by Lucy Coleman
‘Merry Christmas, wife,’ Gray’s voice seeps into my consciousness.
‘Merry Christmas, husband – what time is it?’
‘Five thirty. Are you awake?’
I groan. ‘No. Not really. If you’d stop talking, I’d actually still be asleep. I’m not used to staying up until the early hours of the morning.’
‘That’s no fun. I want to give you your wedding present.’
‘The one you, Tollie and Daphne organised last night when you ordered me up to bed and then kept me awake with your chatter?’
‘Yes. I’m too excited about it. I’m going to head downstairs, turn up the heating and put on the Christmas tree lights. I’ll give you ten minutes and then you can come down for the unveiling.’
‘Is it another stag? A friend for Bert?’ I ask, perking up.
‘No. There is only one Bert, you know that.’
I yawn and stretch as Gray jumps out of bed and disappears out of the door. Lying here in the dark I reflect that he’s such a kid at times. I love his enthusiasm, though. Yawning again, I ease myself out of bed and decide to dig out my favourite snowflake jumper to throw on over my pjs, and I’d better run a brush through my hair, too. I hope Gray is happy with the wedding gifts I have for him.
As I pull on my jumper, I walk over to the window to gaze out. The Retreat is in darkness still and it looks cold outside, but there’s no sign of any snow. I hope it was the right thing to do today, deciding to stay home alone. It’s the first Christmas ever that I’ve not sat around the table with family. But tomorrow is the big party at the village hall and even though we’ve had two days to ourselves already, the time has flown. It’s been fun lazing around, although both afternoons we’ve headed out for a long walk. And after looking on enviously at owners throwing balls and sticks for their dogs, Gray has now decided he wants one, too.
‘I’m waiting,’ Gray calls out expectantly.
‘On my way.’
I saunter downstairs, an envelope in my hand, a big smile on my face, and a huge sparkly snowflake on my jumper.
The moment my foot lands on the last tread of the stairs, Gray comes hurrying towards me.
‘Close your eyes and I’ll guide you into the room,’ he insists, and I do as I’m told.
Except that he doesn’t take me by the hand but stands behind me and makes me walk like a robot, guiding my arms. ‘And what’s this in your hand?’ he asks, over my shoulder.
‘Never you mind.’
He manoeuvres me into position. ‘You can open them now.’
I gasp. Either side of my lovely fireplace is a wingback chair in an oatmeal-coloured fabric with small black stag heads printed on it. I swear Bert has a bit of a smile on his face now, too.
‘Oh, Gray, I love them!’ I squeal, throwing my arms around his neck, and he dances me around.
‘I wasn’t sure whether you’d prefer plain green to match the sofas, but I did pick up two green scatter cushions. Well, I asked Mum to sort that for me.’
‘They make this room, Gray, and now we can sit and enjoy the fire, rather than lie on the rug pretending that we’re comfortable,’ I confess.
‘Yes. It wasn’t the best, was it?’
‘Right, now it’s your turn,’ I state, waggling a finger at him. ‘Surprise number one, or surprise number two? The choice is yours.’
‘Well, two armchairs are hard to beat, so the gauntlet has been thrown down. Surprise number one, I think.’
‘Oh, I’m pretty confident I’ll win this challenge,’ I reply breezily, holding out the envelope.
‘Let’s take a seat.’ Gray indicates for me to step forward. ‘You go first.’
‘This is going to be my chair. That was always Tollie’s side of the fireplace,’ I explain. ‘Well, open it, then.’
He teases the envelope open and begins reading. ‘A luxury cookery weekend? Oh, that’s a surprise.’
‘Read on. It’s not just two classes we’ll be attending together, but we get to indulge in a pamper session in the spa every afternoon. Or a yoga class, if you want to find out what I do every Tuesday evening. Or you can learn all about wine from a vintner and take part in a tasting. It’s in that beautiful manor house in Stroud, not far from the canal.’
‘Ooh, a posh weekend away, then. And fine dining, too. When is it?’
‘The weekend after next.’
Gray sits, deep in contemplation. ‘It’s a brilliant gift and I love it. But does it beat two stag chairs? I mean, aren’t they incredibly comfortable?’
