CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Snow fluttered down outside the window of the dress shop. Lily came hurrying through from the back of the shop. The smile on her face told Mirren that the phone calls to the boutique and other clothes shop had been a success.
Mirren sat at her sewing machine, but stopped mending the dress she was working on to hear Lily’s news.
‘The boutique wants me to pop round and have a chat with them this afternoon. They want to show me the range of dresses and skirts that they sell, but they’re keen to stock my designs.’ Lily sounded delighted. ‘I’ve had a look at their website and their boutique is lovely. And it’s right here in Edinburgh.’
‘Oh, that’s great. I’m so pleased for you.’ Mirren beamed with joy and relief.
‘And,’ Lily emphasised. ‘The clothes shop have placed an initial order for my new designs. I sent them pictures of my illustrations, and recent patterns I’ve made, and they want a small selection. If they sell well, they’ll order regularly from me.’
Mirren stood up and they clasped hands. ‘This is wonderful.’
They jumped up and down, smiling and giggling.
The kettle was put on for tea to celebrate.
‘I was going to follow my heart,’ Lily told Mirren, setting the cups up. ‘Even before this news came through, I’d decided I didn’t want to leave Edinburgh. I was going to take a chance on building my business here.’
Lily had almost decided the previous night when she was working on Frazer’s waistcoat, having time to think while she sat at her sewing machine late into the evening. The early morning walk in the snow had cleared any last doubts she’d had. But she planned to work throughout the day and that evening before sending a message to turn the job down. Now, she was about to send a polite refusal to their offer before the kettle boiled.
The sense of relief that Lily felt made her smile.
Drinking their tea, they worked happily in the shop, sewing and mending, making plans for Christmas and now the New Year, until it was time for Lily to head out to the boutique.
Frazer pinned a poster up in reception to promote the winter ball. Then he stepped behind the desk and updated the studio’s website to include a picture of the poster.
Two clients came in for their lesson with Dougal and Victoria. They saw the poster and smiled in anticipation at Frazer.
‘Are the tickets available yet for the winter ball?’ one of them said to him.
‘Yes, they’re officially on sale now,’ Frazer confirmed.
‘We’ll take two tickets.’
Frazer confirmed this, and then Dougal came down from upstairs and led them away for their lesson.
Here we go, Frazer thought to himself, feeling the winter ball follow close on the heels of the Christmas Eve one. He had the venue, the date and times, the posters and tickets printed. Now he had to organise the buffet, again catered for by the cafe next door, and select the music.
While he had a gap in his schedule, he went next door to the cafe to chat to the owners about the buffet. He wanted to give them plenty of time to plan the menu.
Frazer sat at his usual window table going over several menu options. The owners were pleased to cater for the winter ball, and were full of great suggestions for the buffet. He left with a handful of menu choices to consider.
Another task done, Frazer went back to the studio to teach his scheduled lesson. All the while, thoughts of Lily kept drifting through his mind, and as she wasn’t booked for a lesson that evening, he found himself wondering if he should contact her anyway.
Shaking his full concentration back to the lesson, he continued teaching. The hour went in quickly, and was followed by another hour of teaching another couple. His day was booked solid, but he was thankful to be kept busy.
Everyone was talking about the snow, enjoying the festive feeling of it.
The afternoon light lingered longer than usual, illuminating the vast sky, and the snow glistened on the streets and buildings.
Frazer peered out the window of the studio as he waved two clients off, and wondered if Lily’s dressmaking day was going well.
Lily headed out into the snowy afternoon, wrapped up in her warm coat, scarf and boots. Her breath filtered out into the icy air as she walked briskly to the boutique, armed with a sketch book of her latest designs tucked into her bag.
It wasn’t too far to walk to the boutique, and she enjoyed being out in what looked like a Christmas picture postcard. Twinkle lights and decorations glittered all around and lots of people were out doing their gift–buying, creating a bustling and cheery atmosphere.
The windows of the boutique were aglow with lights and there were lovely evening and party dresses on display as she approached.
