Once Upon a Winter: A totally perfect festive romantic comedy

by Tilly Tennant

  ‘Spoilsport! I’ve only gone and got this amazing band to play at Jess’s birthday party! They’re called Spartan Down and they’re literally just about to sign a massive record deal. They’ll be huge in a few months’ time. What do you think?’

  Hannah paused, taken aback. They hadn’t discussed this. ‘That’s…’

  ‘You’re angry?’ Mitchell sounded less sure now.

  ‘No… how could I be angry? I’m just surprised. I didn’t know you were up to anything like that.’

  ‘Well, it was a surprise because that was the idea.’

  ‘How on earth did you manage it?’

  ‘Friend of a friend – six degrees of separation and all that. Do you think she’ll like it? I’m pretty sure they’re her sort of music.’

  ‘You know better than I do then, because I don’t have a clue what she’s into from one week to the next.’

  ‘Yeah, well we had a chat about music a couple of weeks ago, me and Jess. I think I’ve got what she likes.’

  ‘She’ll probably just love the idea that they’re going to be famous, even if she doesn’t like them.’ She smiled. ‘It’s brilliant. And very thoughtful. What did I do to deserve you?’

  ‘I don’t know. I am pretty awesome aren’t I?’

  ‘And sounding very smug right now.’

  ‘Aww, let me have this one victory, eh?’ he laughed. ‘You’re always right about everything, so for once let it be me.’

  She smiled. But it didn’t last long, because Martine’s visit was still fresh in her mind. And she guessed that the fact he was so chirpy meant he hadn’t picked up his post yet. ‘Are you going home before you come over later?’

  ‘Yes, is that okay? I won’t be late as I’m packing up here soon.’

  ‘That’s great – see you soon then,’ Hannah replied with forced jollity.

  There was a pause. ‘Are you alright?’ he asked. ‘You sound a bit weird.’

  ‘Never better. I’ll see you later. Love you.’

  ‘I love you too,’ he replied before ending the call.

  She stared across the gate and down the lane as she stuffed her phone back in her pocket. She could have told him about Martine’s visit, and she’d half wanted to, but she didn’t think it was her place to break the news that his divorce was final. If he was going home now, he’d find out for himself soon enough.

  Briony slapped Ross’s hand away from the plate of sandwiches. ‘You’re getting fat – you can have salad!’

  Ross’s eyes almost popped from his head. ‘Fat!’ he squeaked in an impossibly high voice.

  ‘Oh, I don’t blame you, Gina,’ Briony added, turning to where she and Hannah were sitting across the table. ‘He’s all settled and content and he’s never been one to turn his nose up at food – it was bound to happen.’

  Ross stared at them all, apparently robbed of the gift of speech. Gina looked slightly uncomfortable but Paul Hunter let out a roar of laughter. ‘That’s you told, son.’

  ‘I’m not getting fat, am I?’ Ross asked Gina, pulling his shirt up to inspect his belly. ‘You should have said.’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Gina replied, casting an uncertain glance at Briony who was busy removing the cling film from a plate of sausage rolls. ‘I hadn’t noticed.’

  ‘You’re just filling out,’ Paul said, ‘becoming a man.’

  ‘A fat man,’ Briony cut back in. ‘All those takeaways and wine in front of the television every night.’

  ‘We only have a takeaway once a week,’ Ross protested, while Gina nodded agreement.

  ‘Maybe you’ve put on a couple of pounds,’ she said. ‘But it’s nothing bad and I’m sure if we both cut back together –’

  ‘That’s a good idea,’ Briony said cheerfully, and it was Gina’s turn to look shocked. Hannah shot her a little smile. Maybe they had both put on a few pounds but she would never tell her sister that – it was more than her life was worth. Besides, they both looked well on it; happiness and contentment suited them. ‘So… is everyone clear about what they’re doing tomorrow?’ she added, changing the subject.

  ‘All the decorations are up,’ Paul said. ‘We’ve got to finish screwing together that temporary stage Ross hired but we can do that after tea.’

  ‘I’ve had RSVPs back from everyone now,’ Gina said. ‘And Mitchell has the band coming in after the DJ has finished his set, right Hannah?’

