“It’s fine. Why don’t you go back to bed and we’ll watch Sid for an hour.”
Phil’s face lit up at the suggestion, then it fell again. “Ari’s feeding him herself and he’ll be due a feed soon. Uh… where is he?”
“Dale has him.”
“Dale?” Phil’s eyebrows lifted.
“He’s a natural. Who knew, eh?”
They went through to the lounge and found Dale in the rocking chair by the fireplace, moving his feet from toe to heel in a regular movement. Safely tucked in his arms was the baby, fast asleep.
“Looks like you’ve got everything under control. I might just grab a nap then. If that’s okay?” Phil asked Lucie.
She waved him away. “Go on. I’ll wake you when the baby wakes.”
“Again… thank you.” Phil smiled then disappeared into the hallway.
“Looks like you’ve got that covered,” Lucie whispered.
“Where’ve you been?”
“Cleaning up. The kitchen was in a bit of a mess so I did what I could.”
“This little one hasn’t stirred.”
“He must feel safe in your arms.”
Dale smiled as he gazed at the baby. “I guess I have that effect on some people.”
“I guess you do.” Lucie watched him as he moved back and forth, the slow steady rhythm making her start to relax. “I’ll make us a cup of tea, shall I?”
Lucie returned to the kitchen and clicked the switch on the kettle then leaned against the unit as she waited for it to boil.
She would never to cease to be surprised by her best friend. Just when she thought she knew him, he pulled out something she didn’t know he could do. In the past, it had included cooking up a delicious lasagne, singing like Sinatra at karaoke, buying her the perfect pair of boots for her birthday, and just yesterday, he’d kissed her under the mistletoe in a way that had made her toes curl with desire. Now he was showing off how great he was with kids.
Dale Treharne was everything a woman could ask for.
The perfect man.
A sudden wave of fear washed over her.
What if he turned out to be another woman’s perfect man?
She had no idea how she would deal with that. None at all.
Chapter 8
“Do you think it will snow in New York?” Lucie asked Dale as they fastened their seatbelts.
He leaned over and checked that she’d done hers properly.
“Who knows? They do get snow in December, and sometimes there are dreadful blizzards. Why, are you hopeful?”
Lucie nodded. She really was. She’d seen cards of famous New York landmarks in the snow and spent the days before their departure browsing similar images online. “I’d like to walk through Central Park as the snow falls. It’s just one of those things I’ve always wanted to do, you know?”
Dale smiled, his brown eyes warm with anticipation. “I do. I’d like that too. I packed my hat, scarf and gloves just in case. And we can go ice skating in Central Park or at the Rockefeller Centre.”
“I’d like to see the Statue of Liberty.”
“And the Museum of Natural History.”
“And Macy’s.”
“Thank you, Dale.”
He frowned. “Why’re you thanking me, Luce?”
“Oh you know… for coming away with me. For always supporting me. For being my best friend my whole life.”
He shook his head. “That’s always been a pleasure. No need for thanks. Besides, I couldn’t let you go alone, could I? I doubt you’d even have got on the flight in time.”
Lucie playfully punched him in the shoulder. “I’m not that much of an idiot.”
He leaned over her to peer out of the window. “Can’t see much right now.”
Lucie followed his gaze. “Just clouds. Hope it’s clearer when we’re above the USA.”
“Me too. But then if I’m right, we won’t see much except for a bit of New England.”
The flight passed quickly, the time broken up with two meals, inflight movies and Dale’s frequent interruptions to deliver facts about New York. Lucie couldn’t help feeling excited. Her stomach fizzed with the thought that in just a few hours she would be in one of the most exciting cities in the world, a city she’d seen numerous times on television and in films, yet never had the chance to visit before. She might not have been able to afford to go there for a few years yet, had it not been for this opportunity. Petra’s parents had covered the flights and accommodation, insisting that none of the bridesmaids would be inconvenienced in any way. Of course, the Christmas Eve wedding meant that many of the guests and wedding party would be away from their own homes and families for Christmas, so the Barnsleys’ generosity was, in some way, Lucie suspected, also a form of compensation.
As the plane began to descend, Lucie slipped her hand into Dale’s. She didn’t mind flying, but takeoff and landing always filled her with a sense of unease. Dale squeezed her hand tight.
“You know, I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas in New York with you. Even though we’ve had to fib to my family about our relationship being something more than it is. The idea of a luxury hotel suite all to myself, with a view of Central Park and room service. Well, who wouldn’t be happy at the thought of that?”
Lucie met his eyes. “Me too. I mean, being in Manhattan will be great. And again, I am sorry about your parents. But… uh… Dale. There’s something I haven’t told you yet, and I’m hoping you’re going to be okay with it.” She chewed her bottom lip.
“Don’t tell me you’ve lost your passport already, Luce?” He rolled his eyes.
“No. It’s not that. It’s more to do with fibs. I should have told you sooner but we’ve been so busy.”
“Right…” He sat up straighter, adjusting his position as if to prepare for bad news. “Go on then.”
