Page 39 of Christmas at the Home Farm Vets (Hartfell Village #2)

The thought of the practice without Gil, even for just two weeks, was making her nervous too.

Although she’d been qualified for seven years, this was her first winter here and she was still getting used to the clients and the location.

But she also very much appreciated his experience and his willingness to share it in support of her own career growth.

She was elated that he trusted and valued her, and wanted her to step up.

But there was fear too, that she’d fail because she wasn’t ready for such a role.

‘Wow, thank you. I really appreciate your confidence and trust in me.’ She landed on the first question in her mind. ‘When are you thinking of going?’

‘Tomorrow, actually, so we’d be there for Christmas Eve.

We’d be flying back on the second.’ Gil picked up his coffee and finished it.

‘I’m sorry, Erin, I know that doesn’t give you much warning.

If you’re not comfortable with it, then Craig Blackwood, who was one of my partners at the practice in town, would be prepared to step in, I’m certain.

He wouldn’t be here day to day, but he’d act as senior vet if that’s what you’d prefer.

And we will be closed for the bank holidays, apart from out-of-hours. ’

And tomorrow was Oli’s last working day here. Already his three weeks were almost over, and Erin couldn’t believe how quickly that had come around. She was in no way ready for that, and she refocused sharply as Gil continued.

‘Irrespective of my trip, Gabi and I have arranged to continue with the agency cover for out of hours until mid-January at least. Obviously you and Oli are covering some of it, and I think it would be good to have two vets on call once we get into lambing season.’ Gil ran a hand over his jaw, eyes flickering over his phone as it lit up, and he swiped the notification away.

‘I’d like to ask Oli to stay on until I get back, and maybe through lambing season as well if he’s interested.

Like you he’s a team player, great with clients and even Dorothy’s offered the occasional compliment.

And if he agrees, it will mean that he’d still need somewhere to stay.

I realise this is a lot to ask you over Christmas, but would you be happy to continue hosting him? ’

‘I’m fine with all of those things,’ she replied steadily, trying to subdue a rush of joy.

The adrenaline was receding now, and she was thinking more clearly.

She didn’t have to consider whether Oli should stay, they needed him.

But he had made plans for Christmas, and much as she longed for him to spend the holidays with her, she didn’t want to be in the way of his family arrangements.

‘That’s brilliant, Erin, thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it, and Pippa will too, she’s so excited about having both our families together.

’ Gil leaned back and eased out a long breath.

‘So when I get back, you and I need to sit down and have a proper three-month review, but as far as I’m concerned that’s a formality.

I couldn’t be happier, and I have no concerns.

But if you do, then we can talk about them before I leave. ’

‘No, I’m fine. I love it here, it’s exactly what I was looking for.’ Warmth was stealing through her at Gil’s words. This was where she wanted to be, making a life on which she could depend. ‘I promise to do my best not to let you or the practice down.’

‘That’s great, I’m delighted. And I know you will, I don’t doubt you.

’ Gil reached across the desk, and they shook hands firmly, and Erin laughed.

Her life had taken an unexpected turn in the last two days and this one felt brighter still, filled with excitement and promise.

And pressure, there would be plenty of that.

‘Craig is a good friend, and he will absolutely help you out should you need him. And don’t forget I’m only a call or a Skype away, you can contact me anytime, day or night.’

‘I hope I won’t have to, but thank you.’ Erin was trying to remain professional, but it was hard in the face of anticipation of more time with Oli.

This was another step in her career plan.

She tried to ignore the little voice reminding her that she didn’t have everything she wanted in Hartfell.

Because eventually Oli would leave, and she’d stay to grow her career and remain close to her family.

‘So let’s pass on the news to the staff when they come in, and you and I need to go through the diary.’ Gil had saved Lola some of his bacon buttie and she wolfed it down, staring up at him with hopeful eyes. ‘Sorry, Lola, that’s your lot.’

An hour later he broke the news and to Erin it still sounded incredible, almost unreal, that she was now effectively senior vet.

She’d been preparing herself for this ever since she’d arrived at university with little in her pocket but a strong work ethic and a lifelong desire to care for animals, but it was still astounding to realise it was now in her grasp.

‘Erin, that’s fantastic. I’m so pleased for you, and you’ll be brilliant.

’ Oli was the first to step forward and she thrust out a hand in case he was thinking of hugging her.

She would definitely have appreciated one right now, though, the certainty of his arms tight around her and letting her know she was up to the challenge.

The rest of the staff offered their own congratulations and support in turn, and Jess did hug her.

‘Oli, Erin and I would like a word before you head out please.’ Gil pointed to a chair as everyone else trooped out, and another blast of adrenaline shot through Erin when he looked at her. ‘Would you like to take the lead on this?’

‘Of course.’ She drew in a breath; it was one thing to spend half the weekend making love with Oli; it was quite another to face him across a desk and keep those intimate and meaningful moments they’d shared together private.

‘We’d like to ask you to stay on until Gil gets back, possibly into lambing season as well.

Of course you may have other plans, and it would impact your own with family for Christmas, so I’m sure you need some time to think about it.

I’d be happy for you to stay at the cottage. ’

She stopped talking lest her expression was doing it for her. It was so difficult to look at him and pretend they hadn’t shared a lingering kiss before she’d left home earlier.

‘I don’t need time to think about it; I’m more than happy to accept. I haven’t made any plans for January yet and I’d love to stay on.’

‘But what about your family?’ she rushed out.

