Christmas at Bay Tree Cottage

by Linn B. Halton

  He’s slouched in his chair, coffee mug as empty as his eyes.

  ‘You know, Elana. You are a real lady. Even when it comes to letting a guy down, you do it in such a way as to preserve his pride. You deserve someone who will whisk you off your feet – show you what an amazing person you are and take care of everything for you. To be honest, I wish that was me, but I know it isn’t.’

  Our hands meet across the table, fingertips touching.

  ‘Some moments are special, Luke; a few wistful seconds that raise a smile and a warm feeling whenever life makes us sad. You will always be my moment to treasure.’

  As our eyes meet we both start laughing. I follow him to the door; he turns and wraps his arms around me, hugging me so tightly it takes my breath away. When he pulls back it is with reluctance.

  ‘I think I’ll get Dad to put someone else on the conservatory job next door. It’s just easier if I’m not around, if you know what I mean. But if you ever need me, I’m a phone call away. Always.’

  I close the door, slumping back against it, feeling drained and in shock that I’ve just let Luke walk out of my life.

  1ST DECEMBER, ELEVEN MONTHS LATER—

  Sometimes you have to get a little lost in order to eventually find the right path.

  Chapter 52

  Elana

  The Perfect, Gentle, Man

  ‘Mum, you need to hurry up. What’s taking you so long?’ Maya’s voice drifts upstairs, disturbing my deliberations.

  Seth is taking us out for a pre-Christmas surprise, whatever that means. What on earth do I wear? It’s a cold day, the early-morning frost still hasn’t fully melted and the valley looks crisp and almost snow-covered. Something warm, I think. Pulling on some skinny jeans and a thick, cable- knit jumper, I quickly run the brush through my hair. Hearing the doorbell and voices, it’s clear Seth has arrived and I can hear them chattering away quite happily.

  ‘I’ll be down in five, just sorting my make-up.’ I hear a muffled response from Seth, as Maya has probably taken him into the sitting room.

  Lowering myself onto the stool in front of the dressing table, I begin applying a little foundation cream. As I add a touch of colour to my cheeks and begin applying mascara, I reflect upon the changes that brought us to today. Seth’s friendship becoming a part of our lives has been a total surprise, and looking back he just seems to have stepped into it without any particular motive. Other than loneliness, which is a common denominator for so many people out there. Admittedly we had a lot of contact in the run-up to the launch of the book and lots of face-to-face meetings here, but even after that he still kept coming around. He treats Maya as if she is an adult, which she loves, and I realise that he’s a man used to dealing with people. He puts everyone at ease without making a big deal out of it. He ensured I walked away with a big bonus, enough to finish the work on the cottage. Just knowing the money is sitting in my account is a relief, although when exactly I’m going to have time to progress that, I have no idea.

  When the revelation that Seth was Aiden’s father hit the news, the press was merciless in their pursuit of an in-depth interview. Seth dealt with that in a very controlled manner, presenting the facts and never, as far as I was aware, laying any blame at the door of his ex-wife. But he also didn’t make excuses for his own actions, accepting that people had the right to their own opinions.

  Aiden is still in the recording studio, having released a new album, which is doing well. Instead of touring, he’s now producing an album for one of the hot new bands tipped to be big in the charts next year. Seth seems a lot less concerned about him these days and I think being out of the spotlight has given Aiden back a feeling of control. Maybe record-producing is the way forward for him and it could be his saviour.

  At first I thought Seth’s attention was merely gratitude. Then came the deliveries of flowers, chocolates and, ultimately, an invitation to dinner. He slid into our lives with ease, doing what he does best and that’s to smooth out life’s little wrinkles. I’ve since picked up two more ghost-writing jobs off the back of Seth’s recommendation and work is coming at me from all sides. I’m content, really, without having made any particular effort; life just seems to have settled down.

  ‘Here she is, looking gorgeous as ever.’

  Seth steps forward, taking my hands and raising them to his lips.

  ‘Are you ladies ready?’

  ‘Well, I’ve been ready for ages, Seth, so as usual it’s Mum holding us up.’

