‘He’s my only guest right now.’ When he’d come down from his room that morning, they’d had a quiet moment in the dining room together. He’d been excited about Thanksgiving dinner and there’d been such a spark of electricity between them Nell was sure she’d burst into flames if he stayed much longer. Tom stared at her and the way his eyes pierced kept her imagination at bay. ‘I’m hoping to get a few more soon from this December romance deal I’m doing.’
‘I hope so too. I didn’t expect Brenda to be here.’
‘Me neither.’ At least Cat hadn’t been flirty this time and until she knew for sure there was something to worry about, she wasn’t going to tell Tom. He had enough on his plate with the accident and getting his van fixed up. ‘I’m not going to let Brenda ruin today’s fun, though.’
‘Good, but I have to say she’s the reason I’m so terrified of my best man’s speech. I’ve known velociraptors with less bite, and I can already see her glaring at me from the top table as I speak.’
‘Maybe we can spike the punch and get her sozzled before it all kicks off.’
‘Now that’s a plan.’ Tom laughed as they walked back inside. ‘Nice jumper by the way.’
Nell smiled at the fake compliment. She knew the enormous Christmas jumper was a bit shapeless, but she loved it nonetheless. It was warm and cosy and had a giant penguin wearing a hat and scarf on it. She’d had it for ages, and it was one of her favourites. ‘Where’s yours, Mr Christmas?’ He opened the front of his coat to show off his own Christmas jumper bearing a Christmas tree with light up baubles. As he switched it on, the tiny decorations glowed and so did she. ‘I love it.’
The second lot of residents arrived about five minutes later, including Nigel and Edith.
‘Well, this is a grand idea, Nell,’ he said as he was guided past.
‘Thanks, Nigel.’ She gave him a kiss on the cheek and Tom took his arm.
‘This way, Grandad.’
In the dining room, the joyful sound of chatter was growing. The residents began to enjoy themselves, settling into seats and digging through the piles of adornments in front of them. Nell made sure everyone was comfortable, finding cushions from the lounge and extra blankets, making sure they were tucked in tight around their legs. She even threw a couple more logs on the fire in the lounge and whacked the heating up, despite Brenda’s protests. By the time everyone was beavering away with their wreaths, Holly Lodge was filled with Christmas music, laughter and noise.
When Nell knew everyone was settled and she wasn’t needed for five minutes, she made Brenda and Cat tea and nipped into the lounge to tell them they could head downstairs to see Niall. Cat moved so fast even Brenda was surprised and Nell followed them downstairs, determined to keep an eye on things for as long as possible. As soon as the mayor arrived, she’d come back up, but for now she wanted to see what was happening with Cat and Niall.
He’d been right about the kitchen. Where the mulled wine simmered away it smelled like Christmas. The metal worktops were covered in extra plates of truffles, mince pies, Niall’s signature chocolate bark and other delights, and Nell filled with that excitement so particular to the festive season. A feeling of exhilaration, anticipation, hope and love.
‘Wow, Niall.’ Cat was so close to him Nell was surprised she wasn’t in the way. ‘This place smells amazing. Can I steal a coconut ice?’
‘Sure,’ he replied.
‘Darling.’ Brenda stepped forwards. ‘Do you really think you should? I mean, we’ve talked about this already. No one wants to be a tubby bride.’
‘She’ll be beautiful,’ Nell interjected. Niall looked down at petite Cat from his grand six-foot height. His gaze lingered on Cat for a second longer than was strictly necessary, but Nell wasn’t sure if it was just to let her know she didn’t need to listen to her mother or because he was secretly hinting he fancied her. ‘So, what are we here to discuss?’ Nell asked, taking charge. She didn’t have a lot of time to waste with the mayor arriving soon and she didn’t want to leave Tom managing everything upstairs either.
Brenda pulled out the dreaded wedding file. ‘I’m not sure the buffet choices are really suitable.’
‘In what way?’ asked Niall, leaning over the counter. To his credit, his tone was one of professional enquiry and not at all judgemental which Nell’s would have been. She and Cat had been excited about the menu when they’d had the initial tasting and thought there was something there for everyone. Niall had even asked if he could use it as a sample menu for the wedding fair so it couldn’t be that outlandish.
‘I think we need a few different things. I know Cat has strange tastes but I’m not sure mini pumpkin pies and Mississippi mud macaroons are the sort of thing Aunty Phyllis would like.’
‘But if it’s what Cat wants …’ Niall let the sentence trail away and everyone turned to Cat. Nell’s heart lurched for her friend. Her mother’s eyes were boring into her pulling her one way, and Niall’s sweet gaze, trying to help her stand up to Brenda, pulled her another.
‘I think Mum’s got a point,’ Cat said meekly. ‘I might have got a bit carried away with what I like and not thought about my guests.’
‘But it’s your wedding,’ Nell pointed out, earning the death stare from Brenda. Nell used her friendship like a suit of armour and continued. ‘Cat should have what she wants on her wedding day.’
But Brenda was not to be derailed. ‘Nell, darling, when you finally get married, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. Until then, let’s just carry on with some common sense, shall we?’ If Brenda’s helmet-hair hadn’t offered indestructible protection, Nell would have hit her
