by Karen King
There was no escape – she had to bluff this out.
She put her mug down on the table and quickly ran her fingers through her messy hair, wishing she’d at least washed her face and brushed her teeth.
‘Saffy!’ Chloe burst into the room, holding out Snowy, who was wearing a bright red jumper. ‘Look! Snowy has a new jumper to keep him warm in the snow!’
That’s lovely, Chloe,’ Saffy said, smiling at the little girl and praying that Logan wouldn’t follow her in to the lounge. Too late – he was standing in the doorway. Or should that be ‘filling the doorway’. She hadn’t realised quite how tall he was – and those shoulders!
‘Morning, Saffy. Sorry to disturb you so early.’ Why did he always sound as if he was judging her and finding her wanting? His eyes drifted over her and she felt her cheeks flame. Great, now she was blushing. How she wished she’d got out of bed half an hour earlier. Then she’d be showered and dressed. It was Saturday morning, and lots of people wore onesies, she reminded herself.
Yes, but polar bear onesies with ears and a tail? She’d been amused when Robbie and Duncan had given it to her for Christmas last year but right now she wished that she was wearing something more glamorous.
Chloe was staring at her, eyes wide. ‘Daddy, Saffy’s got a polar bear onesie just like I want. It’s got ears. Look.’
‘So it has.’ There was no mistaking the twinkle of amusement in his voice and she was sure his lips were twitching. He was enjoying her discomfort, damn him.
She forced herself to meet his gaze. ‘You’ll have to excuse my… er… attire.’ Attire! God, she sounded so pompous. This was bloody awful.
‘Your onesie is so cool. Does it have a tail?’ the little girl asked curiously. ‘I want one with a tail.’
‘Don’t pester Saffy, Chloe, we need to go, we have a lot to do. And I’m sure she and Robbie have a lot to do too,’ Logan said firmly.
Oh, what the hell! There was no rescuing the situation now so she might as well have a bit of fun. ‘Yes, it does.’ She got up, turned to face Chloe and wriggled her bum to show her the little white tail. ‘See.’
Chloe clapped her hands in delight. ‘See, Daddy, you can get them with tails. I told you!’
Logan’s grin stretched from ear to ear but Saffy ignored him and concentrated on the little girl. If she didn’t look at Logan she might not feel such an idiot. ‘Polar bears are cute, aren’t they?’
Chloe nodded. ‘That’s why they’re my very favourite animal.’
‘They’re Saffy’s favourite animal too, that’s why we bought her the onesie last Christmas,’ Robbie added, then clamped his mouth shut as if he wished he hadn’t said anything and walked out of the room.
‘We?’ Logan repeated, looking surprised.
‘Robbie and his boyfriend, Duncan… they’ve just split up which is why he’s come down to Cornwall to join me,’ Saffy whispered. ‘He’s heartbroken.’
‘I can hear you,’ Robbie called from the hall.
‘Do they love each other?’ Chloe whispered, eyes wide.
Saffy nodded. ‘Yes and I’m sure they’ll make up soon.’
‘I can still hear you and no we won’t!’ Robbie shouted.
‘That’s so sad,’ Chloe said sympathetically.
‘It is, especially at this time of year.’ Saffy could feel Logan’s eyes on her. She didn’t want to look at him. She felt such a mess but what the hell, in a couple of days’ time she’d return home and he’d never see her again.
‘Thanks for bringing the veg,’ she said.
‘No problem.’ He shivered. ‘It’s a bit chilly in here, isn’t it? Has the heating knocked itself back to “freeze” setting?’
‘I don’t think so. I checked the radiators and they’re still hot.’
He walked over to the thermostat. ‘It seems fine but I’ll turn it up a bit,’ he said, adjusting the dial. ‘While I’m here let me show you what to do if the boiler kicks out. It’s quite an old one and it’s a bit temperamental. You don’t want to be without heating or hot water in this weather.’
Okay, so suddenly he was being friendly again. What was it about him that he blew so hot and cold? Well, she could do with knowing about the boiler but she wasn’t going to let him follow her and watch the perishing tail on her onesie wagging. ‘Lead the way,’ she said.
