Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay: a heartwarming romantic comedy perfect for curling up with this Christmas for fans of Jill Mansell (Swallowtail Bay, Book 3)

by Katie Ginger

  ‘You’ll be fine,’ she said, referring to his best man speech.

  ‘How am I supposed to do it with Brenda giving me evils all the time?’

  ‘She won’t. Unless …’ She left the word hanging in the air just to wind him up.

  ‘What?’

  ‘You’re not going to tell that story from when the four of us went to Ibiza are you? You know, the one where Kieran decided to sing ‘Live and Let Die’ on the piano in that bar.’

  Tom started laughing, his eyes crinkling attractively at the corners. ‘I’d forgotten about that. Shame he can’t actually play the piano. It would have been a decent rendition if he could.’ He took a sip of his drink and Nell rubbed his shoulder.

  ‘You’ll be great, I promise.’ As he stared into her eyes a choir of angels sang from the Christmas carols playing in the background. It was like one of those moments she’d always imagined. Her longing to tell him tugged at her heart once more but she couldn’t blurt it out in front of the strangers on the table and with his best man’s speech hanging over him. While she didn’t want the moment to be like something from a romcom, she wanted it to be perfect for them.

  Cat’s father’s speech was wonderfully emotional and welcoming, and he thanked Nell for turning Cat’s second home into such a wonderful venue. She felt herself puff up with pride. Then Kieran began his speech. He remembered to tell Cat how beautiful she looked, tearing up a little as he did so, which set everyone else off crying, then he thanked Tom. As Kieran spoke, Nell’s skin prickled. He choked up but it was the mention of Tom going through his own things right now that made Nell sit up. Tom flushed to the roots of his hair but from the way his jaw tightened, Nell could tell he was feeling emotional too. Kieran drew his speech to a close, so she didn’t get a chance to ask Tom what he was referring to as it was his turn to speak.

  Tom pulled a few cue cards from his pocket as he stood. ‘Thanks Kieran. I’m pleased to see that although you forgot to wear pants that time at university, you’ve remembered to put some on today for your wedding.’ Everyone chuckled and Nell watched him visibly relax. ‘And I’m pleased to see that you remembered to say how beautiful Cat looks, because she does. She looks amazing. You’ve made a good choice of wife there, Kieran. And if I may say so, Cat’s decision to lower her standards has been a blessing for you, because you are seriously punching above your weight.’

  There was more laughter and a few ‘hear, hear’s, and Tom really got into the swing of things. He had to check his notes once or twice, obviously unable to read his own writing by the way he had to focus on them, but he was funny, cheeky and charming, delivering a brilliant best man’s speech.

  ‘See, I told you you’d be brilliant,’ Nell said.

  ‘I’m so glad that’s over. I feel like I can finally relax and enjoy myself.’

  ‘I know what you mean. As soon as the DJ’s set up and the first dance is done, I can clock off. Everyone’s been brilliant though. I think I could definitely do more weddings here.’

  ‘Definitely.’ Tom topped up her glass of wine. ‘Everyone’s really enjoying themselves. I think we should toast to the future of Holly Lodge as Swallowtail Bay’s latest and best wedding venue.’

  ‘Cheers.’ They clinked glasses and Nell couldn’t wait for the final part of her duties to be over so she could tell this wonderful, caring man exactly how she felt.

  Once the DJ had set up, Cat and Kieran took to the floor for the first dance. They were soon swaying and laughing to ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ and they couldn’t have picked a more perfect song for their Christmas wedding. Tom asked Nell to dance and as they moved together, Nell couldn’t believe her luck. All those great big romantic gestures she’d imagined in her head were nothing compared to how she felt right now doing nothing more than dancing with Tom in her small hotel. His hand wrapped around hers like a glove. If she’d had the nerve to do so, her head would have nestled on his shoulder, but she wasn’t brave enough for that yet. As soon as the first dance was over, she’d take Tom into the garden, to the quiet bench in front of the holly hedges and tell him that she loved him.

