Page 40 of Home This Christmas

THIRTY-FIVE

I slip into a deep sleep, wrapped in Nathan’s arms, before waking in the early hours of the morning.

I manage to quietly swing my leg over the bed, and slip on Nathan’s long T-shirt, before I use the bathroom and quietly head to the kitchen.

It’s a little after seven in the morning, and from the kitchen window, I take in the glorious sunrise appearing above the fields. A barn is silhouetted in the early morning sun, as a flock of birds fly overhead. It’s all so calming and peaceful.

Just then, a robin jumps onto the window ledge outside the kitchen window and startles me. I suddenly recall the blackbird flying through the window the first time Nathan showed me the cottage. Little did I know then that I would be spending the night here.

I flick the kettle on, before rummaging in a cupboard. I find some muesli, so carefully open the kitchen window, and the cheeky robin stays put as I place some seeds onto the windowsill.

I think of all the people who believe the appearance of a robin means someone you love is near, and briefly think about my dad.

‘You will never get rid of him now,’ Nathan says as he appears in the kitchen, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

‘Why would I want to? He is just adorable.’ I watch the robin enjoying the unexpected treat.

‘Just like you.’ He pulls me to him and kisses the top of my head. ‘You okay?’ he asks.

‘Just fine,’ I say, sinking into his embrace. ‘You?’

‘Couldn’t be better.’ He smiles just as the kettle flicks off. ‘I’ll make the tea,’ he says. ‘We can take it back to bed if you like.’

After taking a shower, I receive a text from Marilyn, telling me how much she enjoyed seeing me again, and hoping I had a pleasant journey. I give her a quick call.

‘Actually, Marilyn, I never quite made it home. Again.’

‘Oh my goodness, is everything alright? You haven’t fallen again?’ she asks with concern.

‘Not exactly.’

I wonder why I feel like a teenager who is about to tell their mother she has a boyfriend.

‘I am staying at the accommodation on Nathan’s farm. I would have called you later.’

‘I see,’ she says, and I picture her grinning knowingly. ‘So will you be here for Christmas?’

‘I might be,’ I tell her. ‘And it means I will certainly be here tomorrow for the council announcement.’

‘Well, I think it’s wonderful. You and Nathan, I mean,’ she says kindly. ‘I always thought you two were made for each other.’

‘Thank you, Marilyn. Will I see you later at the market?’

‘You will indeed. The church choir will be singing, and I will be handing out the church newsletter with details of our Christmas services.’

‘Never one to miss an opportunity, hey,’ I say, and she giggles.

‘Absolutely. See you later, then. I am thrilled you are staying on.’