Page 31 of Mistletoe Kisses at Cwtch Cove

‘Do you think Mum would want her rings sitting in a box like this? I don’t. It’s been two years since we lost her, and I think it’s time now to celebrate her life. We’ve all been in mourning and while Dad will always love Mum, he’s trying to get on with his life. I think that wearing Mum’s rings would be a positive move for us to make.’ Ellen held up a hand. ‘My fingers aren’t terribly swollen but I don’t want to risk wearing her rings at the moment because Mum’s hands were so tiny but you could wear some of them now.’

Lucy picked the ruby ring out of the box and rested it on her palm. ‘It’s so beautiful.’

‘Have that one then.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Absolutely. Take another too if you want.’

‘This is fine. I remember Mum wearing it. Dad bought it for her for their fortieth wedding anniversary.’

‘They really loved each other.’

Lucy’s eyes stung and she swallowed hard. ‘They did.’

‘I’ve found that love with Billy. I wouldn’t have settled for anything less and neither should you.’

Lucy looked up and met her sister’s hazel eyes. Her cropped black hair was sticking up at the crown and with the fullness pregnancy had brought to her face, she looked the same as she had as a little girl. At four years older than Lucy, Ellen had always looked out for her and as Lucy got older, she’d done the same for Ellen. They’d been close to each other and close to their mum, a good woman who’d encouraged her daughters to love and respect each other. She’d wanted them to be friends and had instilled the importance of sharing and kindness in them, as well as how precious family and friends were.

A tear trickled down Lucy’s cheek and plopped onto her jumper. She had so much to be grateful for and it filled her heart with joy. She slid the ring onto the fourth finger of her right hand and it fit perfectly.

‘I know. I’m so happy for you and Billy. Dad thinks very highly of him and Mum did too.’

‘He’s a keeper.’ Ellen nodded then she pulled an enveloped from the box. ‘Here.’ She passed it to Lucy.

Inside was a photo of their mum and dad with Ellen and Lucy. Ellen would have just turned four and Lucy was a baby. There was also a folded piece of paper. She opened it up to find a poem that her mum had clearly copied from a book.

‘“How Do I Love Thee?”’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.’ She read the rest of the poem silently because she couldn’t trust her voice to hold out.

‘It’s perfect, right?’ Ellen shifted her weight wincing as she rubbed her foot. ‘Sorry to spoil the mood but my foot’s gone to sleep.’

‘You poor thing.’ Lucy shook her head. ‘The poem is perfect and sums up Mum and Dad’s relationship. They had ups and downs, but they endured.’

‘It’s what life’s all about. Help me up?’ Ellen moved to her knees.

‘Of course.’ Lucy stood then helped her sister up and supported her while she tapped her foot on the floor to get the blood flowing again.

‘You know, Luce, I think you could have that kind of love too. It’s time for you to put your past hurts aside and to move on. That Jack… he’s a good one.’

‘I haven’t known him long but I can see what a good man he is.’ Lucy gasped. ‘Look!’ She pointed at the window and they crossed the room to look outside.

The sky had darkened and fat, fluffy flakes of snow were spiralling down.

‘It’s a sign from Mum,’ Ellen said as she slid her arm around Lucy’s waist. ‘She said, “Here, Lucy, have some festive magic to help you fall in love with Jack.”’

Lucy would have replied but she couldn’t speak, so instead she leant her head on Ellen’s shoulder and watched as the garden quickly turned white.

CHAPTER14

‘Ibet you’re excited!’ Lucy grinned as she walked into the kitchen. ‘I can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve already.’

She’d been in Cwtch Cove for five weeks and the time had flown. She’d finished the draft of the book she was writing, planned out another and spent a lot of quality time with Ellen. She’d also got to know Jack quite well. He was a busy man with a demanding job, but they’d managed to meet for coffee a few times. They’d talked about their previous relationships over coffee and now understood each other’s fears and how they’d been hurt in the past. It hadn’t been easy opening up like that, but Lucy felt that she could trust Jack and he seemed to feel the same way about her. Knowing each other’s triggers could help them to avoid doing anything that might cause future pain or distress, and Lucy was convinced that being open was the best way to be going forwards. They had even made it to The Anchor for a drink the previous evening, but Lucy had only had one small glass of wine and had kept her phone on the table in case Ellen needed her at home. Ellen was a week away from her due date and looked like she might pop at any moment.

There had been more snow and Cwtch Cove looked like beautiful winter wonderland. Lucy was thoroughly enjoying her time in the village and feeling excited about what the new year would bring.

Ellen turned from the sink where she was washing her hands. ‘I can’t wait to see Billy. I mean… I love being with you, but I have missed him.’

‘Of course you have. What time’s he due back?’

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