Christmas for Beginners: Fall in love with the ultimate festive read from the Sunday Times bestseller

by Carole Matthews

  Today is for them.

  Chapter Sixty

  I walk across the yard to the barn, my trio of faithful hounds in tow. Bev’s right, the place is shining like a new pin. How long will that last? For the rest of the day, I hope. The kids have worked really hard on scrubbing, brushing and hosing down. I’d like to say ‘without complaint’, but that’s pushing it a bit. However, it was – mostly – done without too much grumbling.

  In the barn, the nativity scenery has already been erected. Matt is standing there in shirt sleeves, despite the cold, and is a little red in the face. I get a warm feeling in the pit of my stomach that shouldn’t be there. Just seeing him brightens my day. He and Lucas are laughing with each other and I think it’s wonderful that Lucas has a role model to look up to even though it’s not his own father. They are comfortable, at ease together. I can only hope that, one day, he’ll have that with Shelby.

  ‘You’ve obviously been busy,’ I say.

  Matt turns to me and his eyes shine. ‘You like?’

  My mouth is a little dry when I say, ‘It’s great.’

  And it is. At the back of the barn, there’s a wooden shelter and next to it the frontage of an old Bethlehem inn – that looks rather like a high street pub – called the Three Kings. Above it, there’s a huge star painted bright yellow and covered with glitter. That will be Lottie and Erin’s handiwork. Neither of them are never knowingly under-glittered. It looks brilliant and I know how much work has gone into it.

  At the front is a crib with my plastic-fantastic Baby Jesus already in there. As Lucas noted, it does look a tad scary. More devil-possessed than beatific with its alarming shock of blonde hair and bright blue eyes.

  ‘What are the chances of that remaining uneaten?’ I’m still aware that the previous culprit hasn’t been identified.

  ‘I’ve tied it in tightly,’ Lucas says. ‘Not taking any chances. Tina, Rod and Johnny will be right here.’ He indicates a pen at the front of the barn. ‘The donkeys are going at the back with Teacup. The goats will be close, but in a separate area in case they get the urge to run amok. Ponies in their Christmas livery will be front right. And we thought we’d let Fifty and a few more of the amenable sheep mill around as they’re least likely to do any damage.’

  ‘Apart from Anthony.’

  ‘We are taking the precaution of moving Anthony out of the way to one of the furthest pens. For his own good and the good of our visitors.’

  ‘Probably a good call.’ Though it’s such as shame as I love having our belligerent boy around and he would be much admired for his huge head and impressive shoulders.

  ‘The guinea pigs and bunnies have been cleaned within an inch of their lives and we’re charging two pounds to go in for a cuddle. I’ve put Seb in charge.’

  I love how Lucas is in control of it all.

  ‘What?’ he says. ‘Why are you looking at me all funny?’

  ‘I’m proud of you,’ I tell him.

  He tuts. ‘Are you listening or not?’

  ‘Yes. Of course.’

  ‘When we’ve done our songs and I’ve read out my poem, the ponies and alpacas will be available for walks around the field. The girls are sorting that out and Alan is supervising the walks. Again, two pounds a head.’

  I nod attentively. It’s a good job for Alan as it will keep him away from the throng.

  ‘The rest of the students will have collection buckets and there’s the stall selling wreaths and crafts. There’ll be mulled wine and spiced cider too, but we can’t technically sell that, so it will be by donation only – suggested at three pounds. Some of the parents have volunteered to look after those. We’ve got some games set up for the kids – Pin the Tail on the Donkey.’

  I give him a pretend panicked look. ‘Not the real one?’

  ‘Not intentionally,’ Lucas says. ‘There’s Smack the Rat.’

  ‘I daren’t ask.’

  ‘And the obligatory face-painting woman will be here soon.’

  ‘What about Christian?’

  ‘We’ve set up Santa’s grotto over there.’ He points it out. ‘Bev borrowed a throne from somewhere.’

  ‘Local theatre group,’ she supplies as she comes to join us.

  ‘Christian texted me to say he’ll be here shortly,’ Lucas continues. ‘There’s no charge for seeing Santa. He’s just going to sit there, take selfies and make false promises to kids about their hopes and dreams.’

