‘Bugger, I thought I’d turned that off after I texted Bry.’
It pinged again.
‘Oh, no.’ Since Donny’s visit, her heart always lurched to her throat when her phone went off; she still hadn’t managed to lose the fear that it might be him trying to get in touch.
‘I think signal was down for a while so a lot might come through at once,’ said Zander. ‘I turned mine off after Skyping Carcassonne.’
‘Wish I’d thought to do that.’ She went across and picked up her phone, tapping on the messages. In the next second she’d clamped her hand to her mouth, trying to contain her giggles.
‘What is it?’
‘A text from Molly.’
‘Oh, hell, I can only imagine. What does she say?’
‘Well, she reckons they can see sparks flying across the dale from here, specifically from one of the bedroom windows.’
‘Cheek!’
‘Then she’d asked if you’ve tied a ribbon round your “old man” –as she puts it – and offered yourself to me for Christmas.’ Livvie’s giggles got the better of her and she struggled to get the last few words out.
Zander threw his head back and roared with laughter. ‘I wish I’d thought of that!’
‘I’m glad you didn’t; I’m not sure me howling with the laughter is the reaction you’d expect.’
‘Quite, nor would it be one we could tell the grandkids. “So, Grandpa, tell us about your first Christmas with Grandma; what present did you buy her?” Nope, thinking about it, it’s just as well my mind doesn’t work how Molly’s does.’
His mention of grandchildren made Livvie’s heart swell with happiness; it told her that like her, he was in it for the long-haul. She went and sat back beside him, his arm enveloping her as she rested her head on his chest, hearing the loud, strong beat of his heart.
‘So the other text wasn’t anything to worry about?’ She knew he was referring to Donny or her family.
‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘Just a generic one from the network.’
‘That’s good.’ She felt him relax. ‘Though, you know, if we’d had more time, I would’ve bought you a present, whether we were together like this or not.’
‘I would’ve bought you one, too. But, truthfully, I don’t need anything; the best present I could ever have is being here with you and Alf. Having this wonderful memory will last forever; I don’t need anything more than that,’ she said.
Zander squeezed her arm. ‘I feel exactly the same. Falling in love with a woman as special and amazing as you; I couldn’t ask for anything better.’
A warm fuzzy glow of happiness washed over Livvie and she could feel a huge smile spread across her face. ‘Would it ruin the moment if I said, “cheese alert”?’
He replied with a low chuckle.
45
Six Months Later
Livvie
‘That looks amazing.’ Kitty cast her eye over the mood board and sketch Livvie had prepared for a client from Middleton-le-Moors who was coming in later that morning. ‘I love the detailing here on the shoulder; it’s from one of the sketches in your book, isn’t it?’
‘It is; I thought it would work really well with that vintage lace we picked up last week.’
‘Oh, it’ll be absolutely gorgeous,’ said Vi. She rubbed the swatch of fabric between her fingers and thumb. ‘Makes me want to get married all over again.’
‘I think the next wedding we go to will be somebody not too far from here.’ Kitty gave Livvie a knowing smile.
‘Now that’s one dress I really can’t wait to work on,’ said Vi. ‘You need to tell Zander to get a wriggle on with his proposal, then we can have a sumptuous Christmas wedding. I can see you in a velvet cloak, a bouquet of winter flowers, Victorian cream leather ankle boots …’
‘Steady on there, Vi, we’re not that far on yet.’ Livvie laughed. Though, in truth, Zander had been quizzing her about engagement rings the other night, trying –but failing – to be subtle. It had made her stomach fizz with excitement but it was quickly quashed when she thought about what her mother and Cheryl would say if she had to tell them she was engaged: “You hardly know him! You’re being ridiculous! It’s too soon!” Or worse. There wouldn’t be a positive comment between them, that’s for sure. ‘Though, we have been talking about moving in together.’
‘About bloody time, you’re hardly ever at Forge Cottage now Zander’s moved here full-time,’ said Vi.
