‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’d like that.’
The trees were arranged by height and species in mini paddocks divided by wooden fences. They lay together like ranks of sleeping soldiers, and she thought there was something a little melancholy about the felled trees, which had once been growing in the forest. Then she reminded herself of the joy and excitement they would create for hundreds of families for weeks to come.
‘So many trees, waiting for their owners … It’s strange to be here before all the Christmas madness starts.’ She picked up a spruce by its tip, inhaling the pine scent. ‘I love a fresh tree in the house.’
‘Madness is a good word for it,’ Jay murmured, then changed his tone to something more upbeat. ‘Would you like a tree for the Bothy?’
Lottie was taken aback. ‘I’d love one, of course but … can I be very cheeky? Would you mind very much if I gave it to Steph? The twins would adore it. I’ll pay, of course. I intended to treat them to one anyway.’
‘I’m sure Shayla won’t mind me letting you have a free tree.’
Lottie wasn’t quite so confident, or at least she didn’t want to pre-empt her boss’s generosity. ‘I’d better ask her, all the same. I don’t want to be treated any differently from any of the other staff. It’s not fair.’
‘Good idea. What about if I suggest that we donate a tree to all the staff? I can’t think that she’ll object.’
‘OK, but whatever she decides, I’ll bring Steph and the girls to choose one.’
‘I could pop it round to your sister’s place in the pick-up, if transport’s going to be a problem.’
‘That would be brilliant. I was wondering how I’d fit it in my Fiesta and Steph only has a small car too.’
His eyes sparked with pleasure. ‘It’s a deal then. You let me know a good time.’
‘OK. Steph’s bringing the girls to the launch to see Santa and the reindeer.’
‘It’ll be busy … but why don’t you tell them to come over before the place opens to the public? The reindeer handler will be here with the animals from nine, to settle them in. I can ask her if it’s OK but I don’t think she’ll mind.’
‘Really?’ Lottie could imagine Myra and Jodie literally dancing for joy.
‘They’d get their own special encounter.’
‘They won’t be able to contain themselves! What a great idea.’
‘They sound as if they all need a special treat. I’ll phone the farmer now.’
‘Thanks.’
Heartened by his enthusiasm, Lottie listened while Jay called the farmer and sorted the visit for the girls.
His broad grin lit up his face and Lottie was brimming with delight too, desperate to tell the girls. Then she saw the time and realised she’d been out of the office for a good twenty minutes. Shayla gave her a lot of leeway but she really ought to be getting back.
‘I have to go,’ she said.
‘Me too.’
Yet they both seemed in no hurry to part, standing by the grotto with empty mugs. She remembered her only legitimate reason for visiting the tree centre. ‘Um, Jay? Have you had any more thoughts about coming to the pub this Wednesday night? If you’re not doing anything,’ she added, giving him an escape clause but hoping he didn’t take it.
‘I’m not doing anything,’ he said slowly, and Lottie could almost hear the cogs whirring. She was held in suspense a moment longer before he went on. ‘OK. If it’s not too late, I’ll be there. Thanks for reminding me.’
‘See you around seven in the café foyer, then?’ she said.
‘Great.’
With that they parted and Lottie made her way through the mist down to the offices. It had started to rain, and with the temperature dropping, it was rapidly turning to sleet. There might be snow by morning, she thought, and then realised her headache had gone. No fog or sleet could dampen her spirits and Jay had taken her out of herself and reminded her there was a life outside work. The pub trip would be a chance to relax with her friends and colleagues, and get completely away from the wedding with all its old associations. Now that Jay was coming, she was looking forward to it even more.
Chapter Eleven
‘Oh, hello there!’
Even though he’d said he was coming, Lottie couldn’t hide her surprise when she found Jay already waiting in the café with Shayla and the other live-in staff the following evening. He was chatting to Lukasz, the chef, and seemed relaxed enough, which was a relief as she’d wondered whether she’d pushed him out of his comfort zone against his will.
‘S-sorry, I’ve kept you waiting.’ Slightly out of breath, she caught Jay’s eye.
‘We thought you’d forgotten all about it,’ Shayla said with an eyebrow raise that let Lottie know she was teasing.
‘Oh, there’s no chance of that. I’m late because my sister was on the phone.’
‘Everything OK?’ Shayla’s voice was instantly tinged with concern.
‘Yes, she’s fine,’ said Lottie, crossing mental fingers for luck. She’d taken a call from Steph, who hadn’t been feeling well. It was hard to know if it was anxiety or linked to the after-effects of her treatment – or a worrying new symptom.
‘Good.’ Unaware of Lottie’s concerns, Shayla rubbed her hands together. ‘Right. Let’s go, shall we?’
Lottie pushed her fears aside and tried to enjoy the evening. With the aid of a torch, they all walked the half-mile down the hill from Firholme to the village. Frost glittered on the road surface in the light of the torch. Despite her sturdy boots, Lottie almost slipped on a patch of black ice on a hairpin bend.
‘Whoa!’ Jay grabbed her arm just in time to stop her from falling painfully on her bottom. He let go of her arm. ‘Are you OK?’
‘Yes, thanks,’ she said, embarrassed.
‘Do you mind falling over after we’ve been to the pub?’ Shayla joked, and everyone laughed. ‘Please be careful. I don’t want my
