Page 115 of A December to Remember
“Please, Mama, can I stay up till the end?”
“This is the end, sweetheart, there’s nothing else after this.”
“Just let me have one blackcurrant squash.”
“One drink and then bed.”
“She’s going to be a party animal when she’s older.” Star smiled, pulling a fleece blanket off the back of the chair and draping it over her niece.
“No, she is not,” said Maggie. “She is going to work hard and then become prime minister.”
“No pressure, Verity,” Simone said, fondly stroking her hair.
“So, how do you feel about spending your first-ever Christmas together?” Evette asked the sisters.
Their smiles were enough of an answer.
“Ineverthought it would happen,” said Simone.
“I always hoped it would,” added Star. “But I don’t think I believed it ever could.”
“Our Christmases have always just been the three of us, just me and the kids. They’ve been lovely, but you know, sort of quiet, or as quiet as Verity ever is. She’s going to love having a big family Christmas. You’ll all come to ours, won’t you?”
Star and Simone nodded emphatically.
“I’ve been thinking that we all ought to chip in. I’ve no doubt you’d make a delicious Christmas dinner, Maggie, but why don’t we each make part of the dinner and bring it over to you, so that you’re not doing everything?” suggested Star.
“I agree. How about this: Maggie makes the starters and me,you, and Evette do all the rest?” Simone said. “Star and I will work it all out between us, that way you get to kick back a bit and enjoy Christmas Day too.”
“Are you sure?” Maggie asked hesitantly. She was torn between loving this idea and feeling guilty about not being the sole provider of Christmas for her family.
“Yes!” said Star exaggeratedly. “We’re all adults, let us help you.”
“Let us share the load,” said Evette kindly.
“In that case, oh my god yes please!” Maggie gushed. Christmas immediately ceased to be another monster she needed to slay and became something to look forward to. “But I’m still the big sister, right?”
“Always.” Simone leaned over and kissed her cheek.
Patrick came backto the table empty-handed.
“Joe’s still waiting to be served,” he said. “It’s like a rugby scrum at the bar.”
Maggie looked down at Verity, who—despite her protestations and the cacophony in the pub—had fallen asleep across her lap.
“Tell Joe not to worry about getting drinks for Verity and me. I think I’m going to get this little one home to bed.”
“Why don’t I take Verity home and you stay here and enjoy the rest of the night?” Patrick suggested. “You’ve worked so hard to make this evening happen; you deserve to have some fun.”
“That’s kind of you, love, but to be honest, I’m knackered myself. I’m probably not long from bed either. You stay and enjoy yourself.”
“If you’re sure,” he said.
She nodded, and Patrick disappeared back into the throng at the bar. A few moments later, just as Maggie was wiggling herself and a snoring Verity along the banquette, Joe appeared.
“Your packhorse awaits, my lady.” He grinned.
“You don’t have to leave just because I am,” she said, though she couldn’t deny she was pleased.