‘Ooh, that’s so exciting.’ Kitty beamed.
Livvie couldn’t believe how things had turned out; she still expected to wake up to discover the last six months had been a dream. It hadn’t all been plain sailing, of course. Mrs Harris hadn’t taken it well that both Livvie and Bryony had handed their notice in, making the four weeks they had to work as unpleasant as possible, finding any excuse to make snide comments and bullying every step of the way. But Livvie had borne it well, watching the light at the end of the tunnel grow bigger and brighter with each passing day. The only downside was saying goodbye to Bryony who had packed up and moved to London straightaway; she’d miss their get-togethers and putting the world to rights sessions. Thank goodness for Skype, she thought.
There’d been no good luck wishes or kind words from her family, but though Livvie had hoped for them, she hadn’t been expecting them. And the day she pulled the door to her flat shut for the last time felt ever so slightly surreal. The removal van had gone ahead with her small collection of furniture, crunching through the miles to Lytell Stangdale where Jimby would be waiting to let the removal men in and set out her belongings.
After his visit to Zander’s cottage, Donny had thankfully made himself scarce and Livvie hadn’t seen nor heard from him since that day. It still didn’t stop her from bolting the door every time she was in the flat; she wouldn’t be sorry to say goodbye to that little undercurrent of fear.
Meeting Zander’s family had been amazing. A week after their return from Carcassonne, Stef had organised a Sunday lunch get-together and Livvie was invited. She’d been a bag of nerves as she drove to Leeds. What if they don’t like me? She’d tortured herself all the way there, unable to get the niggle of how much they’d liked Clara out of her mind. At least Zander will be there; he’ll make everything alright.
As it turned out, Livvie had nothing to be worried about. As soon as she stepped through the door, she felt at ease. His family welcomed her with open arms, apparently thrilled to see how happy she’d made Zander. Steff’s house reminded her of a more suburban, less rustic version of Molly’s with its cosy atmosphere, happy noise and evidence of family everywhere. Zander had been attentive until he realised there was no need to remain glued to her side and she’d chatted animatedly with Steff and his mum, Toby’s wife Jo, too.
If anyone had told Livvie a year ago that her life would turn out like this she would have laughed in their face. But it had, and she was deliriously happy.
Zander
The last three months, living at Dale View Cottage with Livvie had been the happiest of Zander’s life. They’d slotted into an easy routine and he couldn’t remember feeling so utterly content. Waking up with her in his arms was the most amazing feeling; he wanted to stay this way forever. Indeed, his time at the practice in Leeds seemed like a lifetime away now and he hadn’t had a moment of regret.
It had been strange to think he wouldn’t be working with Noah anymore, Zander had mused as he’d left the surgery for the last time, after working his three months’ notice. But there hadn’t been a single doubt in his mind that it was the right thing to do. He’d been looking forward to making a fresh start in Lytell Stangdale; that village had grown to mean more and more to him with every visit and Livvie had more than a little to do with that.
With Steff’s help, he’d packed up his personal belongings in readiness for the arrival of the removal van the following day. He’d left most of his furniture since his replacement at the practice had been keen to rent his house while he got a feel for
the area. It was an arrangement that suited Zander.
He’d only seen Mel once since Christmas. She’d turned up with a woman he’d never met before, the pair of them giving him dirty looks and making snide comments as they’d disappeared upstairs and noisily scooped up her clothing and make-up, slamming the door behind them as they left.
Introducing Livvie to his family was something Zander had looked forward to and had no qualms about doing; he knew instinctively they’d adore her. And they did. He’d been thrilled that she’d felt at ease with them, seeing her happily chatting away, particularly with Steff and his mum.
‘She’s delightful, Zandie’ Steff had whispered in his ear. ‘And look how Alf loves her.’
‘I can see why she makes you so happy, Zander darling,’ his mum had said.
After their keenness with Clara, he knew they were mindful not to push things, but this time they’d be justified. Livvie was, without doubt, “the one”.
