The Heart of Winter

by Emma Hannigan

  Joey grinned and blew her a kiss before shooting out the door. As he bounced down the staircase, he couldn’t help feeling a little uncomfortable. Skye didn’t seem to be grasping the fact that the ball was going to be high-end. The girls at the office were all going to beauty salons to get their nails and make-up done. He didn’t need Skye turning up looking as if she’d crawled through a time machine from Woodstock. He understood the floaty dresses she favoured were her style and usually he loved it. But there were certain times in the corporate world when a more structured dress code was required. Maybe he’d have a quiet word with Lainey again. She was fabulous at dealing with sensitive issues. Feeling better, he smiled as he heard Paddy’s heavy-booted footsteps on the gravel out the front. Joey went to the front door and called him.

  ‘Good afternoon, nice of you to join me,’ said Paddy.

  ‘It’s not even nine yet, Dad,’ Joey said.

  ‘Ah you’re on city time there, son. The sun has been up for a while. You’d want to make the most of the daylight. By this time next month, we’ll be getting up and going to bed in the dark. Ah, the winter is pretty much upon us now.’

  Joey grinned and told his father that he wasn’t doing a single thing on an empty stomach, so Paddy followed him to the kitchen where they had fried eggs on toast and a mug of tea each.

  ‘Where’s your young lady?’ Paddy asked.

  ‘In the scratcher. She’s off to Lainey’s to finish the website in a while.’

  ‘Super,’ Paddy nodded. ‘It’s fantastic the way you’re all pulling together on this, son. Your mother and I are so grateful. You know that, don’t you?’

  ‘We wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Joey assured him.

  A knock at the back door was just the incentive they needed to get moving. Paddy had hired some of the local school-goers to come and do a bit of donkeywork about the place.

  ‘They’re thrilled with a few euros and they don’t go in for the hourly rate nonsense,’ he assured Joey. ‘They do a good day’s work as long as they’re fed. They’re all doing this transition year farce in school. Why they don’t just get them studying for the final exams I’ve no idea. Apparently they’re meant to be off out and about having a go at different jobs to see what they might like to become when they grow up.’

  ‘I think that’s a good idea,’ Joey said. ‘Most kids haven’t the foggiest what they want to become. This way they can earn a bit of pocket money and who knows, maybe it’ll give them a bit of hunger to succeed.’

  ‘Beer money, more to the point,’ Paddy chuckled. ‘Whatever they do with the cash, they’re a nice bunch of lads. Sadie will make a pile of sandwiches and a bucket of soup later on for them.’

  Once brushes were handed out and the creosote was poured into buckets, work began in earnest.

  Joey decided to fire on ahead with the ride-on lawnmower.

  ‘I’ll keep the blades high and this’ll be the last cutting until after the winter.’

  As he fired up the mower, Pippa popped into his mind. Where on earth had she gotten to this weekend? Assuming she was with work colleagues, he didn’t bother calling her.

  She’d pitch up at some point. She always chose Dublin over a weekend at home. He knew that upset his parents a little, but she was single and enjoyed the impromptu nights out with her colleagues, and he could understand that.

  ‘Hello there!’ Holly called out.

  Joey pulled the lawnmower to a halt as he waved to his mother.

  ‘Morning, Mum! How did you sleep last night?’

  ‘Very well, thank you dear.’ She looked behind her and up and down the road.

  ‘What’s up?’ Joey asked.

  ‘I’m looking for your father.’

  ‘He’s creosoting the fences with the local lads. Will I give him a wolf whistle?’ Joey went to lift his fingers to his mouth. His renowned whistles could be heard for miles.

  ‘Oh no!’ Holly said. ‘Don’t do that. I was only checking his whereabouts because I wanted to chat to you in private.’

  ‘Really? What’s up?’

  ‘Well, I’ve been instructed by your father to keep my nose out of your business. And the dodgy thing is that I sort of promised I would.’ She looked sheepish.

  ‘I feel a but coming on.’ Joey grinned.

  ‘Um . . . but . . .’ she smiled back. ‘I have something I would like you to have.’ Rooting in her pocket, Holly pulled out a small, slightly shabby looking, dull red velvet box. Before Joey could say another word, Holly popped it open, revealing Grandma Maggie’s exquisite engagement ring. An oval, navy blue sapphire sat prettily between two sizeable ice-like diamonds.

