Merry Measure - Lily Morton Page 0,74

to the sofa in the lounge while I wash up. I hum along to “White Christmas,” enjoying the simple task and the peace of the flat.

Finally finished, I hang up the damp tea towel and wander into the lounge, smiling at the sight of our huge Christmas tree in the corner. Lit by hundreds of tiny, coloured fairy lights, it glistens and gives off its fresh pine scent. And twenty thousand pine needles, but hey, that fresh scent is important.

Jack is lying on the sofa sipping wine and reading in front of the fire. I wander over to the window looking out for the final time tonight. I’m endlessly drawn to this view. In the small bar opposite, two men are cuddled up on the very bench we sat at last year. They’re sharing a blanket and looking up at the houses just the way we did. It’s like seeing ghosts of Jack and me. I raise my hand in a wave, seeing them wave back with a smile, and then move away from the window and back into the warmth and light of the flat. Back to Jack and the life we’re living here without curtains.

“Come and lie with me,” Jack says sleepily. “I want a cuddle.” I smile at him and the way the fairy lights are casting bright colours over his face.

“You can always have a cuddle from me,” I say. “All my cuddles are just for you.” I throw myself onto him, smiling at the “ouf” he lets out.

“Jesus, you’re very heavy for a small person,” he mutters.

“I think it must be my brain,” I say. “It adds at least a stone.”

“I think it might be your jawbone,” he says and laughs as I pinch him.

We settle back into our position, sharing his glass of wine between us and pausing to kiss each other. I taste the wine on his breath and inhale his scent, feeling warm and safe and happy.

I’m drifting, enjoying the warmth and closeness, when he stirs. I look up at him in question. His face is solemn, but I know him well by now, and I can also see the joy there and something else. Something deep and profound that makes my heart suddenly start to pound heavily.

“Arlo Wright, love of my life,” he says, and there’s something about the tone of his voice that makes tears well up in my eyes. “I have a question for you…”

I hope you enjoyed my Christmas story. There is a free short story about Arlo and Jack that is available to my newsletter subscribers.

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Thank You

It’s been a very difficult year for all of us. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made my year a little brighter.

Special mention must go to my husband and boys who shared lockdown with me without ever complaining that I was playing Christmas music while writing this book in July.

I’d also like to thank Hailey, Edie, SE Harmon, Lucy, Lane, and Felice who always manage to make me smile and laugh out loud with their messages.

The members of my Facebook readers’ group, Lily’s Snark Squad who make my group such a friendly and positive place.

To all the bloggers who spend their valuable time reading, reviewing, and promoting the books. Also, the readers who liven up my day with their messages and photos and book recommendations. I love being a part of this community, so thank you.

Lastly, thanks to you for taking a chance on this book. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I never knew until I wrote my first book how important reviews are. So, if you have time, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads or any other review sites. I can promise you that I value all of them.

Contact Lily

Website: www.lilymortonauthor.com

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