Page 110 of All We Want for Christmas
Lara thought she’d better keep quiet about Jazz knowing, but was relieved and happy that she no longer had to keep it all a secret. Flynn had sounded so proud, and she was delighted for him.
‘Oh, how wonderful!’ Henry declared. ‘Embrace every moment. We only wish we saw more of our grandchildren, even though they’re young adults now. We do remember those marvellous early days. Exhausting but so precious. You are a very lucky man, Flynn.’
Lara got to her feet, exhausted and light-headed with relief, yet still burdened with guilt. ‘I still need to pay for the repair to the chalice. And my offer to resign still stands.’
‘No. No to both,’ Fiona said.
‘We won’t hear of it,’ Henry declared. ‘What would we do without you? The events programme and Spectacular have been a resounding success. We think it should become an annual event. The revenue will help to keep Ravendale going for years to come – you have helped maintain its fortunes. You could say you have saved us.’
‘No. I can’t take all the credit.’
‘As for the replica, we can claim on the insurance,’ Fiona said. ‘You can help by finding an expert restorer to repair it. That way, no one will be any the wiser.’
‘I – I might know someone,’ Lara murmured. She noted Flynn was staring straight ahead with an expression of composed innocence on his face. ‘Thank you.’
‘How did you know I was going to confess?’ Lara asked Flynn, as they descended the tower in the lift.
‘I didn’t. I was going to do the same myself, so I hungaround and then watched you go up to the tower. It took me ages to climb up, and I couldn’t risk getting stuck in this bloody thing.’
‘Oh, Flynn.’ Lara put her arms around him. ‘Thanks for trying to take the blame. Even though I told you not to.’
‘I rarely do as I’m told,’ he said.
She laughed. ‘I’ve worked that out.’
‘And is it a deal breaker?’
‘I think … I think that, annoying and frustrating as it is that you do the exact opposite of what I ask you to, life would probably be a lot less exciting if you were predictable.’
Flynn heaved a happy sigh. ‘Good. You mean everything to me. I’d rather get the sack than see you driven out of your beloved job and home because of something I had a hand in. I was worried I’d be too late. I was, but, in the end, it’s all turned out OK.’
‘I don’t know whether we’re lucky or it’s all down to the Penhaligons’ planning and cautiousness.’
‘Who cares? All I know is that you’re at the centre of my life and that I can’t bear to be without you or to see you suffer. I need you more than I ever did. Along with Molly and Esme, you’re my future, Lara.’
Lara leaned forward and kissed him, carrying on even when the lift gently touched down on the ground floor. Eventually, they broke apart and Lara’s hand hovered over the button. ‘What would we do if we got stuck? Everyone’s drunk or asleep and no one could come to rescue us.’
Flynn held her face in his hands. ‘Do you know, Idon’t think being trapped in a lift has ever sounding more appealing.’
‘Agree …’ She walked her fingers up his shirt, fireworks exploding all over her body. ‘And Istillhaven’t given you your present.’
‘Don’t worry. I’ve got all I want for Christmas.’
‘Me too,’ said Lara, toying with the button on his chest. ‘But I have just thought of something that would be absolutely perfect …’
Epilogue
Eleven months later
‘Three, two, one. Let there be light!’ Hattie Penhaligon flicked the switch and the lights came on all over the park. Whoops and cheers rang out from the staff assembled around the courtyard.
‘That went well,’ Flynn said to Lara, holding her hand. ‘Carlos did a good job on the coordination.’
Flynn and Carlos had timed the switch to the second, and it had all been coordinated by the control room. The final dress rehearsal of the Second Ravendale Winter Spectacular was complete and everyone could heave a huge sigh of relief – until opening night.
‘He’s been in a much better frame of mind since he and Neil moved off site and into their own cottage,’ Flynn said. ‘Though he still has his moments.’
‘Don’t we all?’ Lara commented. ‘It’s not been plain sailing for Hattie. It was really brave of her to uproot her family and come up here.’