Half an hour later, after explaining how to get the boiler to start again if it kicked out and going through the contents of the box of vegetables he’d brought with him, Logan and Chloe finally left. ‘Oh, I’ll bring the cake along tomorrow. I haven’t finished decorating it yet,’ he added.
Saffy looked at him, puzzled. ‘Decorating it? You mean you’re making it?’
‘Yes. Didn’t Hannah tell you?’
‘She said you were bringing the Christmas cake, I presumed you were buying one. How cool. I can’t wait to see it.’
‘Why? Because a man made it?’ Logan demanded.
What was this guy’s problem? ‘I’m not that sexist. Duncan is a good cook, as is my stepdad. I just love Christmas cake.’
‘We’re going to buy some more decorations for it today. Daddy said I can choose some of them,’ Chloe told her.
* * *
Well, Logan obviously loved his daughter; she seemed to be the only one who could melt his frosty exterior, Saffy thought, watching through the window as they walked down the garden path, hand in hand. She wondered what had happened to Chloe’s mother. Did she see Chloe regularly? Surely no one would turn their back on an adorable little girl like that.
Her father had though. He’d walked away from her and Hannah to move in with another woman and her son when Saffy was only four. He’d had another daughter with his new girlfriend, then left her too. Then he met someone else and was now living in Australia with his third family. He’d wiped her and Hannah – and probably his other daughter, who they’d never met – out of his life as if they had never existed.
Chapter Ten
As soon as Logan left, Saffy headed for the shower. Half an hour later, dressed in jeans and a warm sweater, with light make-up and her hair held back with a couple of clips, she felt ready to face the day.
Robbie was already in the kitchen, assessing the crockery and cutlery situation. ‘Well, your sister seems to have plenty of supplies,’ he said.
‘She runs a B&B,’ Saffy reminded him. ‘There’s more crockery and cutlery in the dresser in the other room too.’
‘All good on that front then. So what’s the schedule? Check the decorations then buy the Christmas tree or go for the Christmas tree first? We’re leaving it a bit late,’ he added. ‘There’s only three more days before Christmas and it might be difficult to get a tree tomorrow or Christmas Eve.’
‘I know. I think get the tree first. Hannah said she had plenty of baubles and lights. I’ll check if she’s got a Santa outfit though, that would be a nice touch.’
‘I’ll wear it. I like being Santa,’ Robbie said.
‘If you and Duncan aren’t back together by then,’ Saffy said. ‘I’m sure he’ll message you soon.’
Robbie crossed his arms across his chest. ‘No he won’t. He’ll be busy planning the Christmas party and enjoying his single life.’
‘Don’t be silly. He’ll be just as miserable as you. Why don’t you text him? Let him know where you are?’ she suggested.
‘No way. It’s not up to me to make the first move,’ Robbie said, flicking his head. ‘Now let’s take a quick look through your sister’s Christmas stuff and see if there’s a Santa outfit.’
There wasn’t. As Saffy had guessed, there were plenty of baubles, lights, crackers, tinsel, chair covers, tablecloths, place mats – everything you could need for a party. But no Santa outfit.
She jotted down a shopping list. ‘I’ll take Oscar for a quick walk around the block, then we’ll be off,’ she said.
She was hoping desperately that Logan wasn’t about as she set off along the street with Oscar. Fortunately, he wasn’t, and
the spaniel was very well-behaved for once. When she returned she left Oscar chewing a bone in the kitchen while she and Robbie set off in the car to find a real Christmas tree and a Santa outfit.
* * *
‘It’s such a shame about the twins, isn’t it? Have you heard how they are?’ Ariane asked as she joined Logan in the queue in the butcher’s. Ariane had moved into the village a few months ago and she and Logan had formed a bit of a friendship since her daughter, who was in Chloe’s class, had taken Chloe’s school bag home by mistake. She’d been so apologetic when she returned it that he’d invited her to stay for a coffee. When she’d confessed to being a bit lonely, he’d mentioned it to Hannah and she’d immediately invited Ariane to the Christmas party. Hopefully, it would help her get to know the other families and make friends. Logan knew what it was like to be on your own. When Jade first walked out on them he went days without seeing anyone apart from Chloe.