Lily stopped to admire the display for a moment before opening the door and stepping inside to chat to the owners.
The afternoon had deepened to a snowy twilight by the time Lily emerged from the boutique. Their chat had gone better than she’d hoped, with an order being placed for several of Lily’s dress designs and a reasonable deadline in the New Year to supply them. They had their stock for Christmas, and were planning ahead, wanting gorgeous dresses for the New Year.
Although tempted to go for a wander round the shops to burn off some of the happy energy sparking through her, she walked back to the dress shop to tell Mirren the good news and help with the day’s online orders that needed packed and ready to be picked up by the courier.
Festive music filtered from the various shops, cafes and eateries, putting Lily even more in the mood for Christmas.
The air was crisp and her boots crunched on the frosted ground, but there was a lightness to her steps, and it felt as if a weight had been lifted even further from her shoulders now that she knew she was staying in Edinburgh.
Lily smiled as she approached the dress shop, seeing Mirren lit up in the window putting another party dress on a mannequin. The sales of the dresses were constant, and so far, almost everything that had been in the window was bought up.
Mirren waved out to her. Lily smiled, indicating the boutique meeting had gone well.
Lily relayed everything that had happened at the boutique as they packed the online orders.
‘Sales have been great,’ said Mirren. ‘People are buying up bargain dresses for parties and Christmas. Some as gifts too.’
Two customers came in as the courier collected the parcels. Mirren and Lily served them, and there was a sense of excitement in the shop.
‘Are you going to tell Frazer your news?’ Mirren said as they started to close up for the day.
‘I’d like to tell him personally, rather than send him a message. But I don’t have a dance lesson tonight. I won’t see him until tomorrow night.’
Mirren gave her a look.
‘You’re right. He’ll still be wondering if I’ve decided to leave Edinburgh.’ Lily sent him a message:
I’m not leaving. I’ve accepted other offers for my designs based in Edinburgh. Will explain when I see you tomorrow night .
Frazer was instructing at the dance studio and didn’t know he had a message from Lily.
He was due to finish soon, and planned to have something to eat in the cafe next door before teaching later that night.
As he concluded the lesson, and the clients left the studio, he checked his phone and saw he had a message from Lily. He read it and smiled, and phoned her rather than send a message.
Lily had just gone upstairs after locking up the shop when Mirren left. She was in the kitchen, wondering what to make for her dinner when Frazer phoned.
‘I got your message.’ Frazer sounded delighted. ‘So you’re not leaving Edinburgh?’ He needed to confirm that this was correct.
‘That’s right. The other offers came through today, but I’d had a chance last night and early this morning to consider the job and I’d decided it wasn’t for me. I planned to follow my heart. And right now, it’s here, working in the shop with Mirren, building my dressmaking business in Edinburgh. The new offers were a bonus. But having made the decision, it felt right. There’s so much to talk about. I had a meeting this afternoon with a fashion boutique.’
‘I’d like to hear about the new offers. What are you doing? Have you had dinner?’ he said.
‘No, I was about to make dinner. I’ve just finished working in the shop. I was planning a cosy night in dressmaking.’
‘Would you like to have dinner with me? I’m about to have a light meal in the cafe before teaching again tonight.’ He glanced out the window at the snowy evening. ‘Unless you’d rather stay in and keep warm. It’s a cold night.’
‘I’d love to have dinner. Any excuse to be outside in the snow is fine by me.’ She sounded chirpy.
‘Great. Come up when you’re ready. I’ll be in the cafe. Window seat.’
‘I’m on my way.’ Lily put her coat and boots on, left the Christmas tree lit, headed downstairs and then stepped out into the cold.
The snow sparkled on the street as she walked briskly up to the cafe, enjoying being out in the winter’s night. She’d always loved nights like this, feeling the sense of adventure it brought with it. Tonight, there was a real sense of excitement as she headed up to have dinner with Frazer.
His heart reacted when he looked out the window and saw Lily walking towards the cafe. He waved to her and she smiled at him and headed inside.