  Finally, the DJ switched to lively disco classics and Nell had her chance. They separated from each other but instead of letting go of his hand, she held it tightly. He looked confused as she led him out of the hubbub and down the stairs of the conservatory into the dark evening light. They went through the garden, lit with sparkling fairy lights that matched the stars above, and little tea lights in jars lined the path until they came to the holly bench. The squeals of delight from the reception faded into the background.

  In the quiet of the garden, it was only her and Tom, and she took a deep breath as they sat together on the bench, his hand still in hers.

  ‘What’s going on?’

  ‘Tom, there’s something I want to tell you.’

  He swallowed nervously. ‘There’s something I need to tell you too.’

  ‘Really?’ Her heart fluttered so violently she could barely breathe. Was he finally going to tell her that he loved her, and that he had done for years? Then she could say that she loved him too but had been too stupid to realise it until now. He spoke quickly as if his life depended on it.

  ‘I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’ve been too scared.’ Nell felt a breath escape from her lungs and linger in her throat. ‘But I have to tell you now,’ he said, nodding to himself. Nell nodded along too. His eyes were misting with tears and Nell bit back the urge to blurt out her feelings. Instead of love, Tom’s face was filled with sadness and Nell’s hopes vanished. ‘My eyesight’s failing, and I might be going blind.’

  It was like someone had thrown a bucket of cold water over her. Even her clothes felt damp, sticking to her and making her skin clammy. Tom linked his fingers with hers, his voice quivering.

  ‘I’ve got a condition that means my eyesight will fail over time. First the peripheral vision, then possibly the central vision too, and if that happens, I could go completely blind.’

  The fear and pain in Tom’s face stabbed straight into her heart and she had to look away, staring at the twinkling tea lights that seemed so hopeful lighting up the dark. When she figured out what to say her voice shook with emotion. ‘All the accidents recently—’

  ‘Yes. Due to the sight I’m already losing in my peripheral vision.’

  ‘Oh, Tom.’ She turned back to him and he went to pull his hand away, but she wouldn’t let him. She held it firm. It was a shock, but it didn’t make any difference to the way she felt about him. The future they’d have together might be different to the one she’d imagined, but it was a future she wanted – he was what she wanted – and she was going to grab hold of it all with both hands.

  ‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before.’

  ‘How long have you known?’

  ‘That there’s definitely something wrong? Only a couple of weeks. I saw a consultant – it’s been a lot to get my head around. But I’ve been worried for a while – the headaches – they were quite scary. In a way, I’m relieved it’s not something worse.’ The implication hit Nell and she squeezed his hand. It didn’t even bear thinking about. ‘But there’s something else too. I have to tell you now, Nell that …’ He took a breath and Nell’s heart fluttered once more. ‘I love you. I’ve loved you for years and years. You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met. And if there’s any chance we can be together – if I can see your face smiling at me first thing in the morning – imprint it on my mind before I can’t see it anymore – I—’

  A few tears escaped from his eyes and Nell reached up, watching the tips of her fingers shake with emotion as she wiped them gently away. Her whole body fizzed as she moved her head nearer and finally kissed his trembling lips.

  From the moment her mouth met his it was like every daydream she’d ever had rolled into one magical moment. Her ears tingled and she could have sworn there was music, but whether it was that ch
oir of angels she always imagined or the sound of her soul singing with joy she didn’t know. Her body filled with liquid love like it had been poured into her veins. The Christmas wish she never knew she’d made was coming true.

  ‘It’s not – it’s not pity, is it?’ asked Tom, when they separated. ‘I couldn’t bear that.’

  ‘Don’t be such a tit,’ Nell scolded. ‘If I hadn’t wanted to do that, I wouldn’t have. When have you ever been able to make me do something I didn’t want to do?’

  ‘True,’ he replied, grinning.

  ‘Besides, it’s what I brought you out here to tell you.’

  ‘It is?’ His face registered shock and then happiness.

  Nell smiled and the warmth of his love flattened the goose bumps on her skin. ‘When we were at the Christmas market, Kieran let slip that you – you know – love me,’ she said with a laugh. It still didn’t feel real.

  ‘But what about Harry? At the mayor’s party you seemed really … close.’

  ‘Oh, Harry’s nice enough but … no.’

