Page 80 of The Holiday Cottage

“She did. What do you think, Imogen? Do you fancy joining our crazy, family tree-finding trip? It usually involves Patrick complaining that the tree is too big and then the girls begging him until finally he relents. And we end up with a tree that scrapes the ceiling. But we go to a farm where they grow their own trees, and there’s hot chocolate and it’s all very festive.” Sara paused, suddenly uncertain. “No pressure, obviously. If it all feels like too much and you’d rather have a quiet day, that’s fine.”

“I’d love to come,” Imogen said quickly. “But I wouldn’t want to leave Ralph.”

“Bring Ralph! The girls would love having him there. And Miles—” Sara turned to him “—if you’re free tomorrow, why don’t you come too?”

“For once I’m free, and the answer is yes. I can help Imogen transport the tree home. You and Patrick will already have a full car with the girls and trees.”

“Come to the house for dinner after, all of you.” Dorothy was already planning. She’d make it special. Festive. And later perhaps, when Imogen was a little more used to them, she’d invite her to spend Christmas Day with them. She wanted to make up for all those Christmases Imogen had missed. No more fake plants. No more turkey pizza.

Her spirits lifted.

A few hours ago she never would have predicted this outcome, but now she was feeling ridiculously hopeful. This wasn’t about the past, it was about the future.

There was still much to unravel, of course. Still so much to work out and discover. She wasn’t going to pretend that any of this was going to be easy. They didn’t really know Imogen, and she didn’t know them. But the fact that Imogen was staying and planning on joining Sara for a Christmas tree trip, was all good. It gave them a chance. A way forward.

And what better time of year was there to bring a family together than at Christmas?

17

Sara

The snowfall had transformed the village. Snow clung to roofs and dusted the cobbles, softening edges and adding a magical atmosphere that compensated for the cold. The lights strung across the street glowed cheerfully, and shop windows were laden with festive goods designed to entice the casual shopper inside.

Sara pushed open the door of the village hall and kicked the snow off her boots before she walked in.

The hubbub of noise told her that she was probably last to arrive and did nothing for the throb in her head. The day had been utterly draining, but inside she felt calmer than she had in a long time. She’d been worried that seeing Imogen would take them all backward, but that wasn’t how it felt. It felt more like taking a step forward.

And she was so ready for that.

“Sara!” One of the doctors who worked in the local practice spotted her and hurried across. She was wearing a pair of antlers that kept sliding over her eyes. “How are you?”

“I’m well, thanks, Nadia. You?” Sara hugged her and then reached out and straightened her friend’s antlers. “You have something growing out of your head. You should probably see a doctor about that.”

“Can’t get an appointment.” Her friend winked at her. “The doctors around here are terrible, haven’t you heard?”

“In fact, I hadn’t.” Their local surgery was fantastic, and Sara knew how lucky they were. “Those antlers suit you.”

“They are my protection.” Nadia adjusted them. “It’s harder for people to corner me and tell me their health problems when I’m looking ridiculous. I keep meaning to tell you how much we loved that mixed crate of wine Patrick sent us in the summer. The red was sublime.”

“Anytime you want a top-up just give us a call.”

“I will, and—” Nadia broke off as she saw someone over Sara’s shoulder. “Oh no, I see someone I need to avoid or I’ll be talking about body parts at a children’s party. I’ll catch you later. Good to see you, Sara. You look gorgeous by the way. Love the coat.” She flew off across the room and Sara watched her go with a smile.

This was her life.

Living here, knowing everyone, was so important to her. After the devastating events of her childhood, the community had wrapped itself around her and her mother and provided a warm and comforting layer of protection between her and the world. Sara felt as if she belonged here. This place, and the people, felt like family. She had no secrets from them and their generosity and acceptance at the lowest point in her life had helped heal the scars left by her sister’s rejection.

“Hey, Sara.” Paul, her friend who owned the bookshop, appeared by her side. “Before that husband of yours notices you’re here and monopolizes you, I just wanted to say I tracked down that book.”

“Book?” Her mind was still full of Imogen and where this might lead, and it took Sara a moment to work out what he was talking about.

“Volcanoes?”

“Of course! Volcanoes. You found it?”

“And gift-wrapped it. All Shona has to do is write the label, and no doubt she’ll do that with her usual artistic flair. Are you and Patrick still on for our post-Christmas gathering?”

They’d managed to find a date that worked for all of them and she was already looking forward to it. “Definitely. My mother is babysitting.”

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