Frazer stood up as she was seated at his table and handed a menu.
‘Thanks for coming up on such a cold night,’ he said. ‘I’m excited to hear your news.’
Lily breathed deeply, feeling herself relax a little. ‘It’s been quite a day.’ And now an evening, having dinner with Frazer. It’s not a date, date, she reminded herself. It’s just a friendly dinner. She looked at the menu. ‘But we should order first so that you have time to have dinner before heading through to instruct your next lesson.’
Frazer nodded and decided quite quickly what he wanted for dinner as a member of staff took his order. ‘I’ll have the winter casserole with mashed potatoes.’
‘I’ll have the same.’ She smiled at Frazer. ‘That sounds tasty.’
While they waited for the dinner to be served, Lily told him about the new deals she’d been offered and accepted.
Their meal was served as she got to the part about the clothes shop placing an order for her new designs.
‘I’m delighted for you,’ said Frazer. ‘And it’s great that you’re staying in Edinburgh.’
‘Mirren’s happy and so is Bert, and I feel that I’ve made the right decision not to leave. I feel I can breathe, and relax, and enjoy Christmas and New Year, even though I’ll be busy.’
‘Does that mean you’ll be available to attend the winter ball?’ he said, tucking into his mashed potatoes.
‘It does.’ She smiled. ‘Though I suppose I’ll need another ballgown.’
‘Maybe another two ballgowns.’ Frazer threw this number into the conversation and then continued to eat his dinner.
Lily looked over at him. ‘Two ballgowns? Are you planning a spring ball now?’
Frazer shrugged. ‘That’s not a bad idea, and I’ll probably plan something for the spring. But Wil, the professional dancer I’ve mentioned to you a few times has invited me to a celebratory event, like a ball, in his dance studio in the small town up the coast in January. The invitation has a plus one. I wondered if you’d like to come with me. Not as my date. I know you’re not looking for romance over Christmas and New Year.’
She noted this was the first time he hadn’t included that he wasn’t looking for romance either. Brushing this aside, her heart fluttered with excitement. ‘I’d love to go.’
‘It’s not far. Once we drive across the bridge, it’s a pleasant coastal road up to the town. The dancing should be great. You’ll have a chance to practise your repertoire.’
Lily laughed.
They continued to eat their dinner.
‘I’ll have finished all my dance lessons by then,’ she said.
‘There’s always something new to learn. I’ve yet to spin you around the dance floor in a Viennese waltz.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘That would be a great opener for the winter ball.’
‘Oh, so I’m opening the winter ball now with you too,’ she said lightly.
‘Sorry, I’m just getting used to the idea that you’re staying.’
‘So am I. I’ve lots of ideas for my dressmaking designs.’
‘I can’t imagine how you even begin to design a dress,’ he said.
Lily explained about starting with a pencil drawing and then inking an illustration. ‘I’ll show you the next time you’re down at the shop. If you’re interested,’ she added.
‘I am.’ He was interested in learning about Lily’s world of designing.
‘I phoned Heather just before we closed the shop to tell her I’ll make the three ballgowns for the new show at the theatre.’
‘Another arena to extend your designer talent into. Theatre costumes.’
‘It sounds so glamorous.’
‘It is,’ said Frazer. ‘The choreography I’m working on for the new show merits gorgeous dresses.’
He made it sound thrilling. And more than anything, he made her feel part of the world of dance and theatre, his world, and now it was hers too.
‘You’re frowning,’ he said, smiling at her.
She sighed. ‘I’m just a bit discombobulated. It’s been a whirlwind few days.’
‘Get your dancing shoes ready for a few more. You have another lesson with me tomorrow night. And it’s almost Christmas Eve.’
‘Time for the ball.’
He nodded. ‘What about your pink ballgown? Are you going to take it away and then arrive wearing it?’
‘I hadn’t thought. I suppose so.’ She pictured getting ready in her flat.