  Hannah nodded. Jess had been thrilled with Mitchell’s surprise, which was a huge relief. Her doubts about it being a deeply uncool barn dance had now been lifted, and with the addition of Spartan Down it looked more likely to become an extremely cool mini festival type celebration. If all went to plan, it was something Jess would carry fond memories of for the rest of her life. But all that depended on more than just the entertainment. Ross and Howard hadn’t seen each other since the night Howard had beaten Ross to a pulp, and even though he had well and truly learned his lesson, it was difficult to see how they were going to be in the same room without some sort of trouble erupting. Ross had offered to step aside for one night and let Gina and Jess go to the party without him, but Gina had stubbornly insisted that he had as much right to be there as Howard did, perhaps more so when you considered that it was Ross’s farm and family hosting the event.

  ‘Let’s hope the weather holds,’ Briony said, pouring tea for everyone from a huge brown pot. ‘The reports are saying it will be a fine solstice night but you never know in Britain what you’re going to get.’

  ‘At least we’ll have some cover in the barn,’ Ross offered.

  ‘It’d be muddy though, people to and fro outside. And perhaps cold. I’d rather it didn’t rain at all.’

  ‘I think we’d all rather that, love,’ Paul said cheerfully. ‘It will do what it does and we’ll just have to make the best of it.’

  ‘So that’s music, food, decorations and guests all sorted,’ Briony said in a satisfied tone. ‘I think we’re all set to throw a party.’

  ‘I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all this help.’ Gina said, her earnest gaze sweeping the table. ‘You’ve all been brilliant and you didn’t have to do any of it.’

  ‘Of course we did,’ Briony said. ‘You and Jess are family now, and we always help family. You wouldn’t have been able to keep us away.’

  ‘Well, it’s brilliant.’ Gina smiled. ‘Thank you.’

  Paul helped himself to a pile of salmon sandwiches as Ross looked on with an expression so forlorn it was almost comical. Clearly Briony’s remarks were still stinging. ‘No need to thank us,’ Paul said, ‘like Briony says, family is family. We look after our own.’

  Hannah watched as Gina’s smile grew. All those fears about whether Ross’s parents would accept her had been groundless. If anything, they had pulled her to the family bosom so quickly and with such force that it was hard to imagine a time when she hadn’t been in their lives, and it was a far cry from the cold distance Howard’s parents had always maintained. The Hunters were wonderful people, and Hannah was immensely happy for her sister’s good fortune.

  Saturday night had come around a lot quicker than everyone would have liked. Hannah was nervous. It was ridiculous to feel this way about an event where she would not even figure in the proceedings; all eyes would be on Jess and rightly so. But the feeling was there all the same and she suspected that Gina felt it too. Not only were they responsible for the success or failure of the evening (a fact Mitchell disputed, though it didn’t make her feel any better) but there were so many uncertain variables that she couldn’t control. Howard and Ross had both pledged they would keep it together for Jess’s sake, but when the drink was flowing and promises became hazy, would that change? And Mitchell had been strangely quiet about the fact that his divorce from Martine was finally through. Hannah had expected some heartfelt conversation about his and Hannah’s future, at least a mention, but there had been nothing. He had simply acknowledged the fact and then they had carried on as they always had. It made Hannah nervous
. What was he up to?

  Hannah was at Gina’s house, helping her and Ross load up the last bits and pieces into his beloved car, Sally, while Jess hopped from foot to foot, almost bursting with excitement despite the cool act she had tried hard to maintain all day. Hannah hadn’t seen her this wound up since her seventh birthday when Clappo the Clown had been invited as guest of honour. It just went to show that the girl you once were never really left you, no matter how old you got.

  ‘Is that everything?’ Ross asked, pushing his hair back and surveying the full boot space. There was so much at the barn already that Hannah couldn’t believe they needed more, but you didn’t argue with Briony, especially where entertaining was concerned. So when she’d given Ross the list of last-minute items, he and Gina had duly gathered them up.

  ‘Extra tea towels,’ Gina began, ‘first aid kit–’

  Jess let out a giggle. ‘What’s that for? Are we expecting a riot?’

  ‘It’s for all those dancing related injuries,’ Hannah laughed. ‘That or the mass hysteria when the band comes on stage.’