He settles himself back, thinking he’s won.
‘Well, you might like my second surprise even more – Gray, we’re pregnant.’
Staring at him, I wonder whether he heard me as he hasn’t moved a muscle.
‘I couldn’t believe it either, and I know we weren’t trying. But, apparently, it’s the reason why I’ve not been eating as much as I usually do, because I’m off my food. The doctor said that’s normal with some pregnancies. I know we were looking forward to a new year without any hassles so that we could get into a nice little routine, but these things happen, and I really hope you’re as happy about it as I am.’
‘Stop talking, woman.’ Gray jumps up out of his chair, throwing the envelope and the sheets of paper on the floor. Then he extends his hands in my direction, pulling me upright and into his arms. ‘I thought we’d start off with a dog, but a baby is so much better! I just didn’t think you were ready.’
‘I’m not,’ I reply. ‘I’m terrified and I still can’t quite believe it’s real. I couldn’t leave it much longer to tell you, though, as it won’t be long until you’ll notice it for yourself.’
‘And I can’t wait for that day!’ Gray replies, grinning. ‘I was so convinced I had played the trump card with those chairs, but you’ve blown my gift out of the water!’
After a leisurely breakfast Gray insists that I head upstairs for a relaxing bath.
‘You can trust me to lay the table and pop everything in the oven,’ he says firmly. I suppose, having bought our entire Christmas dinner in a one-stop shop at Marks & Spencer, it’s just a case of sliding in the small foil trays and getting the timings right. No culinary panics as there were last year, which is a huge relief, but it was rather fun.
‘Yes, boss.’
‘And put on something nice. It is Christmas Day, after all. I’ll pop up in a while and change. You have an hour and a half, at least.’
‘I’d have broken the news sooner if I’d realised that you’d wait on me hand and foot.’ I laugh, giving him a quick kiss and scanning around for the book I purchased last week.
It’s nice to take an hour to pamper myself and let the news really sink in. I’d suspected for a while, but thought at first I’d lost my appetite due to stress. Then it became obvious what was happening, and I felt a little overwhelmed. There was so much going on and I couldn’t deal with it. Now, though, I feel excited at one moment and scared witless the next. What if I go through the same thing that my mum did? I talked to the doctor about post-partum depression, and he said cases like that get picked up very quickly these days and he is always on hand to talk things through if I have any concerns.
Anyway, it’s Christmas and my number one favourite day of the year. But, after all the excitement of the wedding, it somehow doesn’t feel like it. Whether that’s due to the sun trying desperately to break through the clouds, rather than snow covering the ground as it did last year, I’m not sure. Gray is setting the table for two and it’s quiet, so quiet that the cottage feels a little… empty.
When eventually I go downstairs looking cosy in a new cream cable-knit jumper and black leggings, the door into the kitchen is shut. As I turn the handle, a lovely smell wafts towards me, and the sight that greets me brings tears to my eyes.
‘Oh, Merry Christmas, everyone!’
Tollie, Grayson and Fisher are standing in front of the glass doors, looking out over the meadow, glasses in hand.
Gray, is arranging chai
rs around the table and Mum, Rona and Daphne are laying out plates on the countertop. There’s a whole turkey sitting on a platter with a mesh dome over it, and four pans on the hob simmering away.
They turn around to look at me and I stare at Gray, who hurries across, a hesitant look on his face. ‘Here she is, then!’ He leans in to kiss my cheek, giving me a comforting hug.
‘Thank you, Gray. This is truly what Christmas is all about,’ I whisper, stepping back from him. I am feeling a little bewildered, but totally delighted while making a concerted effort to mask my surprise.
The atmosphere is both lively and jolly. I take a moment to gaze around. The blue spruce looks elegant, draped in a network of sparkly white lights and heavily laden with decorations. The greenery in the far corner helps to give the room a sense of connection with the garden outside and adds a wonderful freshness to the air. And the garland draped over the mantlepiece above the fire looks authentic, even though it isn’t real. The small silver bells I incorporated into the design contrast beautifully with the rich and vibrant red of the holly berries – and the bonus is that it will look equally good next year.
