The Christmas Sisters

Get rid of her pounding headache.

Figure out her life.

Talk to her sister.

“I thought I’d go over to the café and help Posy.”

“That would be good. We’re rushed off our feet over there, and I’m at the Christmas Market this afternoon, so she’s on her own. Vicky was supposed to help, but she’s gone down with flu. She can’t even get out of bed. I’ve made chicken soup and I’m going to drop it off to her on the way to the market and check on her.”

Suzanne sold crafts at a number of Christmas markets throughout the festive season.

“Should you be visiting her if she has flu?”

“She’s on her own. Someone needs to keep an eye on her. And I’m never ill, you know that. I’ve put fresh towels in the bathroom. If you’re ready in half an hour, I can drop you off on my way to Vicky’s. You’ll need boots. We’ve had a lot of snow this week. How are the girls?”

Beth didn’t know, and the fact that she didn’t know made her want to hyperventilate. It was the first time since Melly had been born that she had no idea what was happening with her children. Why hadn’t Jason been in touch? Should she call his mom? “They’re great. Excited about coming to visit you.” What if Jason didn’t bring them? What if he was so upset by her walking out and leaving him with the girls that he decided not to join her? On the other hand, he’d said terrible things, too. It was the things he’d said that had triggered this situation.

“Your dad and I can’t wait to see them. I’m sure they’ve changed a lot. They always do at that age.” Suzanne’s gaze settled on the stack of Posy’s clothes on the chair. “Where’s your luggage?”

Beth’s brain fused. “The airline lost it.”

She didn’t want to worry her mother by admitting that she and Jason had hit a rough patch.

“That’s terrible.” Suzanne frowned. “Can’t they trace it?”

“They’ll call me if they find it. I can manage. Posy lent me some things.”

“Your old boots are probably lying around somewhere. Do you want me to dig them out?”

“Thanks, Mom. That would be great.” Beth forced herself out of bed and snatched up her phone. “I’ll use the bathroom.”

“You’re taking your phone into the shower with you? You girls and your phones. But it’s great that you can’t be away from Jason for one night without wanting to talk to him.”

She was going to be struck down for lying to her mother.

Santa was going to leave a lump of coal in her stocking because she’d definitely been naughty, not nice.

She showered and pulled on Posy’s clothes.

On her way downstairs she checked her phone again and found a text from her dad, which made her smile because Stewart only texted as a last resort.

Good to have you home. Looking forward to seeing you later. Dad. xx

Those two kisses brought a lump to her throat.

She wanted her dad so badly her chest ached.

She cleared her throat and pulled herself together. What was wrong with her? She was a grown woman, not a small child. She should have moved beyond needing her dad in times of trouble. But now she was wishing she’d set her alarm so that she could at least have grabbed a hug before he left for work.

There was still nothing from Jason.

It was the first time in their marriage that they’d disagreed about something important. And this was major. Marriage was all about compromise, but where was the compromise in this? You couldn’t exactly compromise on having another baby. Either you had one or you didn’t.

One of them was going to have to give up on a dream.

Could she do it? Could she have another baby to keep her marriage alive?

For the first time since Jason had raised the issue, she rested her hand on her abdomen and imagined it. Closing her eyes, she remembered those first wondrous flutters when she felt the baby moving. Ours, Jason. Our baby. Our little family.