Christmas at Conwenna Cove

by Darcie Boleyn

  Oli handed Nate some money, then stood back to let other customers near the table.

  He looked around to check on his children and was pleased to see that they were both nearby, so he wandered back to the rocks at one side of the path and perched on the edge of one to give himself a good vantage point to watch Amy and Tom.

  It really was a perfect evening and he should be feeling happy, festive and optimistic.

  But he wasn’t.

  Inside, something was gnawing at him, making him uneasy.

  He tried to brush it away, but he knew himself well enough to understand that only one thing would make this any better.

  And that was Grace.

  * * *

  Grace walked slowly down the path to the cove. Her stomach was churning and she kept grinding her teeth. She wished she could attribute the tension in her jaw to the cold, but she was wrapped up in so many layers that it couldn’t be down to that. It was, instead, because she was nervous. In case she saw Oli at the beach. Her parents had made their way down earlier but she’d delayed, not wanting to be hanging around waiting to see if Oli arrived.

  Yet another thought was far worse than that: the one where she didn’t see him at the beach.

  She was a melting pot of contradiction: longing to see him, yet fearing the pain of being close to him but not being able to hold or kiss him. Knowing that he didn’t like her as much as she’d come to believe. That would be so awful.

  When she reached the steep descent, she paused and listened. A beautiful, haunting sound was drifting up from the beach below, and it made goosebumps stand out on her arms while the tiny hairs rose on the back of her neck. She stood still for a moment and took in the beautiful scene spread out before her.

  People had gathered in a semicircle facing off to the left. Each one of them held a small candle that twinkled like a tiny star fallen to earth. The moon was high now and its glow bathed the scene in a silvery hue, and highlighted the soft white flakes of snow that had started to fall. The melancholy strains of Oh Holy Night drifted around her, curling upwards like smoke and enveloping her, until she felt her heart would burst. It had been Sam’s favourite carol and she had the strangest feeling that he was right there beside her, smiling at the sheer perfection of the moment.

  ‘I love you, Sam.’

  She waited until the song had finished then took a few deep breaths. Losing loved ones was so difficult and at times like this, when emotion was running high anyway, the sense of loss was heightened. But she also experienced something else, something deep and comforting; even though Sam was gone, he would always be in her heart. He would exist through her and her parents for as long as they lived, and she had many memories to treasure.

  And Grace owed it to Sam to live a full life. His had been cut short and if she wasted hers then she was letting him down too.

  She should follow her heart, because at the end of the day, what else was there but love?

  Suddenly she lurched forwards, as if someone had pushed her in the small of her back. She gasped and looked around but there was no one there. Her rational mind told her that she was imagining things, that it was a gust of wind, but her heart told her it was Sam giving her the encouragement she needed to get down to the beach. Even if he was working through her own subconscious.

  ‘That was silly,’ she said. ‘I could have fallen down the path.’

  She glanced around again, but she was completely alone. And she realized that she didn’t want to be alone any more. Not now that she’d experienced what it was like to have a connection to another human being.

  She hurried down to the beach, as carefully as she could do, and made her way to the table where Nate was standing.

  ‘Hi Nate,’ she spoke quietly to avoid disturbing the singing.

  ‘Hello, Grace. You want a drink?’ he replied softly.

  ‘Yes, please.’

  ‘Here you go.’ He handed her a cup of mulled wine then gave her a candle.

  ‘Thank you.’

  She smiled, then turned and walked around the outside of the semicircle of people, which she estimated to be around a hundred in total, and stood at the back of the crowd to try to get a good look at who was there. She spotted Eve and Jack with a fancy looking pushchair, and she could only just make out Iain’s eyes and nose because he was tucked up so snugly under blankets and a hat. A handsome black greyhound in a warm green fleece was standing next to the pushchair like a guard dog and Grace realized that it must be their rescue dog, Gabe. Mary was also with them and a man who she guessed to be Mary’s husband, Edward, because he was gazing at the older woman adoringly.

  ‘Hello, Grace!’ Tom appeared next to her.

