The Christmas Sisters

“Are you having fun?” Suzanne slid back under the covers. “Have you been riding Socks?”

“Every day. Is there a job that’s riding horses? I might want to do that when I’m bigger.” Ruby ran across the room to her, evading Stewart’s attempt to catch her. “Will you get up soon and play with me?”

“I will. Very soon. Definitely tomorrow.”

“Good.”

Ruby climbed onto the bed, and Suzanne forced herself to shift away. “I don’t want to give this bug to you, honey.”

“If you give it to me, then you won’t have it anymore.” Ruby patted her leg. “I don’t mind having it for a while.”

The things they said made her laugh constantly, just as they had when Hannah, Beth and Posy were young.

Suzanne resisted the temptation to hug her tightly. “Go back to your sister, honey. And thank you for the cards. They’re beautiful, and just looking at them is going to make me feel better.”

“I used extra glitter.”

Suzanne eyed her sparkling carpet. “I see that. Lucky me.”

Beth appeared in the doorway. “Ruby!” She sounded exasperated. “I told you not to bother Grandma. Sorry, Mom. Did she wake you?”

“No. I wasn’t asleep, and she’s not bothering me. In fact, I’m feeling a lot better.” Suzanne watched as Stewart carefully put the cards on display. He might not be good at straightening beds or making tea, but he understood the importance of displaying his grandchildren’s artwork.

“If you need anything, call.” Beth grabbed Ruby and scooped her up. “Let’s go and play.”

They closed the door and Stewart looked at the glitter on the floor.

“I like it. I think it should stay.”

“You mean you have no idea how to remove glitter from a carpet.”

“That, too. You have to admit, it’s festive.” He glanced at his watch. “Is there anything else you need? I’m due at the Adventure Centre in an hour. I could bring you another cup of tea.”

“No! It’s fine.” She certainly didn’t want more tea. She hadn’t figured out how to deal with the one she already had. “Maggie is popping round later to see me. If I need something, she’ll fetch it. Thank you for everything. You would have made a wonderful nurse.”

“I’ve always thought my legs would look good in the uniform.”

She smiled. “I’m so glad I married you.”

“Of course you are. I’m irresistible. You couldn’t resist my practiced seduction.” Stewart swaggered across the room, ruining the effect by tripping over one of her slippers.

She rolled her eyes. “You have a terrible memory. I was the one who seduced you.”

“Not true.”

“You were moving too slowly for me, Stewart McBride.”

“That’s not how I remember it. I was like a rampant stallion.”

“A ram—” She laughed until she started to cough.

Stewart handed her a glass of water. “That’s your punishment for denigrating my manhood.”

“I’m not denigrating your manhood. I’m just saying I was the one who seduced you.” She took a sip of water. “Before you go, tell me about Hannah.”

Stewart tugged his sweater off and turned it the right way round. “What about her?”

“Does she seem happy?”