‘It’s so kind of you and Gray to invite us, Immi,’ Rona pipes up. ‘It was a little quiet back at the cottage.’
‘Same for us, over in The Retreat,’ Tollie chimes in. ‘Wasn’t it, Daphne?’
She nods. ‘Yes, and I always cook a whole turkey, anyway. Between us all, there’s plenty to go around.’
Mum looks up at me and I can see she’s delighted to be here. ‘Fisher and I were just saying the exact same thing, before Gray called. After the excitement of the wedding, it seemed a little flat getting up this morning.’
‘Love those stag armchairs,’ Tollie says, coming over to try one out. ‘They’ve been stacked in the utility room in The Retreat for the last week,’ he owns up, smiling to himself.
‘I did wonder what was going on down here last night,’ I reply. ‘I would never have guessed it was going to be some new chairs, though. I thought Bert might be gaining a friend.’
‘Oh, you’d never find another like him, m’dear. He’s a one-off, for sure. So, what did you give Gray?’
I glance across at Gray and he looks back at me, uneasily. I simply shrug my shoulders.
‘A couple’s cookery weekend in a luxury hotel with all the perks,’ he confirms.
‘What a lovely idea,’ Mum acknowledges.
Tollie is trying not to laugh. ‘Immi prefers washing up to cooking, but it’s never too late to learn something new.’
‘I’m not much better,’ Gray admits. ‘But that wasn’t the only surprise I—’
‘Somethin’s burnin’,’ Tollie interrupts.
‘Oh, the stuffing!’ Mum yanks open the oven door as Rona moves the trivets around. ‘I think we can begin dishing up. Is the table ready?’
I walk over to check and I can see that Gray has done his best. We have our six new oak chairs, and two from The Retreat, spaced evenly around the table. I ironed the tablecloth yesterday and he’s put out the silver charger plates, the best crystal wine glasses and laid out the knives and forks. He’s even picked two bowls of Christmas roses and cut a selection of greenery. It does look festive and homely.
‘All we need are some paper napkins, but aside from that we’re all set to go. I’ll come and give you a hand.’
‘No, you ladies take a seat. Us guys can serve the food, can’t we?’ Tollie, Fisher and Grayson look at Gray and they seem happy enough to take charge.
Tollie carves the turkey, while Fisher and Gray start plating up the vegetables. Grayson is tasked with sorting out the wine.
‘Right, ladies, white or red?’
When he reaches me, I decline. ‘I’m in the mood for a nice cold bottle of water from the fridge, if you don’t mind, Grayson, thank you.’
‘My pleasure, Immi. What a wonderful surprise to be invited into your home today. It will certainly make this Christmas a memorable one for me.’
His smile is genuine and I can see that he’s not simply being polite.
‘Oh, it’s snowing!’ Daphne points and we all stare out at the tiniest of flakes, still small, but there is a steady stream and the sky seems full of them. ‘They did say we might get a light dusting today.’
With the guys toing and froing with plates and condiments, it takes a little while to get everything sorted. I manage to distract Grayson, leading him over to gaze out at the snowy scene as we talk about the renovation work. In the background, the general chatter and laughter is the perfect cover for me to talk openly to him.
‘Gray told me about your generosity, Grayson. It was kind of you to come to our rescue.’
He shakes his head. ‘It’s only money, Immi, although now I’m here I’m beginning to realise just how devastating it must have been for everyone when the theft was discovered. And, although it was totally unexpected, I really do think that what I have received in return is little short of a miracle.’
His sincerity is touching and instinctively I reach out to place my hand on his arm. ‘Well, it wouldn’t have been the same without you, Grayson, and Gray knew that. I couldn’t be happier and, looking across at Rona, it’s made her Christmas, too.’
‘Come on, Immi and Grayson, grab your seats – it’s time to raise our glasses,’ Fisher calls out. I look over at Gray, who looks set to do a toast, and Grayson and I hurry over to join them.
‘Considering this was a last-minute decision, it’s really wonderful to have you all here. Both Immi and I woke up this morning and felt that something was missing, and that was family. Merry Christmas, everyone, and may every year be as wonderful and special as this one!’