After enjoying a delicious meal at the Sunne where Bea had excelled herself with the most mouth-watering lamb tagine and aromatic bejewelled couscous, Livvie and Zander were enjoying a steady walk back to the cottage with Alf trotting along beside them. It was a languid, balmy evening, the heat of the day’s sun being thrown back from the land. ‘What a view.’ Zander stopped to take in the bucolic vista of the dale that was bathed in a mellow light from the fading sunset, glowing in muted shades of gold, apricot and peach. Birdsong had all but silenced as the perpetrators had gone to roost for the night in the leafy hawthorn bushes or trees that dotted the fields or edged the meandering sliver of ribbon that was Swang Beck. The occasional hooting of an owl floated by, adding an ethereal quality to the late evening. In the distance, the low thrum of a tractor making the most of the burst of fine weather, hurrying to get the silaging done, could be heard from the fields at Tinkel Bottom Farm. It was punctuated by the odd bark of a stag from the woods near Danskelfe Castle.
Zander inhaled deeply, the heady scent of wild honeysuckle that scrambled over the hedgerows, mingled with the sweet smell of freshly-cut grass, drifting by on a barely-there breeze. ‘What a stunning evening.’
‘It’s perfect.’ Livvie sighed, following his gaze.
He glanced down at her, his heart leaping at how beautiful she was with the sun’s warmth illuminating her face, making her eyes sparkle. She was wearing a loose-fitting vest top and floaty ethnic skirt, with bracelets that jingle-jangled on her arms.
He swallowed; an idea had been circling his mind for the last couple of weeks, growing and gaining momentum each time he thought about it. Before he knew what was happening Zander had taken Livvie’s tiny hand in his and he cleared his throat.
‘Livvie.’ He pulled her close to him, kissing her gently. She looked up and smiled at him, making his heart melt. ‘Livvie, I’ve got something to ask you.’
‘Oh?’
‘I know we haven’t know each other long, but I adore you with all my heart and feel like I’ve known you forever.’
‘I feel the same.’ She beamed up at him.
‘And we’ve both said we feel we’re meant to be together.’
‘We have.’
‘Livvie.’ Zander cleared his throat again and, despite feeling a little silly, got down on one knee, watching as her expression changed. ‘Livvie, would you do the honour of marrying me?’
Livvie clasped her hands to her chest. ‘Zander! Oh, wow! I’d love nothing more in this world than to marry you.’
His heart soared; the pure happiness shining in her eyes matched his own.
‘That’s fantastic!’ He got to his feet and scooped her up in his arms. ‘Woohoo!’ He swirled her round making her squeal with joy. Alf joined in the excitement, leaping around giddily, giving the occasional bark.
Still laughing, Zander set her down and pulled her close to him. ‘You’ve just made me the happiest man in the world.’ He pressed a kiss to her lips.
‘And you’ve just made me the happiest woman in the world.’
‘Who’d have thought a mix up with a holiday booking could result in this?’ he asked.
Who indeed?
THE END
Afterword
Thank you for reading A Christmas Kiss, I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, I’d be really grateful if you could pop over to Amazon and a leave a review – if you click on the link below it will take you right there:
A CHRISMAS KISS - AMAZON UK
A CHRISTMAS KISS - AMAZON US
It doesn’t have to be long – just a few words would do – but for us authors it makes a huge difference. Thank you so much.
