Just for Christmas - Emily Harvale Page 0,50

have. And Terry did tell me months ago that he wanted to take you out somewhere special this Christmas Eve and that I’d have to spend the evening here on my own. I thought it was just to celebrate four years together. He didn’t tell me he was going to propose. Which I’m a bit miffed about now I think of it.’

‘What are you miffed about?’ Terry asked, glasses in hand.

‘Er.’ Sarah was shaking her head and pulling faces so Molly had to think of something fast. ‘That Chance is planning to propose to his girlfriend on New Year’s Eve. Did you know about that?’

‘What? No. Are you sure?’

‘Absolutely. He told me himself. Oh. But he did say he hadn’t told anyone apart from his mum. Damn I’ve done it again.’

‘Done what again?’

‘Nothing, Terry. Pour the bubbly. I could die of thirst here.’

‘You’re so bossy, sis. But why are you miffed about Chance proposing?’

Sarah tutted. ‘Because she’s falling in love with him herself, isn’t that obvious?’

‘Is it?’ Molly queried.

‘Molly’s falling in love with Chance? Are you sure?’

They all exchanged glances and Terry handed round the glasses of champagne.

‘As it happens, I’m not falling in love with him. It’s too late for that. I’ve fallen. Hook, line and sinker. Head over heels. Madly, passionately, deeply.’

‘Okay, we get the picture.’ Terry rolled his eyes. ‘When did this happen? I know you had a crush on him when we were young. And he had a crush on you. But Love? That’s new.’

Molly shook her head. ‘I think I’ve always been a little in love with him. But now I know I am. And totally.’

‘It’s true,’ Sarah confirmed. ‘She has. At least she has ever since I’ve known her. She just thought it was lust. She didn’t realise it was love. Don’t you remember how cross she always got when you told her Chance was coming over and she wasn’t able to get here in time?’

‘Yes but … Oh, I see. Wow! Why didn’t you tell me?’

Molly raised her brows and nodded towards Sarah’s ring. ‘Ditto.’

‘That’s different. I needed it to be a secret until last night.’

‘I wouldn’t have said anything. I’m a little offended by that.’

‘Yes. I can see how wrong it was of me not to tell you. Remind me again. How many people have you told about Chance’s secret upcoming proposal?’

‘Ah. That’s different.’

‘I’m sure Chance wouldn’t think so.’

Sarah nodded. ‘And you have only known about that for a week. Imagine if Terry had told you months ago.’

Molly let out a sigh and pouted her lips. ‘Okay, okay. So I’m not always good at keeping secrets. By the way, Terry, please don’t tell Chance you know.’

Terry burst out laughing. ‘What are we going to do with you, Molly?’

‘Kill me. But in the meantime, let’s toast the happy couple. Congratulations you two. Wishing you good health, great wealth and True Love and Happiness always.’

‘I’ll drink to that,’ Terry said.

‘Me too,’ said Sarah. After taking a few sips she added, ‘I think we need to find Molly a boyfriend. And fast.’ She reached out and squeezed Molly’s hand.

‘Why? She loves Chance. She just told us so.’

‘Try to keep up, Sherlock,’ Molly said. ‘Chance is about to propose. And it’s not to me. It’s to his current girlfriend.’

Terry sighed. ‘For one thing, have you seen the weather out there? Or heard the forecast? Airports are closed. Flights are cancelled. Even if he wanted her to come over, I’m not sure she could get here. For another thing, if he was genuinely in love with … whatshername, why is he spending every waking hour possible with you? Why did he invite you to his place to stay? And why did he take you out for dinner last night?’

‘I told him about that last bit,’ Sarah said.

‘We won the Snowball Pie event, remember? We were simply using the vouchers.’

‘On Christmas Eve. Come on.’

‘I’m not saying he doesn’t like me, Terry. I’m pretty sure he does. If those kisses were anything to go by, he likes me a lot.’

‘Wait. What? Back up there a minute.’ Sarah swung round on the sofa and tucked her knees under her, turning to face Molly and nearly spilling her drink in the process. ‘What kisses? I haven’t heard about any kisses.’

Molly sighed wistfully. ‘Because they happened last night.’

‘Last night? H-ell-o. Why didn’t you text me?’

‘Er.’ Molly pointed to Sarah’s ring. ‘Once again. Ditto.’

‘This is different. Terry and I wanted to tell you together. And not by phone.’

‘And I was going to tell