Page 52 of A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet

After giving instructions to Wilf and Maudie to behave while they were out, Brogan and Nick were soon on the road to Lytell Stangdale, the air between them buoyant as they chatted happily. Brogan felt the tickle of excitement in her stomach.

‘You’ll have a great time tonight, though it’s a shame you can’t have a glass of wine or a beer. If my car had been fixed, I would’ve driven, then you’d have been able to,’ she said as they bumped down the track.

‘Hey, no worries. We’re at work in the morning, so I wouldn’t be indulging in much anyway.’ He flashed her a smile.

Before long, they were knocking on the door of Rowan Tree Cottage, the muted sound of music and lively conversation audible from the doorstep. Brogan was admiring the wreath that was hung there in muted golds and rich shades of purple – a colour Vi was well-known for being fond of.

Seconds later the door was flung open and Jimby appeared, the sound from inside growing louder as it spilled out.

‘Wayhay! You got here! Come and get yourselves inside where it’s warm,’ he said, holding the door open for them. He was looking smart but casual in a pair of navy chinos and a blue shirt flecked with tiny oatmeal-coloured roses. His broad beam was infectious and Brogan couldn’t help but match it as she savoured the warmth of the cottage that wrapped around her.

After hanging up their coats, Jimby led them to the large state-of-the-art kitchen which was already brimming with people. Though Rowan Tree Cottage was a new build, Jimby and Vi had been keen for their home to be sympathetic to the older, vernacular houses in the village, rather than opting for something contemporary that would stick out like a sore thumb and look dated in a matter of years. They’d opted for exposed oak beams, inglenook fireplaces, and a heavy thatch for the roof. It was a fine example of contemporary living juxtaposed with traditional building techniques and styles.

‘What can I get you to drink?’ Jimby asked, his voice almost lost in a flurry of cheery hellos. ‘Pinot, Brogan?’

‘Mmm. Please.’

‘Shandy for me, thanks,’ said Nick.

‘Coming right up,’ said Jimby, dashing off.

‘I’m so glad the snow held off so you could both get here.’ Vi appeared, looking glamorous as ever in a figure-hugging deep-purple velvet dress with chiffon sleeves and matching fishtail hem. In her vertiginous purple satin high heels, she towered above Brogan who wondered how on earth she could walk in them without falling over.

‘Snow or not, there’s no way it’d stop me from getting here; I’ve been looking forward to it all week,’ Brogan said.

‘And it was kind of you to extend the invitation to me,’ said Nick.

‘Hey, no worries, you’re more than welcome,’ Vi said. ‘Since we moved in here a few years ago, we always have a Christmas party, and we always say the more the merrier. My parents very kindly offer to have Pippin for the night so folk don’t have to worry about keeping the noise down and can get on with having a good time.’

‘There you go, mate,’ said Jimby, returning with their drinks, thrusting a glass of shandy in Nick’s hand. ‘Mind she can sleep through owt, can our Pippin, but she’s up with the larks, so we take Ken and Mary up on their offer so we can have a bit of a lie in.’

‘And it goes without saying, my parents love having her,’ said Vi.

‘Aye, they do that; gives them the chance to spoil her summat rotten,’ Jimby said affectionately as he handed Brogan a glass of wine. ‘There you go, Broge. Right, I just need to go and pop some nibbles in the oven now everyone’s here. I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m that hungry I could eat a scabby hoss.’

‘Jimby, you’re always hungry,’ said Vi.

‘Hey, I’m a growing lad.’ He patted his stomach, his abs made taut by many hours working at his forge.

Vi rolled her eyes, smiling as he dashed off.

A moment later, they were joined by Ollie, Zander and Camm. ‘Now, then, mate,’ said Ollie, patting Nick on the back. ‘How’s your first week at Danskelfe Vet’s been?’

Brogan didn’t get to hear his answer as Anoushka waved her over to where she was stood talking to Kristy, Ella and Livvie. Joining them, Brogan was swept up in an assortment of hugs and kisses on the cheek. She turned to Livvie who she hadn’t seen for ages. ‘Livvie, it’s so good to see you, chick! Huge congratulations on the new babies. How’ve you been? You look gorgeous, by the way,’ Brogan said, thrilled and surprised to see Zander’s wife enjoying a night out just weeks after the birth of their twins. ‘I have a little something for you but didn’t want to intrude until you’d got settled in.’

‘Ah, that’s so kind, but you really shouldn’t have. And it’s fab to see you too, flower.’ Livvie smiled. ‘And it’s kind of you to say, but to be honest, I don’t feel exactly gorgeous. However, apart from having boobs the size of giant water melons, and a massive squishy tummy thanks to a c-section, I’m feeling better for sneaking out for the night, I can tell you. I couldn’t give a stuff that I’m exhausted and am surviving on three hours’ sleep a night if I’m lucky – as the black bags beneath my eyes that even a couple of inches of industrial-strength concealer have failed to hide will testify. But I’m determined to enjoy myself tonight.’

‘Too right,’ said Kristy.

‘I don’t blame you. So, is Rhoda on babysitting duty? And how are all your babies doing?’ asked Brogan.

‘Ahh, the babies are absolutely gorgeous. Zander’s besotted.’ Livvie pressed her hand to her chest, happiness shining in her eyes. It sent an unfamiliar pang ricocheting through Brogan, disconcerting her a little. She blinked, refocusing her mind.

‘His parents are here for a few days, so they’re looking after them. I’m not sure they fully appreciate what they’ve let themselves in for, with three little ones under a year old to contend with.’ Livvie feigned a worried expression.

‘Yikes,’ said Anoushka, her eyes wide.

‘I know, we did try to warn them, but they assured us they’d be fine, which I’m sure they will be; they’re pretty chilled. And I’m not saying I jumped at the chance for a night out with Zan but… I jumped at the chance for a night out,’ Livvie said, making them all fall about laughing.

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