‘I haven’t heard from Hannah today but Saffy said she’s hoping to be home on Boxing Day,’ he said.
‘It’s lovely of his sister to come down and run the party for her. To be honest, I would have really struggled if I had to provide Christmas dinner at such short notice. I hadn’t budgeted for it. And it’s the first Christmas me and the kids have been on our own.’
‘You’re not the only one in that position,’ Logan told her. He was lucky; he earned a good living from his work as an architect, and every now and again Jade sent some money towards Chloe’s upkeep. His mother had told him he should insist Jade made regular payments, but his pride wouldn’t let him. He wanted to provide for his daughter, and luckily still could, but he knew many of the parents struggled. It made him angry that so many men fathered children and then walked away, barely paying a penny for their upkeep, or bothering to check that their children had everything they needed. The LH Christmas party not only provided everyone with a fun Christmas Day, it was a chance to make friends and form a support group, back-up for when one of the children – or even a parent – was ill. One couple from last year’s party were now happily living together. He hoped that would happen for Ariane too. Sometimes Logan was the only man at the party but this year Geoff would be there. Geoff’s wife had died a few years ago and his son was about eleven or twelve. Geoff was a nice bloke, and Logan hoped he and Ariane would hit it off together. They were well suited.
* * *
Saffy and Robbie found a huge tree and arranged for it to be delivered Sunday morning. They also managed to buy a Santa outfit with an inflatable tummy that made Robbie look like a fat, jolly Santa, an inflatable Santa and reindeer and some craft materials for the children to make things with on Christmas Day. It was such a lovely festive atmosphere in Launceston that they spent far longer around the shops than they meant to, stopped at a pub on the way home to eat and it was gone eight when they finally returned home. Poor Oscar looked really forlorn and dashed to meet them, wagging his tail, as soon as they stepped in the front door. Saffy fussed him then let him out in the garden.
‘I don’t know about you but I’m shattered,’ Robbie said. ‘How about we take the dog for a walk and then I’m off to bed.’
He looked pale, and his eyes were heavy. He’s devastated about Duncan, Saffy thought.
‘Have you turned your phone on to see if Duncan has messaged you?’ she asked.
‘It’s a waste of time. I told you, he’s glad to be rid of me,’ Robbie told her.
‘Of course he isn’t. He’s being stubborn, like you. And he must be wondering where you are. Why don’t you message him and let him know you’re down in Cornwall with me?’
Robbie shook his head. ‘I am not making the first move. And if you don’t mind, Saffy, I don’t want to talk about it any more.’
So they took Oscar for a walk then both headed for bed. Saffy glanced over the road to Logan’s house and saw that his curtains were still open. Was he catching up on work while Chloe slept? she wondered. She watched the bedroom window for a few minutes, wondering if Logan would walk in and turn on the light, as he’d done the night she arrived. Finally, she closed the curtains and got ready for bed, feeling foolish for waiting for him to appear. It took a while for her to drop off to sleep though; her mind kept drifting to Logan. There was something about him that attracted her. He’s grumpy, bossy and opinionated, she reminded herself as she drifted off to sleep.
* * *
Robbie was red-eyed when he came down the next morning, and Saffy was sure he hadn’t slept a wink. He sat down at the table looking as if he were about to burst into tears.
‘I was so excited about this Christmas. I never thought it would turn out like this.’ He sniffed and a couple of tears rolled down his cheeks. He furiously brushed them away with the back of his hand. ‘I thought Duncan and I were forever. I really did.’
‘You are! And I know he’s just as upset as you are. Stop being stubborn and turn on your phone. I bet he’s messaged you.’
Robbie sighed. ‘If I must.’ He took his phone out of his jacket pocket and switched it on. The screen lit up as it kicked into life. There was a succession of pings as text messages flashed onto the screen.
Saffy waited anxiously as Robbie eagerly scrolled through what was evidently a long list of messages. ‘Well?’
Finally, he tore his eyes from the screen and looked at her. ‘They’re all from friends wanting the gossip on why I’ve walked out on Duncan. Evidently, he’s cancelled the party and told everyone it’s because I’ve left him. But there’s nothing from Duncan. Nada.’
