Lottie sank onto the sofa herself and put her feet up. ‘I know exactly how he feels.’ She rubbed her stomach. ‘Today has been like the Vicar of Dibley. I never want to see another sprout as long as I live.’
‘I had far too much turkey,’ Jay said, sitting beside her and lifting her feet onto his lap. ‘Trevor, mate, we’re going to go on some very long walks, starting tomorrow.’
Lottie laughed. ‘Can you take me with you?’
‘First thing in the morning.’
She smiled, struck by the happiness that seemed to have lit him up from the inside. It had taken a lot of courage to make his peace with Ben and face Nadia, but it had been worth it for everyone’s sakes. Jay’s mum had been in tears and dinner at Steph’s had been equally emotional, with her own parents’ unexpected arrival.
‘Why are you looking at me like that?’ Jay said, a little bemused.
‘Like what?’
‘As if I’m an alien who’s landed?’
She laughed. ‘I was only thinking that for a man who vowed he’d do anything to avoid Christmas, you seem to have enjoyed two of them on the same day.’
‘Three. They all came at once. You’re the third Christmas for me. Being with you makes up a hundred times for the one I didn’t have last year.’
Lottie leaned in to kiss him but then remembered something. ‘Oh my God.’ She sprang up from the sofa, causing Trevor to let out a yip of alarm.
‘What?’
‘I almost forgot your present!’
Jay slapped his forehead. ‘Me too, though I wasn’t expecting one from you.’
‘Wait. I need to go to the Bothy.’
‘Okayyy …’
She was back within a minute, with a large box. ‘I got this a couple of days ago before I knew about …’
Jay was waiting with a much smaller box.
‘Wow,’ he said. ‘You first.’
‘No, you.’ She thrust the box into his arms.
Lottie could hardly contain herself, while Jay put it on the coffee table and ripped off the paper.
He opened the flaps and peered inside. ‘Wow, it’s full of little parcels.’
‘Open one.’
It had taken her hours to choose the decorations and wrap each one in tissue paper, but it was worth it to see the look on his face, as he unwrapped each figure.
‘A red squirrel … more reindeer!’ He laughed. ‘An octopus?’
Lottie smiled. ‘The girls suggested that one. There’s tinsel too and a box of fairy lights. I’m sorry I forgot to give it to you in all the excitement.’
He gave her a long lingering kiss. ‘We’ll dress the tree tomorrow. Together.’
‘I hoped you’d say that. Now,’ he said, picking up the smaller box again. ‘Your turn.’
With slightly shaky fingers, Lottie pulled the ribbon from the small parcel and undid the silver wrapping paper. There was a small leather jewellery box inside.
‘Open it,’ Jay said.
She opened the box and nestling in the top was a gold chain with a tiny Christmas tree topped with a diamond star. It was the most exquisite thing she’d ever seen but she couldn’t speak for happiness.
‘Do you like it?’ Jay said, his voice unsure. ‘I could always change it?’
‘No!’ she cried. ‘Oh, no. It’s perfect. I want to wear it now.’ She picked it up and fastened it around her neck. ‘I don’t want to ever take it off.’
Jay laughed and she kissed him. ‘I don’t want to ever let you go,’ he said.
‘I’d hoped this year would be better than the last,’ Lottie said. ‘I couldn’t imagine how it would be worse.’
‘What I never expected is that it would be the best Christmas ever, thanks to you, Lottie.’ He kissed her until she thought she might soar with happiness.
Trevor let out a bark.
Coming up for air, Lottie laughed. ‘He’s overwhelmed by me doing far too much of this hugging and kissing thing.’
‘He’ll get used it,’ said Jay. ‘It’s going to go on for a very very long time. Happy Christmas, Lottie. I love you.’
Lottie told him the same, but no more words were needed. Leaving Trevor dreaming by the fire, she took him up to bed to make the most of what was left of Christmas Day, knowing there would be many more to come.
THE END
Acknowledgements
I started writing this book at the beginning of January 2020, unaware, like all of us, of the storm that was about to hit. It may sound trite, but the one thing I learned from this tough time was that the people I love are infinitely more precious to me than I’d ever realised. I hope this story reflects how much I value them.
My thanks go out to all of the people helped with research and supported me while writing A Surprise Christmas Wedding. If I’ve accidentally overlooked you, please accept my apologies.
Firstly, I’m hugely grateful to Hayley for sharing her recent experience of cervical cancer and send her every good wish for her continued recovery. I’d also like to thank my agent, Broo Doherty, Moira Briggs, the Coffee Crew, the Party People, the Friday Floras, Janice Hume and all the book bloggers and readers in my Facebook group who share their passion for books far and wide.
My amazing editor, Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks, played a massive role in helping me turn this story into the novel you have in front of you – she is awesome. I’d like to thank Tilda McDonald for commissioning the book last year and Helena for her copy editing skills. There’s no way my books would be on so many shelves or e readers without the wizardry and tireless enthusiasm of the Avon sales, marketing and publicity team, particularly Sabah and Ellie. Keep up the good work, guys!
Finally, to John, to my parents and Charles, and to Charlotte and James, you mean more to me than I can ever say.
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