like I used to. Ben knows too, and Nadia. We wanted to surprise you and I wanted you to meet my new partner.’ He slipped his arm around her. ‘Someone very special to me. Lottie.’
Jay’s mum threw her arms around him and started crying, but then invited him in. Ben shook hands with him.
‘Good to see you, bro.’
‘You too.’
‘You must be Lottie,’ Nadia said.
‘Yes. I’m so happy to see Seb is better.’
‘We are too. We all are.’ She seemed genuinely happy for Jay. He could honestly say that he felt … nothing – nothing but relief that Nadia hadn’t had to go through an imaginable loss. Nothing but regret that he hadn’t let her go sooner, and then a quiet recognition that regret of any kind was wasted energy. That today was about enjoying every second, and being thankful that he was surrounded by so many people whom he loved and who loved him.
Their parents vanished into the kitchen, leaving Jay with Lottie, Nadia and Ben. He felt strange, and she was obviously nervous about his reaction but he tried to keep things light.
Nadia smiled. ‘Would you like to hold Seb?’
Jay remembered the time he’d seen Seb at the school. That had been a huge shock and he hadn’t known how to react but now, he felt far more at ease with holding his little nephew. ‘Yes – but is it OK?’
‘Yes. He’ll be fine.’ She handed the baby to him and he looked remarkably well for a little boy whose life had been in danger a few days previously. Jay wasn’t quite sure how to hold a baby and Seb was a lively wriggler, who seemed none the worse for his ordeal.
‘He’s very excited with all the new people and presents,’ Nadia said, watching him struggle with Seb who was grabbing at Jay’s hair again.
Lottie caught his eye, obviously remembering Seb’s fascination with Jay at the nativity play.
‘I remember the first Christmas with my nieces,’ she said, tickling one of Seb’s feet to distract him.
‘How old are they?’ Nadia asked.
‘Five, and they could hardly contain themselves this morning, according to my sister. We’re going to see them later today so I’ve saved my own presents for them.’
‘That reminds me,’ Jay said, ‘I bought Seb a present. It’s only small but it’s from Firholme.’
‘Oh, thank you. Shall I take him?’ Nadia said. ‘He probably wants to go onto the carpet.’
Taking Trevor with him, Jay went out to the car and collected the gifts. When he returned, Nadia and Lottie were chatting about the twins, children and Christmas. He thanked his lucky stars for someone like her, willing to be sensible and tactful. Ben walked in with some fizz and soft drinks on a tray, and exchanged a tentative smile with him. It was a green shoot of reconciliation, one that would need to be nurtured, if it were to bloom. Jay was ready to do what it took.
With Trevor settled with a chew, Ben sat on the carpet with Jay, and helped Seb tear at the wrapping paper. Inside, there were some woodland animal stacking blocks, which Lottie had helped him choose from the Firholme café gift shop.
Seb picked one up and promptly threw it at his grandad. Everyone burst out laughing.
‘Thanks, I think he likes them,’ Nadia said and Ben nodded.
After Jay had given his parents their gifts, Lottie went to the car and fetched a Firholme gift hamper. ‘We’ve landed on you unexpectedly and this is a small contribution.’
Jay’s mum looked delighted and gave her a peck on the cheek by way of thanks.
She kissed Jay too. ‘Now we’ve all landed on you for Christmas dinner, we were worried you might not have enough food, Mum.’
‘Me not have enough food for Christmas?’ She laughed in derision. ‘Don’t be ridiculous! I told you I’d ordered a turkey big enough to feed an army. Now, come on, let’s drink to Seb’s good health and to a very happy Christmas.’
Chapter Forty-Four
It was late before Lottie and Jay made it back to Firholme. Trevor flopped on the carpet in Jay’s cottage, worn out by strange smells, strange people and too many treats.
Lottie sank onto the sofa herself and put her feet up. ‘I know exactly how he feels.’ She rubbed her stomach. ‘Today has been like the Vicar of Dibley. I never want to see another sprout as long as I live.’
‘I had far too much turkey,’ Jay said, sitting beside her and lifting her feet onto his lap. ‘Trevor, mate, we’re