‘You’re welcome to get dressed at the studio,’ he offered. ‘Victoria is doing that so she’s available to help with any last minute chaos. We’re well–organised, but there are always gremlins in the works.’
‘I’d be happy to help on the night of the ball. I could get dressed there too, along with Victoria.’ This made sense. Mirren was arriving with Bert. It would save any fuss getting there with them.
‘That would be great. Everything is well–planned. The buffet. The music. But guest arriving would probably love to meet you. Lots of them will have seen you dancing in the videos on the website.’
Lily nodded. ‘Okay, I’ll get dressed at the studio.’
Agreeing on this, they finished their dinner. Frazer settled the bill as it was time for him to leave to teach the next lesson.
They walked out into the freezing cold night.
‘Thanks for dinner.’
‘What do you plan to do now?’ he said.
‘Cosy into my living room and enjoy an evening of sewing.’
‘What are you making?’
Your waistcoat, she thought to herself. ‘A nice item made from brocade, silk and satin.’
‘Sounds classy.’
‘It is.’ She tugged up the collar of her coat.
‘I won’t keep you standing in the cold. Have a nice relaxing evening, Lily.’
‘I’ll see you tomorrow night for my lesson.’
She would never know how hard he fought the urge to reach over and give her the warmest hugs, so pleased that she was staying in Edinburgh. Instead, he smiled and waved breezily as he headed into the studio and she walked away down the street to the shop.
Snow began to flutter down and Lily slowed her pace from brisk to a meander to enjoy the snowy night.
Arriving back at the shop, she got changed into her comfy clothes, set up her sewing machine and continued making Frazer’s waistcoat. While she worked, she rewound the events of the day and her dinner with him at the cafe. The invitation to Wil’s event, and helping out at the Christmas Eve ball. It would soon be time for the ball, and she felt the excitement flutter through her every time she thought about dancing with Frazer.
She finally snipped the last thread as she finished the waistcoat. Well, almost. It needed buttons.
Heading downstairs to the shop, by the glow of the twinkle lights, she lifted the large jar of buttons that Mirren kept on the shelf. It was originally a vintage sweetie jar and Mirren kept any spare buttons from the pre–loved dresses or other items and used them when needed.
Lily scrambled around in the jar and found five vintage buttons that matched and were perfect for the tailored waistcoat. She’d already finished the buttonholes, and held the buttons up to the waistcoat trying them for size. Nodding to herself, she put the jar back on the shelf and went upstairs to hand sew the buttons on.
A short time later, she hung the finished waistcoat on a hanger.
Making herself a cup of tea, she then set about working on her new designs, sketching them on her notepad, inking two, and searching through her fabric stash for samples of material to mix and match the colours and textures. She loved this process.
It was fairly late in the night when she went to bed and watched the snow fluttering down outside the window. Another snowy night, and another snowy day due in the morning.
The next few days and evenings were a whirlwind of dressmaking, dancing and excitement.
The dress shop closed at five on December twenty–third, giving Lily and Mirren a chance to get ready for the season’s festivities — and the Christmas Eve ball.
Lily had taken the last of her dance lessons with Frazer, and now it was time to put her waltzing skills on show on stage.
On Christmas Eve she wrapped up warm and walked up to the studio in plenty of time for the ball. It had snowed the past few days and Edinburgh looked magical sprinkled with glistening snow and frost.
The lights from the studio shone out, casting a welcoming glow, and Lily felt the anticipation build as she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Festive music was playing and the warmth wrapped itself around her. She could hear Frazer’s voice advising the caterers about the buffet as she hung her coat up in the cloakroom. Then she changed out of her boots into her gold shoes, and noticed that there were only two ballgowns left hanging in the shop. The beautiful blue one for Victoria. And the fairytale pink for her.
‘Lily, you’re here,’ Victoria said, coming through from the main studio. ‘Do you want to get changed into our ballgowns?’
‘Yes, let’s do that.’
