Chapter Forty-Eight
Judging by Lexi’s excited face and the piles of presents in the front room, Santa most certainly had been to Primrose Cottage.
There was a singing teddy bear already mid-serenade, a purple scooter — still waiting to be assembled, a football, crayons, books and a toy guitar.
Lexi was wide-eyed and beaming while Murray and Carolyn looked quite startled.
‘It was an early start,’ said Carolyn, yawning. ‘I think I need more coffee.’
Jessica laughed as she glanced at her brother who looked as though he was ready to lob the singing bear out the window. ‘No wonder Mum and Dad went home for a wee rest.’
‘Yes, I think we must have worn them out. Or at least the bloody bear did,’ Murray said drily. ‘I think it will be having a rest soon, too, if I get my way.’
‘Think you’re going to need a shipping container to get this back to Melbourne,’ said Reuben.
‘Indeed,’ said Murray. He was smiling now at Lexi, who had picked up the guitar and was trying to play it.
‘Mum and Dad wanted to get her a keyboard,’ said Jessica.
‘Things could have been a whole lot noisier.’ She looked at her brother who looked alarmed at the suggestion then relieved that they hadn’t actually got it.
‘Which is why we’ve brought you some small and thoughtful gifts,’ teased Jessica.
Although she and Reuben had brought their presents separately, she knew what he had for Lexi.
They sat down on the rug near the tree and she reached into the gift bag beside her and pulled out a carefully wrapped parcel, passing it to Lexi. ‘This is for you,’ she said with a smile.
Lexi’s small hands tore at the gold and silver paper excitedly. When she pulled out the fairy costume — a swirl of sparkles and delicate lilac chiffon — she squealed. ‘Fairy dress,’ she announced to the room. She immediately started to twirl the wand around and point it at them all.
‘And here is another wee thing for you, poppet.’ Jessica passed another gold package to Lexi who immediately opened it. She grinned when she saw what was inside. ‘Book.’
‘Not just any book. It’s a Katie Morag book,’ said Carolyn excitedly when she saw what it was.
The Katie Morag books were about Katie, a feisty, red-headed girl who lived with her family on the magical Scottish Island of Struay.
‘And she looks a bit like you, Lexi, doesn’t she?
She has the same colour hair as you and me too,’ said Jessica.
Then she looked at Carolyn and Murray. ‘I just thought I’d keep my niece in touch with her Scottish roots.
And the woman in the new bookshop recommended it.
Even though she’s maybe still a wee bit young.
But if she likes it there are loads more. And I know you love reading to her.’
‘I do. Thanks so much,’ said Carolyn. ‘That was so thoughtful of you.’
‘Tank you,’ said Lexi throwing her arms around Jessica.
‘You are welcome, Lexi, and maybe I can begin to read it to you later?’
Lexi clapped her hands together in delight.
Then it was Reuben’s turn to give Lexi her gift. He passed her a small parcel, wrapped in shiny red paper with a green bow.
Lexi unwrapped it carefully and giggled when she saw what was inside. It was a pair of bright, noisy maracas which she immediately started to shake vigorously.
’A brave choice,’ Jessica said, grinning at him. Then she caught sight of her brother across the room. He shot Reuben a look.
‘Thanks so much, you’re a real pal,’ said Murray sarcastically. ‘Just what every household needs.’
Reuben chuckled. ‘You’re very welcome. Between that, the guitar and the singing bear you could have quite the band.’
‘Maybe the keyboard would have been useful after all,’ said Jessica teasingly.
They sat for a while laughing and drinking coffee, while Lexi tried on her fairy costume and danced around in front of the tree.
After the adults exchanged their gifts, Jessica noticed the time.
‘Oh-oh,’ she said. ‘Time to get back and check the turkey. I don’t want to be responsible for ruining Christmas dinner.
And mum will start getting twitchy and try and do it herself given half the chance. ’
‘I’ll come shortly and give you a hand,’ said Murray glancing over at Lexi and Carolyn who were both yawning. ‘I think I’ll let you two have a nap.’
‘I’d better head off and see my dad now,’ said Reuben glancing outside. ‘But I won’t be long. Then I’ll be back to help.’
They gathered their things together and made the short walk back to Thistle Cottage, Reuben reaching for her hand.
She glanced down, surprised but pleased, and gave his hand a squeeze.
Jessica smiled, content, looking forward to the rest of the day.
It was turning out to be the perfect Christmas Day.