‘About what?’
‘You are romantic when you’re sober too.’
‘Told you. Now, if that was your stomach I just heard, I think we need to decide what to do about dinner. We can go and find something or,’ he scooped me towards him, ‘as I saw your eyes lingering hungrily on that cosy dressing gown in the bathroom, we can always snuggle in for the night here and order room service.’
I leant my head back against him. ‘That sounds absolutely perfect.’
‘It does, doesn’t it?’ He leant over, grabbed the in-room dining menu and leaning it on his flat stomach, opened it for us to peruse.
Bath in full seasonal dress was stunning. The hotel Finn had booked was perfect. Boutique, stylish and with just enough of a country feel to it to remind us that we were most definitely not in London. I’d woken early and looked out of the window to see a sleeping city. Without the hustle and bustle of the day, it was easy to imagine it at its height of popularity when carriages would be returning their owners home right about now after a night of dancing at a ball. I’d climbed back under the wonderfully soft duvet, snuggled up to Finn and drifted back to sleep dreaming of times past. A leisurely, and delicious, full English breakfast began the day well, our enjoyment enhanced by the inclusion of proper fried bread. None of that toastsubstitute for this place. The rain had passed through in the night, and filled to the brim, we wrapped up against the bright, but bitterly cold day and headed out, ready for me to experience my first ever Christmas market.
‘These are beautiful,’ I said, tugging Finn over, my gloved hand wrapped in his own, my eyes drifting over the handmade glass stall. Beautifully displayed amongst delicate seasonal garlands and fairy lights were ornaments, artwork and jewellery. ‘Look at this one,’ I said, pointing to a delicate fuchsia pink flower encased within a clear star-shaped pendant. ‘Do you think Alice would like it?’
‘She would. It’s just the sort of thing she’d choose herself. Except she wouldn’t because she’s great at spoiling everyone but herself.’
‘I think lots of people are like that, especially if you have children, I’m sure.’
‘Sometimes it’s good to spoil yourself though. Life’s short and you never know what’s around the next corner so, if you have the money, then why not?’
Until my parents’ visit my thinking had been more in line with Alice’s. But Dad’s health scare had given us all a much-needed shove out of our complacency. As Finn had said, and had experienced, you didn’t know what life held in store. Alice had pulled through, thank goodness, albeit not without cost. At the thought of something being wrong with Dad my body had flushed with pure, cold dread and panic. I couldn’t begin to imagine the terror that Finn and his family had gone through, seeing their daughter, their sister, swamped by a hospital bed and equipment, the final outcome unknown. Finn’s words now resonated loudly in my mind.
‘I agree. Shall I get it for her Christmas present?’
‘Elizabeth, you don’t have to do that. No one is expecting anything from you other than your,’ he nuzzled my neck, ‘very delightful company.’
‘Your nose is cold!’ I said, laughing as I rearranged my scarf.
‘I was warming it up on your neck,’ he said, pulling me closer.
I leant back a little so that I could see him. ‘I’d like to get this for Alice though.’ Excitement whooshed through me at the thought of the present buying. A lot of people appeared to find it the bane of their lives but I’d always enjoyed the task. Thinking, researching, hunting out just the right thing. Of course, until now I’d only had Colette and my parents to cater for. Friedrich had told me, after I’d been Christmas shopping the first year we were together, that he felt the whole thing was just the chance for capitalism to make a grab for people’s wallets. A roundabout way of telling me not to expect a present. I’d donated his to a local charity Christmas drive and never bothered again. But he hadn’t quashed the desire. And now, with the prospect of spending the day with Finn’s family, I was loving the opportunity to go all out.
‘She’d love it,’ he confirmed and I grinned, handing it to the stall owner and adding another bag to our growing collection.
As darkness fell on the city, the Christmas lights took over, adding an extra layer of festive joy to the whole experience.
‘How have I never been to one of these before?’ I asked Finn as we found a bench and sat down, hands wrapped around a mug of real hot chocolate, topped with swirls of proper cream and finished with a flourish of mini marshmallows. It was likely a whole day’s calorie allowance in a cup but I didn’t care. It was bloody delicious and warming me from the inside.
‘I don’t know,’ Finn said, having temporarily relinquished his job as pack horse, bags piled next to him on the bench as he sipped his own extra large version of the drink. ‘I guess if it’s not your thing then it’s not something you’d be seeking out.’
‘But I’m loving it! I can’t tell you how much.’
Finn scanned the bags. ‘I can hazard a guess.’
I gently bumped him with my shoulder, careful not to spill either drink. ‘I don’t just mean the shopping.’
He grinned at me with a fresh cream moustache which I managed to quickly snap a picture of before he wiped it off. ‘I can put that one in pride of place alongside the grumpy elf one.’
Finn gave a shake of his head. ‘I’m beginning to wonder if introducing you to my sister was such a good idea.’ But the smile on his face spoke the truth.
‘Too late. Anyway, like I said, it’s not just the shopping. It’s, well, this, for a start,’ I said, indicating the drinks. ‘Sitting here, with you, drinking hot chocolate enveloped in this atmosphere. I don’t even care that I can’t feel my bum.’
‘I could always feel it for you.’
I shot him a look but he was entirely unrepentant. Finn made me laugh more than anyone I had ever known, but he also made me feel more wanted too. And frankly it was a heady combination that I was still getting used to but happily so.
‘Thanks for suggesting this.’
‘You’re welcome. I’m having a wonderful time.’
