Page 85 of Escape for Christmas
‘Do you want this bacon?’ Sophie asked, holding up a pan with two rashers. It felt like a peace offering. ‘I’ve done too much.’
His stomach rumbled, yet he was also aware that Tegan would be wondering where he was. ‘I shouldn’t,’ he said.
‘Suit yourself. The bread’s on the table if you change your mind.’
She waltzed out of the kitchen with the last two plates of breakfast, and Brody finally caved in. He slapped the bacon between two slices of farmhouse bread and bit into it. He was starving and he wasn’t going to refuse Sophie’s offer.
When she returned to the kitchen, he was upending the ketchup bottle onto the second half of the sandwich.
‘Ah, you did change your mind then?’ she said, rewarding him with a faint smile.
‘Woof!’
Brody groaned. ‘I’d better see what Harold’s up to now, in case he’s bothering your guests.’
Sandwich in hand, Brody hurried outside, still eating the last of his bacon butty. He didn’t want Harold committing further misdemeanours with Sophie’s guests. But he needn’t have worried because Harold was still outside, lying on his back while Una Hartley-Brewer tickled his tummy.
‘What a lovely boy you are. How handsome!’
Experiencing a momentary pang of envy that his dog was more popular than he was, Brody swallowed his last bite and joined Una and Hugo.
‘Oh, here’s your owner,’ Hugo said, on seeing Brody.
‘I think it’s very much the other way around,’ Brody replied. ‘I hope he’s not being a nuisance?’
Hugo scoffed. ‘Harold could never be a nuisance. Could you, old chap?’
Sophie walked out with a bin bag and smiled again on seeing Harold rolling over and snuffling with pleasure at being the centre of attention.
‘We were just coming into breakfast,’ Una said.
‘I’m afraid some of it is inside Harold,’ Brody commented, with a stern look at the dog.
‘He got into the kitchen and stole the sausages,’ Sophie explained, exchanging a glance with Brody.
Hugo chortled. ‘Did he? Who can blame him? I bet they smelt far too tempting. Sophie’s breakfasts are amazing.’
‘I’ll do you extra bacon instead,’ Sophie offered.
‘That’s kind, but please don’t worry,’ Una replied. ‘I suppose we’d better come in and enjoy our last few hours. I don’t want to leave.’ She paused before sighing. ‘I don’t want to go home, if I’m honest. I know it’s silly, but the house seems so empty without the kids and our best pal. Sorry. I’m being sentimental. It’s just been so nice to be in a full house again.’
Sophie patted her arm. ‘You’re not being silly, and I understand. I don’t know what I’d do without Jingle and Belle,’ she added kindly.
Though Brody was used to being with bereaved pet owners, he was still moved. ‘I feel that way about Harold too. He’s one of my best mates. I know what it’s like to lose a friend, be it a dog, a cat, a horse … Pets carve out a special place in our hearts.’
‘Of course you must know that more than most,’ Una said. ‘I couldn’t do your job.’
‘I’ll let you into a secret,’ Brody replied, smiling. ‘Sometimes I think I can’t do it myself, but I want to do my best for all animals and, if I can help, then I will. I must.’ He was surprised by how passionate he sounded. Una and Hugo hadreminded him of the reasons he’d gone into veterinary practice in the first place.
‘You’re a lovely man,’ Una said, making Brody wince inwardly.
‘It’s been a pleasure to meet you and Sophie – and Harold.’ Hugo shook Brody’s hand and smiled at Sophie.
‘And Tegan, of course,’ Una added hastily. ‘I hope we see you again when we come back to Sunnyside in the summer. You’ll probably be married then. Have you set a date?’
Brody squirmed. ‘Er – not yet.’
‘Take my advice,’ Hugo said. ‘Don’t hang about. You’ll be wanting a family soon. Can’t be rattling around in that big place on your own.’