Grabbing the dresses, they went through to the changing room and put the ballgowns on, helping each other. Lily and Victoria had both styled their hair ready, and applied their makeup. Lily wore her hair down, silky smooth, pinned up at the sides with diamante clasps. Victoria wore her hair in a similar style.
Lily applied her lipstick and looked at herself in the mirror. This was it. The night of the ball was finally here.
‘Guests should be arriving soon,’ said Victoria, leading Lily through to the studio. ‘We just need to be available to help if needed, but so far, everything is running according to plan.’
Lily and Victoria walked into the studio, causing Frazer to stop talking to the caterers.
He’d seen Lily wearing the pink ballgown before, but she looked particularly beautiful and his heart melted just seeing her.
‘You both look beautiful,’ Frazer said, walking over to welcome Lily.
Frazer wore an expensive and well–tailored black suit, white shirt and bow tie, as did Dougal.
Victoria went over to chat to Dougal, leaving Lily standing there with Frazer.
‘You look very smart in your suit,’ Lily said to him. His hair was swept back, but a few unruly strands fell over his forehead, refusing to be tamed. He looked so handsome, and she was tempted to tell him, but kept this comment to herself.
‘Would you like something to drink or eat from the buffet?’ Frazer gestured over to the lavish spread that was set up on the tables along one side of the studio. ‘Have you had dinner?’
‘I skipped dinner. I was too excited, and I thought I’d have something to eat at the buffet later.’
‘I’m the same. The day has been a total whirlwind. In an exciting way.’
‘Guests are starting to arrive,’ Dougal called over to Frazer.
‘Let’s welcome them, shall we?’ Frazer smiled at Lily and they walked over to greet the first group of guests.
Lily glanced around at the decor, the Christmas tree, and the twinkle lights as the studio started to fill with people, eager to enjoy the ball. Everyone had dressed to impress, and there were ballgowns galore, fabulous evening wear and a sense that they’d all made an effort to dress well.
Mirren and Bert arrived, and waved over to Lily, then joined Ivy and Bob, chatting to them, and to Heather and others. The radio presenter was there too.
Mari wore the yellow ballgown and arrived with Huntly. Niall was with them. Frazer introduced Lily to Wil when he arrived with his girlfriend, Delphie, and her grandparents, Delphine and Billy.
‘Lily has agreed to go with me to your event in January,’ Frazer said to Wil.
‘I’m glad to meet you, Lily, and I’m looking forward to you coming along to the dance,’ Wil said to her.
Couples were starting to dance around. Some of them had been taking lessons at the studio and were showing their partners what they’d learned.
‘We’d better make the opening announcement,’ Frazer said to Lily, leading her away and up on to the stage.
‘Good evening,’ Frazer said, grabbing everyone’s attention. ‘Welcome to our Christmas Eve ball. It’s the first of many events we’re planning to hold at the studio. The winter ball is already scheduled for January, so if you enjoy this evening, I hope you’ll come along to that night too.’
Applause erupted from the guests, everyone eager to participate, and particularly keen to see Frazer dance.
‘To open the ball, I’m dancing the waltz with Lily. She’s recently taken a course in ballroom dancing with me at the studio.’ He smiled and concluded. ‘I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve ball with us tonight.’
The music began, and the lighting was already set.
Frazer took her in hold. ‘You really do look beautiful tonight, Lily,’ he whispered as they began.
Lily’s heart was thundering, hoping she didn’t stumble or mess up the steps, but once she felt Frazer’s reassuring hold, and the way he made her feel when she was dancing with him, something in her clicked. As if her world had righted itself into the place she was meant to be, with the man she was falling in love with.
Since she’d met Frazer, she’d held herself back from becoming romantically involved with him, for various reasons, and rightly so she thought. But now that things felt settled...maybe there was a chance for romance this Christmas.
Frazer was aware that all eyes were on them waltzing up on the stage, but he only gazed at Lily. As they danced, he felt his heart ache, wanting to be with her, to tell her how much he cared for her. He’d been trying to hold himself back from falling in love with her. But he did love Lily. Now he hoped she’d give him a chance for them to be together.
