Page 40 of Christmas at the Home Farm Vets
‘Not for certain, not until recently. It was kind of always there, but then…’ She wasn’t sure how much Imogen knew about the summer after the May Ball.
‘So you’re the reason he took this job, other than the usual one, of course.’
‘I don’t think so. Oli didn’t know I was here or that we’d be working at the same practice.’ Erin took a deep breath, drying the mug and sliding a capsule into the coffee machine as Imogen stepped back. ‘There was a change of plan, and I only found out he was coming a couple of days before he arrived.’ Only the truth would do now, and she hoped Imogen would understand it was opportunity that had brought him to her door, not a deliberate choice. ‘What did you mean, Imogen, when you said other than the usual reason?’
‘Being a locum suits Oli because he can make the travelling all about his career, that he has to go where the work takes him. But actually I think he travels for a very different reason. Thanks.’ Imogen accepted her coffee, smiling at the image on the cup. ‘Ever since Mum died I’ve always had the impression he’s scared of staying in one place too long, because he doesn’t really know what home looks like for him, so his job gives him the perfect excuse to keep moving. He has a tiny flat, but that’s just a space where he leaves his stuff, it’s not a home.’ Her gaze ran over the small kitchen, the boots he’d left beside the back door, the coffee machine on the worktop, a navy scarf slung over the newel post. ‘Not like this one.’
Oli’s life was beginning to make sense now, and Erin saw it clearly, the details finally falling into place. The front door flew open and both women started as he burst through it, a Christmas tree in a net clutched awkwardly in his arms.
‘Shit, it’s freezing out there, I seriously need a brew to warm me up. I thought I might never feel my feet again after that barn, but the calf was alive, so it was worth it. Brought you this, thought it might go in a pot as we can’t have one inside with Marnie here.’ He dumped the Christmas tree against the wall and tugged his hat off. ‘Call it my contribution to Christmas, although I’m quite glad we’re not actually living in a holiday movie set after all, thanks to Marnie… Imogen? What the hell are you doing here?’
‘Hello, bro,’ she said wryly, flashing Erin a glance before she crossed to Oli, holding out her arms. ‘It’s been a while. Gonna give your big sister a hug?’
‘Of course.’ Oli unzipped his coat and Erin watched them embrace. She finished making her tea and slid another capsule into the coffee machine.
‘Like the beard.’ Imogen pulled back to look at him, her hands still on his arms. ‘It suits you.’
‘Cheers. So what brings you all the way up here? Is everything all right with you and Alex?’ Oli settled on the sofa and Imogen perched beside him. He thanked Erin distractedly when she brought another coffee through.
‘More than all right, actually,’ Imogen smiled and held out her left hand. Erin saw the stunning diamond and platinum engagement ring sparkling on her third finger. ‘That’s why I’m here. Alex proposed last week and obviously I said yes. He’s sorry he can’t be here too, but he had a golfing weekend in Portugal arranged and I really wanted to tell you myself before you saw it somewhere.’
‘That’s brilliant news, congratulations!’ Oli shuffled forward until she was in his arms again and he hugged her tightly. ‘I’m so thrilled for you both, it’s wonderful.’ He slid back and his grin eased into a wistful smile. ‘Mum would be so excited.’
‘Yeah, she would. She’d have been online already, looking at dresses and making appointments for me to try them. She always did love a good wedding.’ Imogen glanced down at her ring and sniffed, finding a tissue in her handbag.
‘Congratulations, Imogen.’ Erin wasn’t quite sure what else to say to someone she’d only just met.
‘Thanks, Erin, that’s very kind. We’re elated. I sort of knew it was coming one day but I had no idea Alex had already planned it. It was wonderful, and his mum is so supportive.’ Imogen looked at Oli. ‘So that’s partly why I’m here. Alex’s family are hosting a Christmas party on Saturday, and they’ve very generously offered to turn it into an engagement one for us. Obviously, we’d like everyone we love to be there and that includes you, so…’
She paused, her tone suddenly pleading. ‘And yes, before you say it, of course Dad and Christina will be there. He’ll be giving me away at the wedding, Oli, and he’s part of this. I want him to share it, especially as we can’t include Mum.’
‘I’ll leave you alone to talk.’ Erin leaped up; she really didn’t want to be in the way of brother and sister and what sounded like a deeply personal conversation.
‘No, Erin, please don’t go.’ Imogen turned a beseeching glance on her. ‘I think you should hear this.’
‘But it doesn’t concern me.’
‘Actually, I think it does. More than you probably realise.’
‘If Oli doesn’t mind…’ This time Erin would stay if he wanted her to, and he nodded faintly. She retook her seat, twisting her fingers together as Imogen continued.
‘I know it’s very close to Christmas and you’re busy here, but please come, we really want you to share it with us too.’
‘Imogen…’
‘No, Oli, no more excuses! I know things between you and Dad have been difficult since Mum died, and you blame him for having an affair and splitting up our family. But he’s sorry, he’s always been sorry about how things ended between them, and I don’t want mine and Alex’s wedding turning into a battlefield between you both. He’ll be with us at Christmas too and this is our chance for a fresh start, as a proper family, if you want it to be.’ Imogen’s voice fell. ‘Mum would be devastated to see you always on your own, never standing still long enough to let someone love you.’
Oli dropped his head into his hands and Erin knew the time for pretence was over. She crossed the room and knelt before him. Maybe it wasn’t her place, maybe it should be his sister, but she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him against her. The last time she’d been in his arms they’d been sharing a goodbye kiss before he went on holiday to France. This was different, and she wanted him to know she was here, that he could lean on her if he chose, and she felt him begin to relax as he clung on.
‘I’m really sorry if I’ve upset you.’ Imogen stood and put the empty espresso cup on the floor. She placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently. ‘The invitation is for two so of course we’d love to see you there as well, Erin. Thank you for looking after Oli and welcoming me into your home. I had thought we could have lunch before I go, Oli, but maybe it’s best if I leave you two to talk. I hope we’ll see you both on Saturday.’
The front door closed behind her, and Erin eased away from Oli. He raised his head to stare at her with bruised and troubled eyes weighted with sadness. ‘Sorry. I thought I was over all that stuff with my dad, then one word from Imogen and…’ He huffed out a laugh without humour as he dragged both hands over his face.
‘Please don’t be sorry, I hope it’s helped.’ She stood up, intending to gather their empty cups, but he caught her hand and tugged her onto the sofa beside him. The cottage was tiny and yet they’d found a way to make it work, had eased into a rhythm, living together even though she was only too aware it wasn’t in all the ways she wanted.
‘You know what it was like, because your dad left you too.’
‘Yes.’ Erin’s fingers were stroking his. ‘It was different for me though, because he never came back. There was a time when I would’ve wanted that, but then it was too late. He made himself irrelevant to us and our lives. Oli, I’m sorry I assumed life was pretty perfect for you and I was the one who’d had it tough. And I didn’t really, apart from my mum’s health and the worry. My family is everything, and we’re always there for each other.’
