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“You have a lot on your plate.”

“I do, but I should have made it a priority.”

The space between them felt suddenly smaller without anyone else to fill it.

After a pause, Frances added, “And thank you for inviting us. A bit of company seems to have done Mum a world of good. I was worried it would be too much for her.”

“I did, too, but she’s done well.”

Frances took a step towards her, making Lucie suck in a breath.

“I’m not sure what we’re going to do without you.”

“Oh... I’m sure you’ll survive.”

“Perhaps,” Frances said, her voice quieter than before.

Longing whispered through Lucie. She wanted to tell Frances that she didn’t want to leave, but uncertainty settled in her gut. Frances had grown used to her being there; she would miss her, yes. Just not in the way Lucie wished she might.

Before she could attempt an answer, Mandy reappeared.

“That’s everything cleared,” she said, closing the dishwasher.

“We should head off. I didn’t realise it was so late. I was hoping to get back before it got too dark,” Frances said, looking out the window.

“Yes, it is getting a bit late. We’ll have to open the pub shortly,” Mandy said.

They headed through to the sitting room.

“Mum,” Frances announced, “it’s time we went home.”

“Thanks for coming,” Lucie’s dad said as he stood.

“Thank you for having us,” Frances said, “and for such a lovely lunch.”

“And your company,” Rose added. “It’s so nice to see happy faces.”

Mandy beamed. “You’re very welcome.”

“I’ll walk you both back, Frances,” Lucie said.

“You don’t need to.”

She shrugged. “Someone needs to hold a torch.”

“Okay, thank you. That would be handy, actually. The light is fading fast.”

After they put on their coats and hats, Frances guided Rose outside ahead of her. Lucie followed behind, stopping beside Frances to turn on her phone torch.

“Mind the mistletoe, you two.” Mandy winked.

Lucie looked up, then to Frances, who was also looking at it hanging above them from the A-shaped porch. Their eyes met, awkward amusement flickering between them as they stepped onto the path behind Rose.

“Night, Mands. Night Dad,” Lucie called back dryly as she lit the path ahead.

“Night, love.”

As they reached the road, Frances nudged her. “Look.”