Page 107 of Escape for Christmas
‘I’ll never laugh at you.’ She grinned. ‘Well, unless you’re wearing a grubby Santa hat in the surgery, or trying to convince me that a python is cute.’
‘Pythons are cute. All my patients are.’ He laughed. ‘Does that mean that next year you might actually allow a party hat on the premises?’ he asked, holding her gently around her waist. It felt amazing and natural.
‘Hmm. That might be going too far,’ she said. ‘I’m joking … but I’ve also learned that there are plenty of people who find Christmas stressful or lonely, or just can’t face the pressure to have a perfect day. It’s OK to love Christmas, and it’s also OK to want to spend it quietly or simply do something different. But the spirit behindit – people coming together and celebrating life – that’s what we should hold on to and nurture, whether it’s over turkey and tinsel or paella and flamenco. I’ve learned something else too,’ she continued. ‘You might be able to escape Christmas, but you can’t avoid facing up to your fears, or blaming them for you holding on to the past. I also learned a lot from my guests.’
He laughed. ‘Even from Nico?’
‘In a way. He can’t be himself with his family. He’s struggling to find the courage to tell them about his true self. Everyone came along looking for an escape, when what they really wanted was a fresh start.’
‘Did you?’ Brody asked, holding Sophie’s gaze.
‘Yes, although I bought Sunnyside forme, and not to run away from Ben. It was my baby, my business that I could create and manage completely for myself. I wasn’t looking for anything else, least of all love.’
‘And yet … you didn’t count on finding such a handsome neighbour next door?’ said Brody, pulling her closer.
Though she had no words, Sophie realised that she loved every fibre of him, inside and out. His scruffy, wind-tumbled hair, his muddy walking boots, his ancient Barbour, even a wayward dog that stole the breakfast from her guests.
They were kissing. This time she was able to give herself, enjoy every second, every sensation, the touch of his lips on hers, the warm pressure of his mouth, the scent of him. It could go on for ever and no one could stop them.
‘Woof!’
Sophie burst out laughing. ‘Harold!’
‘Thanks a lot, buddy,’ Brody tutted. ‘And would you mind taking your nose out of my crotch.’
Sophie laughed. ‘He’s probably embarrassed at all this lovey-dovey stuff.’
‘He probably wants to go home for a nap – it was a good walk up here.’
‘And do you?’ she asked.
‘Right now, a nap is the last thing on my mind.’
He took her hand and they walked down the fellside towards Sunnyside. Harold barked and raced on ahead. And Sophie wasn’t sure who was more eager to get home: the dog or both of them.
Epilogue
Four weeks later
On a Sunday morning at the start of February, Brody woke up with a cat on his head and one on his feet. Sophie was used to it, but he stirred in his sleep and let out a cry.
‘Oh my God, I dreamed I was being attacked by a grizzly bear!’
‘Worse. Jingle is trying to lie on your head. Shoo!’ Sophie gently ushered the cat off the pillow. He sprang across the bed, by way of Brody’s bare chest.
‘Ow! Those claws are sharp!’ Brody rubbed his chest.
‘Welcome to my world,’ Sophie told him.
Brody peered down the bed. His feet were poking out and Belle was licking his toes.
‘She thinks you need a wash.’
‘Woof!’
Harold trotted into the bedroom and licked his hand.
Brody sank back onto the pillow. ‘You know, sometimes I think there are five of us in this relationship.’