  ‘But Nell, you do realise that our life together won’t be the same as everyone else’s. It won’t be a perfect movie-type ending. If I do go blind—’

  Nell jumped in to finish his sentence. ‘It’ll be our perfect ending and if that means we make some adjustments, we do. As long as I’m with you, it’ll be better than any romcom movie ever could be.’ She kissed him again and the kiss they shared contained nothing but tenderness and pure love.

  On the holly bench, as the music from the wedding reception carried on the still night air, Nell snuggled into Tom and praised herself on, for once, being absolutely right: her head did nestle perfectly on his shoulder.

  Chapter 25

  Christmas Day arrived in a fuzz of joy, and Nell and Tom snuggled on the sofa in the lounge, next to the fire. The Christmas tree stood proudly beside them, glittering in the pale white light that penetrated the window. The hotel was deserted as all the guests had gone off early to visit family. Mrs Meggett had left, her breakfast duties complete and an envelope containing a Christmas bonus tucked into her handbag. Cat and Kieran were on their honeymoon in Tenerife and had sent a picture of them both in bathing suits and Santa hats, sunning themselves on a sandy beach.

  Tom and Nell had already called in to see Grandad Nigel and given him his Christmas present, a whole set of audiobooks from his favourite writer. It meant he didn’t have to miss out even though he couldn’t read anymore. Nell had made a note to do this for Tom when his sight failed. And for Tracey, for all her support and the love and care she showed to each and every one of her residents, they’d clubbed together and bought her a voucher for a luxury spa day. She worked so hard taking care of everyone else, she deserved some looking after herself.

  With Christmas music playing, a blanket decorated in reindeers tucked over their knees, they sipped mulled wine and ate mince pies. Nell had gone a little overboard and bought Tom more presents than she realised. Luckily, even though Tom had been worried by his health, Mr Christmas had still got his shopping done and they were busy exchanging gifts.

  ‘Oh, Tom, you got me that scarf I wanted. Thank you.’

  ‘You’re welcome and thank you for my new winter gloves.’ He put them on, and Nell giggled because every year without fail, Tom would put on every item of clothing she’d bought him. He was currently sat in two jumpers, hat, scarf, gloves, a musical Christmas tie and enormous slippers that looked like cooked turkeys. When she’d calmed down and opened her next present from Tom – a set of expensive bath soap – she paused before handing over her next gift.

  ‘So, I’ve been thinking about your shop and the changes we need to make so you can carry on working for as long as possible.’

  He moved to the floor, rifling around in the giant stocking he’d brought over for her. ‘And?’

  ‘And, I was thinking there are a gazillion ways you can keep your business and keep working. I know you don’t want to give it up.’

  ‘Do we have to talk about this now, Nell? It’s Christmas Day.’

  Nell frowned at him. ‘Okay, I’ll say it quick then we can put on your favourite song and eat some truffles.’

  ‘Okay then.’ He sat back against the front of an armchair, the orange flames roaring next to him.

  ‘So, what if we hire a delivery driver for a few hours a day until Janie passes her test? And I was thinking you could start training Janie up to take over some more of the managerial stuff? She’s amazing and so, so clever. She’s just like Tallulah. And I’ve found these amazing magnifiers that fix to your tabletop so you can keep working. And I’ve been looking at how to change your computer settings to make everything bigger.’

  ‘Okay.’ Tom laughed, holding up his hands to slow her down. ‘Sounds good. How’s Tallulah finding Niall?’

  ‘She loves working for him but I’m going to poach her for some extra hours.’

  ‘Does Niall mind?’

  She shook her head. ‘Nah, she’s going to work weddings with me. I’ve already had some bookings. Two for next year, and one for the year after. And she’ll be a brilliant wedding coordinator. I’m going to ask her after Christmas. And she emailed HotelRater coming clean about the reviews and they’ve taken them down. I’ve even had some bookings for early next year for Valentine’s Day.’

  ‘Did the Langdon Mansion get told off?’ Tom asked, turning his musical Christmas tie on to play once more. The tiny lights studded in it flashed on and off in time with the music.