  ‘Hello, Tom, how’re you?’

  ‘Playing with my friends. Can I have your candle?’

  ‘I don’t think that would be a good idea, do you? Unless you’re going to stay with me.’

  ‘Oh…’ His eyes darted around and landed on another boy of about his age who was waving at him. ‘Never mind, I’m playing tag.’

  With that, he ran off.

  So that meant Oli was here too, probably with Amy. And possibly his father and Maxine.

  Her legs started to tremble so she locked her knees. She wished she could blame the cold, but she knew it was because Oli was here, in this crowd, possibly trying to avoid her.

  ‘Grace.’

  She turned and a small sigh escaped as she met Oli’s concerned gaze.

  ‘Oli.’

  ‘I didn’t know if you’d be here.’

  ‘I didn’t know if I would either.’ She gave a wry laugh.

  ‘Didn’t you get my text? Oh, never mind. Well, I’m glad you are here.’

  ‘You are?’

  ‘Of course.’ He looked around him for a moment, obviously aware that they were very close to other people. ‘Look, I really want to speak to you, but… not here.’

  ‘Okay.’

  ‘Could we… just enjoy the evening then have a good talk later, or tomorrow?’

  ‘I’d like that.’

  ‘But I do need to let you know that…’ He took a deep breath. ‘I’m sorry if I didn’t seem happy that you might stay in Conwenna. My initial reaction was because I was just so surprised. I know it might have seemed different but I really am delighted. I would love it if you stayed.’

  Grace swallowed the remaining sadness that had been lurking since Monday, and let the sensation of happiness replace it, then she nodded. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘I should have said something the other day. I’m just an awkward idiot at times. Anyway… we’re off to the Christmas market in Truro tomorrow. Would you like to come?’

  ‘Uh… I think my parents were hoping to go somewhere for some last minute shopping.’

  ‘We could all go together?’

  ‘You, me, the children and my parents?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I’ll ask them and let you know.’

  ‘Brilliant. Now let’s get your candle lit.’

  He held hers steady while he touched his to it and when the tiny flame glowed, he stood back. She shivered.

  ‘Cold?’

  ‘A bit.’

  ‘Come here.’

  He wrapped his free arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his side as the crowd started to sing In the Bleak Midwinter, Simon’s all-time favourite carol.

  And as Grace joined in, sharing in Oli’s delicious warmth, and watching as Tom and his friend raced around, while a little way off, Amy perched on a rock with two girls her own age, the evening really did seem perfect.

  She raised her head and gazed into the night sky, smiling as the soft white snowflakes drifted down, coating her eyelashes and melting on her cheeks. Now she knew Oli was happy she was seriously considering staying at the cove. And that thought warmed her right through.

  Chapter 15

  ‘I’m so glad Oli asked us to join him and the children today,’ Louise said as she brushed her hair in front of the hallway mirror.
‘It will be magical at the Christmas market with the children.’

  Grace nodded.

  She still felt pretty magical after Carols at the Cove: the combination of Oli’s company, the delicious and rather potent mulled wine, the carols and the dusting of snow that had fallen; these had all combined to create a very festive evening. After the carols had finished, she’d taken Oli to her parents and asked how they felt about a combined shopping trip. They’d been delighted. It meant taking two cars, which Grace was a bit disappointed about, but at least they’d get to spend time together once they reached their destination.

  An hour later, after more faffing from her mother about what shoes to wear, Simon had followed Oli’s Land Rover and they were now circling the open-air car park trying to find spaces.

  When they finally parked, which took a while because it was busy, even though it was still early, Oli suggested a plan for the day that included browsing the market, visiting the high street shops and lunch.

  They made their way to the centre of Truro first, to the Lemon Quay Piazza, where the Victorian Christmas Market was housed in a huge, heated marquee.

  ‘Shall we wander round together or split up and meet up later for lunch?’ Oli asked.

  Grace looked at her parents. She didn’t want to part from Oli and the children, but she didn’t want her parents to feel abandoned either.

  ‘Well, I haven’t got a thing for Grace yet,’ Louise said, nudging her husband.

