Page 32 of My Heart To Heal

‘Can I, mama?’ Jonah practically vibrates with excitement, and I nod, yes, smiling softly as I make my way a little closer.

‘You can. Don’t forget your manners, though.’

Nick hands Jonah the bag, and he dives in, pulling out a pack of sparkly pens and releasing a squeal of excitement he can’t contain.

‘Mama, glitter pens.’ I grin as he launches himself at Nick, wrapping his arm around him. I’m relieved the gift is small, simple, and something he must have known Jonah would love. I have noticed him comment happily on my son’s love of sparkles before.

‘There’s a little something else in there, kiddo,’ Nick says, effortlessly adjusting to the way Jonah is now sitting in his lap and diving back into the bag.

Jonah pulls out a bundle of blue fabric and looks confused, so Nick takes it out of his hands and holds it up, and my heart swells at the sight of the tiny little set of scrubs.

‘I know you love animals, and I was thinking if your mama says it’s okay, you could come downstairs to the clinic and help me out sometimes. You can help me give the animals their food and maybe their medication. But you can’t be a vet unless you have the right uniform, so I got you your own.’

Jonah turns to me, a huge, excited smile on his face that stops my heart, then, once again, he wraps his arms around Nick’s neck and thanks him.

Okay, Nicholas Barber, well played… but the next round is mine.

Nick Isn’t Purple, Silicone, Or Battery-Powered

Missy

‘Hey, come in.’ Breewelcomes me into her cottage, and I follow her to the living room. Cara isn’t inside yet, but the knock on the door as my butt hits the sofa tells me she’s just arrived.

‘Hiya.’ She hugs us both and joins me on the sofa. Bree hands us both a glass of wine before sitting in the chair she loves so much. It’s huge and squishy, and everyone knows not to dare sit in Bree’s chair.

I look at the table for the iPad.

‘Are we not calling Zoe?’

‘No,’ she shakes her head, ‘she can’t dial in tonight.’

I’m disappointed. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, and this is our last girls’ night of the year.

‘Oh no, why not?’

‘Because I’m right here, bitches.’

Zoe jumps into view in the doorway, and Cara and I squeal as we rush to stand, put down our glasses, and hug our friend.

‘What are you doing here?’ Cara asks with a wide smile on her face.

‘We’re back for a few days. We leave the day after Christmas.’

‘I’m so happy to see you.’ I squeeze my friend. I have missed having her around.

‘I can’t wait to see your place, Miss.’ She beams as she sits in Bree’s chair — it’s big enough for both of them, and I know they must want to be as close to each other as possible after all this time apart.

‘Where are you staying?’

Zoe rented her house when she moved. She offered it to Jonah and me before Cara bought the apartment, but without a job here, I couldn’t make the move.

‘We’re staying in one of the cabins.’ She smiles widely. Zoe still owns the bar and the vacation cabins behind it. ‘Mama and Buck are both horrified that we’re not staying with them, but…’

‘Leo can’t make you scream in your parents’ houses,’ I say, raising my glass, and they all laugh.

‘Exactly.’ We all drink to that with smiles on our faces. ‘How are you settling into town, Miss?’

‘Good, really good.’ I sip my wine.

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