  ‘Wow, it’s a real stunner, isn’t it?’ Joey did a low whistle.

  ‘It’s gorgeous,’ Holly agreed. ‘But it’s Mummy’s through and through. I never felt comfortable wearing it. I’ve tried it on many times and it doesn’t sit with me. I grew up seeing it on her finger and I was so aware it was one of her only reminders of Daddy. So although I’d love to see it floating around again, I don’t feel it’s right for me to wear it, if you understand? So it’s been languishing in the bottom of a drawer this past while.’

  ‘That’s a terrible shame really,’ Joey said scratching his chin.

  ‘Yes,’ Holly agreed. ‘Obviously I’m offering it for you to pass on to Skye.’

  ‘Skye?’ Joey was taken aback. ‘But Mum, shouldn’t Lainey or Pip have it?’

  ‘Well I thought of all that of course,’ Holly said. ‘But how would I choose?’ she reasoned. ‘Lainey could have it because she’s the eldest,’ she said. ‘Or equally Pippa could have it because she’s the youngest. But Lainey has her own engagement ring and Pippa isn’t really at that stage in life quite yet.’

  ‘And you think I am?’ Joey smirked. Holly nodded silently.

  ‘Forgive me if I’m being a pushy Mum,’ she said. ‘I’d hate you to feel I’m being a pain. Your father told me to keep my beak out of your affairs. But I felt compelled to at least let you know I have the ring . . . should you require it,’ she finished.

  Joey pulled her into his arms. ‘You’re a star. Thank you, Mum.’

  Holly looked intensely relieved. ‘I’m glad you’re not cross.’

  ‘How could I be?’ he asked. ‘Just between you and me, I have been thinking of asking Skye to marry me,’ he said. ‘I know she’s the one. I’ve never been so happy. I couldn’t imagine my future without her in it.’

  ‘Me neither,’ said Holly. ‘She fits in our family, doesn’t she?’

  ‘Certainly does.’

  ‘Well, you know where this is if and when you decide to pop the question.’

  ‘I might actually hold on to it, if you don’t mind,’ Joey said with a cheeky grin.

  ‘I don’t mind at all,’ Holly said in delight. ‘But you’re not shoving it in a jeans pocket and mowing over it. I’ll leave it in the bedside locker in your room, how’s that?’

  ‘Good plan,’ he agreed. ‘Just make sure Skye’s not in the room, won’t you? She was in bed when I left, but she’s bound for Lainey’s house.’

  ‘Right, love.’

  Holly waved as he started up the lawnmower once again. Joey couldn’t keep the smile from his face as he put the machine into drive. His mother had always been amazing to him. Even as a teenager he didn’t go through a stage where she annoyed or embarrassed him. His friends all adored her too and gladly stayed for weekends at Huntersbrook any time they were invited.

  Holly didn’t change for anyone and Joey admired that about her. What you saw was what you got with her. It made him so proud that when the chips were down for his parents, he was able to step up to the plate and help the family. His accident had been a nightmare, but when the compensation money came through, it was perfect timing. Just when all the talk was of selling Huntersbrook up stepped Joey with a cheque and a plan. He hoped with all his heart that plan was going to work.

  The person Joey was most grateful to, however, was Skye. She wasn’t his ty
pe. Or so he’d thought. She was rather left of centre, quiet and not the girl most people would notice first.

  Previously Joey had unwittingly gone for partners more like Pippa. The confident, funny, trendy party-girl sort. There were plenty of those around the Dublin clubs, all willing to dance the night away and allow him to ply them with cocktails and take them to parties. He’d been badly burnt by Sophia, though. He’d been totally blinded by her looks and charisma. But he’d learned that a bright and shiny exterior with an insatiably self-obsessed personality was not for him. When the chips were down, Sophia hadn’t been there for him. Skye had.

  Skye wasn’t a showy girl nor did she want to go out on the town all the time. She liked the odd night out in the city lights, but she was more at ease at home.

  Joey sighed happily as he continued cutting the grass. Skye was the love of his life and he couldn’t wait to prove it to her.

  Lainey

  LAINEY SPOTTED SKYE PICKING HER WAY ACROSS the path from Huntersbrook. Pulling the door open, she hugged her and welcomed her inside.