Her heart was aching that she and Gil had presented him with a difficult choice, and for a fleeting moment she wished things were different, that work hadn’t suddenly stepped between them in a way she hadn’t seen coming.

‘Won’t they mind not seeing you for Christmas? ’

‘I’m sure we can catch up in the new year.’ His eyes caught hers and she read the glimpse of pleasure amongst the professionalism, the realisation that Gil’s sudden new plans would give them more time together over the holidays, too. ‘And you need me here.’

That much was true, and it would be almost impossible to find a new locum in time, especially one who fitted so well into their small team.

He shared in the fun, he made them laugh and Erin had seen time and again that he was an outstanding vet who had boundless compassion for his patients.

And he was so good with Marnie, and she knew he was as attached to her as she was.

Gil shook Oli’s hand delightedly, and after Erin had thanked him too she made her escape.

She had a full list this morning and needed to get on.

It was evening before she saw Oli again and she was at home when he arrived, sitting on the floor playing with Marnie.

The kitten liked to leap onto the sofa and stalk along the back with an important air before sliding down the other arm.

Oli had left chicken, chorizo and peppers in the slow cooker this morning and Erin added rice to finish it off.

It smelled wonderful and she was hungry after an early start and a busy day, with clients making last-minute appointments before the practice closed for the holidays.

She would be on call on Christmas Day, with Oli taking Boxing Day.

This wasn’t anything new, but at least her mum would be here to share the day with them, and Erin had booked the luxury of a taxi for Heather to make sure of it.

They ate with plates on their knees after she’d fed Marnie, who’d fallen asleep in her bed, tired after racing around. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and Erin was hoping the snow on the way wouldn’t impact their work too much.

‘How are you feeling, after seeing your dad yesterday?’ She put her empty plate aside and he did the same. Other than on the drive home, when he’d been quiet and reflective, they hadn’t had any more opportunity to talk about this.

‘I’m okay, thanks.’ He leaned back, letting his head rest against the sofa.

‘It’s hard though, after years of believing it was Dad’s fault their marriage ended to suddenly find out that it wasn’t him at all.

And if I’m honest, I’m sad for all of us because I think the truth would have hurt less.

And Mum, all those years with Gillian. Imogen messaged me and said she suspected but it wasn’t obvious.

I think I was too busy being angry at Dad after Mum died to see it, so what does that say about me? ’

‘It says you were hurt and trying to protect yourself,’ Erin said gently. ‘Please don’t beat yourself up about your mum. She never found a way to tell you and maybe she thought that was for the best. From what your dad said she was happy, and he’s happy too, with Christina.’

‘Yeah. I’m glad he has that, because I’ve blamed him for so long.’

‘I’m sorry that work has got in the way of your Christmas with them.’ Erin found his hand to hold it; she simply couldn’t not. ‘Imogen’s going to be disappointed.’

‘They’re used to it,’ he said lightly. ‘We haven’t done Christmas together in a long time. Hopefully we can do it next year.’

‘But what about you?’

‘I’m fine, we’ll be busy and you need me here,’ he said firmly. ‘Like I said, I don’t do much to celebrate.’

‘Well, at least you can thank Marnie for not having to live in a holiday movie set,’ Erin told him, and he laughed. ‘And of course you’re welcome to share in everything Mum and I do.’

‘Like what?’ he said suspiciously.

‘Christmas lunch and something on telly, then probably a board game and a movie.’ It would be strange to spend the day without her grandparents, but that was their choice, and she couldn’t push them.

Her nan would be cooking lunch at home come hell or high water, run off her feet and loving every minute.

Joyce always said she’d never step aside while she had breath in her body and two legs to keep her upright.

‘That doesn’t sound too bad. I think I can cope.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘Erin, I really am thrilled about your role at the practice whilst Gil’s away. I know you’ll be excellent, and I’ll support you totally.’

‘Thank you, that’s lovely and I so appreciate it.

’ She took a deep breath; there was something she needed to say, and she was dreading it.

‘But I have been thinking, about you and me. If you agree, I think we should put our relationship on hold until Gil gets back. And that you should stay in your own room for now. We’re so new, and I really can’t afford any distractions whilst he’s away. ’

‘You’re not serious?’ Oli shifted a shoulder to stare at her.

‘Because I don’t have any problem with you being my senior at the practice if that’s what’s concerning you.

I understand that we have to be careful, but we’re both adults here, and more than capable of doing our jobs, even if we do feel a lot more than professional respect towards one another.

’ He paused. ‘The last couple of nights with you have been incredible, and of course I want that again. I want us to fall asleep together after making love, to wake up in the morning with you beside me. And I want the hand holding, the laughter and the coming home together.’

‘But you won’t be here, not forever,’ she burst out, unwilling to let such thoughts settle in her mind.

She wanted all that too, but she didn’t see how they could have it, not when his own plans were so uncertain.

‘You’re leaving, Oli, and we both knew that settling down isn’t what you want.

My life is here, my family, my career, my home, Marnie.

My everything, and I can’t just take off when I feel like it.

Are you seriously saying that you’d settle here, in this house, so we can be together? ’

‘And what if I am?’

Erin’s shoulders crumpled and she couldn’t allow herself to believe it, not really.

Not when her mind was full of the coming days at the practice, and the thought of being senior vet was still making her stomach swoop.

‘That’s not something we should talk about now.

Please, Oli, let me do my job, and if you still feel the same way in January we can discuss it then. ’