He had a point, I supposed, but I still wasn’t sure I was up for it.
“You should go,” Fin said, eating his sandwich. “Just because I prefer to lie low, that doesn’t mean you have to.”
“What if I said I don’t want to go?” I walked towards him. “What if I’d prefer to stay here and keep you company?”
Fin laughed as I positioned myself behind him and put my arms around his chest. I snuggled my face into his neck and gently kissed it.
“I’d say you’ve been cooped up here with me for long enough. And that whatever you have in mind for entertainment, I’ll be ready and waiting when you get back.”
“Spoilsport.” I released my hold. “Anyone would think you’re trying to get rid of me.”
“A man does need his rest, you know.”
I laughed. We had kept ourselves rather active. “You’re probably right, I should go.” After all, meeting up with Annie for coffee was the least I could do. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be enjoying the best Christmas of my life. “A friend in need and all that.”
“That’s my girl,” Fin said.
My heart flipped.My girl.Liking the sound of that, I sighed.If only.
31
Forced to navigate the crowds, I was breathless by the time I got to the café and then as I entered I was hit with a long queue at the counter. I glanced around and spotted Annie waving at me from a table in the far corner. She pointed to a drink already waiting for me but I knew thanks to the time that that one no doubt was cold and I decided to get us both a fresh cup. I stuck my thumb up acknowledging I’d seen her before joining the line.
Hastening over, I placed our drinks on the table before giving Annie a hug and taking a seat. “Sorry I’m late. Finding a parking space was a nightmare.” I looked around at all the diners. “I expected it to be busy, but this has to set a record.” To say the place was packed was an understatement.
“Ridiculous, isn’t it? I haven’t stopped still all morning. It’s been frantic over at the bookshop. Thank goodness that’s me done for a few days.” She looked around, lowering her voice. “Considering it’s Christmas Eve, you’d expect most people to be a bit more organised.” She picked up her cup and drank a mouthful of coffee. “Although I don’t know why I’m so shocked at the number of people out and about. It’s the same every year.”
“I must say I was surprised when you messaged. I thought you’d be racing home to get sorted for tomorrow? Shouldn’t you be stuffing a turkey or peeling veg this afternoon?”
Annie smiled. “No need. It turns out Iwon’tbe doing all the Christmas Day shenanigans as usual. I’ll be putting my feet up like I’d hoped.”
I laughed. “So who’s going to be running around after you?” I couldn’t imagine it being her daughter.
“Josh. He’s going to make dinner and is, no doubt, knee deep in vegetable prep as we speak. Apparently, all I need to do is relax.”
I was pleased for Annie. It was nice to know that, for once, someone was looking after her. “So how’s Emma coping with her pregnancy?” I asked.
Annie frowned. “As well as I’m sure you’re imagining.”
I chuckled, neither confirming nor denying my thoughts.
“Needless to say, she’s taking morning sickness to a whole new level. According to her the experts have got it wrong, it’s twenty-four seven sickness. Not that the girl’s nausea has stopped her eating for two, I might add.” She took another drink. “Poor Josh is picking up after her nearly every minute of the day. Fetching and carrying for her like there’s no tomorrow. Because we all know being pregnant prevents a woman from using her legs. The lad must be exhausted.” Annie rolled her eyes, while I giggled imagining the scene. “Other than that, she seems to be handling it pretty well.”
“And what about you? How are you managing?”
“Oh, I’m okay. Still getting used to having a full house. Although on a positive note I’m loving the fact that I’m going to be a grandmother.” She sighed. “I’m just hoping I’ll do a better job of being a grandparent, because I wouldn’t win any awards as a mum.”
I frowned, her words saddening me. “Don’t say that, Annie. You’re a great mum.”
Annie’s expression froze as she looked at me. “You have met my daughter, haven’t you?”
“You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself,” I said. “Being a single parent isn’t easy.”
Her face relaxed again as she took a deep breath and inhaled. “I know. I just sometimes think if Elliott had lived, Emma might have turned out differently. Less demanding, maybe? I think when her dad died, I overcompensated. Spoiled her, to try and make up for her grief. She was dealing with so much and at such a young age. I suppose I gave her what she wanted when she wanted it to try and ease things a little.” Annie shook her head. “It’s no wonder she thinks the world revolves around her. Thanks to me, that’s what she was taught.”
“You’re beating yourself up unnecessarily. You did what I assume any mother would do. Protect their child from pain.”
“And you’re just being kind.”