  ‘Lucas!’

  ‘I’m kidding!’ he says. ‘There’s paper and stuff set out so the more gullible can write letters to him begging for expensive presents.’

  I’m astonished at all the things they’ve put in place for today. I had no idea that all this was going on. It’s probably a good thing they’ve kept it from me or I’d have had a complete meltdown.

  Lucas looks at Bev. ‘Anything else?’

  ‘I think you’ve covered all bases,’ she says. ‘Our new turkeys are enjoying some lunch. The students should be arriving soon. Most are bringing their own costumes and I’ve organised them for the ones who can’t get help at home.’

  ‘How did I ever doubt that this wasn’t going to run like clockwork? Thank you so much for all your hard work.’

  ‘Will you finally relax and enjoy it?’ Bev asks.

  ‘Yes.’ I laugh. ‘I promise I’ll try!’

  ‘Anything we’ve missed?’

  ‘The dogs,’ I say. ‘I think it will all be a bit much for them. Especially Betty Bad Dog. I don’t want her weeing up anyone’s leg in excitement.’ Particularly not Matt’s as he’s turning the lights on. No one needs that in their lives. ‘I’ll put them in the caravan with the radio on for company until it’s all over.’

  Bev checks her watch. ‘Not long to go. I think we can bring the animals in now.’ She turns to me. ‘You can go and get changed now, Mols.’

  I look down at my clothes. ‘I thought I’d stay like this.’

  ‘Get changed,’ she instructs. ‘Clean stuff. Comb your hair, put some slap on. Like it or not, you’re on show.’

  I sigh at her in the manner of Lucas.

  ‘Do it,’ she says in a voice that means she’ll have no argument from me.

  Looks like I’m getting changed. ‘OK.’

  Clearly they’re trying to keep me out of the way, so I head to the caravan and notice that Matt slips away to follow me.

  He catches my arm. ‘Hey.’

  Alarmingly, I like the feel of his strong hand on my arm. ‘You’re coping very well,’ he says.

  I smile. ‘I’m doing my best. Everyone has worked so hard and I can’t thank you enough for all your help. I owe you dinner.’

  Then we’re both awkward for a moment.

  ‘I’m bringing someone today,’ he says. ‘I mentioned her to you.’

  ‘Oh. The primary school teacher?’

  ‘Yes. Victoria.’

  ‘Good. Good.’ And now I really don’t know what to say. I hadn’t envisaged that she’d come with him today. But why wouldn’t she?

  ‘You’re OK with that?’

  ‘Oh, heavens, yes. Why wouldn’t I be? I hope she loves it here.’ I can’t read the expression on his face.

  ‘Shelby’s coming?’

  ‘I hope so. You never know with these actor types. So unreliable.’ I realise that I’m babbling and stop.

  ‘I have to say this, Molly.’ He looks at me, suddenly serious. ‘With different timing, in a different life, I think we could have been good together.’

  ‘Yes.’ Unexpected tears prickle behind my eyes.

  ‘I’m glad I’m not imagining it,’ Matt says.

  ‘No, you’re not.’ I can’t tell him the reason why this has to work out with Shelby. There’s not just me to consider. This is more than us. This is about the baby, Lucas, the farm.

  He steps forward and, tentatively, takes me into his arms. We hold each other tightly.

  ‘Sometimes the universe is an awkward bugger,’ Matt whispers against my hair.

>   I couldn’t agree more.

  We break away and, without another word, he marches away across the yard. I stand and watch and wonder what on earth to think.

  Chapter Sixty-One

  At two o’clock the crowds flood in. I think the whole of the village has turned out to support us and I couldn’t be more grateful. Soon the yard is filled with happy people buying wreaths and mulled wine or cider. The air is heavy with the scent of Christmas – cinnamon, cloves, citrus from the wine and fresh pine from our humungous tree.

