Page 136 of The Twelve Dates of Christmas
“I don’t want to waste any more time,” said Matt. “We’ve wasted enough already. I love you, Kate. And you bloody well love me too, I know you do. So stop being such a stubborn arse and—”
Kate leaned over and kissed the words right out of his mouth.
•••••
Drew and Archie settled themselves into a double deck chair a few rows ahead of Kate and Matt. Kate smiled as Drew rested his head on Archie’s shoulder. He’d sent her a text just moments before:
Just call me your fairy godfather. You’re welcome! xxx
Matt pulled Kate in close to him, his arm around her shoulder. Kate settled in; her head fit perfectly, just as it always had, in the curve between his chest and shoulder. They would talk later. For now, they watchedIt’s a Wonderful Lifewrapped around each other, wrapped in blankets.
•••••
It was Christmas Eve. Kate woke up and stretched. She rolled over and met resistance. She smiled as she remembered. She flopped one arm across Matt’s naked chest and looked up.
“Hello,” said Matt.
“Hello,” said Kate.
Matt shifted onto his side, propping himself up on his elbow.
“I really need to go to work,” said Matt.
“Yes, you do,” said Kate.
Matt grinned wickedly.
“I just want to check something first!” he said, pulling the duvet over their heads.
An hour later they were still in bed. Matt leaned up against the pillows and Kate had her head on his chest. Her arm was draped across him, while he drew lazy circles on her back with his fingers.
The front door slammed.
“Morning, love!” called Mac. “I’ve brought you a coffee. I thought Matt would have been in the café. Carla said she hasn’t seen him this morning. You haven’t heard from him, have you?”
Kate jumped up. Matt watched her darting about the bedroom for her discarded clothes and laughed.
“Kate?” called her dad again. “Are you all right?”
“Fine, Dad!” she yelled.
She got to the top of the stairs. Mac stood at the bottom looking up at her.
“You’re up late!” he said.
Kate grimaced.
“You haven’t heard from Matt, have you?” he asked. “I know you two have had a falling-out, but I still worry about the boy. It’s not like him to miss work and not call in.”
Kate felt Matt fall in behind her. She glanced back and was relieved to see that he was dressed. Mac’s eyes grew wide when he saw Matt, and then he recovered himself.
“I’m fine, Mac,” said Matt. He rested his hands on Kate’s shoulders. “More than fine, actually.” He smiled.
Mac smiled too.
“Well, I never!” said Mac. “It’s a Christmas miracle.”
It was a busy day. Matt left for the café and Kate made breakfast while her dad brought the boxes of veg in from the coal shed, ready for prepping. Mac hugged her when he left.
