Page 93 of The Merry Christmas Project

Fred shook his head. ‘No, but when you find him can you tell him that we’re leaving now.’

Fred and Astrid spoke at the same time.

‘We’re off for a nightcap.’

‘I need to let Otto out.’

The two of them laughed at Astrid’s little white lie.

‘I’ll tell him,’ I said. ‘But don’t be too late going to bed, Fred, I’m expecting you on candle duty tomorrow.’

As I began to move away, Fred caught hold of my hand. ‘I think Cole needed a moment alone ; I could tell he was feeling a bit low.’

‘Oh dear. Has something happened ?’ I asked.

‘He misses his kids, that’s all. It must be hard for him, being surrounded by families and not having his own with him.’

My heart ached for him. ‘Should I leave him in peace ?’

Fred shook his head. ‘No love, I think you might be exactly what he needs.’

I hoped so, I thought as I bid them both goodnight.

As my eyes continued to scout for Cole, I noticed a light burning from inside the old bank. We must have left one on when we were in there. I decided to head that way and quickly nip in and turn it off. I speeded up, not wanting to keep Hester waiting any longer than necessary and hopped into the road which separated the market from the rows of shops which surrounded it.

As I rounded the cordon behind the Christmas tree, I noticed Daniel and Tasha slipping off, hand in hand. I paused to watch them for a second and felt a brief pang of nostalgia for what Daniel and I had had. But I quickly brushed it away. I was genuinely happy for them ; they were a perfect match.

I turned away with a sigh, only to come to an abrupt halt as I collided with a solid wall of man. I’d found Cole.

‘Merry !’

‘Oh, hello !’ My face was suddenly wreathed in smiles.

I felt his arms go around me and he pressed me tightly to him, squeezing the air from my lungs.

‘I’m sorry you had to see them together,’ he murmured, lowering his cheek to the top of my head. ‘It must have come as a shock, I’m sorry.’

I knew I should have told him straight away that Daniel and Tasha weren’t news to me and that I really didn’t mind, but I was enjoying the sensation of being wrapped in his embrace way too much, so for a moment I allowed myself to lean against him, absorbing his warmth.

Finally, he pulled away and looked at me, his gaze intense. ‘Merry, are you OK ?’

I bit my lip, trying to hide a guilty smile. ‘Absolutely fine. A bit odd to see him with someone new, but he and I weren’t right for each other.’

He laughed in surprise. ‘Am I comforting you under false pretences ?’

I laughed. ‘Definitely not. No hug is ever wasted.’

‘That sounds like a motivational quote,’ he said with a grin.

His hands had slid from my shoulders to my arms and I could feel the cold air between us.

‘Tell me to mind my own business, but your dad thought you might be missing the children – are you OK ?’

His body seemed to sag a little. ‘I haven’t seen them since August. Most of the time I’m fine, but Christmas is such a special time with kids and I’m missing them more than ever.’

‘I can imagine. Would another hug help ?’

He attempted a smile. ‘Let’s try it.’