  Bev has put a speaker out and Christmas songs drift over us. The place is full of festive love. All the kids are in costume, including our own, and there’s a prize for the best outfit. Most are dressed as elves or something similarly Christmassy – though Lottie and Erin look a little more sexy than perhaps elves and young teen girls should. Seb is in a reindeer onesie and Asha has come as a Christmas tree which is severely restricting his movement. Someone has come as a Stormtrooper, but I haven’t yet had the chance to find out who. I expect they’re one of ours. The students who can cope with it are, with supervision, going round with collection buckets or are helping out on the stalls

  The only person missing is Shelby. I glance at my watch – as I have done a dozen times in the last five minutes. He will be here. I know he will.

  Bev appears at my shoulder. ‘Don’t stress,’ she instructs. ‘Have a glass of something, mingle.’

  I glance down at my stomach to remind her that anything strong is off the agenda.

  ‘Non-alcoholic,’ she adds. ‘Just chill. Be the face of Hope Farm. Show the world – or at least the village – how wonderful we are.’

  ‘Shelby’s not here.’

  ‘I know, but we can manage without him. I didn’t put him on the posters when he buggered off to Brummieland, so it will be an extra surprise if he does rock up. Besides, the Hot Mayor is here. What more could we want? Two hotties might be overload.’

  ‘Yeah,’ I agree distractedly, while my eyes search him out.

  Bev’s eyes, however, narrow. ‘Is everything all right between you two?’

  ‘Why wouldn’t it be?’

  ‘You tell me, Mols.’ Nothing slides past my friend.

  ‘He’s bringing a date today and I feel weird about it.’

  ‘Hmm,’ Bev says. ‘Would you like to unpack that emotion?’

  ‘Not now. I like him,’ I say. ‘That’s all.’

  ‘It’s understandable. He’s hot stuff and he’s here for you, for all of us.’

  I let out a weary huff of breath.

  ‘It will be better when Shelby’s back. His head is up his own panto arse at the mo. Wait until he hears your news.’

  I wish I had Bev’s confidence in my own relationship.

  She takes my hand and pulls me to the spiced cider stall and grabs a paper cup filled with warm, delicious-smelling apple juice. ‘Get this down your neck and enjoy.’

  ‘Heard and understood,’ I say as, obediently, I drink it down. It warms me to my toes. ‘I could get to like this.’

  She looks round. ‘Have you seen how many people have turned up? This is a roaring success. Relax and enjoy it.’

  Grinning at her, I say, ‘I will, and thank you, Bev. This is all down to you.’

  She grabs a more potent cider for herself and knocks her paper cup against mine. ‘To us,’ she toasts. ‘We are flipping BRILLIANT!’

  ‘We are,’ I agree.

  At that moment, I see Christian Lee heading across the yard to us. He’s looking very festive and rather rotund in a glittery and seriously sequined red Santa outfit. A white beard flows down to rest on his pillowy tummy and is decorated with stars. He has matching red nails and lips. Quite possibly false eyelashes. Our borrowed Santa outfit would clearly have been found wanting.

  He comes and kisses us both.

  ‘You look fabulous.’

  ‘And you look positively glowing,’ he says to me at which I flush. ‘It’s obviously the good, clean living.’

  If only he knew. ‘Thanks so much for doing this, Christian.’

  ‘I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.’

  ‘Can I get you something to drink and then we’ll set you up? Bev’s got you a very fancy throne.’

  ‘I can’t wait.’

  ‘Stay as long as you can. We really appreciate it. We’re having a get-together afterwards if you can hang around?’

  ‘I’ll be here for a couple of hours, after that I’ve got to shoot into London for a party. It is the festive season after all. Where’s that delicious godson of mine?’

  ‘I’m sure he’ll be here as soon as he knows you’ve arrived.’

  ‘Penny and her mum have just turned up,’ Bev says. ‘Mum looks in a bad way.’

  ‘I’ll go and find them once I’ve settled Santa. Shout if you need me for anything else.’

  ‘It’s all under control,’ Bev says, confidently. ‘I can see some more cars arriving, so I’ll go and open the gate to the other field. Overflow parking!’ She grins at me in a slightly manic way. ‘After that, I’ll give it another half an hour or so for people to have a look around, then I’ll get the nativity set up and we can do our Thang!’

