Oli padded down the stairs, listening carefully for noise from above. It was instinctive now; his ears were trained to capture any sound, even a cough, from his children, and he often spent his evenings running up and down the stairs to check on them. He knew he could be described as overprotective, but having lost one person he loved, this had left him anxious about Amy and Tom in case they became ill too. Losing them would be absolutely unbearable. But it happened; he knew that. After all, the woman sitting on his sofa knew that better than most: her parents had lost their son.
He entered the living room and goosebumps rose on his arms. It was a combination of the twinkling tree lights, the fire glowing in the grate, the department store Christmas advert playing on the TV and that fact that the room wasn’t empty. He had company and beautiful company at that.
He went to sit on the chair but changed his mind, and instead took a seat on the sofa. Grace had moved over so that there was a whole cushion between them, and it seemed strange to take the chair when there was a space closer to her.
‘Are they sleeping?’
‘Tom is and Amy will drop off soon. She has to read a chapter of her book first though, whatever time she goes to bed. It’s a ritual and who am I to discourage reading? Sometimes, I creep back up ten minutes after bedtime and I’ll find her sleeping with the book in front of her nose.’
‘Do they always go to bed at the same time?’
He shook his head. ‘That wouldn’t be fair with Amy being older. I try to stagger their bedtimes, but tonight was different as it’s been a very busy day and I think Tom would have kicked off if she’d stayed up because you’re here. He does seem very fond of you.’
Grace chewed her lip.
‘He’s very sweet. They both are.’
‘I know Amy can be more difficult to win round, but I think it’s all down to what she’s been through. She takes a while to get to know people, especially women. Not that there’s been women as in dating and that… uh…’ He shook his head. ‘What I meant was with any women who enter our lives. But I hope that with time, she’ll lose that wariness. I just want her to be able to be a child, you know?’
‘Childhood doesn’t last long these days does it?’
‘If it ever did. I think there’s something else bothering her though.’
‘Like what?’
‘Linked to the cat and kittens that came into the surgery recently. I suspect that Amy knows more about them than she’s letting on.’
‘Have you asked her about them?’
He nodded. ‘But she clammed up.’
‘Is there someone else she might talk to?’
‘Possibly. But it’s hard to tell with my daughter.’
‘I could always try if you like? Not that I’m being presumptuous or anything. It’s just sometimes easier to speak to someone you don’t know very well.’
‘If the opportunity arises naturally, I’d appreciate that. Thank you.’
Grace drained her glass.
‘Would you like another?’
‘I shouldn’t really. I guess I should be heading home.’
His heart sank.
‘Of course.’
‘Although… I have nothing to rush off for.’ She smiled. ‘Go on, let’s have another one.’
‘You sure?’
‘Yes, please. It is delicious.’
Oli filled their glasses then handed one to Grace.
‘Would you like to watch a film or something else?’
‘I really don’t mind. I’m thoroughly relaxed.’
‘Put your feet up if you want.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Of course. I want you to feel comfortable.’
While Grace tucked her feet up under her then leaned against the arm of the sofa, Oli flicked through the channels. He found an old action film that had just started.
‘Is this okay?’
She nodded.
They watched the film in companionable silence – except for the three times Oli had excused himself to go and check on the children who were both sleeping soundly – and Oli enjoyed every minute of it. He knew he’d missed having adult company in the evenings but this just confirmed it. Just having someone sitting close, enjoying the same wine and breathing the same air was more comforting than he’d thought it could be. A few times, he experienced a flicker of guilt that he was with a woman other than Linda. But then he reassured himself with the fact that nothing had happened between him and Grace. And nothing was going to bring Linda back, however hard he might have wished it could in the past, and he knew that she wouldn’t have wanted him to spend the rest of his life alone.
As the credits rolled, he stretched and yawned. Grace’s mobile beeped in her pocket and Oli watched as she checked the screen.
‘Oooh!’
‘What is it?’
She met his eyes.
‘Mum and Dad have asked if you’d like to join us for lunch tomorrow. If you’re not busy that is. Dad cooks a mean roast and his Yorkshire puddings are melt in the mouth!’
‘That would be lovely. We usually go to Dad’s, but I’ll text him and tell him we’ve got an invite to Rosehip Cottage.’
‘Won’t he mind?’
‘No. He’s quite easy going, and it’ll mean less washing up.’
‘Well, come for lunch then. Mum said about one.’
‘Fantastic. Please thank them for me.’
Grace nodded then stood up.
‘I really had better go now.’
They went out into the hallway, and she put on her boots and coat and opened the front door. Icy air swirled into the hallway making Oli shudder.
‘Temperature’s dropped then. It was cold earlier but that’s freezing now.’
‘Do you have much snow here?’
‘Sometimes. Not every year and not always a lot, but we have had white Christmases.’
‘I hope we do this year. I’d love to see the village covered with snow.’
‘It’s not much fun when I have to go out on a call in the middle of the night though.’
‘How do you manage… with the children?’
