Page 48 of Snowfall Over Halesmere House
‘I suppose it is. I wish you didn’t have to.’ His was smiling as his hands covered hers.
‘I know. But I do. Are we still doing that working lunch tomorrow?’
‘Better not, if you don’t mind. I’ve promised Arlo I’ll stay with him, so it’s tractors and telly all day.’
‘Sounds perfect.’ She blinked at the new tenderness in Max’s expression, unprepared for the suggestion of regret that still lingered. ‘I can change the booking; we can do it another time.’
‘The lunch? Or something else?’ There was mischief there now too and she smiled. Maybe she would regret this in the morning when day replaced night and light sent away dark. Maybe tomorrow would bring with it all the reasons why their fooling around was so unwise. But all she could think was how much she liked being with him, as she stepped into the night, his hand holding hers until she reluctantly tugged it free and turned away.
Chapter Sixteen
Ella left the house just before first light for a run, feeling as though she had woken in a whole new world. Surely she wasn’t imagining that the festive lights Stan had hung from his workshop were glittering more brightly or his whistle sounded especially cheery? Or was it merely false hope, a feeling not to be given voice despite the incredible kiss she and Max had shared last night? She knew they had both been overwrought and anxious. Arlo’s accident and her and Max’s separate, urgent flights to hospital had seen to that.
She checked her watch. She needed to get back if she was going to catch the children before Lily left for school. And Max. Ella wanted to see him too, to find his eyes in the new day and learn what was in them now. Would it be regret, dismissal, a quick laugh to shrug off all they’d shared? Or something different, a realisation that he too, wanted to cling to the intimacy of those final moments in his house and find a way to move forward? There wasn’t time for a shower, and she knocked at the cottage door still in her running kit, warm, with her breath slowing, hair tucked into a baseball cap. The door swung back, and her anxiety dissolved the moment she saw a grin lighting up Max’s face. He made a grab for Prim as she darted outside to greet Ella.
‘Come back here, you little monster.’
‘Little!’ Ella gasped, trying to curb Prim’s exuberance as she bounced with joy. ‘She’s nearly as big as me when she does that.’ She pushed at the paws trying to reach her shoulders and Prim finally backed off, sitting down firmly on the gravel and staring intently at Ella.
‘Looks like I’m not the only one who’s happy to see you,’ Max said dryly. ‘I really do have to take her to training again after Christmas.’
‘Yes, you should. I just came to see how the patient’s doing.’
‘That’s thoughtful of you. He’s still asleep, otherwise I think he’d love to see you too. He’s very proud of his cast.’ Max pulled the door back and Prim sidled in first. It was starting to rain, and she shook herself with great enthusiasm. ‘He woke early for more Calpol and was away again straight after.’
Prim wandered off and Ella saw Lily at the island eating breakfast in her uniform. ‘Can I help? I could stay with Arlo while you take Lily to school.’
‘Thanks, that would be great. I wasn’t looking forward to having to wake him and get him in the car so I can run her down. Quicker than walking today.’ He paused, a flash of something darker crossing his face. ‘I didn’t want to disturb my mother or have her getting upset again in front of Lily.’
‘I understand. How is she?’
‘Okay, but she’s still shaken. She called earlier.’ Max checked over his shoulder to make sure Lily wasn’t listening. ‘Apparently she was painting and hadn’t expected them to leave the flat. Didn’t hear them go until it was too late, and then she couldn’t find them.’
‘I hope she’s okay, I’ll drop in later. She wouldn’t have wanted any harm to come to them, not for the world.’
‘I know. But how can I rely on her to care for them if I’m wondering the whole time if she’s got distracted? Anyway…’
Ella touched his arm as she squeezed past on her way to see Lily.
‘Ella?’
‘Yes?’ She paused.
‘How are you, after last night?’ There was hesitancy in his lowered voice, and she saw his glance dart over her shoulder again to his daughter.
‘I’m fine. What about you?’
‘Still no regrets, if that’s what you mean. Even after four hours’ sleep.’
‘I guess that makes two of us then. And I managed five.’ She liked the quick pleasure on his face, his hand reaching out to squeeze hers.
Lily was having toast and Max made some for Ella too, before he scooped up a protesting daughter to drive her to school. It was Lily’s party tomorrow and Ella had plenty for her and Stan to do. She was at the door waving Lily off when Stan appeared, concerned about Arlo and the drama that had taken place after he’d left last night.
‘Made ’im this,’ he said gruffly, passing Ella a little wooden figure. It was a beautifully carved tractor in miniature, and she turned it over, admiring his craftsmanship and the cleverly executed wheels and cab.
‘Oh Stan, it’s beautiful. Arlo’s going to love it. Thank you, Max will be thrilled.’
‘Let’s ’ope so,’ Stan said, blowing on his hands. The donkey jacket was on, along with a bright yellow bobble hat; Ella was sure she recognised Pearl’s handiwork. ‘Come on then, young Ella, if we’re gonna find them trees,’ Stan went on. ‘Can’t stand around ’ere all day, not if you want me to lay a trail an’ build a campfire for tomorrow. An’ then there’s them barn doors an’ a new window to finish. I’m gonna be askin’ the boss for a Christmas bonus with all this work you’ve given me. I can feel an ’oliday comin’ on.’