  ‘I can’t wait,’ I say.

  ‘You nearly made that sound genuine,’ Bev laughs. ‘It will be fine!’

  So I leave her and head off with Christian. I get him settled in his throne beneath a sign which says SANTA SELFIES and issue him with a list of dos and don’ts. I’m sure he’ll be an excellent Santa and won’t scare any of the kids. Fingers crossed.

  Then I set off to find Penny and her mum. When I track them down, they’re over by the craft stall picking through the cards that our students have made.

  ‘Hey,’ I say. ‘Good to see you both.’

  Penny’s mum lets her hair fall over her eyes, but it doesn’t disguise the fact that one of them bears a livid bruise. Her daughter looks exhausted. I’m guessing they’ve both had yet another rough night.

  ‘I’m Molly.’

  ‘Jess,’ she replies.

  I hold out my hand. Penny’s mum takes it, but I see her wince when I touch her fingers. I’d like to get my hands on the man who does this. Jess is a petite woman – she looks as if a stiff wind would blow her over. How could someone begin to think it’s right to do this to her, let alone her own husband?

  ‘A sprain,’ she says, nursing it to her. ‘A fall. I’m very clumsy.’

  ‘Penny’s told me,’ I say quietly. ‘There’s no need to make excuses here, Jess. You’re among friends.’

  She flushes, but says nothing else.

  ‘If I can help, will you let me? This is an awful situation for both of you.’

  Then she does look at me and I see the pain in her face that’s not just because of her bruises. The emotional toll is written large too. ‘What can you do? I have no money, nowhere to go.’

  ‘Will you leave it with me?’ I hope that I do have a plan and have everything crossed that I’ll be able to find a solution. ‘You know that you can’t stay.’

  It’s awful to see the resignation on Jess’s face.

  ‘You can lean on me,’ I say. ‘I’m used to hefting around hay bales and sheep. My shoulders are broader than they look.’

  Jess manages a laugh at that. ‘Thanks,’ she says. ‘Penny tells me that you’re a good woman. This . . . situation . . . makes you distrust everyone.’

  ‘I can understand.’ I open my arms and, with only a slight hesitation, she steps into them for a hug. ‘Come up for coffee one morning next week. We can have a proper chat then. But, for now, enjoy the afternoon. Penny has proved to be quite a dab hand with the crafts.’ I give Penny an encouraging wink. ‘I’ll catch you again later.’

  As I move away, my blood is boiling. If it’s within my power, I will do something about this. It’s been going on for too long and has to stop. And I know exactly who can help.

  Chapter Sixty-Two

  Up by the barn, I see Lucas mooching about and loo
king a bit lost. There’s no sign of Aurora either, so I head straight for him.

  ‘Have you seen Christian?’

  ‘Yeah. Cool Santa. He looks like something out of RuPaul’s Drag Race.’

  ‘I don’t know what that is.’ I hope it’s a good thing.

  He huffs at me. ‘It doesn’t matter.’

  ‘Everything OK?’ I ask. He looks a bit down in the dumps.

  ‘Yeah. Just waiting to bring the animals out. Bev didn’t want to get them set up too early or they’d all get tetchy.’

  ‘She’s a wise woman.’

  ‘The alpacas already seem a bit frisky.’

  ‘That’s worrying.’

  ‘I’ll keep my eye on them,’ Lucas says.

  Then, before I can stop myself, I ask, ‘No Aurora?’

  Lucas hangs his head and now I can tell just how miserable he is – which is a shame as he should be enjoying the fruits of all his hard work. ‘She should be here by now, but I’ve messaged her and she’s not replying.’

  ‘I’m sure she wouldn’t miss it intentionally. She knows that this is important to you. Perhaps she’s not feeling well. She might be having a nap.’

  He looks at me as if to say that’s something only old people do. Lucas has much to learn.

  ‘If she doesn’t turn up, could you have a chat with Penny and her mum later? They’re here by themselves and I think they’d appreciate it.’

  ‘Sure,’ he says. ‘Where’s my old man? Another absentee?’

  ‘I haven’t heard from him either,’ I admit.