  ‘Sorry, darling. Will you be warm enough in that, or do you think you should wear something a little thicker?’ I glance at her thin, woollen tights, little black shorts and electric-blue sweatshirt, thinking she looks like one of the kids from a TV programme. When did my daughter turn into a style icon?

  ‘Stop fussing, Mum. I’ll be wearing a thick coat and boots. Do you think you’re going to be warm enough?’

  I raise an eyebrow, conscious that Seth has turned away and is smothering a laugh.

  Maya is looking, and sounding, more and more like a mini-me than ever, these days. She’s very opinionated at times and rather bossy – always quick with a reply to everything.

  We don our coats and boots, Seth checking his watch. ‘Well, I guess we are ready, then.’

  As I’m locking the front door our neighbours, Grace and Martin, walk down the drive and we wave out.

  ‘Morning Maya, Seth, Elana. Off somewhere nice?’

  ‘It’s a surprise,’ Maya informs them.

  ‘Well, stay warm. We’ve just walked down the hill and into the village. Once you’re moving it’s not too bad, but if you stand still for a while the cold really sets in.’

  I watch as they descend the path to Hillside View, fleetingly thinking about Eve and Amelie, and wondering what’s happening in their lives now.

  Seth places his arm around me as we walk up to his car, Maya several steps in front of us.

  ‘I hope you like ice skating,’ he whispers. I look at him and smile.

  ‘Maya will be delighted. Thank you, Seth.’

  He squeezes me gently and opening the car door, takes my arm as I sink into the back seat.

  ‘Your chauffeur is at your service, m’lady.’ Maya and I both laugh; he says that every time I get into the car and it reminds me of New Year’s Eve. Maya, as usual, sits next to him in the front and they chatter as we head into town, towards the Christmas outdoor skating rink.

  I switch off from their conversation as Maya asks a lot of questions and Seth, being very knowledgeable, is good at giving detailed, yet easy to understand, explanations. Maya asks Seth which are his favourite places to visit in London and she’s fascinated as he talks to her about the museums and art galleries. My thoughts drift off, who knows where, but suddenly Seth’s head turns slightly and Maya spins in her seat, to face me.

  ‘Did you hear, that, Mum? Seth says today is special.’

  ‘Special?’ Clearly, I’ve missed something.

  ‘You’ll have to wait and see. First things, first.’ He gives one of his enigmatic smiles, that kindly face instilling a sense of everything being right with the world. I doubt there is anything with which Seth couldn’t cope, or resolve quite satisfactorily. His charm and the way he interacts with people seems to make every little plan fall into place. He’s the equivalent of a meditation session, inspiring a sense of tranquility.

  ‘Well, I can’t wait to see where we’re going.’

  Maya’s excitement is building and when, eventually, we park she’s already ahead of us.

  ‘We’re going to the outdoor ice rink, I know it!’ She exclaims. This time last year she would have been dancing around and throwing her hands up in the air, but now she’s more dignified, befitting the actions of a seven-and-a-half-year-old. Why do they want to grow up so quickly?

  ‘I wish I had my own ice skates, Mum.’ Maya’s voice borders on that girlie-whinging tone. The I want it now one.

  Seth glances at me for my reaction, more than ready to whisk
her off to the shops immediately.

  ‘I think that’s something for Santa’s list, maybe.’

  He nods, acknowledging my wish that Maya doesn’t think she can simply ask and have whatever she wants, when she wants it.

  ‘Mum. Santa doesn’t exist and it’s pretty silly trying to keep up the pretence. You’re old enough to know better.’

  Seth smiles at me and I grin back at him.

  ‘So I like a little Christmas magic, who doesn’t? A bit like making a wish when you blow out the candles on your birthday cake – what harm does it do?’

  ‘But it doesn’t mean anything, Mum. Honestly, sometimes you are so embarrassing.’

  She walks off, leaving Seth to take my arm and we follow her, shaking our heads and trying not to laugh out loud.

  ‘You’re not alone in enjoying a little Christmas magic, Elana. I hope I can make today rather magical for you both.’

