‘I’d love to,’ Sophie replied, picking up the baskets with a mixture of bittersweet feelings at her remembrance of the last time she’d been in the stable with Brody.
While they helped the children feed the animals, Brody had another surprise to share.
‘I’ve got some news. I had a word with a local farmer, and he says he can meet you on the other side of the fallen tree and transport you in his tractor to your mother-in-law’s in the next village, if you want.’
‘So you and the kids can have Christmas lunch with your family after all,’ Sophie said, feeling thrilled for Pete.
‘That’s fantastic. Thanks, Brody. And you too, Sophie. For everything.’ Pete beamed.
Brody looked embarrassed, and Sophie felt the same way. ‘Don’t mention it. It was scary at the time, but I’m so happy we could help, even in a small way. The kids have been a delight.’
‘They’ve absolutely loved this surprise,’ Pete said, holding out a carrot for Gabriel on behalf of Maria. ‘Though now they’re going to want donkeys as pets.’ He chuckled.
‘When are they letting Anna and the baby out?’ Sophie asked, patting Gabe’s side.
‘Tomorrow. It would have been nice to be all together today, but I’d rather she and the baby are properly checked over before they come home.’
‘If you want, I could take you to collect Anna from the hospital and bring you to your mum-in-law’s?’ Brody offered.
‘You could pick up your car from Sunnyside when the thaw happens,’ Sophie suggested.
‘That would be fantastic. Again, I can’t thank you enough.’
Maria was playing with her dog. Pete shook Brody’s hand and hugged Sophie. ‘Happy Christmas. From me, Anna and the kids.Allof the kids.’
‘You too,’ Sophie said. ‘Happy Christmas.’
With the animals fed, Pete took the kids inside to pack up their stuff, ready to meet the tractor driver.
Brody closed the stable door, but Sophie lingered. ‘Where did the gifts come from?’ she asked him, impressed at what he’d done to make the morning festive.
‘They were promotional items from a worming-treatment supplier. They were in the spare room, but when I saw them this morning I knew I had the perfect home for them.’
‘The hoof-prints were a great touch too.’
Brody’s weary expression was lit up by smiles. Sophie’s stomach did a little flip, of desire – and regret.
‘I enjoyed it. Dad used to do it when I was very small. Even after I stopped believing in Santa, he carried on doing it. When we had younger cousins visiting, I used to help. It was our secret tradition.’ His smile became sadder and his wistful gaze alighted on the farmhouse as if he was remembering happier times.
‘You must miss him on a day like this,’ she said, feeling sorry for him.
‘I do,’ he said simply, and then, ‘I did hesitate about the reindeer-prints and gifts, in case it was too much, but the kids have had a rough time, so I thought they deserved a bit of festive magic.’
‘It is Christmas after all,’ Sophie said. ‘Pretending Santa is real is OK.’ She almost said, ‘Some little lies are alright …’
‘Yeah, but you were trying to avoid Christmas and it’s kind of bitten you on the bum. If you know what I mean.’
‘It doesn’t matter about me. I’m grateful to you – and Tegan – for taking us in. I appreciate all you’ve done for the Nowaks and my guests. It’s just awkward being around Tegan. I’d never want to hurt her.’
‘Neither would I,’ Brody shot back. ‘I’m sure you don’t believe me, but I really want you to be here. And there’s so much more you don’t know …’ He looked and sounded desperate.
Holding her breath, Sophie waited for him to say more, prepared to give him chance to explain.
‘Brody!’
Tegan trudged towards them across the yard, an old pair of Brody’s wellies on her feet, a pink teddy-coat around her shoulders.
‘Aha!’ she cried. ‘I wondered where you’d got to.’
