Page 162 of Our Secrets and Lies

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Lucy placed two big red candles in the middle of the table and stood back. It was going to be a tight squeeze, but hopefully it would be a good day.

Billy came in with bottles of red wine, which he placed on the mantelpiece. ‘It looks lovely, pet. You’ve done an amazing job. I never thought we’d be able to seat everyone in the lounge for Christmas dinner, but you did it.’

Lucy smiled. ‘Iwant it to be perfect for Kelly.’

‘It’s fit for a queen.’

Ollie came in, carrying logs for the fire. ‘I cut these myself with a saw! Billy let me.’

‘Well done, Ollie. You’re a little star.’ Lucy beamed at him.

‘I was there to supervise the whole time. I didn’t turn my head for a millisecond.’

‘Dad, we all know Ollie’s safe with you,’ Lucy reassured him.

‘It all looks very fancy, Lucy.’ Ollieadmired the good china.

‘Well, Christmas Day is an important day and today is very special because Kelly is home and feeling better.’

‘I used to wish Kelly was my sister instead of Shannon, cos Kelly is always so nice to me. But Shannon saved Kelly’s life so I think she’s pretty cool.’

‘She’s a hero in my eyes,’ Lucy said.

‘Yeah, but don’t tell her that. She’s getting a really big head. Shetold Dad yesterday that she needed the full box of Milk Tray to herself because heroes need energy.’

Lucy giggled. ‘What did he say?’

‘He told her that she’d want to go easy on the chocolates or her arse might be too big for her superhero costume.’

They all laughed. The doorbell rang. Lucy went out to the hall to answer it.

‘I know it’s Christmas Day and I don’t want to disturb you and I knowyou think I’m bad news, but I heard what happened and I just wanted to give this to Kelly.’ Sean handed a beautifully wrapped gift to Lucy.

Lucy shook her head. ‘No, I won’t.’

‘It’s not drugs!’ he said.

‘I certainly hope not.’ She smiled at him. ‘I mean, no, I won’t because I think you should come in and give it to Kelly yourself. She’d love to see you.’

Sean looked shocked. ‘Really?’

‘Yes,and I’m sorry for chasing you away before. You seem like a nice kid. But just so we’re clear, if you hurt her, I will hunt you down and kill you.’

Sean grinned. ‘I really like Kelly and I’d never hurt her, but it’s good to know where I stand.’

‘She’s in the kitchen with Dylan and Jenny.’ Lucy pointed to the door.

Sean went in, and Lucy watched Kelly’s face light up. Sean handed her the gift.Kelly stood up and hugged him. She caught her mother’s eye over his shoulder. ‘Thank you,’ she mouthed.

Lucy smiled and went to finish setting the table.

Two hours later Sarah, Darren, Shannon, Ollie, Billy, Jenny, Lucy and the twins were sitting at the table. Kelly kept fingering the necklace Sean had given her. It was a delicate silver chain with a K hanging from it.

Lucy went to sit down.‘You put out too many chairs,’ Ollie said.

The doorbell rang. ‘Who’s that?’ Billy asked.

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