  ‘Briony asked me to pick one up so I’m picking one up,’ Gina said as Ross flashed her a sheepish grin. She continued, counting on her fingers as she went through the rest. ‘Plastic tubs for leftovers, extra glasses… cleaning cloths and a sweeping brush, rubbish bags… I think that’s all of it.’

  Ross slammed the boot shut.

  ‘I’ll take Hannah and Jess in my car,’ Gina said. ‘You go on with the stuff for your mum and we’ll see you there once I’ve finished getting ready.’

  Ross frowned. ‘Aren’t you ready now?’

  Gina turned a wry smile on him. ‘You think this looks ready?’

  ‘You look fine to me.’

  ‘Typical man,’ Hannah said.

  ‘I just don’t see why you women have to make such a fuss,’ Ross said. ‘You always look lovely to me.’

  ‘Maybe you simply have low standards,’ Gina laughed. ‘Let me tell you, I would not be seen dead at any public function dressed in these leggings.’ She reached up to give him a quick kiss. ‘We won’t be long… you can go ahead and entertain the band or something while you wait for us.’

  ‘Isn’t it their job to entertain us?’ Ross asked.

  ‘Go on!’ Gina laughed, and Ross left them with a grin.

  Shortly afterwards, Mitchell’s car pulled up and he almost tumbled out, looking flustered and a little distracted. But he wore a huge smile despite the obvious imbalance in his usually calm demeanour.

  ‘Sorry… I know I’m late.’

  ‘Not quite, but I was beginning to wonder where you were,’ Hannah said.

  ‘Yeah, sorry about that.’

  ‘No need,’ Hannah replied. ‘You’re here now. We’ve probably got time for a quick drink while Gina finishes up and then we’ll be off.’

  ‘Get the party started early, eh?’ Mitchell turned to Jess. ‘Are you having one, as you’re now officially old enough to drink?’

  Jess offered him a withering look, and Hannah laughed. ‘I think she might have had the odd drink before today,’ she said in a stage whisper.

  ‘Almost certainly,’ Gina put in with an attempt at disapproval that nobody was really buying. ‘Come on then, let’s get you all on your way to tipsy, while the designated driver here keeps you all in line. Honestly, sometimes I feel like a nanny.’

  Hannah smiled, though she suspected the real reason Gina had volunteered to drive that night was much simpler. If Ross and Howard were both drinking, somebody had to stay sober in case the worst happened, and Gina had obviously decided she was the best person to do that. Hannah didn’t blame her – not one bit.

  By seven o’clock the first guests had started to arrive. They were mostly the older members of the party, and the place had the refined air of a country club get together until the teenagers began to arrive shortly after eight. Their ranks were swelled by extra invites Jess had issued on the promise that they’d be among the first people to see a hot new band. Once the DJ began his set, the atmosphere changed into something far more frenetic – there was giggling, dancing, yelling across the room, huddles of girls throwing flirty looks at huddles of boys, the clink of beer bottles – and Hannah was feeling distinctly old and surplus to requirements. She stood by the makeshift bar next to Mitchell, with Briony behind serving drinks.

  ‘I often say I want my youth back,’ Hannah said, gazing across at Jess who was dancing with four other girls, ‘but looking at this lot, I think being eighteen again would be the worst thing ever. It’s all noise and chaos.’

  Mitchell slung an arm around her. ‘I know what you mean. I’d take twenty-five again, though. Perhaps twenty-five until twenty-seven. Things calm down but you’re still young enough to feel like you rule the world.’

  Hannah turned to him with a smile. ‘Did you think that?’ She pretended to write on an invisible notepad, ‘delusions of grandeur…’

  Mitchell threw back his head in a gale of laughter. ‘Come on! You didn’t ever feel invincible when you were young? Like the whole world was just there for you? Not even a bit?’

  ‘If I did I certainly don’t remember it. Must have been that one hour in 1995.’

