Page 49 of A Snowy Seaside Christmas
‘Oh, and don’t forget to bring Bobby.’
‘Don’t worry, there’s no chance of that happening, he’s glued to me and watches my every move. If I’m out of sight for more than a few seconds he starts whimpering.’
‘Ahh, bless him. He’s probably worried you’re going to disappear like Cyril.’
‘Yeah, that had crossed my mind. Hopefully, he’ll realise I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll be able to build his trust.’
‘I’m sure it won’t take long. I’ll give you some crystals to place in your workshop to help soothe him.’
‘Thanks, Lark, that’d be good.’
By the time Nate arrived, the table was set and a playlist of festive music was playing softly in the background. Bobby trotted in and headed straight for the armchair where Luna lay curled up. He stopped in front of her, wagging his tail, staying well out of swiping distance.
Nate chuckled. ‘He’s obviously not going to risk another whack across his snout.’
‘Can’t say I blame him.’ Lark smiled. ‘Come through, food’s nearly ready.’
‘Smells amazing. I’m that famished I could eat a scabby horse between two mattresses.’
Lark chuckled. ‘I’m so glad you said that, the portion’s much bigger than I remembered.’ She reached for the cloth she used in place of an oven glove.
‘Is there owt I can do to help?’
‘It’s all in hand, you just park yourself at the table.’
Instead, Nate loitered awkwardly while Lark hefted the tray with the sizzling chicken shawarma out of the oven, the aroma of spices intensifying as she slid it onto the heatproof mats waiting on the worktop.
‘Is everything all right?’ Lark shot him a puzzled look, her eyes flicking to his right hand. It was the first time she’d noticed he was holding something.
He scratched his head, looking a little uncomfortable. ‘Thought you’d like this.’ He handed her a small, square item wrapped in a paper bag. ‘Don’t worry, it’s not from Crayke’s Cottage. It was meant to be for Christmas, but with you feeding me so much recently and helping with Crayke’s Cottage, I thought it’d be nice for you to have it now.’
‘Thank you.’ She reached inside the packet and eased out a small wooden box, its lid inlaid with mother-of-pearl. ‘Oh, Nate, it’s beautiful, but there was really no need to give me anything. You’ve helped me out loads in the past.’
Lark was instantly struck by the box’s energy. She sensed happiness and warmth and an overwhelming feeling of affection. Her eyes roved over the intricate detail, the fine, iridescent slivers of shell arranged in a flowerhead design, the petals growing wider and fanning out. Lifting the lid revealed the box was lined with blue satin where a silver chain was coiled around an oval-shaped amethyst.
She couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her mouth.
‘D’you like it?’ he asked, looking uncertain.
‘It’s absolutely beautiful!’
His face broke out into a smile. ‘I’m glad you think so, I thought of you as soon as I saw it.’
‘But it’s too generous, Nate. I really think you should save it for Christmas.’
‘But I’d rather give it to you now.’
‘But Christmas isn’t far away. I can wait till then.’ She smiled, hoping he didn’t think she was being ungrateful.
‘Early Christmas present, then.’ He released a sigh. ‘To be honest, I’ve been feeling guilty about the stuff with Crayke’s Cottage. I know how you’re sensitive to things like that, how they can affect you. I should’ve thought about it before dragging you into it, asked someone else to help move the stuff. The fact thatBear wasn’t keen to hang around said it all, really.’ He gave her an apologetic smile. ‘Sorry.’
Her heart twisted for him. She had no idea this had been going through his mind. ‘Please don’t beat yourself up about it. I could just as easily have said no, but my curiosity got the better of me. Actually, nosiness is probably a more apt word.’ She gave a light laugh.
‘Please take it,’ he said imploringly. ‘I want you to have it.’
How could she resist the look in those dark brown eyes? ‘Okay then. Thank you.’ She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, her nose catching the smell of soap and furniture wax.
‘Actually, I’ve got something for you, but I’ll get them after we’ve eaten.’
