyes shooting around the table.

  ‘He’s been hiding out next door at Nora’s; her grandchildren have had a ball, but they’re now mithering their parents for a puppy of their own.’

  I laughed.

  ‘He’ll grow into those paws,’ Freya said, ruffling his head.

  I stroked his soft fur, and he licked my hand with a rough tongue.

  ‘Thank you,’ I said, standing up and pressing a kiss to Henry’s cheek then dropping one on the puppy’s nose.

  I settled back in the chair with my arms wrapped around my new best friend, who squirmed in my lap. ‘He’s definitely a ball of energy,’ I murmured.

  ‘What are you going to call him?’ Freya asked.

  ‘I’ve no idea,’ I said, placing the puppy on the floor. He immediately started tugging at my socks.

  Leo bent down and placed a party hat on the puppy’s head. He began to waggle his tail more enthusiastically and then ran round in circles while he shook it off.

  I laughed, scooping him back up into my arms and placing my head against his soft face. The puppy nuzzled against my cheeks before nipping me on my nose.

  Everyone laughed.

  ‘Ow, you little monkey, that hurt,’ I said, mesmerised by his puppy-dog eyes. I couldn’t stay mad at such a cute ball of fluff. ‘Mmmm, I think I’m going to call him Jack. Because it’s Christmas and this little Jack Frost is nipping at my nose. Welcome to the family, Jack!’

  ‘Fantastic name! Now let me have a hold,’ Freya said, stretching out her arms.

  ‘Damn, that’s put a dampener on our plans,’ Leo whispered to Abbie as the table suddenly went silent. We all gazed across in their direction.

  ‘What do you mean?’ I asked, giving them both a quizzical look.

  Leo looked at Abbie and urged her to speak. She grabbed Leo’s hand and took a deep breath.

  The whole table waited for them to speak.

  ‘I think this is probably one of the best Christmas Days I’ve ever had, and I hope we’re about to make it even more special. Leo and I…’ she paused.

  ‘You and Leo are what,’ Ann urged.

  ‘We’re expecting a baby!’

  I clamped my hand to my mouth and gasped.

  ‘We’re going to be grannies,’ Ann squealed, beaming from ear to ear. Standing up, she skipped around the table and threw her arms around Leo and kissed Abbie forcefully on the cheek.

  ‘That’s one we definitely didn’t have on the bucket list,’ I said, laughing.

  The whole table erupted in cheers.

  ‘Congratulations! Here’s to Leo and Abbie,’ Henry said, raising his glass in the air.

  ‘Leo and Abbie,’ everyone toasted enthusiastically. Jack let out an excited woof so he wasn’t left out.

  Abbie was beaming as she stood up and threw her arms around Henry then walked around the table to me.

  ‘I love you, Mum,’ she whispered as she placed her arms around my neck and hugged me tight.

  ‘I love you more,’ I whispered. ‘So that’s why you wanted to give up uni!’

  She tilted her head and smiled at me before turning towards Freya. ‘I know at times I can be a pain.’

  Freya laughed. ‘Yes, indeed.’

  ‘But this baby is going to have the best aunty in the world.’

  ‘You better believe it,’ she said before standing up and handing Jack back to me.

  ‘Dad and I will clear the table. Mum-to-be, go and put your feet up and who’s for a glass of mulled wine and some Christmas pudding?’ Freya asked as she collected the empty plates.

  ‘Me,’ we all chorused.

  While everyone else abandoned the dining room, Ann and I sat there for a moment longer. I knew today had been so difficult for her – her first Christmas without her mum and without Dave.

  ‘You OK?’ I asked, stroking Jack, who was falling asleep in my arms.

  ‘I will be. It’s difficult, but thanks to everyone here I’m getting through it. Thank you, Lizzie.’

  ‘No, thank you. I couldn’t have got through these last few weeks without you either.’

  I stood up and kissed the top of her head.

  ‘He’s beautiful,’ Ann said, admiring Jack.

  ‘I’d best find somewhere to lay him down. Are you staying here for a minute?’

  ‘Yes, I just want a few moments to myself, if that’s OK?’

  ‘Of course,’ I said, standing up and wandering into the kitchen with Jack in my arms. I noticed Henry was bending down in the corner of the kitchen.

  ‘What are you doing? Have you dropped something?’

  He looked round and gave me the most heart-warming smile. ‘No, it’s an extra present for this little chap,’ he said, stroking his head gently. ‘I thought he might need a bed, but we didn’t have time to wrap it up. Here let me,’ he said, carefully lifting Jack from my arms. The puppy opened his eyes for a split second before closing them tightly again. Henry lay him down in the bed.

  ‘You’ve even got him a teddy bear,’ I said, amazed.

  ‘The lady in the shop said they still need comfort when they’re that young.’

  ‘You’ve thought of everything. Thank you, Henry – and I’m so sorry.’

  ‘Come here,’ he said, reaching out to me. ‘We still have a long way to go, and we both need to work hard at it, but I don’t want to be anywhere else.’

  ‘Me neither.’

  He slid his arm around my waist and pulled me close.

  My heart swelled with happiness.

  ‘I love you, Lizzie Stevens,’ he whispered softly into my ear.