“You won’t actually have a room to yourself.”
A tiny line appeared between his eyebrows. “I’m not sharing with someone I don’t know, Luce.”
“It’s someone you know very well.”
“Not Harry?”
“You don’t know Harry well, idiot.”
Understanding dawned on his face. “You?”
She nodded.
“That’s a bit… unconventional, isn’t it? So Petra’s daddy isn’t so generous as to pay for two rooms, eh?”
“I said he didn’t need to.”
“But why?”
“Dale, don’t you get it?”
His eyes widened. “They think we’re a couple too, don’t they?”
“Yes.”
“You told them that we’re together.”
“Yes.” She didn’t plan on explaining that she’d been defending him to Petra. She wouldn’t want to hurt him like that. Lucie knew that Dale wasn’t exactly Petra’s number one fan, but she couldn’t bear the thought of him feeling even more out of place than he already would. She wanted him to have a good time, to enjoy New York. It was his Christmas too and he deserved to have a good one.
“Fair enough.” He shrugged.
“Are you all right with that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? Everyone else we know thinks we’re together.”
Just then the plane bounced and Lucie yelped.
“It’s okay. Just a spot of turbulence,” Dale soothed.
She inclined her head. “Of course.” She could cope with turbulence in the air, as long as Dale was there to hold her hand. In fact, she could cope with turbulence over the next week – because no doubt there would be some bumps along the way, if what Tania had told her about Petra and Harry was true – because she’d have her best friend by her side. As always.
* * *
“Wow!” Dale stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the incredible view.
“Dale!” Lucie squealed, jumping up and down. “It’s amazing!” She flung herself into his arms and squeezed.
“I know. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Sorry.” Dale crossed the room and tucked a note into the young man’s hand then closed the door behind him. “I keep forgetting about the tipping thing.”
“How much did you give him?”
Dale tapped his nose. “That’s for me to deal with. You sorted the taxi.”
“But you gave the doorman something as well.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Well, we’ll have to share the tipping or you’ll end up broke.”
He smiled.
“Dale, this is just the best. Even without snow.”
He watched her turn back to the window and stare out at the Manhattan skyline. It really was incredible. They’d had a good flight and made it through JFK smoothly, even locating their baggage immediately. They’d both been silent as their cab made its way towards Manhattan. Dale had to keep reminding himself to close his mouth; he didn’t want to look like a fool and embarrass Lucie. She was so upbeat right now, even though the anniversary of her mother’s death was just days away. It had always been a difficult time for her, and some years she’d descended into a state of despair, but this year he was hoping that a change of scenery would break the pattern and help her to heal.
“Shall we check out the rest of the suite?”
“Sure!” She bounced over to him, her cheeks slightly flushed, and grabbed his hand again. She’d been doing that a lot lately, taking his hand, tucking hers into the crook of his arm, hugging him. She was tactile, he’d known her for long enough not to be surprised when she touched him, but something seemed different now. Perhaps it was just him. After all, they’d told his parents they were a couple, and his mother had been so pleased. It could just be in his head. They’d been on a long flight, there was a time difference to take into account and they were both thrilled to be in Manhattan. It was probably just that, and nothing more. He’d sworn to himself years ago that he’d buried any romantic feelings for Lucie after that summer before she went to university. It had been intense, something he’d thought he’d never get over, but he had, and he knew he didn’t ever want to feel like that again. Losing her had been a mountain to climb, one he’d managed, but only just.
How good it had been to know that Lucie was his, even though they’d been so young and innocent back then. Dale couldn’t risk losing her again. Being her friend was the safest way for them to be together. He couldn’t be with Lucie if she didn’t want him as much as he would her.
Chapter 9
“Right, I’ve had a text from Petra. She said she doesn’t need me until Friday, when all the bridesmaids will go through a hair and makeup trial at The Plaza salon. So that gives us this evening and one whole day of freedom in Manhattan.”
They were relaxing on the plush sofa in the lounge of their suite. They’d taken it in turns to use the ensuite bathroom to wash away the long flight and now wore fluffy white hotel-issue robes. Lucie stretched out her legs and wiggled her toes in the thick pile of the carpet.
Dale nodded. “So I can begin my mission.”
“Your mission?”
“To show you that Christmas can be fun.”
Lucie took a deep breath then released it slowly. “I’m trying to stay open minded.”
“You do that. I’m taking you somewhere special tonight.”
“Where?” Her stomach fluttered.
“You’ll know when we get there. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.”
“Okay… I brought mostly flats with me. Everything I read said that coming here involves a lot of walking so I wasn’t going to get caught out.”
“You can take the bedroom to dress, but don’t be too long.”
“Yes, sir.”
“All I’m saying is that you don’t need to fuss over your clothing, because it’s cold out and you’ll be covered up in your hat and coat.”