As glasses chink and the banter and laughter circulates around the table, I reflect that Gray knows me so well. Something really was missing and, yes, it’s nice to have alone time, but special occasions are for sharing, and family is everything.
Tollie is sitting next to me and he leans in closer. ‘It’s the start of some new traditions for Lock Keeper’s Cottage, then, m’dear. That’s a thrilling thought and just the boost we all need. You were right. This place was in need of some serious fixin’ up. Now it’ll do you proud for many years to come.’
Next year promises to be different yet again, I think to myself. ‘The old and the new, side by side. That thought makes me happy, Tollie. It really does.’
He turns to look at Gray, who is sitting opposite him.
‘Sorry, Gray. You were about to say somethin’ earlier on and I interrupted you,’ Tollie suddenly remembers.
Gray puts down his knife and fork, looking nervously across at me.
‘Oh, yes. Um… well, it’s Immi’s news, really.’
I stare back at him and he looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a car. It’s still sinking in.
‘We’re going to have a baby,’ I announce matter-of-factly.
Eyebrows go up and for three seconds no one makes a sound.
Then Mum flings her hands up to her face, ‘Oh my! That’s wonderful news!’
Rona can’t even speak, and she looks as if she’s about to burst into tears. Dinner was about finished anyway, which is just as well, as everyone gets up out of their seats and it’s one round of hugs for both Gray and me. This is one surprise none of us were expecting and I can’t even look at Grayson’s expression, having thrust this news upon him.
‘But you never said…’ Mum begins, drawing to a halt.
‘You’ve been losing weight…’ Rona joins in.
They huddle around me as Gray tops up everyone’s drinks. ‘I know,’ I reply, lowering my voice as we ferry the plates over to the kitchen area. ‘I thought it was wedding nerves and stress upsetting my whole system. Believe me, I was as shocked as you all are when the doctor confirmed the home-testing kit was correct – I’m now eight weeks pregnant.’
‘Eight weeks?’ Rona repeats, her face a picture of happiness.
‘Yes, and my appetite might not get back to normal for another mont
h. He said I’m lucky the nausea only comes and goes in waves.’
‘Well, what a Christmas present for us all!’ Mum declares. ‘Life just keeps getting better and better by the minute!’
Rona and I both turn to face her.
‘You’ve given Fisher your answer?’ I hold my breath, anxiously.
‘I did. We’re going to sell both cottages and buy a new place together. On the doorstep, of course, so if you hear of anything coming on the market let us know.’
‘And The Star Gazer?’ I ask.
‘We’re going to give it a go. We’ve proven that there is a demand, and it was more fun than I thought it was going to be. But let Fisher be the one to tell you officially.’
Rona puts her hand on Mum’s arm and gives it a little squeeze. ‘That’s marvellous news, Val. How is Ziggy settling in?’
‘She’s getting used to the dogs. I think after her little adventure she’s just glad to be back in Aysbury. Is there any news about Patrick, Immi?’
They both turn to look at me. ‘Patrick’s wife gave me a call a few days ago and I wasn’t sure quite when to pass on the message to everyone. She hasn’t given up on him and he asked her to tell us how sorry he is for the crime he committed. He’s out on bail, pending the hearing. Apparently, he’s getting counselling for his gambling addiction, which should help when it comes to determining his sentence. It’s also his first offence, so he might be lucky and avoid jail time. She’s decided he deserves a second chance; his intention is to straighten himself out and eventually repay every penny he stole.’
‘It helps knowing he has a conscience. Let’s hope he doesn’t let his wife, or himself, down.’ Mum mirrors my exact thoughts, but only time will tell.
‘And how are you and Grayson getting on?’ I turn to Rona, tempted to cross my fingers.
‘Now I’m working full-time at the school, I won’t be able to visit LA until the summer holidays, but that doesn’t stop Grayson flying over for the occasional visit.’ The little sparkle in her eyes tells me that their story isn’t over.
‘This snow might last a while,’ Tollie calls out and our heads turn in his direction. Seconds later, we’re all standing in a line looking out at the side garden and the meadow beyond.