Page 91 of The Holiday Cottage

“Oh!” Was she that transparent? She felt herself blush. “I wasn’t—I mean—”

“I know. I’m just saying he’s fantastic, in case you were wondering.” It was Sara’s turn to look uncomfortable. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It’s fine.” Imogen looked at her. “I’m not used to having conversations like this, that’s all.”

“Then it’s probably good to practice on someone like me, so that when it gets to someone important, you’re already an expert.”

“You’re important.”

“But I’m family,” Sara said. “You can say anything to me. There is no wrong thing. You don’t have to watch your words or protect yourself.”

“Family.” The word felt unfamiliar on her lips. “I suppose I haven’t really got used to the idea yet.”

“I know. It feels strange, doesn’t it? Being related and yet barely knowing each other. I suppose the answer is just to relax and spend time in each other’s company and not overthink it. And Christmas is a great time for that, of course.” Sara’s voice softened. “But I want you to know that you can talk to me. About anything, at any time. I’m here for you, Imogen. It’s important to me that you know that. Even when you’re back in London. If you want to talk to someone, just pick up the phone.”

No one had ever said anything like that to her before. Never offered that level of support. And she knew Sara was genuine. She’d seen the way she was with the girls, with Patrick and with Dorothy. Even the fact that she’d come to talk to Imogen, given how badly Tina had upset her, was a measure of how loyal she was.

Tears scalded her eyes. “Thank you.”

“I mean it. This must be so difficult for you, and it’s important that you can talk to someone you trust, and you can trust me. I wish I’d been there for you through your whole life—your wise old aunt, giving you advice you probably didn’t want. Knitting you sweaters that didn’t fit.” Sara grinned. “Just kidding. I can’t knit to save my life so you’re safe. No lumpy Santa sweaters from me this Christmas, I promise.”

Despite the emotion, Imogen laughed too. She thought about all the difficult times she’d dealt with on her own.She could have called Sara.“There were definitely occasions when a wise old aunt would have been helpful.”

She thought about the last thing her mother had said to her.

Go and live out your happy family fantasy somewhere else.

If she’d known, she could have done that.

“I feel angry.” The words tumbled out, surprising her. “Angry that she lied. And I feel guilty about that.”

“I don’t think you have any reason to feel guilty. I’m angry too,” Sara said. “And I’m sure my mother—your grandmother—feels the same way, although she might not admit it. She is more generous and forgiving than I am, but maybe that’s because she is Tina’s mother. Maybe it’s hard to give up on a child and accept them for who they are. I don’t know.”

“I don’t know either. And I don’t understand why she did what she did.”

“I’m no psychologist, but I think she always felt inadequate somehow. As if she didn’t fit.” Sara watched as Miles lifted Ava onto his shoulders. “Will you talk to her about it?”

“I don’t know. Our last encounter wasn’t great.” It was an understatement, but she didn’t intend to share the details of that, particularly not today. “I’ll think about it.”

Sara slid her arm through Imogen’s. “I can’t do anything about the past, but I’m here now. Whatever may have gone before, we’re family, Imogen, and we’re part of your life now. Remember that.”

Family.The word made her dizzy.

Her mother considered it a fantasy, and yet standing here with Sara by her side, it felt real for the first time.

“Come on,” Ava yelled at them across the frozen landscape, and Sara laughed.

“You may yet live to wish you hadn’t rediscovered your family.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“We’d better focus on the tree or we’ll be told off by my exceptionally bossy daughter. We have all the time in the world to catch up. Also Ralph is watching you anxiously. Let’s enjoy our day.”

Imogen’s phone rang at that moment and she pulled it out of her pocket and checked the number.

Tina.

No way. The happiness that had filled her a moment earlier rushed out of her like air from a punctured balloon.

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