‘A quick call to Dad, usually. I tend to share the on-call with other local vets in nearby towns, so I’m not expected to go out every night if something happens.’
‘Well, uh… see you tomorrow then?’ Grace stepped over the threshold.
Oli followed her. ‘I’d walk you home, but I can’t leave the children.’
‘Of course not. It’s not far anyway.’
‘No it’s not. But even so… it’s something I would do if I could.’
She gazed up at him and her pupils dilated in her pretty eyes. In the moonlight, her freckles were dark on her pale skin and her lips were full and inviting. She could have been a fairy from one of the children’s storybooks or an angel fallen to earth.
His heart thudded and he reached out and gently stroked her cheek. Her lips parted and a small sigh escaped. Her eyes closed and her eyelids fluttered as he moved his thumb softly over her mouth.
Heat coursed through Oli and he reacted by slipping his hand behind her head and pulling her to him, kissing her. At first, he kissed her gently but soon his passion surfaced and the kiss deepened. He was overwhelmed by desire and need, and something that he hadn’t experienced in a long time. It was the simple joy of being alive and connecting with another being.
He broke away from the kiss and tried to catch his breath. Grace was breathless too and she was leaning on him heavily, as if her ability to stand unaided had deserted her.
‘Grace… I’m sorry. Was that… wrong?’
She made an effort to stand up straight but still held on to him.
‘No. It was so right. I’m positively weak though. I wasn’t expecting it and I’m not sure if it’s the wine making me a bit lightheaded but… wow!’
‘Wow?’ He laughed. ‘So I haven’t lost it then?’
Relief coursed through him. Oli didn’t make a habit of kissing women, especially not on his doorstep when his children were sleeping upstairs. But it had seemed inevitable that this would happen with Grace, as if he’d known it from the first moment he’d seen her and wished that she wasn’t with Nate.
Grace giggled. ‘Whatever it is, you certainly haven’t lost it. Now I should go because if you kiss me like that again, I won’t be able to tear myself away.’
‘I won’t be able to let you go. Text me when you’re home.’
They gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment longer, as something between them grew and flourished like a flower opening its petals to the sun, then Grace pulled on her hat and set off. Oli watched her go, until she reached the main road and disappeared from view.
He stood there for a while, taking deep breaths and gazing out at the sea where the moonlight bathed the water in a silvery glow. His heart was pounding, which was not an unfamiliar sensation for him, but tonight it was not because of anything negative.
Tonight, it was down to desire, excitement and something he was delighted to feel again.
That something was hope.
Grace fluttered around the kitchen like a moth round a lightbulb the next day. Last night had been wonderful and completely unexpected, but it changed a lot for her. And, she suspected, for Oli.
She couldn’t help wondering if it was down to the Christmas decorations, and the wine and the relaxing evening. But what if Oli had woken up this morning regretting their kiss? And oh that kiss… it had been wonderful. Grace had been lit up from within as she’d walked home, and she’d danced around her parents’ cottage, relieved that Simon and Louise had turned in for an early night so she didn’t have to explain her high spirits.
Only now, in the cold light of day, did doubts start to creep in. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Oli, because she certainly did, but there was so much to consider and she knew Oli would feel the same. He was a widower and a father, and he couldn’t make decisions about his life without considering the children; they had to come first.
The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and a variety of side dishes that her father had whipped up as if they were as easy as scrambled egg. They weren’t, of course. Grace knew because she hadn’t been able to create several of the dishes before when she’d tried, but her dad was very talented in the kitchen.
‘Grace, will you sit down?’ Her father pointed at a chair.
‘I can’t.’
‘Why not? What’s wrong with you?’
‘Anyone would think she was nervous.’ Her mother smiled as she set the table.
‘Are you nervous?’ her father asked.
‘No. Why would I be?’
She caught a knowing glance passing between her parents.
‘What was that about?’ she asked as she forced herself onto a chair, then began folding up napkins.
‘Grace, we know you like this man.’ Her mother smiled. ‘And it’s okay.’
‘What?’
‘You’ve been singing in the shower, you’ve been dancing around lately when you think we can’t see you, and your face lit up when you danced with Oli at the party. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you like this.’ Her mother’s comment made her bristle; she was being too obvious.
‘He’s a nice guy and that’s all. He’s a father and widowed. I’m not seeing him or anything.’
‘We know that, love.’ Her dad came to stand behind her and squeezed her shoulders. ‘But if you like him then that’s okay.’
She slumped in her chair.
‘But it’s not really is it? I hardly know him and he has a whole load of responsibilities. I’m going back to Cardiff soon so nothing can come of this… flirtation or whatever it is, anyway.’
Her mother nodded. ‘Perhaps. And you don’t need me to tell you to be careful. His children will be his priority. But sometimes, darling, love blossoms where you least expect it.’
‘Mum!’ Grace rolled her eyes. ‘Who said anything about love? This is about like and nothing more. I like Oli. I like his children. Yesterday I took the old decorations over and we put them up, and he made me dinner and we watched a movie. Well, actually I watched one and a half movies as the children put one on too. But it’s not a big deal. It was just lovely to spend some time with him, Amy and Tom.’
