Page 17 of Mistletoe Kisses at Cwtch Cove

‘Definitely. I know I could use hot drink and something to eat. Yes, actually, a mince pie and a hot chocolate would be perfect.’

‘OK. I’ll go and get them shall I, and then we’ll find somewhere to stand?’

‘No, you don’t,’ Lucy said. ‘You stay here, and I’ll get them. Or, if you like, you find somewhere to sit. I don’t think you should be standing all evening in your condition. I know you get fed up sitting down but carrying that belly around all evening might be a bit much for you.

‘There’s a space on that bench there.’ Ellen pointed at a bench where an elderly couple were sitting side by side, drinking from steaming cups of what Lucy suspected was mulled wine.

‘Get over there quickly and plonk your bum on the bench and I’ll go and get the refreshments. I won’t be long.’

Lucy headed towards the refreshments stand and ordered the drinks then she went to another stand and purchased a tray of snacks. She thought she might just as well get everything Ellen had fancied, because it was cold and her sister was already hungry, so it would save them from having to queue later on when the stalls got busier.

Making her way back to Ellen, Lucy saw that her sister was speaking to someone. His broad shoulders were encased in a black coat, he had a dark grey bobble hat on and was wearing jeans and dark boots. He turned around as Lucy approached and she felt a flicker of something deep in her stomach; it was a glow of pleasure at seeing him again. She smiled in greeting, unable to raise a hand because of the tray she was carrying. His smile at seeing her was warm and genuine, his eyes appearing to light up as she joined them.

‘Evening Lucy,’ he said.

‘Hi Jack,’ she said. As his eyes roamed over her, she remembered what she was wearing, and heat rushed to her cheeks.

‘I’ve got to say to you both,’ Jack said, ‘I love the outfits. It’s such a great idea. On a festive occasion like this, getting dressed up for the evening makes it even more fun than it already is. My parents would definitely approve.’

Behind Jack, Ellen was laughing while holding her stomach with her gloved hands. She met Lucy’s eyes. ‘Don’t worry Luce, I’ve already explained to Jack that I couldn’t find anything comfortable to wear, which is why I went for the Santa onesie. And, of course, I told him that you are such a brilliant sister that you agreed to wear the reindeer onesie so I wouldn’t look like a complete plonker on my own.’

A sense of relief rushed through Lucy as she lowered the tray so that Ellen could reach her drink and snacks. When she stood upright again, she said, ‘Would you like something to eat, Jack? Perhaps a hot chocolate? I can go and get another if you’d like this one.’

Jack shook his head. ‘That’s really kind of you, Lucy, and I am very grateful but I’m fine right now thank you. I promised Mum and Dad I’d get them some mulled wines, so I was on my way to the refreshment stands when I saw Ellen and came over to say hi. While I do think that you both look amazing, my concern is that you might find that some of the children think she actuallyisSanta. If they do, then they might think she’ll be offering them gifts this evening, and, they might also try to sit on her knee to tell her what they’d like for Christmas. And I’m sure that Ellen doesn’t feel like having children clambering all over her right now.’

‘You’re right there.’ Ellen gave a solemn nod.

‘Gosh, I hadn’t thought about that,’ Lucy said. ‘What if that does happen, Ellen? You don’t have anything to give them.’

Grinning while chewing a large bite of mince pie, Ellen swallowed then said, ‘Don’t worry about it Luce. If any of them come to me expecting gifts, I’ll just give them the gift of wisdom.’

‘The gift of wisdom?’ Lucy asked. ‘Really?’

‘Yes, really.’ Ellen rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t be so serious about it all. It will be fine. No child is getting on either of my knees with my belly overhanging my legs the way it does right now. Besides which, you can always guide them away with your red nose.’ She slapped a hand on her leg as she laughed wickedly.

Lucy turned to find Jack laughing too. ‘Well I’m glad to see that you find this amusing because if some child does try to sit on my sister’s lap and causes her an injury, or something else happens like… premature labour, then you’ll be the first one we'll call on. What with you being an experienced paramedic and all that.’ She cocked an eyebrow at him.

He held up his hands and shook his head. ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t laughing at you, it’s just that your sister has a point. I don’t think many children are going to fit on her lap right now and even if they tried, as she said, you could always lead them away.’

Lucy took a big gulp of hot chocolate. When she looked back up at Jack, he was still smiling, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. She couldn’t help noticing how handsome he was and how broad his shoulders were. If she fainted now — like a woman in a regency drama wearing a too tight corset — would he scoop her up in his arms and carry her somewhere private to lie down? Would he give her the kiss of life… wait, did they even do that anymore? She shook herself inwardly. What on earth was she thinking? It was like being close to Jack turned her into a hormonal, horny version of herself and all rational thought slid from her mind like rain down a windowpane. Whatever it was, there was no denying that Jack had an effect on her that no man ever had before. And, she was pleasantly surprised to find that while it felt a bit confusing, she quite liked it. Wanted to see where it led.

‘Earth to Lucy!’ Ellen was waving a hand at her.

‘Sorry?’ Lucy took a shaky breath.

‘Jack just asked if he can get you anything.’

‘Oh… No. I’m fine, thanks.’

‘Are you sure? What about a date, seeing as how you’re both single?’ Ellen giggled, clearly finding herself very amusing.

‘Ellen!’ Lucy frowned at her sister but when she looked back at Jack, he was grinning too.

‘I guess I’d better go and get my parents their drinks before the lights are turned on but, uhhh, hopefully I’ll see you later.’

‘Hopefully.’ Lucy held his gaze for a few seconds that felt more like days, and as she did so, his pupils dilated making his blue eyes dark. Whatever she was feeling, she suspected — or was it hoped — he was feeling it too.

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