  As our eyes meet he hugs my arm a little tighter and I feel content. His friendship means a lot and I know how much he looks forward to his visits. Whatever treat he has in store after the ice skating, I know we’ll enjoy it. He always seems to find just the perfect little restaurant to visit, the very best places, where it’s an experience to remember. Seth doesn’t do mundane, or make-do, he likes to celebrate life by making every moment count. Wealth makes that more attainable, obviously, but it still requires a lot of thought and effort on his part. There’s a lot I admire about this man, whose professional persona tends to mask that very caring disposition.

  Chapter 53

  Elana

  Life’s Missed Opportunities

  This is Maya’s treat and I refuse to be coaxed into ice skates, preferring to let Seth and Maya share the experience. Having a quasi father figure in her life is exactly what she needs at the moment; someone I can trust to say the right things when those awkward questions pop into her head. Seth is not only diplomatic, but he seems to understand she feels something is missing in her life. It’s reciprocal, he assures me, as it allows him to switch off a little from work. As he said, once, what else does he have to do? I felt sad for him, thinking that if things had been different maybe he would have grandchildren by now.

  Watching them whizz around at much faster a speed than I’d ever manage to achieve, it’s wonderful to see them laughing and enjoying themselves. She insists on letting go of his hand and while I hold my breath for a split second, I realise his arm is hovering, ready to reconnect if needed.

  I sink down into the chair, feeling happy and content, putting my head back a little and closing my eyes. The warmth of the winter sunshine isn’t strong, but it’s pleasant and it’s nice to relax and listen to the busy vibe around me.

  ‘Elana?’

  Hearing someone up close say my name and sounding rather shocked, makes me immediately open my eyes. I look up to see Luke and Joe standing, hand in hand, before me. Joe is no longer a shy toddler, but looks at me curiously, then glances back up at his dad.

  ‘Luke? And Joe, what a little man you’ve become!’

  Joe stares at me with seemingly no sense of recognition.

  ‘Joe, this is Elana. She makes the best gingerbread in the world.’

  Joe smiles,and I jump up, my stomach suddenly doing somersaults. Luke steps forward and I accept his kiss on the cheek. He looks flushed, but gives me a dazzling smile.

  ‘Well, this is a surprise! How are you?’

  His words come out in a rush and it’s clear he’s pleased to see me. We make eye contact and my heart misses a beat. It’s been a long time and it feels like forever.

  ‘Good, and you?’ It’s inadequate, but it’s all I can manage while I collect my thoughts.

  ‘Great.’

  Now it’s awkward. We are looking at each other expectantly, but the silence grows. Joe lets go of Luke’s hand, taking a step forward to press up against the guard rail and watch the skaters.

  ‘You’re the last person I expected to bump into today,’ Luke’s smile just seems to grow in intensity.

  ‘Same here. You look good. How’s Lisa?’

  ‘No idea, but hopefully she found Mr Right.’ His smile is dismissive.

  ‘And Anita?’ The moment I finish speaking I wish I could rewind.

  ‘Good, I think.’

  Rewind. Rewind. Let me start again.

  His eyes wander across to Joe, and then he looks back at me.

  ‘She got back together with Chris and then went to live in Italy when Chris’s firm moved him out there. It was a big step for her, leaving Joe with me, but her mum takes Joe over to stay during the school holidays. We figured it was the best arrangement, as I get quality time with him every evening and weekend. My mum does the ferrying to and from nursery while I’m at work and she treasures her time with Joe. So everyone wins. I couldn’t begrudge Anita her happiness and she’s a different person now. What’s good for Anita is also good for Joe. Besides, we’re having a great time – aren’t we buddy? Just us two guys taking care of each other.’

  My heart is thumping as I take in what he’s saying. So maybe it really is still just Luke and Joe. I feel sad for him, but clearly he has moved on and is in a happy place now. He looks amazing – there’s even an air of confidence about him that wasn’t there before.

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to— You look happy now and that’s all that matters.’

  ‘Is Maya skating?’

  ‘Yes, we’re here with Seth. You remember Seth?’

  ‘The agent guy? I read some of the headlines after that book came out. Quite a story. You handled it well. I even bought a copy.’