  ‘Oh… no, not a thing. So perhaps it’s best if she goes with you, and we’ll meet up here around one and find somewhere to eat?’

  ‘Does that suit you, Grace?’ Oli asked.

  ‘Yes, lovely.’

  Grace peered at her mother, who was gazing around her innocently, as if she hadn’t just manufactured the situation.

  ‘See you later, then.’

  Grace watched her parents walk away, then turned back to Oli.

  ‘Where first?’

  ‘Shall we just wander around and see where we end up?’

  ‘Okay.’

  Amy and Tom took the lead, rushing enthusiastically to each stall then waiting for Grace and Oli to catch up. The stallholders were dressed in Victorian costumes and Tom was fascinated by them, especially by the top hats that some of the men sported.

  The marquee was split into two zones: a food hall with meat, cheese, preserves, chocolate, alcohol, and with a large café and seating area; and the Arts, Crafts and Gifts Hall, which stocked clothes, jewellery, books, artwork, pottery and more. Grace was soon dizzy from staring at so many lovely products.

  ‘Daddy, can I have a top hat for Christmas?’ Tom asked.

  ‘Really?’ Oli raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Yes, then I will be smart and taller.’

  Oli smiled at Grace. ‘You certainly would seem taller but I’m not sure about it making you smarter.’

  ‘Yay! I’m having a top hat, Amy! Did you hear that?’

  Amy rolled her eyes at Grace and Oli.

  ‘Do you want a top hat too Amy?’

  ‘No, Daddy, don’t be silly. But I would like a new scarf.’

  She pointed at the next stall.

  ‘Gosh they’re pretty,’ Grace said as she looked at the rack of scarves with Amy. ‘Which one’s your favourite?’

  Amy ran her hand over the silky material in a rainbow of colours, then she paused at a navy blue one printed with tiny silver stars.

  ‘I like this one.’ She held it for a moment then gently released it.

  ‘Do you have enough money for it, Amy?’ Oli asked.

  She opened her small handbag and took out her purse. ‘I have twenty pounds.’

  ‘How much is the scarf?’ Grace asked.

  Amy turned the label over and frowned.

  ‘It doesn’t matter. I don’t need it.’

  Grace watched the girl’s face cloud over. ‘Is it too expensive?’

  ‘No, it’s fine. I don’t want it.’

  Amy walked away from the stall.

  ‘I’ll go and speak to her,’ Oli said.

  ‘Oli… could I have a word with Amy instead? I just have a feeling about this.’

  He nodded, then allowed Tom to lead him to look at some carved wooden masks.

  ‘Amy?’ Grace placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder. ‘Can I buy the scarf for you?’

  ‘No… it’s not that.’ Amy chewed her bottom lip.

  ‘What is it then, sweetheart?’

  ‘Well, I do like it and it’s really pretty, but I need to keep my money to get Tom and Daddy presents. They don’t have any from Mummy any more, and I wanted to get them something really special. Sometimes, Daddy’s so sad, even though he tries not to show it, and I wanted to make him happy this Christmas.’

  ‘Well Amy, I think that’s lovely, and I have an idea.’

  ‘You do?’

  Amy gazed at her with her soft brown eyes. Sometimes she seemed so mature and at others she was just a little girl, torn between the child and the woman she would become. Grace wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be all right, but she knew that would probably startle Amy and that it also wouldn’t be true. She couldn’t make everything all right; no one could bring Linda back, but Grace could help out today and ease Amy’s worries a bit, possibly even make her smile.

  ‘I wanted to get you and Tom a Christmas present today, anyway. I was planning on finding out what you like then buying it when you were looking at something else.’

  Amy stared at her, a smile forming on her lips.

  ‘I’m going to buy that scarf then wrap it up for you for Christmas. Is that okay?’

  ‘You don’t have to do that.’

  ‘I know I don’t have to, but I want to.’

  ‘But I don’t have anything for you…’

  ‘I don’t expect anything.’

  ‘But I can’t not get you a present if you’re getting me one.’