‘He’s probably hurt like you are. Make the first move. Send him a message.’
‘I am not making the first move!’
‘You’re both as stubborn as each other,’ Saffy told him. ‘You both adore each other and you know it.’
‘Looking totally horrified when your partner proposes to you is not a sign of adoration, Saffron,’ Robbie told her. ‘I’ve got to face it. We’re finished.’ He got up. ‘My Christmas is ruined, but at least I can help you make sure the lonely hearts have a spectacular Christmas.’
Saffy’s heart went out to him as she saw tears well in Robbie’s eyes again. He and Duncan both loved Christmas. They celebrated it in a big way. A huge real Christmas tree always stood outside their house, decorated with a different theme each year, and a smaller one just as beautifully decorated inside. There was a stocking of presents each at the end of their bed, a big party. This year Robbie had planned on proposing; it should have been such a special moment but somehow it had gone drastically wrong and he and Duncan would be celebrating Christmas apart if she didn’t do something.
After breakfast Robbie asked to take Oscar for a walk, so as soon he left, Saffy phoned Meg.
‘How’s it going, hun?’ Meg asked.
‘The party prep’s going okay but Robbie’s dead miserable. Duncan hasn’t even been in touch. Have you heard from him? I can’t believe it’s really over for those two. They’re so good together.’
‘No and I wasn’t sure whether to message him or not. You know what Duncan can be like.’
Yes she did. Duncan could sulk for England, while Robbie was so stubborn that he’d cut off his nose to spite his face, to use one of her mother’s favourite expressions. Neither of them would take the first step – well, not any time soon anyway, and that would mean Christmas would be ruined for them both.
‘We’ve got to get them back together, Meg. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. They’ll be miserable without each other.’
‘I know but what can we do?’
‘I’ll think of something. I’m not going to stand by and watch them split up over this.’
As soon as she’d finished the phone call to Meg, Saffy sent a message to Duncan. If he cared about Robbie, and she was sure he did, then he would reply.
Chapter Eleven
The Christmas tree arrived just as Robbie and Oscar returned. They had a bit of a struggle getting it inside, and into Hannah’s tree stand. It was so big it took up a whole cor
ner of the lounge.
‘Now that’s what I call a tree,’ Robbie said as they both gazed at it.
‘It’s fantastic, isn’t it? Just what we need to make it look really festive. I want LH to look like a Christmas grotto,’ Saffy said enthusiastically.
‘Sounds good to me.’ Robbie nodded. ‘Shall we get started decorating it?’
‘You bet!’ She’d already got the box of decorations, lights and tinsel ready. Decorating the tree was one of her favourite things to do at Christmas.
She was in the middle of winding red and gold tinsel around the branches of the tree, whilst Robbie was standing on the step ladder they’d found in the shed, stringing trimmings from the ceiling, when the doorbell buzzed.
‘You’ll have to get that, babe, I’m in a bit of an awkward position,’ Robbie said, stretching out his arm to tack the end of the glittery Christmas garland to the corner of the ceiling.
‘I expect it’s Logan with the cake,’ Saffy said, going to answer the door, red tinsel draped around her neck and two baubles dangling from her fingers.
Sure enough, Logan was standing on the doorstep, snowflakes covering his brown jacket, holding a large plastic box containing what she thought must be the cake. Chloe stood beside him, wrapped up in a purple, fur-trimmed, hooded coat, scarf and gloves.
‘You look like a Christmas fairy!’ Chloe giggled. ‘You’ve got tinsel in your hair too.’
‘And you two look like snow fairies.’ Saffy smiled. She looked at the thin layer of white covering the ground. ‘I hadn’t noticed that it was snowing.’
‘It started about an hour ago and it seems that it’s sticking,’ Logan told her.
‘Daddy said we might have a white Christmas.’ Chloe’s eyes were dancing with excitement. ‘We can build a snowman and have a snowball fight and go sledging.’
‘Snow! Did you say it was snowing?’ Robbie shouted from the lounge. ‘OMG! It is! How fab-tastic!’
