Spencer raised his glass to her. ‘Good for you, Liz. At least it won’t be me.’
‘It’s not a bad thing, Spence,’ scoffed Sophie, snuggling into Matt, who was trying to plate up some veg. ‘Look what happened to me this year. It just goes to show. You never know what’s around the corner.’
Matt leaned her way to kiss her cheek, making everyone coo.
‘Maybe I just enjoy my own company,’ said Spencer, going back to his food.
‘Nothing wrong with that,’ said Jed. ‘But if love does happen to find you, son, don’t you shy away. It’s a hell of a thing is love. You don’t want to miss out.’
Spencer frowned. ‘Can we change the subject? Talk about turkeys or something.’
Sophie nodded. ‘Well, whoever is at our table next Christmas is in for a real treat.’ She looked at Matt, who smiled her way.
‘Go on, then. Tell them,’ he said. ‘I knew you wouldn’t last five minutes.’
‘Tell us what, Matt?’ asked Lottie.
Sophie beamed. ‘We’ve already decided to have a Christmas wedding next year.’
A round of applause and cheer filled the air.
‘So you see,’ added Sophie, standing to take a small bow, ‘we’ll have another wonderful year next year, and in all the years to come. Here’s to the Happy to Help Hub’s team.’
‘Happy Christmas,’ yelled Robson.
Ginny had never felt so alive before. She had miserable Christmases as a child, always believing Santa must have hated her guts, especially the time he put an actual piece of coal in her stocking. Growing up and making her own festive cheer with her friends made so much difference to the time of year she had little affection for.
Will was chatting merrily away to Samuel and Matt, and Ginny knew she’d turned a corner. The past was over, and she had no room for regrets or ghosts. All her focus needed to be onthe here and now so she could enjoy life and build something for the future. Hopefully, one with Will.
Sophie was flashing her engagement ring again, this time to Luna, who looked to be casting some sort of spell over it, and Lottie was holding Samuel’s hand while she faced the other way, talking to Lizzie.
Ginny absorbed the love surrounding her, counting her blessings and thanking the determination she had to make the changes needed. It was all a little too overwhelming, so she excused herself and headed for the bathroom to roll back her happy tears and settle her overjoyed heart for a moment.
As soon as the two women in the toilets left, Ginny gazed at her face in the mirror above the sink, then gave herself the thumbs up. ‘Look at you, knowing what real love feels like,’ she whispered.
It was the most incredible feeling, and one she couldn’t quite believe belonged to her. For so long she had dreamed of a soulmate, believing him to exist. How she’d stare out to sea, sending love and well wishes to wherever he was. Knowing now he was on a warship somewhere all that time was quite mind blowing, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
‘What you laughing at, love?’ asked Lizzie, walking in.
‘Oh, just my crazy life.’
Lizzie nodded. ‘Gets you like that sometimes.’
‘It’s been a really eventful year.’
‘Yep, those tend to pop up every so often.’
‘I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry, if I’m honest.’
Lizzie reached over and lightly tapped Ginny’s arm. ‘Smile. That’s all you need to do from now on, girlie.’
Ginny breathed out a hushed laugh. ‘I wish I could read the tarot like you and Luna. At least then I’ll know what’s coming next.’
Lizzie grinned. ‘You know it’s just a guide, right? You still get to choose which path you take.’
‘Sometimes I feel I need a guide.’
‘Okay, well, in that case, I can tell you something for free.’