As the waltz continued, Victoria and Dougal started to waltz, down on the dance floor, encouraging the guests to join in.
Soon everyone was waltzing to the wonderful music, while Lily and Frazer danced on stage.
Come on, Frazer urged himself. Tell Lily how you feel. There would surely be no better romantic moment than right now.
Holding her close, he gazed down at her. ‘I have to tell you that I’m falling in love with you.’
Her smile gave him the response he’d hoped for.
‘I feel the same about you,’ she said.
Leaning down, as they waltzed, he kissed her.
Lily’s heart melted as they shared their first kiss, filled with romance and love.
They waltzed on until the end of the song, but Frazer’s loving embrace assured her their romance was just beginning.
The ball continued to sparkle with joy and laughter — and dancing throughout the night.
As promised, Mirren danced with Dougal, and they chatted about recipes while they waltzed.
Lily waltzed with Bert, and with Dougal, and several others including Huntly and Niall — and Wil.
But Frazer kept coming back to dance with Lily, until it was time for him to dance the quickstep with Victoria.
Everyone applauded, enjoying Frazer and Victoria’s performance.
Later, Dougal and Victoria danced the Paso doble. Applause erupted after they finished.
The Christmas Eve ball continued until just after midnight. Guests cheered and wished each other a merry Christmas before starting to head home.
‘Bert and I would offer you a lift back to the shop,’ Mirren whispered to Lily. ‘But I think Frazer will want to walk you home.’
Lily smiled and nodded.
‘We’ll see you for Christmas dinner,’ said Mirren.
‘Yes.’ Lily gave Mirren a hug, and Bert, as they headed away.
When the last of the guests had left, and the caterers had cleared the buffet away, Frazer started to turn the lights off and secure the studio. Everyone else had gone. Lily had changed out of her ballgown and dancing shoes, and into her warm clothes, coat and boots, ready to walk down to the shop.
Frazer switched the lights off in reception and they stepped outside.
‘It’s snowing,’ said Lily, holding her hands up to feel the flakes falling down.
Frazer wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close as they walked down the street together.
Lily snuggled into him, feeling they were truly in step with each other.
When they reached the shop, she opened the door, and he leaned down and pulled her into his arms for a long, lingering kiss.
‘Goodnight, Lily,’ he said, his rich, deep voice resonating in the cold night air.
‘It was the best night.’
Frazer kissed her again, holding her in his arms, and she felt the passion and the love in every romantic moment.
She smiled as he waved and walked away, leaving her with a feeling of romance in her heart.
Christmas dinner was cooking in Mirren and Bert’s kitchen.
Bert checked the roast potatoes. ‘They’re crisping to a golden perfection.’
Mirren had the table set for six in the glass patio extension just off the kitchen. Outside the windows, the garden was covered with snow and Bert had put twinkle lights up in the patio to add to the festive decor.
‘I’ll put the crackers on the table,’ said Bert, adding one to the side of each of the six plates.
‘This is going to be a great Christmas Day,’ he said, giving Mirren a kiss on his way to check on the potatoes again.
Mirren spooned the cranberry sauce into a dish ready for serving. ‘We’re all set.’
They smiled excitedly at each other.
Bert peered out the window. ‘They’re here!’
Frazer’s stylish car pulled up outside. Lily got out of the passenger seat, carrying a bag filled with gifts.
Dougal and Victoria stepped out of the car too, and they all went round to the back of the car as Frazer opened the boot.
Gifts galore were lifted out, and then they all headed inside, chattering, laughing, smiling and happy to be spending Christmas Day together at Mirren and Bert’s house.
‘Come on in,’ Mirren said, welcoming them.
They hung their coats up in the hall, and then were swept through to the kitchen, the hub of the house. The Christmas tree was set up between the kitchen and the patio, and there were parcels already under the tree before their gifts were added.
‘I see you’ve finished your snowman,’ Lily said to Mirren. ‘He’s lovely. I’ve made a start on my needle felted robin, and my robin embroidery.’
