I lean over and clasp his forearm supportively. “It’s going to be many firsts, but that’s a good thing. We’ll have so many things to look back on.”
“Yeah,” he whispers as his eyes glimmer. “You’re right. Also, on Boxing Day, we usually get up early and get in the sea.”
My eyes nearly bulge out of my head as I remove my hand. “What?”
“Yep.”
“The water is going to be freezing,” I say with wide eyes.
Finn grins. “Arctic. I mean, I definitely missed it a few years for being too hungover, but there aren’t any excuses this year, and you’re coming in with me.”
My face scrunches up. “Finn?—”
“It’s tradition. We have to.”
“Okay,” I huff after some consideration. “I can’t deny tradition.”
“I promise it’s not that bad,” he says. “When you’re in, it’s quite liberating. Then we can head home, have leftovers for lunch, play games, and drink hot chocolate.”
I chuckle. “Yeah. That does sound pretty perfect.”
“It’s gonna be a good Christmas, Maya,” he says with honesty. “One to remember.”
My eyes water at his words. “Thanks for having us.”
“Thank you for letting me take you home.”
There is a tightness in my chest that squeezes around my heart because that’s all I’ve wanted—to feel wanted. It’s just a shame that my parents have never really been that safe space for me when they should have been.
And I know I’ll never treat Skye the way they’ve treated me.
CHAPTER 36
FINN THOMPSON
With only one week left until Christmas break, everything is carnage.
Submitting our essays and completing exams. I know it’ll all be worth it once I’ve finished my degree and I can say I gave my final year everything I had. I’ve still got to try and bring up my grades, but I don’t let the thought of my past years drag me down.
Maya left for campus a few hours ago, but today is the first day we actually need to be at university at the same time. I have a meeting with my professor about my dissertation proposal before my classes, and I fear it’s not going to be good.
There’s a knock at the door, and I open it to find Alice. “Hey,” I say. “Thanks for coming over to look after Skye. You’re honestly a lifesaver.”
Alice brushes it off as she steps inside. “That’s okay. I had a free afternoon, and I don’t mind helping you guys out. You’ve been back-to-back non-stop. I’m surprised you haven’t needed me to look after her more.”
She immediately heads over to Skye as she lies on her playmat. “Hello, sweetheart,” she coos as she strokes her cheek.“Are we going to have fun today? Oh, yes. We’re going to have so much fun.”
I grab my bag and sling it over my shoulder. “Maya should be back soon.”
“I don’t mind when she gets back,” she says. “I could look after this one all day.”
My heart warms at her statement. I know Alice is definitely doing this more for Maya than she is for me, but I’m still grateful.
“Uh, her nappy has just been changed, and she’ll need a feed soon?—”
“Finn.” She glances up at me from the floor. “I’ve got it. I was by Maya’s side for two whole months.”
A lump grows in my throat at her words. “Right, of course. Sorry. Just call if you need us.”
