Page 96 of The Holiday Cottage

There was a slightly awkward pause.

Sara glanced at Imogen and then at Dorothy.

She hadn’t planned to issue the invitation quite yet, but maybe it was better this way. Spontaneous.

“If Imogen would join us, then of course we’d all be thrilled.”

She held her breath. She wasn’t going to pressure her. She wasn’t going to coax or cajole. If Imogen felt uncomfortable with the idea, if she didn’t want to do this, then Dorothy would need to accept that. Imogen had listened to what they had to say, she’d spent time with Sara and her family and she was here now. No one would blame her if she felt that was enough to begin with. A full-on family Christmas so early in their relationship might be too much to ask of anyone.

She was going to allow Imogen to make whatever decision she felt was right for her.

“I’d love to spend Christmas with you,” Imogen said quietly, “if it’s not too much trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Dorothy said. “It would make our Christmas if you were to join us.”

“Great! I want to sit next to you.” Ava danced off to tell her sister the good news, and Imogen crossed the kitchen to Dorothy.

“Let me take those.” She relieved Dorothy of the plates. “And you must let me know what I can do to make Christmas Day easier. I’m no expert in the kitchen and I’ve never cooked a Christmas lunch before, but I can follow instructions. I want to help.”

“In that case, you can persuade my girls to eat brussels sprouts,” Sara said cheerfully, “preferably without the commentary on how much they hate them.”

Imogen grinned. “I can try.”

“You take the plates, Imogen, and I’ll bring the casserole.” Sara picked up the heavy cast-iron pot. “I’ll send Patrick in to help carry the rest.”

“I’m here.” Patrick appeared, the girls by his side, and soon everyone was helping out, carrying plates and food to the table.

There were plenty of compliments when they saw what Dorothy had done to the room, and Sara gave her a smile.

Dorothy returned the smile, understanding.

Yesterday when Imogen had discovered the truth and walked out so abruptly, neither of them had expected this outcome.

It was more than Dorothy had hoped for. More than Sara had hoped for too.

Imogen, it seemed, was happy to put the past behind her and embrace this new development in her life.

Dorothy settled herself at the table and gave herself permission to stop worrying and simply enjoy this moment with her family.

If Imogen could leave the past behind, then so could she. She could choose to move on and finally forgive herself for whatever part her actions had played in past events. She could accept that the responsibility for everything that had happened was not all hers.

And she could be grateful for what she had right now.

20

Sara

“The girls are finally asleep, and frankly I might be joining them soon. I’m exhausted.” Sara flopped down onto the sofa and took the glass of wine Patrick handed her. “Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.”

In the corner of the room their newly cut Christmas tree sparkled. Even though it had been late when they’d arrived home from Dorothy’s, the girls had insisted on decorating it.

“I want to wake up tomorrow and see it all sparkly,” Ava had said, and Iris had supported her sister in that wish.

They’d played Christmas music, and Sara had made the girls hot chocolate before finally persuading them to go to bed.

“To another successful Christmas tree trip.” She raised her glass to Patrick. “It looks great, doesn’t it?” The lights from the tree softened the room and made it seem even cozier than usual. The sharp scent of fir permeated the air and made it feel even more Christmassy. It was like bringing the outdoors indoors.

“It looks big.” Patrick sat down next to her and stretched out his legs. “Why do I always let you three talk me into a tree that’s taller than our ceilings?”

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