  ‘It hit the industry press and the chain issued a statement to say this behaviour wasn’t typical of their staff and apologised to me. It mentioned something about internal disciplinary action but nothing more. I don’t want anyone to lose their jobs over it, not at Christmas. I just hope they get a telling-off. Tallulah told me that she’d heard Find the Sun weren’t happy at how shifty they’d been and slammed them too.’

  Tom shook his head. ‘You’re very kind, you know.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Nell pushed herself off the edge of the sofa and sat on the floor opposite Tom. The fire warmed her face and she pulled her gigantic Christmas jumper over her knees, thinking that there was nowhere else she’d rather be. Mr Scrooge snuggled in a ball on the hearth, and she stroked his soft fur. Normally, when the exchanging of gifts was over, Nell felt some of the Christmas magic ebb away, but this year she was savouring the day. From the corner of her eye, she saw Tom rifling in the bottom of the stocking he’d brought her.

  ‘What are you doing?’

  ‘You left something in your stocking.’

  ‘Did I?’ She was pretty sure she hadn’t.

  Tom handed over a small box, giftwrapped in gold paper with a tiny silver bow on top. Tom knew she loved tiny wooden decorations to put on the tree and she hoped he’d bought her one from the Christmas market. As Nell opened the box, her fingers shook, and the tremble sprang through every nerve in her body. When she glanced up, Tom was on one knee, wrapping his own shaking fingers around hers and the engagement ring: a beautiful gold band with a small circular diamond in the centre. The exact ring she’d described to him the day they decorated the care home.

  ‘Nell,’ Tom began tentatively, his face searching hers for a sign that he was on the right path. If her silly grin didn’t tell him so, then he knew nothing about women. ‘Will you marry me?’

  The squeal that erupted from her mouth made Mr Scrooge jump into the air. When he landed on all fours, hair on end, he looked at Nell indignantly. She threw herself into Tom’s arms, knocking him over so they both fell onto the floor. ‘Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!’ No other answer would ever have crossed her mind. No matter what the future held for them both, however full of adversity it might be, she wanted to be there with Tom every step of the way. ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes!’

  Tom pulled Nell up to standing. He wrapped his arms around her waist then brushed her hair back, tucking it behind her ear. He was studying her face, imprinting it on his memory as he’d talked about. His eyes flitted over h
er features then he took her in his arms and kissed her. Nell knew they were both the happiest they had ever been and a proposal on Christmas Day topped any fantasy she had ever come up with or wish she had ever made. And what topped it off more than anything else was the thought that this time next year, the special Christmas wedding held at Holly Lodge would be their own.

  Epilogue

  Christmas Eve, One year later

  A year later, Grandad Nigel sat in a wheelchair close to the fire, a blanket over his knees and a smart tie at his neck, holding Edith’s hand. Next to Edith, Tracey cried even before the ceremony had begun, and Mr Scrooge curled under the Christmas tree. From her spot in the dining-room doorway, Nell sneaked a look around the corner and saw Tom next to the celebrant and Kieran, his best man.

  ‘Ready?’ asked Cat, adjusting Nell’s long, sweeping veil that fell behind her in a waterfall.

  Without a second’s hesitation, Nell replied. ‘Yes. I can’t wait to become Mrs Barton. Well, Barton-Jones. We’ve decided to keep my name too.’

  Tallulah, who was managing the wedding, started playing the music they’d chosen, and Cat fiddled with her own dress. ‘Unforgettable’ by Nat King Cole rang out from the speakers and Nell ensured the long sweeping gown of simple ivory satin waterfalled behind her. ‘Okay soon-to-be Mrs Barton-Jones, that’s my cue. See you at the end.’

  Nell hugged her. ‘Love you.’

  ‘Love you too. Now let’s go get ’em.’ Cat grinned. ‘My feet are killing me, and I need a sit-down. This baby is sitting right under my ribs.’

  Cat went down the aisle first, her giant baby bump leading the way. Nell continued to sneak a peek from around the dining-room door and when Cat got to the front, she stood to one side and turned to welcome the bride. With a smile at her dad, Nell hooked her arm through his and walked down the aisle. Her parents had come back for the wedding and were staying at the hotel, taking over management duties so Nell could relax and enjoy her wedding and honeymoon. They’d been so pleased when they arrived and couldn’t believe what an amazing job Nell was doing.