Page 52 of The Village Christmas Party

‘Honestly, love, as I said, the break has probably been a long time coming, the final straw if you like,’ he says, seemingly resigned to the situation. ‘And I wouldn’t mind, but I’d made a big pan of soup.’

‘You did?’

‘Yes, your mother taught me how. And she made me some lovely vegetable soup last week, from some winter veg I’ve been growing at the allotment.’

‘Mum never mentioned anything about that,’ I say in surprise. ‘Did she take it to your house?’

‘No, she dropped it at the allotment. I’ve been down there getting rid of some old stuff from the shed and the greenhouse.’

‘In this weather?’

‘As I said, in my shed and greenhouse mainly, although maybe I have just been wanting to get out of the house,’ he admits.

‘Oh, Dad. You should have said something. Promise me you won’t go down there again until the spring, especially with your heart condition,’ I say gently. ‘And are you sure you’re okay?’

‘I’m fine.’ He manages a smile. ‘As I said, the split has been a long time coming. I don’t really think we have that much in common, to tell you the truth. She can’t standCountdownfor a start,’ he says, and I think of how Mum and Dad used to watch it together, competing with each other, especially on the word round.

‘Well as long as you’re alright, that’s the main thing. And I will look after you after your operation, so it makes sense for you to stay here for a while.’

Dad’s operation is scheduled for early January.

‘You’re a good daughter.’ Dad reaches across and squeezes my hand.

‘That’s because I have had good parents,’ I say, thinking it unexpected but lovely that we will all be spending Christmas Day under the same roof.

TWENTY-NINE

‘Kian, hi,’ I say, surprised and thrilled to be receiving a call from him on Christmas morning.

Mum, having got over the shock of seeing Dad this morning, is having breakfast with him in the kitchen.

‘Good morning and merry Christmas,’ he says, the sound of his voice delighting me.

‘Merry Christmas to you too and Bella, of course. Are you okay? You sound a little out of breath,’ I comment.

‘What? Oh yes, I’m just walking quickly to the corner shop. Would you believe I forgot the golden rule of checking that toys don’t need batteries, so Bella has a barking, walking dog that currently can’t do either of those things.’ He laughs.

‘Oh no. Thank goodness for the shop hey, it should be called Open All Hours. I don’t think that place ever closes, even on Christmas Day.’

‘And as you say, thank goodness for that,’ he says.

‘Is Bella with you?’ I ask, thinking I might wish her a merry Christmas.

‘No, she’s at home with a family member while I nipped out,’ he tells me.

‘Well wish her a happy Christmas from me,’ I say, hoping they have a lovely day together.

‘I will do. So how is your mum?’ he asks and I fill him in, also telling him about Dad pitching up here last night.

‘It’s a long story,’ I tell him.

‘Well I’d like to hear it sometime. That’s why I was calling actually,’ he says. ‘I know we are both busy at Christmas, but would you like to go out with me one evening when we are both free?’ he asks and my heart soars.

‘Yes, I think I would like that.’

‘You think?’ I can hear him laugh.

‘Sorry, yes, that would be really nice. Is that better?’ I ask, feeling thrilled. I can’t wait to see him again and wondered when that might be.

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