‘Sounds like the start of something to me.’ Her father planted a kiss on the top of her head then returned to stirring the gravy.
Grace folded the rest of the napkins, then straightened the cutlery. When it all met with her satisfaction, she got up and went to the door to check if there was any sign of Oli. She’d sent a text last night after getting home, and her phone had pinged almost immediately with a reply. Oli had just written: Night X. She’d stared at the kiss for ages, thinking about the incredible physical kiss they’d shared.
A noise from outside made her start, so she leaned forwards to see more of the road. Tom came into view first, his blond head bouncing as he rode his scooter towards her.
‘Grace!’ he called as his little leg met the ground repeatedly, propelling him forward.
She waved at him, her heart filling with warmth.
Just as he reached her and pulled a rucksack from his back, and dropped it on the ground next to the doorstep, Oli and Amy emerged from the trees lining the roadside, both wrapped up in their coats. Amy wore a purple beret and matching scarf with leather gloves. Grace was impressed at her style. Oli’s head was bare like Tom’s and his short brown hair was windswept. His cheeks glowed pink from the cold and the tip of his nose matched them.
And he took her breath away.
‘Grace, can I show you my tricks?’ Tom asked. ‘I can do lots and lots on my scooter.’
‘Yes, of course.’ She stepped outside in her slippers. ‘But be careful.’
As she watched, Tom rode his scooter across the path then did a small hop that reminded Grace of a rabbit.
She clapped enthusiastically. ‘Well done, Tom! Very impressive.’
He returned to her side.
‘Now you have a go.’
‘Oh, I really couldn’t, Tom. It’s years since I’ve been on a scooter.’
‘Try it. You’ll be good.’
‘Tom, leave Grace alone.’ Oli had reached the path in front of the cottage. ‘I’m sure she doesn’t want to risk life and limb on the scooter. And talking of that, where’s your helmet?’
Tom pulled a face.
‘You know you need to wear it. What if you fell off and banged your head?’
‘I put it in my bag.’ Tom kicked at the ground. ‘I don’t like it. It pinches.’
Grace lowered into a crouch. ‘How does it pinch, Tom?’
‘My hair and by here.’ He pointed at his forehead, and Grace moved his hair to reveal a red line where the helmet had clearly dug in.
‘Oh, Tom, let me see the helmet.’
He opened his rucksack and pulled it out, then handed it to her. She peered inside and found what she was looking for. ‘There’s a strap here to make the helmet looser. See.’ She adjusted it. ‘Try it now.’
He put it on then smiled. ‘That fits!’
Grace nodded.
‘Tom, have you been messing about with the strap?’ Oli asked, a frown darkening his features.
Tom nodded. ‘I didn’t know what it was so I tried to pull it out.’
‘And in the process tightened it.’ Oli met Grace’s eyes and shook his head. ‘He’d have everyone think I’m neglectful, even if he doesn’t do it deliberately.’
‘Can I do some more tricks, Daddy?’ Tom asked.
‘Yes, now that you’ve got your helmet on.’
Oli stood next to Grace with Amy at his other side, as they watched Tom trying to perform a variety of moves that he’d apparently seen on TV. Oli caught his breath a few times, and she saw his hands fly up as Tom swung the scooter around and between his legs, but then he pushed them into his coat pockets, clearly trying to allow Tom to have some fun.
‘You know, every school morning I put his uniform out for him – clean shirt, jumper, trousers, socks and pants. Every morning. A few weeks ago, I was having a good tidy up and I found about ten odd socks under the bed. All of them clean. I don’t know if it was deliberate or if he was bouncing on the bed and they fell off, but he must have been wearing the same socks more than once. I did wonder why he had a sock shortage, but assumed they’d gone to sock heaven or that secret place in the tumble dryer.’
Grace laughed. ‘So he was wearing smelly socks to school?’
Oli nodded. ‘Imagine what it must have been like when he changed for P.E. I bet there was a terrible stink in the changing room.’
‘Oh dear.’
‘Parenthood, eh?’
‘Something smells lovely right now though.’ It was Amy, leaning around her father.
‘That’s our dinner, Amy. My dad is such a good cook and you are in for a treat.’
Amy smiled. ‘Are there roast potatoes?’
‘Like you wouldn’t believe.’
‘They’re my favourite.’
‘Then you shall have extra!’
Amy’s eyes lit up.
‘Shall we go inside, I don’t know about you but I’m freezing.’ Grace rubbed her hands together then gestured for Amy to go in before her.
‘I’m not surprised, you have no coat on.’ Oli removed a glove then touched her hand. She jolted as their skin met. His was so warm and her own so cold. As she turned to go inside, she caught his eyes on her mouth, and her heart skipped a beat.
If only she could read his thoughts, then she’d have a better idea of what was going on here. Unless, of course, Oli was as clueless as her. And if that was the case, then they had better work together to try to navigate their way through whatever it was that was happening between them.