Page 90 of Go Cook Yourself

“Go to her,” Flora says.

“No. I need you to know I’m here for you no matter what. You’re my family.”

Flora hugs me. “I know, big bro. But it doesn’t hurt to hear it once in a while.” A hiccup bursts from her mouth. “I love you, Garett. You’re my big brother, and without you, I’d be a mess. But right now, you need to go to her. I’m going to tidy myself up.”

I stay for a couple of seconds, making sure she means it. Flora’s always had my best interests at heart, but her firm stare tells me to go more than her words could.

I step out of the van.

Ruby stares at me with her big brown eyes. “Is she okay?”

“She will be.”

“I’ll look after her when you’ve gone. She’ll be my favourite little sibling. I’ll tell Jem he can go swivel.”

She’s holding it together. We’re all holding it together. “No more talk about me leaving, okay? Not today.”

“Promise.”

“You’re breathtaking. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

“And sexy?”

“If I weren’t worried about ruining my trousers before the Christmas Cloud Burst, I’d be on my knees in this car park, declaring your sexiness for the world to hear.”

She steps into my open arms. “Best not. Mum and Dad don’t need to hear that, and I don’t want Wicksy making suggestions about your dirty knees.” Passion fruit fills my lungs, marking them with her scent and presence. She presses the squeaky reindeer nose on the Christmas jumper she bought for me. “Cute.”

“Not sexy or breathtaking?”

“You’re no Mary Berry.”

I press my lips to hers. “I can’t compare to that goddess.”

The van door opens, and Flora shouts, “Come on, you two. We’ve got a dinner to attend.”

I open my hand to her, and Ruby steps to my side. We agreed that we’d act like colleagues and friends at the party. My body chills at losing her touch. I’d better get used to it because I’ll have a lifetime without her.

???

Cookie bounces from person to person as we set the table for the meal. Everyone sings Christmas songs, and Iain and Liz whip each other with any tea towel they can find.

Kalen clucks over Amber, who is nearly nine months and not far from being induced, and she keeps shoving him away and telling him, “I can do it. Stop mothering me.” She then sits with her feet up while making him bring things to her.

Kath and I sit together, watching the spectacle of a Cloud Christmas. Flora, Jem, and Wicksy perform Michael Bublé classics together when they’re supposed to be place setting. I wouldn’t be surprised if both men have crushes on her.

I’m so proud of my little sister. Knowing I won’t be here to protect her from all that life throws at her causes another crack in my heart. But as Ruby says something to her and she giggles, I’m reminded that she won’t be alone.

“You’re leaving us, aren’t you?” Kath asks as Amber throws something at Jem. I bet they were exhausting growing up, especially with Ruby’s lively grandparents. It must have been a wonderful chaos.

“How did you know?” I shove up my sleeves. “Let me guess. Because you’re a wise woman who knows when it will snow before weather forecasters?”

She chuckles and nudges me. Her elbows are like spikes. “Nah, I caught Ruby crying when I went to help her tidy the hideaway.”

That hurts, but I shouldn’t be surprised. “She’ll cope okay without me.”

“I know. She’s strong.”

Ruby tickles Jem. Then Kalen picks Jem up and carries him to Amber so she can help, too.

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