‘I’d like to learn embroidery,’ said Victoria.
‘Come along to the craft afternoons at Ivy’s shop,’ Mirren suggested. ‘And Lily and I will show you how to embroider too.’
Victoria nodded. ‘I’ll do that.’
‘Dinner’s nearly ready,’ said Bert, checking the oven. The delicious aroma wafted out.
Dougal peered at the roast dinner. ‘Is that a wee bit of thyme I smell on your roast tatties?’
‘It is, Dougal,’ said Bert. ‘And a few other herbs and spices as well as salt and pepper.’
Bert started to share his recipes with Dougal.
‘Can I give you a hand to serve up the dinner?’ Dougal offered.
‘Yes, that would be great,’ said Bert.
‘Thanks, Dougal,’ said Mirren, glad of another pair of hands to help serve up the lavish but tasty Christmas dinner.
Victoria was enjoying herself, admiring the Christmas tree and festive decor.
Frazer wrapped his arm around Lily’s shoulder and pulled her close. ‘Thanks for inviting all of us.’
‘I hope you’re up for all the Christmas traditions,’ Lily said to him.
‘Yes,’ Frazer said to her.
‘I’m up for everything,’ Dougal chimed–in.
‘So am I,’ Victoria added. She glanced around and smiled. ‘This is a lovely house. Your Christmas tree is beautiful.’
Bert smiled over at her. ‘Make yourself at home, lass.’
‘Oh, this dinner smells delicious,’ said Dougal. ‘There’s nothing to beat a traditional, home cooked Christmas dinner.’
‘You’d all better start pulling the crackers,’ Mirren said to them. ‘We need our paper hats on before we tuck in.’
Lily picked up one of the crackers and challenged Frazer.
Lily won, and put the paper hat on.
Victoria was next to pull a cracker with Frazer.
Victoria won, and smiled as she wore her hat.
‘We need more crackers,’ Lily called over to Bert. ‘So that Frazer can try to win a paper hat.’
Frazer laughed.
‘There are plenty of crackers in the box over there.’ Bert gestured to the box near the tree.
‘I’m rubbish at cracker pulling,’ said Mirren. She lifted one up. ‘Come on, Frazer. You can beat me easy.’
Mirren won, causing laughter to erupt.
Further merriment and chatter continued as the dinner was served and they all sat down around the table to enjoy the meal.
‘Trifle or Christmas pudding?’ Mirren offered them a choice. ‘Or there’s Christmas cake.’
Mirren smiled at Lily.
‘I think you know what I’d like,’ said Lily, finally getting to enjoy some Christmas pudding.
The others were split between the pudding with custard or cream, and the trifle.
But the meal was enjoyed by everyone.
Then it was time to open the presents from around the Christmas tree.
Frazer was surprised and delighted with the waistcoat. He put it on. ‘It’s a perfect fit.’
Mirren was thrilled with the wrap skirt Lily had made for her, and Bert loved his new ties.
Dougal had brought items he’d made himself to add to the meal including his special Scottish tablet and shortbread.
Victoria had added a large tin of luxury sweets.
The gifts exchanged were all well–received, some handmade, others bought, and finally the last present was for Lily from Frazer.
Lily looked at the large box, wrapped in Christmas paper, wondering what it was. When she went to lift it, she realised it was really heavy. ‘What is this?’ she said, glancing at Frazer, and then squealed with delight when she saw the sewing machine.
‘It’s the one I used in Ivy’s shop!’ she exclaimed.
‘Merry Christmas, Lily,’ said Frazer.
Lily threw her arms around him. ‘Thank you so much. I love it.’
‘And I love you,’ he whispered as the chatter and laughter continued around them.
‘I love you too,’ Lily whispered to Frazer.
He kissed her soft and lovingly.
And then they all settled down to watch Christmas films on the television, laughing, chattering, eating Christmas cake and sweeties, and enjoyed the festivities together.
End