  He pulled her closer and she snuggled into him. Mitchell had built a huge business for himself and she supposed part of that self-belief he’d has as a youngster must have carried through and driven him later in life. She’d never felt that way about herself, and although her design business paid the way, it was far from the success Mitchell had achieved. But when she was with him, something strange happened. She felt like more than herself, and since he had arrived in her life, things had suddenly escalated. They had talked for hours about what her future might hold, as well as a future together, and Mitchell had almost subliminally begun to implant in her the conviction that she could succeed in whatever she wanted to do. And as his divorce to Martine had got closer and his memories of the pain she had inflicted faded, so had his confidence and belief in both himself and Hannah. It was one of the many things that made him so special and she loved it. He believed in them, as individuals as well as a couple, and no man had ever given her that before.

  It was as these thoughts ran through her mind that her attention was diverted by someone new arriving. Jess let out a squeal as she raced across the dancefloor to greet him.

  ‘Dad!’

  Howard picked her up and swung her around. In any other circumstances it would have been heart-warming, the obvious love of a father for his daughter, but Hannah could think only of the trouble he’d caused. She looked at the far end of the bar to see that Gina and Ross were deep in conversation, heads bowed together, and hadn’t noticed Howard’s arrival. She glanced at Mitchell, whose jaw seemed a little firmer as he clocked Howard too. Despite her promises to Gina, Hannah had eventually confided in Mitchell, telling him what had happened. She had been desperate to share it with someone, to make some sense of a situation that defied logic. Mitchell had listened and had never said a word to Gina, so the only person who knew that Mitchell knew was Hannah.

  ‘I still can’t believe that bastard has the nerve to show up,’ Mitchell said in a low voice.

  She grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. ‘He is Jess’s dad. She would have been devastated if he hadn’t come.’

  ‘I’ll bet your sister is devastated that he did come.’

  ‘She’ll be grown up about it, like she’s been about everything.’

  ‘Ross is a better man than me; I’d want to punch his lights out.’

  ‘You say that but you managed to keep a lid on it with Graham. We all do what we have to do, don’t we?’

  Mitchell gave her a tight smile. ‘Always so wise. Now I know why you’re good for me.’

  ‘I was just thinking the same thing.’

  She looked at Howard again. He was being introduced to Jess’s friends, but now as she watched, she noted that Gina and Ross had both seen him. Ross watched silently, his expression giving nothing away, w
hile Gina chewed on a nail, her gaze flicking from one man to the other. Then Howard saw them. He gave the tiniest nod of acknowledgement, and Hannah wondered who he was going to sit with. She had the awful sinking feeling that no matter what he had done wrong, she wouldn’t be able to let him sit in a corner by himself. But just as she was gathering herself up to go and talk to him, a woman walked through the barn doors and Howard put his arm around her. It was a familiar, easy action and he looked relaxed in her company. Hannah had never seen her before – she wasn’t the secretary he’d had an affair with – but as he introduced her to Jess, and Hannah wondered whether it was perhaps a little inappropriate to bring her to the party, she realised that at least he would have someone to talk to. She allowed herself to take a closer look. The woman was attractive, well-dressed, and definitely more Howard’s age than the adulteress who had ended his marriage. She looked like someone who could stand her ground with him, and that had to be a good thing. Perhaps now he might not care so much about what Gina was up to either, which had to be good for her and Ross.

  After a brief chat with Jess, Howard and his woman found an empty table in a corner furthest away from the bar. Hannah saw him look in her direction, and she tried to smile. There was no point in being anything but forgiving on a night like this, if only to keep the peace for Jess. Then he got up from the table and walked across. Hannah felt Mitchell’s hand tighten around hers.

  ‘Are you okay?’ he asked in a low voice.

  ‘Yes,’ she managed back.

  The trademark grey streaks in Howard’s dark hair looked a little wider than when she had last seen him, and the lines on his face that had once made him look distinguished and Gina called rugged, now made him look plain old. If he had any inkling of what his divorce had done to him physically, it was no wonder he’d been insanely jealous of the youthful and frankly gorgeous Ross. Hannah almost felt sorry for the man. He gave Hannah and Mitchell a nod, and then put in his order at the bar.

  ‘Oh, you must be Jess’s dad!’ Briony exclaimed brightly, and Hannah was suddenly struck by the absurdity of the situation as Howard did a double take. Briony and Paul had no idea that the man who had put their son in hospital was in the room, and Howard had no idea who Briony was. He probably thought he’d run into a psychic barmaid. In many ways it wouldn’t be a bad thing for it to stay that way.