  ‘How did you sleep?’ she asked.

  ‘Like a log,’ Skye said yawning. ‘In fact, I found it so difficult to get up!’

  ‘The country air does that to you,’ Lainey said. ‘I used to crave it when I lived in Dublin. Seeing as you grew up in the country too, I’d say you’re similar.’

  Skye’s face darkened momentarily.

  ‘What did I say?’ Lainey asked.

  ‘Uh nothing . . .’ Skye hesitated and looked up at Lainey. ‘I haven’t mentioned anything to Joey just yet. But my dad has been in touch. It seems he’s not well. But he’s decided he’s not going to a doctor as he feels he can cure himself with berries and herbs.’

  ‘Oh right . . .’ Lainey wasn’t sure what she ought to say. She knew very little about Skye’s family, apart from the fact that they lived in a commune along with her uncle and aunt and several other like-minded individuals. Lainey knew the children had been home-schooled, which Skye had apparently hated. Eventually they’d given in and allowed Skye and her cousin Echo to attend mainstream school for their final years.

  ‘My parents are free spirits and believe in the moon’s phases rather than any government, or God for that matter. Doctors would be right up there with folk they don’t trust.’

  ‘Have you spoken to your mum?’

  ‘Briefly,’ Skye said. ‘But it was all very sketchy, as usual. I only hear from them a few times a year. When they decide to go to a pay phone. Of course, those are disappearing at a rapid rate, so it’s hard to know what’s really going on there.’

  ‘Would you think of calling to see them? I’m sure Joey would go with you. They live in the midlands, don’t they?’

  ‘Yeah,’ Skye said biting her lip. ‘I could get my cousin Echo to come with me, but he’s even less tolerant of them than I am.’ Skye and Echo had fled the commune at the first opportunity and set up home together in Dublin. Echo now worked for a graphic design and print shop and was forging a life completely separate from his family and past.

  ‘Joey has never met my folks,’ Skye admitted. ‘And I’m not sure I want him to. They’re bats, quite frankly,’ she said sighing.

  ‘But nice bats, I’m guessing?’

  ‘Yeah, they’re harmless and don’t rely on anyone for anything. They’re pretty much self-sufficient, growing their own food. They’re all vegan, naturally,’ Skye rolled her eyes. ‘Mum and the other women make some cash by selling knitted things at markets.’

  ‘What sort of knitted stuff?’ Lainey said, smiling in spite of Skye’s obvious disapproval.

  ‘Random stuff like egg cosies and tea pot covers.’

  ‘That’s all back in vogue now, isn’t it?’ Lainey said. ‘It might be nice to buy some things for Huntersbrook. I think guests would love little hand-knitted egg cosies to adorn their breakfasts.’

  ‘Oh I don’t know,’ Skye said looking doubtful. ‘You’ve no idea what they’re like, Lainey. Really.’

  Knowing Skye wasn’t comfortable with the conversation, Lainey turned it to the matter in hand.

  ‘So how’s the website coming along?’ she asked as a little noise from the pram made her smile. ‘Hello Ely,’ she crooned. ‘Did you wake up?’ Lainey picked him up and kissed his rosy cheek. ‘He was up at the crack of dawn this morning so he nodded off just now. I’m a bit zonked to be honest. Jules and I had another bottle of wine after we left you all last night. She was up like a lark and headed up to Dublin to work. So we’re all a bit tired here this morning aren’t we?’ she kissed Ely.

  ‘Aw hello honey,’ Skye said breaking into a smile. ‘How’s the best boy?’

  The two women sat at the kitchen table, with Ely happily munching on a rusk.

  Lainey rustled up an omelette along with toast and placed it in front of Skye while wrinkling her nose and waving her hand dramatically.

  ‘What?’ Skye asked a smirking Lainey.

  ‘I’ve a feeling I might be pregnant again!’

  ‘Really? And that’s a good thing?’ Skye ventured.

  ‘Oh yeah, totally!’ Lainey waved her hand again. ‘I want at least four, if not five children. So I’m actually hoping this might even be twins. I have this really strong feeling I’m going to have a multiple birth.’

  ‘You do?’

  ‘Don’t laugh,’ Lainey said. ‘But ages ago, Jules and I went to this woman who reads tealeaves. She’s a full-on psychic and I know loads of people who swear by her . . .’

