“Honestly, I’m happy to just sit and watch,” I replied. Not only did I have a lot on my mind, my stomach was too uncomfortable for me to partake. I’d eaten too much at Christmas lunch.
“Film!” Mum said as Dad pretended he had a movie camera up to his face.
“Three words!” Mitch joined in as Dad held three fingers up.
“Whole thing,” Vee said as he used his hand to form a circle.
“A Knight’s Tale,” Fin said as Dad began to mime.
I smiled as I watched my father try to enact whatever film he’d chosen, while the others shouted out their guesses, all of them wrong. Then again, was it any wonder, I considered, when none of Dad’s actions seemed to make any sense. Observing them all together like that, it felt good to see how well Fin had slotted in, throwing himself into Christmas Day with as much gusto as was customary in the Noelle household.
My family were a funny bunch, and my smile only broadened as I looked at everyone in turn. Mum and Dad, rocking their fancy dress as if it was normal to walk around looking like a couple of elderly elves, all the while doing their best to ensure we each had a fun-filled day. Notwithstanding the fact that I’d had to intercept a handful of cod liver oil capsules when I caught Mum about to slip them into Vee’s after-dinner coffee.
Vee looked as stunning as ever. Despite her complaints, pregnancy clearly suited her. She bounced up and down on the sofa, as she threw guess after guess at Dad. Goodness knew what was happening to the baby she carried; he or she was clearly being tossed around like a pancake. I chuckled, when after finding herself consistently wrong in her deductions, my sister scowled, her frustration evident. Ever since I could remember, Vee had been a sore loser.
My smile continued as I saw Mitch reach out to Vee, his accompanying expression suggesting his wife might want to refrain from jumping about quite so much and I couldn’t help but giggle as Vee simply dismissed his concern in favour of winning the game. Mitch shook his head and smiled too, as if finally resigned to the fact that, pregnant or not, his wife was never going to take his advice.
My heart was full and I had to ask myself if I could really travel to America and leave those madcap, fun-loving, caring people behind.
My gaze turned to Fin, whose grin was as big as everyone else’s. He must have sensed me looking at him because he glanced at me for a moment. He gave me a wink that made me feel warm and fuzzy before returning his attention to the game. Not for the first time that day, I felt torn as I watched him. Regardless of Fin’s assertion that no matter what, we would work something out, could I really stay behind and risk losing the chance of true happiness? Because that’s how Fin made me feel. Happy and in love and beautiful and secure… all rolled into one. But were those feelings fleeting? After all, I’d only known Fin for such a short time.
My head began to spin as my thoughts swung one way and then the other like some out-of-control pendulum. I got up from my seat and leaving everyone to their fun, headed out into the hall, telling myself I needed some fresh air.
“Where do you think you’re going?” a voice said as I grabbed my coat and scarf off the giant Santa’s shoulders.
I turned, smiling at Vee who’d evidently noticed I was missing and followed me out. “For a walk,” I replied.
“Fancy some company?” she asked reaching for her coat. It seemed I had a walking companion whether I wanted one or not.
I shivered as we stepped outside. For once the chill in the air was just what I needed. If anything was going to help clear my befuddled brain it was a blast of wintery weather.
“Everything okay?” my sister asked, as we set off down the street.
“Of course,” I replied, trying to sound upbeat. “Why do you ask?”
“Because ever since you landed you’ve been drifting in and out of your own little world,” Vee said. “This wedding thing has really got to you, hasn’t it?”
“And the rest,” I replied, trying not to feel sorry for myself.
Vee laughed. “Holly, the whole town thinks you’re about to marry the hottest chef on TV. What could possibly top that?”
I took a deep breath. “Can you keep a secret?”
Vee stopped still. “You mean thereismore?”
I turned to face her. “Fin’s been offered another TV project.”
“That’s brilliant.”
I let out a laugh.
“Isn’t it?” Vee asked.
“This one’s in America,” I said. “And Fin’s asked me to go with him.”
“Wow,” Vee said, clearly taken aback. “That is big.”
I scoffed. “Don’t I know it.”
