Chapter 39
THIRTY-NINE
‘What are your plans for New Year’s Eve then?’ asks Gemma during a rare lull in sales. ‘I imagine they include Kian.’ She smiles.
‘Do you know we haven’t actually discussed it, but I hope so, yes. I was kind of just going to go with the flow.’
Gemma had told me that Mike had invited her to a family party, but she wasn’t sure she was ready for that and would have preferred the pub.
‘And I didn’t know what your plans were, but I imagined you would be spending it with Kian.’
I think back to last year, when Mum went to a party hosted by one of her friends from the food bank and Dad and Rose spent it together quietly, and I wonder if things were strained between them then? Gemma and I went to the local pub and danced the night away. Some of the staff from Bentham’s were there, and we all had a ball. A handsome guy who worked in the men’s clothing department took a bit of a shine to me and asked me out. I let him down gently, as I wasn’t ready for any sort of relationship at the time, although I do remember we shared a rather nice kiss at midnight.
‘Actually,’ I say, after I have finished serving a young woman with a dress, ‘I might have a party. You know, just a small gathering. Mum and Dad, Audrey if she is free, and one or two neighbours. Obviously, you and Mike if it doesn’t sound too tame as I know you prefer the pub on New Year’s Eve.’
‘Honestly? Normally yes, but I have heard they are not even having a band this year.’ She pulls a face. ‘And it takes ages to get served at the bar. Of course I will come to your party! Maybe you could invite Sue and Barry too, Sue is such a laugh.’
‘That’s a great idea.’
I also need to ask Kian what his plans are.
‘I must say I’m shocked,’ says Gemma, spraying herself with some perfume. ‘You thinking of having a party, the day before New Year’s Eve, without weeks of careful planning,’ she teases.
‘It’s hardly a party, more of small gathering.’ I laugh. ‘But I take your point. Anyway, I’ll see what people are up to first, it’s a bit short notice so they have probably already made plans.’
That night, Kian collects me from work and when I stroll up my path I’m greeted by an impressive-looking snowman in the garden wearing a flat cap and scarf, and with a smiling mouth that has been made from dark pebbles.
‘I love him.’ I smile. ‘I hope the snow doesn’t thaw too quickly.’
‘Bella had a lovely time building him, before we went sledging. She’s at my mum’s now, as I had a meeting with a client this afternoon.’
‘It must be tricky juggling work with childcare whilst Sally is away,’ I say, turning the key in the front door.
‘I had plenty of notice, so I blocked out my diary quite a bit over Christmas,’ he says. ‘I’ll be making up for it in the new year though.’
‘Talking of the new year, do you have any plans for New Year’s Eve?’ I ask as I unwind a scarf from my neck.
‘Well, I was hoping they would definitely include you,’ he says, snaking his arms around my waist and pulling me to him.
‘Pleased to hear it. I was thinking of having a little gathering here,’ I tell him.
‘Sounds wonderful,’ he says, kissing my neck, and making me forget what I am about to say next.
‘So I was thinking,’ I say, gently pushing him away. ‘I ought to make a few phone calls. Only a small party, including my parents. What do you think?’
‘I think it sounds lovely.’ He smiles. ‘But I have Bella New Year’s Eve. Mum and Dad are going to a party at Dad’s golf club.’
I vaguely remember Sue telling me that her and Barry were having their granddaughter over on New Year’s Eve this year, so I decide to give her a call first.
‘Hold that thought,’ I tell him, retrieving my phone from my bag, and running upstairs to change, instructing Kian to pop the kettle on.
Five minutes later, I join him in the lounge where there are mugs of tea on the coffee table.
‘So, what are you up to?’ he asks.
‘It looks like the party is on.’ I smile. ‘Mum and Dad are thrilled, as is Audrey, who asked if her mum could come too, and of course Gemma and Mike will come,’ I say excitedly. ‘And the best news is Sue and Barry are going to bring their granddaughter, who it turns out is the same age as Bella. She said she will bring her Barbie Dreamhouse, so they can play together.’
‘That’s wonderful.’ Kian is smiling at me, and slowly shaking his head.
‘What?’
‘You’re amazing,’ he says. ‘You think of everything.’
‘I’m just practical.’ I shrug.
‘You’re more than that. You’re kind and thoughtful. Not to mention beautiful.’
There are no more words then as he kisses me.