  ‘Right,’ Skye said sounding a little dubious.

  ‘Anyway, this woman said I was going to have twins or even triplets.’

  ‘Seriously?’ Skye raised an eyebrow.

  Lainey nodded emphatically. ‘Matt and I have discussed having a brood of children and he’s totally on for it. So fingers crossed,’ Lainey said looking really thrilled. ‘I’m feeling quite nauseous, so I’d say I’m only a couple of weeks gone. But I’ve heard when a woman is pregnant with twins the morning sickness is way worse.’

  ‘Either that or you’re just hanging after the wine!’

  ‘Nah, once you’ve been pregnant you know.’

  ‘How will you all fit here at the farmhouse?’ Skye wondered.

  ‘Well, that’s the thing. We’ll have to build on at some point. So I’m thinking we ought to get going sooner rather than later. So I’ve asked Thomas Casey to drop over in a while.’

  ‘He’s the architect guy Joey went to school with, isn’t he? We met him at the pub a few months back, at the beginning of the summer. Tall, thin chap with the glasses?’

  ‘Yes, that’s him!’

  Ely was happy playing with some toys on the floor so the girls got down to business, knowing they’d be interrupted by Thomas at some stage.

  Half an hour later, Skye was just satisfied that they were finally finished when the doorbell rang. Lainey went to let Thomas in.

  ‘Hello, Skye,’ he said as he entered the kitchen. ‘Hello, little fella,’ he said chucking Ely under the chin. ‘He looks about a similar age to our twins.’

  ‘You have twins?’ Lainey said.

  ‘Yeah, they’ve just turned nineteen months and they’re a handful. A boy and a girl and they are like little demolition demons, but great craic.’

  ‘I never even knew Niamh was pregnant,’ Lainey mused.

  ‘Ah that’s because she wasn’t,’ Thomas said. ‘We had the twins with a surrogate mother.’

  ‘Oh gosh, I had no idea,’ Lainey said blushing furiously. ‘Sorry, I’m mortified.’

  ‘Ah not at all,’ Thomas laughed. ‘We expected a bit of a shocked reaction to the new arrivals. Word will travel and by the time they get to school, I’m sure the world and its wife will know how they came to be ours.’

  Lainey knew she couldn’t turn around and tell Thomas that she was probably expecting twins right now. Instead she went for the more sensitive version of events and said they were looking to expand the house in case a little brother or sister might jo
in them at some point.

  Thomas asked if he could have a quick look around and make some notes. Lainey offered him tea, which he declined.

  ‘I’ll get going, if you don’t mind? I’ve a few clients to see today. Thank goodness I’m pretty busy at the minute.’

  ‘Sure, Skye and I will be here, so shout if you need anything.’

  Skye was busily clicking away at her laptop getting the website on line, so Lainey allowed herself a few moments to enjoy a cup of herb tea. It tasted dreadful and the smell was worse. How could she drink this stuff and enjoy it ordinarily? Grinning, she patted her belly. There was no doubt in her mind now that she was pregnant. She was only a day late, but she prided herself on being very in tune with her body.

  Besides, she’d been turned off many of her favourite things while expecting Ely, so it made perfect sense.

  Thomas meandered into the kitchen a short time later brandishing an iPad.

  ‘So here are my thoughts,’ he began. ‘Because this is such an old property and all the plumbing and shores are to the rear, it would cost a fortune to build on there. The best option would be to create a single-storey addition to the left of the front, just here,’ he said pointing out the kitchen window.

  ‘Would we need planning?’ Lainey asked.

  ‘If you were to build something fairly small, then no. But that’s all depending on how many rooms you want to add. I’d like to make sure the new building is in keeping with the original one. There’s nothing worse than an extension that sticks out like a sore thumb.’

  Thomas left, saying he’d drop over a quotation.

  ‘You could email it to me either,’ Lainey suggested. She needed to get Matt on side before drawings appeared. She also wanted to give him the great news that they actually needed the space now! He wasn’t too brilliant with change and Lainey knew she’d have to speak to Jacob, too. He’d made it very clear that the farmhouse was as much hers as it was theirs, but all the same, she needed their blessing for all the plans she was eager to put into action. She could feel it in her bones – it was going to be a wonderful time for them next year. Huntersbrook and babies, what more could she want?