Page 86 of Only for Christmas

‘Diana might be difficult, but she has a strong sense of justice,’ Lucas said, moving Elliot away from the lit candles. ‘She won’t want Stephen getting away with this.’

‘I hope you’re right.’ Sarah watched the boys place the robins either side of the tree.

‘Done!’ Max stood back to admire their work. ‘Do you like it?’

Sarah smiled. ‘I love it. Thank you. The robins look very at home there.’

Lucas ruffled Elliot’s hair. ‘Clever kids.’ He pulled them in for a hug and Sarah’s insides turned to mush. He was such a good uncle.

Harper squeezed Sarah’s hand. ‘I hope it was all right us turning up like this?’

‘Of course, it’s lovely to see you.’ Sarah lowered her voice so the boys wouldn’t hear. ‘Did Lucas tell you about Fred?’

‘He messaged me this morning,’ Harper whispered back, checking Max and Elliot weren’t listening in. ‘That’s partly why we’ve come over.’ She turned to her sons. ‘Boys, I need a private moment with Sarah.’

‘That’s my cue.’ Lucas ushered them into the kitchen. ‘Be good and you might get Oreos.’

Harper waited until the door had closed before turning back to Sarah. ‘How would you feel about us taking Fred?’

Sarah was shocked. She certainly hadn’t seen that coming. ‘Goodness… is that something you want? I mean, I’d hate for you to think you had to take him to help me out. I’m sure I can get him rehomed elsewhere.’

Harper shook her head, making her earrings sway. ‘I promise that’s not why I’m offering to take him. Things have been rotten for the boys lately, and I feel guilty about that. Paul and I have behaved shamefully, but we’ve had a breakthrough at counselling this week, and he’s agreed to let me stay in the house until the boys start secondary school.’

‘Thank goodness for that.’

‘It’s a relief, I can tell you.’ Harper picked up one of Fred’s squeaky toys from the floor. ‘They miss their dad, dreadfully, but I think having a dog will really help them. It’ll restore the balance; we’ll be a family of four again. They adore Fred – he’s all they talk about.’ She checked the door was still closed. ‘I haven’t said anything in case you didn’t think it was a good idea, but if you’re willing, then we’d love to have him. You’d be doing us a favour.’

Sarah swallowed past the lump in her throat. ‘I’d love for you to take him.’

Harper seemed to hold her breath. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Absolutely. I can’t think of a better home for him.’ She reached forwards and hugged Harper, mainly so her anguish would be hidden from view. It was the perfect solution, however much it hurt.

‘And it’s not like you won’t see him,’ Harper said, hugging her hard. ‘Aside from my brother’s feelings for you, we’re friends now. You’re stuck with me. Sorry about that.’

Sarah laughed, and tried to ignore the comment about Lucas. ‘Lucky me.’

Harper drew back. ‘Shall we tell the boys?’

Sarah nodded. This was the best possible outcome: Fred was getting his forever home. She should be pleased. She was pleased; she was just a little bit heartbroken too.

‘Boys! Get in here!’ Harper let out a loud whistle.

The kitchen door opened with a bang and two blonde heads appeared. They came rushing into the lounge, traces of chocolate around their mouths.

‘I have a Christmas surprise for you.’ Harper stood up. ‘We’re going to be Fred’s new family.’

Max froze. ‘For real?’

‘But he’s Sarah’s dog.’ Elliot looked at Sarah with a worried expression.

Sarah knew she had to be convincing. ‘I can’t keep him, sadly. I’m not supposed to have a pet here. I only took him in because he was homeless and needed a temporary home. I’ve been looking for somewhere he can live permanently, and your mum thinks he’d fit well with your family. What do you think? Would you like to adopt Fred?’

Max fist-pumped the air. ‘Yes!’

Elliot copied his brother. ‘I would too!’

What followed was a chaos of crying and cuddling, with children and adults alike hugging and kissing, and poor Fred looking utterly confused as so many people fussed over him.

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