If you’d like to find out more about what I get up to in my little corner of the North Yorkshire Moors, or if you’d like to get in touch – I’d love to hear from you! – you can find me in the following places:
Amazon author page: Eliza J Scott - UK or Eliza J Scott - US
Blog: Eliza J Scott
Twitter: @ElizaJScott1
Facebook: @elizajscottauthor
Instagram: @elizajscott
Bookbub: @elizajscott
Also by Eliza J Scott
The Letter – Kitty’s Story (Book 1 in the Life on the Moors Series)
You can get it here:
UK: www.amazon.co.uk
US: www.amazon.co.uk
The Talisman – Molly’s Story (Book 2 in the Life on the Moors Series)
You can get it here:
UK: www.amazon.co.uk
US: www.amazon.com
The Secret – Violet’s Story (Book 3 in the Life on the Moors Series)
You can get it here:
UK: www.amazon.co.uk
US: www.amazon.com
Yorkshire Glossary
The Yorkshire dialect, with its wonderful elongated, flat vowels can trace its roots back to Olde English and Old Norse, the influences of which can still be found in some of the quirky words in regular use today. As a few of them crop up in The Secret – Violet’s Story (as well as The Letter and The Talisman), I thought it might be a good idea to compile a list of them for you, just in case you’re wondering what the bloomin’ ‘eck I’m going on about. I do hope it helps!
Aud – old
Aud mucker – old friend. Used in greeting i.e. ‘Now then, me aud mucker’.
Back end – autumn
By ‘eck – heck
Champion – excellent
Chuffed to bits – very pleased, i.e. ‘I’m chuffed to bits with my new coat’.
Diddlin’ – doing – i.e. ‘How’re you diddlin’ means, ‘How are you doing?’.
Ey up – hello/watch out
Fair capt – very pleased
Fair to middlin’ – fine (in answer to the question, ‘How are you/how are you doing?)
Famished – hungry
Fettle – fix/put right
Fizzog – face (used as slang throughout the UK, not just in Yorkshire)
Fower – four
Gander – look, i.e. ‘Have a gander at this’.
Goosegog - gooseberry
Hacky – dirty
Jiggered – tired
Lops – fleas
Lug/lug ‘ole – ear/ear hole
Mafted – hot
Mash – brew, as in a pot of tea
Mucker – friend
Nithered – very cold
Now then – hello
Nowt – nothing
Owt – anything
Raw – cold, in reference to the weather
Reckon – think
Rigg – ridge
Rigwelted – word used to refer to an animal that has fallen over and got stuck on its back
Rum – odd/strange
Snicket – an alleyway
Summat – something
Yat/yatt – gate
Yon side – on the other side
Acknowledgments
It’s been great getting to know two new characters in the Life on the Moors series; I don’t know about you, but I think they fit in with the other
residents of Lytell Stangdale rather well. I love how the mystical powers of fate brought Livvie and Zander together and gave them the happy ending they deserve. Could there be a wedding story to follow I wonder…? Of course, I could hardly forget to mention Alf, Zander’s adorable black Labrador; he’s a real character who’s guaranteed to make everyone smile with his waggy tail and mischievous ways.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people who’ve helped towards publication day of A Christmas Kiss. Here goes … (deep breath!) First of all, I’d like to thank my family for being my cheerleaders; your support means the world to me – as do the cups of tea and ginger biscuits you keep me plied with while I’m writing! Hopefully, my writing room will be ready soon, then I won’t have to keep hogging the dining table (sorry!).
Special thanks must go to editor Alison Williams. I really enjoy working with Alison and feel I learn more and more with every manuscript. Her warm words of encouragement are always a welcome boost.
Huge thanks are due to Berni Stevens for designing yet another beautiful book cover. Getting Berni’s cover ideas back is always an exciting time and one I look forward to like a child waiting for Christmas! I think she’s captured the essence of Christmas on the moors perfectly.
As ever, I must thank the very calm and organised Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources. Rachel’s amazing publication day blog tours are the perfect way to launch a book; they’ve certainly helped get mine out into the big, wide, book world, and introduced me to some wonderful book bloggers along the way. Thank you, Rachel!
I’d like to say an enormous thank you to the fabulous book bloggers who have been involved in the Publication Day Blog Tour for A Christmas Kiss – I nearly fell over when Rachel told me how many of you had signed up for it! Thank you for taking the time to read my book and reviewing it on your awesome blogs; it’s very humbling and I’m incredibly grateful.
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