Maybe This Christmas? by Jill Steeples

Author:Jill Steeples [Steeples, Jill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

14

I was still laughing as we climbed on the boat. In the half-light, I fumbled around, hoping that I could find some switches for the lights. I mean, boats had them, right? I wasn’t entirely sure. For one moment, I thought we might have to cadge some candles from the pub, but after some cursing and some helpful suggestions from Martin, I found the magic button to push.

‘Ah, that’s better.’ We walked down the steps, bowing our heads to avoid the heavy beam above. ‘What would you like to drink, tea or coffee?’ Considering the piece of bad news I’d just received, I was feeling remarkably upbeat. Relieved, I supposed, thinking about it. Let off the hook. ‘Or maybe a glass of something to celebrate your good news? I think we may have a bottle of champagne here somewhere.’ I opened the fridge, peering inside. ‘I’m sure Rocco wouldn’t mind in the circumstances.’

‘Better not. I’ll need to drive home later. A cup of tea sounds great, though.’

I popped the kettle on, found a couple of mugs in the cupboard and placed a teabag in each. I turned on the heating and drew the pretty red and white gingham curtains closed. Millie snuggled up beside the wood stove heater. Already I felt better.

Martin was looking at me, shaking his head, clearly amused.

‘What?’ I asked.

‘You. You seem really happy here. Settled and content. Sort of domesticated. I’d never have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.’

I smiled, nodding my head in agreement.

‘I know, it’s weird, but I do feel really relaxed here. But then again, who wouldn’t?’ I held my hands up, taking in the cosy, welcoming atmosphere of the boat.

‘Well, a career-driven city girl who used to get twitchy if she went outside of a five-mile radius from a Starbucks, that’s who. You used to get withdrawal symptoms if you couldn’t hop on a bus or a tube to get into town. Look at you now. You’re so much more relaxed and centred. I can almost imagine you with a pinny tied around your waist, your hands deep in a bowl of cake mix and a couple of Bodenesque kiddies around your ankles.’

What a marvellous thought. Funnily enough, my own dreams and aspirations had been venturing off in that very same direction.

‘I know. I’m beginning to wonder if the city life’s for me after all. Who knows, maybe one day, when I meet someone and settle down, we can come and live in the country. I like the idea of that.’ I giggled, thinking how only a little while ago I was contemplating a future with Martin and now, well, now I wasn’t.

I picked up the steaming mugs and took them over to the bench where Martin was sitting.

‘Budge up. You won’t believe this, but when you rang me wanting to see me, I um…’ Oh, god, could I really confess to Martin the extent of my own stupidity? He raised his eyebrows, expectantly. ‘Well, I thought you were coming down to ask if we could get back together.

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