  ‘Yes you can—’

  ‘Amy, don’t worry!’ It was Oli. ‘I’ve got a solution for that anyway. Come here.’

  Tom held Grace’s hand while Oli led Amy a few paces away then whispered in her ear. She grinned as she listened. ‘Good plan, Daddy.’

  ‘So we’re all sorted?’ Grace asked when they returned to her.

  ‘Yes.’ Amy nodded. ‘And thank you, Grace.’

  Grace purchased the scarf then tucked it into her bag.

  ‘Tom?’

  ‘Yes, Grace.’

  ‘I need to get you something too. Care to give me some ideas?’

  The next half an hour proved highly amusing as Tom led Grace around by the hand, showing her all sorts of things he would like: from a large golden Santa ornament; to a basket of assorted fudge including lemon meringue, rum and raisin and banoffee pie; to a carved stag’s head complete with marble eyes; a full wooden train set painted red and green; and finally a snow globe with a skull inside that could be lit up at the flick of a switch.

  At each stall, Oli shook his head at Grace, and she fought to suppress her giggles. When Tom held up the snow globe and shook it, then sighed with admiration, Oli leaned closer to Grace and whispered, ‘That would give him nightmares for weeks. Cool as it might be.’

  ‘Okay Tom, thank you for giving me some inspiration.’ Grace smiled. ‘Perhaps I should nip back round then and see what I can find to meet your requirements.’

  ‘What are requirements?’ Tom asked, his eyes wide.

  ‘It means what you want and need,’ Amy said quickly; keen to show her own knowledge. ‘Shall I come with you?’

  Grace opened her mouth to reply, but Oli jumped in.

  ‘Perhaps Grace doesn’t want you to know what she’s buying for Tom.’

  ‘He knows what she’s bought me.’

  ‘And so do you.’

  ‘Yes but…’ Amy sniffed loudly and folded her arms.

  ‘That’s okay. Come with me, Amy, and you can help me decide. Meet you at the entrance in fifteen minutes?’ Grace asked Oli.

 
‘See you then.’

  Grace strolled around the stalls again, hoping for inspiration to strike. She stopped at a stall selling toys.

  ‘I think he’d like that.’ Amy pointed at a box the size of an A3 piece of paper. Grace picked up the box that had a picture of a fort on the front and read it. It would need to be assembled from scratch, and it came complete with small medieval figures to go inside and a book about the history of castles.

  ‘You don’t think this would be too difficult for him?’

  Amy shook her head. ‘He loves building things and besides, Daddy will help him.’

  ‘What about the book?’

  ‘We can all read it to him and help him to learn to read better.’

  ‘It does look lovely. Okay, I’ll get this.’ Grace paid for the castle and the stallholder tucked it into a shiny plastic bag with a Victorian scene printed on it.

  ‘Do you know what you want to get for Tom?’

  ‘Yes. I’ll get him some animals to go in his castle.’ Amy pointed at several boxes of assorted animals including horses, pigs, sheep and chickens.

  ‘That’s a good idea.’

  Amy nodded, her cheeks flushing at the praise.

  ‘What about for your Dad?’

  ‘I’m not sure yet.’

  Amy paid for two boxes of animals then slipped her carrier bag over her arm.

  ‘Grace?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Can I ask you something?’

  ‘Of course.’

  Grace met the girl’s serious gaze.

  ‘Do um… do mother cats get put to sleep when their kittens have been homed?’

  Grace frowned. ‘Not to my knowledge. Why do you ask?’

  Amy stared at her shoes. ‘Someone I know said that to me.’

  ‘Really? Who?’

  ‘It doesn’t matter.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  Amy nodded then sighed. ‘It was a girl I know from school. One of my friends. She told me that if a cat and kittens are found then all the kittens will find homes, but the mother will be k… put to sleep because she’s older and no one will want her.’

  ‘Oh, Amy, I’m sure that’s not true. Why don’t you speak to your dad about it? I’m certain he could reassure you?’

  Amy’s cheeks coloured. ‘I can’t because then he’ll know.’