“Yeah, it was wonderful, thank you,” Finn added, licking his spoon in a way that was a little bit like torture. I cleared my throat and looked away.
I glanced outside; the sun had set a while ago, darkness coming early now. I yawned, covering my mouth quickly. “Sorry, I’m just knackered from work.” Add in a couple of glasses of red wine, and I was fading fast.
“Oh, well don’t let us keep you boys any longer.” My mum stood and started to collect the plates.
“I’ll do that, Mum, sit down.”
“I’ll help,” Finn added.
I was about to take over when Clive stood and put his hand on the back of mine and Finn’s chairs.
“Sarah. Why don’t you go show off your tree, and I’ll make a start on clearing up.”
“You sure,” I asked, looking up at him. “We don’t mind.”
“Go, she’s been looking forward to this. We’ve added a few bits since you were here last.” He gave my shoulder a quick squeeze before picking up our plates and taking them over to the sink.
“Come on then, Mum.” I pushed back my chair and waited for her and Finn to do the same. “Let’s see this masterpiece.”
She rolled her eyes but then grinned at me, eyes alight with excitement. “You two stay here a minute. I’ll go turn on the lights.”
A minute or so later, she shouted us in, and I led Finn back into the hall towards the living room.
“Oh wow!” I stopped in my tracks, Finn bumping into me as I stared at the huge tree in my mum’s bay window. I’d seen it on Tuesday, but it hadn’t exactly been the focus of my visit. I could appreciate it now.
She had high ceilings, and this tree almost brushed the top of them, the base filling the space in front of the window completely. It was big and bushy and beautiful. The lights in the room were turned off, so the lights on the tree sparkled, slowly fading in and out on the timer. She’d bought some new decorations by the looks of it, the tree adorned with dark purple baubles, but I grinned as I noticed the old decorations I’d made at school still front and centre as always.
“It’s beautiful, Mum.” I walked over to her and put my arm around her. “And huge.” I laughed when she elbowed me gently.
“Probably because I didn’t have you to rein me in this year. I think Clive was so happy I’d finally decided on one, he didn’t care how big it was.” She looked up at me, happy, but a little uncertainty creeping in.
The tiny pang of jealousy I felt at not going with her this year was overshadowed by the relief that she’d found someone who put that happy look on her face. She deserved that, and I didn’t want her to worry about my reactions any longer.
I gave her a squeeze. “Any man who can make it through choosing a Christmas tree with you is a keeper.”
Slipping her arms around my waist, she hugged me tight. “Thank you.”
I glanced up to find Finn watching us, a soft smile on his face. The lights and shadows of the tree gave him an almost ethereal look. I wanted him to look at me like that all the time. His eyes met mine, and time seemed to stop. My heart fluttered, feelings I really shouldn’t be harbouring expanding in my chest.
“Jasper?” My mum began, breaking whatever spell we were under.
I tore my gaze away from Finn and focused on her. “Yeah?” My voice was way too rough, and I really hoped no one noticed.
“I wanted to check that you were still all right to come round for Christmas dinner. Nan and Grandad’ll be here and I thought—”
“Of course I’ll be here.” Jeez, had I been that bad that she thought I’d miss Christmas? “I’m sorry I’ve been such an arse lately. But I wouldn’t miss Christmas with the family for anything.”
“Apart from a beach and a few thousand miles,” she teased, making me laugh.
“Well, those were extenuating circumstances.” I hugged her tight again before letting go. “It’ll be lovely to be at home this year.” I yawned again, and she patted me on the shoulder.
“You should get home and get an early night.”
I glanced over to where Finn leant against the door. “Sorry for ignoring you.”
I heard my mum gasp. “Oh Finn, where are my manners!”
He smiled at her, his totally disarming one that usually made me forget what I was about to say. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been happily watching your tree. It really is beautiful.”