Lucie headed into the bedroom and closed the white double doors behind her. As she turned around, she stared at the king-size bed. It was the biggest bed she’d ever seen, and it was made up with bright white, high thread count sheets embroidered with gold thread. Gold and silver scatter cushions adorned the surface and there was even a golden bolster pillow. It was pure luxury, and Lucie knew that Petra’s parents must be paying out a fortune per night.
Even so, as big as the bed was, Lucie hadn’t yet worked out how she and Dale were going to play things. Would she take the bed, or would he? Would they try to share? She wouldn’t mind sharing with him, as there was certainly enough room, yet the thought made her flutter. She’d fallen asleep on Dale a thousand times as they watched movies at her flat, and growing up they’d shared a tent in the garden many times after begging their parents to let them camp out, but being here in this expensive room with its elaborate décor and magnificent bed seemed to be casting a different light on things. It seemed almost criminal to have such a lovely bed and not to share it with a lover.
She shook her head. The long flight, arriving in Manhattan, and the promise of an exciting few days were probably playing havoc with her emotions. Dale was her best friend, her platonic soul mate and nothing more. They could sort out the sleeping arrangements later. Dale would have it all worked out.
* * *
Lucie marched along next to Dale, glancing at him every so often. The tip of his nose was red from the fresh evening wind and his eyes were watering.
“Will you tell me now?”
“Nope.”
“But why not?”
“I want you to try to guess.”
Lucie thought back to the hours they’d spent looking at images of New York on her laptop, but they’d talked about so many places that it could be any one of them.
“Give me a clue.”
“Okay.” He stopped and she turned to him. “It’s on 49^th^ Street.”
“Ummmm…” She tried to remember. What was on 49^th^ Street? Was it Macy’s?
“It’s between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.”
“Ummmmm…”
“No idea? Come on, we’re nearly there!”
“I’m trying to remember. Come on brain, work!” She tapped the side of her head, as if trying to dislodge the name of their destination.
Dale took her arm and carried on walking, but soon they were caught up in a crowd of people. Lucie felt Dale’s fingers tighten around her and she moved closer to him, suddenly terrified of losing him in the throng of people.
“Stay close, Luce,” he said as he pulled her to his side. They shuffled along and Lucie tried to see where they were going, but the crowd was thick, and being quite petite she couldn’t see above the people in front of her.
“I can’t see a thing,” she said, panic bubbling to the surface. Would it be like this all the time in Manhattan? It was all right for Dale, he was much taller.
“Over there.” Dale pointed. He stepped out of the flow of bodies and pulled Lucie in front of him.
“Wow!”
“The Rockefeller Christmas tree. Oh Dale, it’s incredible!”
They stood before the enormous tree, taking in its festive magnificence.
“It’s about seventy-eight feet tall. Can you believe that?” Dale asked her. “And there’s around forty-five thousand lights on it.”
“It’s breathtaking.” Lucie’s heart pounded beneath her warm coat and she realized that she was trembling – but she didn’t know if it was because of the cold, or emotion and awe.
“Now, I know you don’t like Christmas trees, Luce, but even you can’t say you’re not impressed with this one.”
Lucie glanced at Dale. He was staring at the tree and the twinkling lights were reflected in his eyes. He worked hard, he enjoyed simple things like a delicious meal, a walk in the park or a funny movie. He was an eternal optimist and usually saw the best in everything and everyone. He cheered Lucie up when she was low and always looked out for her. And even now, when she’d come all the way to New York, it was D
ale who was with her.
Holding my hand.
She lowered her gaze to their joined hands, separated only by their gloves.
“Hey!” Dale placed a finger under her chin and gently lifted it. “You okay? You thinking about your mum?” His eyes were warm and dark.
Lucie shook her head. “I wasn’t, no. I was thinking about us… this… how amazing this is. How much I care about you.”
Dale opened his mouth then closed it and turned back to the tree. He blinked rapidly a few times and adjusted his warm woollen hat.
“Dale?”
He shook his head.
“Dale, what is it?”
“Come on, let’s check out the ice rink. It’s pretty impressive, but I thought we could go to the one in Central Park if you prefer. Unless you want to skate on this one. It’s up to you, really. Whatever you want to do.” He was speaking quickly, as if his thoughts were racing the way Lucie’s were.
“I don’t mind,” she replied softly, following him. She was being an idiot, getting carried away with being in this magical place. She was tired, and probably a bit jetlagged. Dale had made it clear a long time ago that he wanted nothing more from Lucie than her friendship, and she’d just embarrassed them both with her soppy outburst.
Well, no more. No more.
Lucie would pull herself together and ensure that she didn’t get all mushy on Dale again. It clearly made him very uncomfortable.
* * *
As Dale led Lucie to the balcony overlooking the ice rink, he had to fight the urge to release her hand and run away. Perhaps this had been a mistake, coming out here, with her, at this time of year. Dale liked Christmas but he’d always reined in his enthusiasm for it around Lucie because he knew how she felt about it. He never wanted to make it harder for her than it had to be. But this year he’d hoped to make it better, to help her to move on, and he’d been convinced that Manhattan would be the best place to try to have a very merry Christmas.
A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas Page 12
