Just for Christmas - Emily Harvale Page 0,21

Mum had. They’re both in the conservatory at Mum’s and she’s happy looking after them.’

Molly sighed with relief but Chance noticed she was staring at her hand. The hand he’d held.

Had she felt the spark of electricity he’d felt?

That was the second time it had happened.

‘So why the swim?’ Terry asked, slapping Chance on the back.

‘Because Miracle wouldn’t come out, no matter how much I called him. And he was basically terrorising the ducks. Not that he managed to catch any. I was worried he’d end up with hypothermia or something. So I really had no choice.’

‘You went in and got him?’ Molly’s eyes opened wide.

She had really beautiful eyes.

‘What? Yeah. But he didn’t want to come out right away so we … sort of splashed about for a while until the park warden came and yelled at us and hauled us both out with a long pole. Which was just as well as I was starting to lose all feeling in my legs. I don’t think I can venture into Easterhill Park for a few weeks. And Miracle is banned.’

Molly’s laugh was like Christmas bells.

‘Oh, Chance. I’m so sorry. I bet you’re regretting your offer now.’

‘No. I’m actually not. Right. Let’s get these things inside. Are you two staying? Or do you need to dash off?’

Sarah and Terry exchanged looks.

‘We’re happy to stay and help if there’s anything we can do.’

‘There’s plenty to do,’ Chance said. ‘Far more than I realised, in fact.’

‘Will you get it all done in time?’ Terry asked. ‘For New Year’s Eve?’

Chance glanced at Molly before quickly turning away.

‘That’s the plan. And I definitely need some help for that to happen. In more ways than one.’

‘What do you mean by “in more ways than one”?’ Terry queried.

‘Nothing, buddy. Just thinking aloud. Grab some bags and follow me.’

‘I’ve got some paint samples,’ Molly said, as they all went inside. ‘If we try them out in the bedroom and sitting room today, you’ll be able to see what the colours look like under electric light, in the semi-darkness of the evening, and tomorrow, in daylight. I believe it’s important to check them out under all forms of light. It’s amazing how much they can vary from a rainy day to a sunny one, and in daylight and electric light.’

‘I don’t think we’ll get to see them in the sunshine,’ Chance said. ‘They’re forecasting bad weather for the next few days. Probably more snow.’

‘I love snow.’

Molly’s face lit up like a child’s as she placed her bags on the floor.

Sarah deposited hers beside Molly’s and clapped her hands together.

‘That’ll mean The Piemaker’s Rest will be able to hold the annual ‘Snowball Pie’ event, using real snow for once.’

‘What’s the Snowball Pie event?’ Chance had spent a few Christmases in Easterhill, but usually only for a couple of days, and he’d never heard of that. ‘And what do they usually use instead of snow?’

‘Balls,’ Terry said, grinning. ‘Tennis balls usually, or those small plastic ones you can get for dogs. Everyone lines up outside in the garden, in teams of two. One team member holds a tinfoil baking tray in front of them, which is supposed to be the pie, and the other team member stands about ten feet away and has to pick up and throw as many ‘snowballs’ into the ‘pie’ as quickly as possible in two minutes. The winners are the team that gets the most balls in the pie.’

‘The balls bounce out,’ Molly said. ‘With real snowballs, more should stay put.’

‘Or break up completely,’ Chance suggested.

‘Ah, but that’s the skill,’ Terry said. ‘Throwing real snowballs at the right speed to ensure they don’t. It hasn’t snowed at Christmas since Sarah moved here, but Molly and I remember the times it did.’

‘Yes.’ Molly stuck her chin in the air. ‘And Terry and I were the champion Snowball Pie makers for several years in a row. I think I’ve still got the keyrings to prove it.’

‘Congratulations.’ Chance grinned at her. ‘You’re clearly multi-talented. Were keyrings the grand prize?’

‘Keyrings in the shape of pies, with The Piemaker’s Rest written on them and with a small, fluffy snowman attached.’

‘Just what every man needs,’ Chance said. ‘Remind me to enter this year.’

‘You and Molly can be a team.’ Sarah sounded excited. ‘Against me and Terry. And all the other teams, of course.’

Chance met Molly’s glance and grinned. ‘I’m up for that.’

‘You’d better take it seriously,’ Molly said, with a partial grin. ‘I’m in it to win. And it’s for a