  ‘You did? Well, it was certainly a turning point for me and now I’m so busy there aren’t enough hours in the day.’

  He shifts, scuffing the toe of his shoe against the rough concrete floor, making no attempt to pick the conversation back up.

  ‘How’s business?’ It seems like the safe thing to say.

  ‘Good. Dad decided to take early retirement. He hasn’t been well and he’s taking things easy. I run the family business and am office-based now. We’ve taken on five new guys and we’re expanding the area we cover. I’ve even installed a new computer system to automate job allocation and it keeps our customers updated by text prior to their work commencing. Focusing on customer satisfaction and communication is getting us a lot of word-of-mouth recommendations.’

  I can hear the excitement in his voice; he’s taking it to the next level and has found something that makes him feel as though he’s doing something worthwhile.

  ‘It’s great to hear you’re putting those IT skills to good use, Luke. You sound like you’re in a good place and you deserve it.’

  Suddenly Maya’s voice is behind me and I turn to see Seth and Maya standing the other side of the barrier, talking to Joe.

  ‘Joe won’t remember you, Maya, as he was too young. Hasn’t he grown?’

  ‘Yes, Mum. He’s really big now. Hi, Luke.’

  Luke moves forward and hi-five’s with Maya.

  ‘And look at you. You’ll soon be taller than your mum.’

  Seth is watching with interest.

  ‘Sorry. Seth, this is Luke. He did some of the work on the cottage and now runs the company following his father’s retirement.’

  The guys lean in to shake hands.

  ‘Congratulations, Luke. Always best to start from the bottom up. Makes running things a lot easier if you know what goes on, on the ground. Are you skating today?’

  Luke nods. ‘Yep. It’s Joe’s first time.’

  It’s awkward and I look at Seth, hoping he’ll jump in.

  ‘Well, I think these ladies might be a little hungry by now, so we’re off to eat. Enjoy your first go at skating, Joe. It’s great fun!’

  As Seth and Maya head off to the disembarking point to take off their skates, it leaves Joe, Luke, and me alone to say our goodbyes.

  ‘It was nice catching up,’ Luke jumps in before I can think of anything suitable to say as a parting comment.


  ‘Yes, and I’m so glad it turned out well for you in the end.’ My heart is beating so loudly I wonder if he can hear it, too.

  Luke hesitates, then Joe grabs his hand. ‘Can we skate now, Daddy?’

  I laugh, ‘Go on, don’t keep the little guy waiting.’

  ‘Goodbye, Elana. Glad we bumped into each other. You look amazing, as always.’

  I make myself turn and walk away. If I let him lean in for a goodbye kiss I’m going to throw my arms around him and make a complete and utter fool of myself in front of everyone. Keep your back straight, Elana, and put one foot in front of the other. Just keep walking. Luke will always be the biggest regret of your life, but don’t make it even worse by upsetting his new-found happiness.

  Chapter 54

  Elana

  What More Could I Wish For?

  ‘Where are we going?’ I glance across at Seth and notice that Maya is looking up at him expectantly. He smiles down at her and they exchange a look, which excludes me.

  ‘Somewhere very special indeed and it’s only a short walk away. Ladies, step this way.’

  We walk past the modern shopping-centre complex and beyond, to the small back streets that were the original centre of this once small market town. The old buildings are quaint and full of character; most are either antique shops or up-market boutiques now.

  Seth stops in front of a small, French restaurant with the quaintest shop front. Either side of the door are two enormous planters with beautifully clipped bay trees. Even in December, the window boxes lining the windowsills are full of winter greenery, some covered in red berries. It’s simply enchanting and I watch Maya’s face as she takes in every little detail.

  ‘Are we having lunch here?’ She asks, excitedly.

  ‘Oh,’ Seth bends down to Maya’s level, ‘it’s a little more than just lunch. Shall we go inside?’

  He stands, but before he can reach out for the door, a waiter appears. He’s dressed in black, with a crisp, white cotton apron tied around his waist reaching down to a foot above his ankles. He sports a handlebar moustache and his pin-tuck shirt is reminiscent of a time long gone. We head inside and it’s simply perfect. Empty, but perfect.