Page 31 of Christmas at the Home Farm Vets (Hartfell Village #2)

‘More than all right, actually,’ Imogen smiled and held out her left hand.

Erin saw the stunning diamond and platinum engagement ring sparkling on her third finger.

‘That’s why I’m here. Alex proposed last week and obviously I said yes.

He’s sorry he can’t be here too, but he had a golfing weekend in Portugal arranged and I really wanted to tell you myself before you saw it somewhere. ’

‘That’s brilliant news, congratulations!’ Oli shuffled forward until she was in his arms again and he hugged her tightly. ‘I’m so thrilled for you both, it’s wonderful.’ He slid back and his grin eased into a wistful smile. ‘Mum would be so excited.’

‘Yeah, she would. She’d have been online already, looking at dresses and making appointments for me to try them. She always did love a good wedding.’ Imogen glanced down at her ring and sniffed, finding a tissue in her handbag.

‘Congratulations, Imogen.’ Erin wasn’t quite sure what else to say to someone she’d only just met.

‘Thanks, Erin, that’s very kind. We’re elated.

I sort of knew it was coming one day but I had no idea Alex had already planned it.

It was wonderful, and his mum is so supportive.

’ Imogen looked at Oli. ‘So that’s partly why I’m here.

Alex’s family are hosting a Christmas party on Saturday, and they’ve very generously offered to turn it into an engagement one for us.

Obviously, we’d like everyone we love to be there and that includes you, so… ’

She paused, her tone suddenly pleading. ‘And yes, before you say it, of course Dad and Christina will be there. He’ll be giving me away at the wedding, Oli, and he’s part of this. I want him to share it, especially as we can’t include Mum.’

‘I’ll leave you alone to talk.’ Erin leaped up; she really didn’t want to be in the way of brother and sister and what sounded like a deeply personal conversation.

‘No, Erin, please don’t go.’ Imogen turned a beseeching glance on her. ‘I think you should hear this.’

‘But it doesn’t concern me.’

‘Actually, I think it does. More than you probably realise.’

‘If Oli doesn’t mind…’ This time Erin would stay if he wanted her to, and he nodded faintly. She retook her seat, twisting her fingers together as Imogen continued.

‘I know it’s very close to Christmas and you’re busy here, but please come, we really want you to share it with us too.’

‘Imogen…’

‘No, Oli, no more excuses! I know things between you and Dad have been difficult since Mum died, and you blame him for having an affair and splitting up our family. But he’s sorry, he’s always been sorry about how things ended between them, and I don’t want mine and Alex’s wedding turning into a battlefield between you both.

He’ll be with us at Christmas too and this is our chance for a fresh start, as a proper family, if you want it to be.

’ Imogen’s voice fell. ‘Mum would be devastated to see you always on your own, never standing still long enough to let someone love you.’

Oli dropped his head into his hands and Erin knew the time for pretence was over.

She crossed the room and knelt before him.

Maybe it wasn’t her place, maybe it should be his sister, but she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him against her.

The last time she’d been in his arms they’d been sharing a goodbye kiss before he went on holiday to France.

This was different, and she wanted him to know she was here, that he could lean on her if he chose, and she felt him begin to relax as he clung on.

‘I’m really sorry if I’ve upset you.’ Imogen stood and put the empty espresso cup on the floor.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.

‘The invitation is for two so of course we’d love to see you there as well, Erin.

Thank you for looking after Oli and welcoming me into your home.

I had thought we could have lunch before I go, Oli, but maybe it’s best if I leave you two to talk. I hope we’ll see you both on Saturday.’

The front door closed behind her, and Erin eased away from Oli.

He raised his head to stare at her with bruised and troubled eyes weighted with sadness.

‘Sorry. I thought I was over all that stuff with my dad, then one word from Imogen and…’ He huffed out a laugh without humour as he dragged both hands over his face.

‘Please don’t be sorry, I hope it’s helped.

’ She stood up, intending to gather their empty cups, but he caught her hand and tugged her onto the sofa beside him.

The cottage was tiny and yet they’d found a way to make it work, had eased into a rhythm, living together even though she was only too aware it wasn’t in all the ways she wanted.

‘You know what it was like, because your dad left you too.’

‘Yes.’ Erin’s fingers were stroking his.

‘It was different for me though, because he never came back. There was a time when I would’ve wanted that, but then it was too late.

He made himself irrelevant to us and our lives.

Oli, I’m sorry I assumed life was pretty perfect for you and I was the one who’d had it tough.

And I didn’t really, apart from my mum’s health and the worry.

My family is everything, and we’re always there for each other. ’

‘I think my dad would be there for me too, if I let him. But part of me is scared of forgiving him for what he did because then maybe it’s not supposed to matter anymore, that it didn’t hurt that much after all.’

‘Maybe there comes a point when you have to find a way to forgive, because in the end it’s also about how you live your own life. How much of that hurt you can let go of and how much you still carry with you.’

‘How are you so wise?’ Oli touched his forehead to hers. He was so close, and she’d only need to lean forward an inch or two to find his lips with her own.

‘I think I was born that way.’ They smiled and she eased back, trying to loosen the moment without shattering it completely. ‘Thank you for the Christmas tree. I think it’s a perfect size for a pot.’

‘You’re welcome. Do I get to help you decorate it?’

‘What, string a few lights around that,’ she quipped, and he grinned. ‘It’ll take us about five minutes.’

‘I don’t care,’ he said softly. ‘I’d still like to decorate it with you. I’ll even make us hot chocolate.’

‘Decorate the tree even though you won’t be here for Christmas?’

‘Yes, even though I won’t be here for Christmas.’ He paused, his words a breath against her cheek, landing like kisses on her skin, his mouth still tantalisingly close to hers. ‘We really messed up at Catz, didn’t we? So many missed opportunities.’

‘Yes. We were so young,’ she whispered back. His words from last night were in her mind again, etched on her heart too. That he still cared, and she knew it was the same for her. ‘I was scared of admitting I’d fallen in love with you. Scared of trusting you.’

‘I was frightened too,’ he admitted. ‘Worried that if my dad didn’t love me enough to stay then why would anyone else?’

‘Oli.’ Erin’s breath caught and she placed a hand either side of his face, the beard gentle and rough all at once against her palms. ‘Never think that, because it’s not true.

Not for you. Your dad loves you. Mine didn’t, and I won’t let that define my life forever.

’ She was thinking of Imogen and Alex’s party and Oli being there alone, not having a partner to stand alongside him and hold his hand when he needed it.

‘I can’t promise, not until I’ve cleared it with Gil, and then there’s Marnie to consider,’ she said quietly. ‘But would you like me to drive you down to Marlborough on Saturday?’