A Typical Family Christmas

by Liz Davies

  The two nans followed, carrying an assortment of tureens, closely shadowed by the ever-hopeful Pepe. Kate had made certain not to leave anything on the kitchen table or worktops within jumping up and grabbing distance.

  ‘Pepe,’ Beverley warned. ‘Sorry, I’ve been trying to keep him in the utility room while lunch was cooking, but he does cry so, and I feel so sorry for him. Pepe, bed, go to your bed.’ When she tried to pick him up, he bared his teeth at her.

  ‘Allow me,’ Ron said. He was almost unrecognisable now he was grime-free and had trimmed his beard. Kate realised he was probably much younger than she’d originally thought, and rather good-looking too.

  He got to his feet and made a kind of shushing noise as Pepe stood on his hind legs, nose twitching furiously.

  Pepe immediately dropped to the floor, his usual belligerent expression now one of wariness.

  ‘Bed,’ Ron said, firmly, and the whole family watched open-mouthed as the poodle, with a look of disgust and disbelief, slunk out of the dining room and into the kitchen, his claws clattering on the tiles.

  ‘What are you, a dog whisperer?’ Kate asked him in amazement.

  Ron blushed; she could just see a hint of pink on his cheeks above the wiry beard. ‘I used to train dogs in another life,’ he said.

  ‘Ooh! Can you train mine?’ Beverley asked. ‘I’ve been trying but he’s got into some bad habits. Brett said you were homeless. Fancy a few weeks in Brighton? I’ve got a lovely spare room. But I warn you, I don’t want to see you begging. I can afford to give you a few pounds—’

  Kate caught her husband’s gaze and smiled. Her mother wasn’t going to change, and she hadn’t honestly expected her to. She guessed she’d probably have more than a few run-ins with Helen, too, and would have to deal with the children as they continued to test their boundaries, along with her limits and patience.

  But as she gazed around the happy, smiling faces at her table, and the lovely meal they were about to share, she understood that there was no such thing as a typical family Christmas. Each family had their own way of rejoicing, their own way of coming together in love and celebration, their own way of trying to live together with all the inevitable niggles and squabbles. It didn’t matter if her family Christmas didn’t look like the fake ones on TV.

  What mattered was that they loved each other, come what may.

  She caught Brett’s eye, and saw the love shining from him. ‘I love you,’ she mouthed at him, and her heart soared when her husband mouthed back, ‘And I adore you.’

  Acknowledgments

  This book is a collaborative affair. I might have been the one who wrote it (with lots of blood, sweat and tears involved – and gin, a great deal of gin), but I had a lot of help. The majority of it has been from my unwitting family and friends, who I plundered for ideas, character traits, and various assorted behaviour. None of the characters in the book reflect one particular person; rather each one is an amalgamation of several, and for many of them I have borrowed bits from here, there, and everywhere. I hope none of my family see themselves in any of them, because they aren’t.

  Then there is my wonderful husband, who deserves my heartfelt thanks for his support of my endless hours at the computer. He’s not like Brett (not now, anyway, but it did take me a long time to train him!).

  Pepe is based on a dog from my childhood, who belonged to my Aunty Lillian (God rest her soul). A tiny black poodle with a serious attitude and a strong set of teeth, he deserves my thanks, too.

  Catherine Mills has been a sounding board for my muse, whether she likes it or not (I suspect not) and she’s always so enthusiastic about my stories. She’s pretty darned good at shredding my blurbs to pieces, too, and making me start again. So, if you don’t like the book’s description, blame her.

  Ammonia Book Covers deserves a mention, because she’s so good at what she does, even if chick lit is outside her comfort zone, and she’s so very easy to work with.

  Finally, my wonderful beta readers, who tell it to me how it is and happily point out any errors – may you long continue to do so, because my appreciation knows no bounds. Laura Andreula, Nancy Harrison, Sharon Rice, Shelby Calvert, Rachel Wilks, and Barbara Quigley generously give up their time, and deserve a huge thank you. THANK YOU!!!!

  About the Author

  Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.

  She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat - she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.

  She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it.

  Social Media Links:

  Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor

  Facebook: fb.me/LizDaviesAuthor1

  Other Books by Liz Davies

  The Summer of Going Topless