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CHAPTER23
JESSICA
Iam the worst aunt in the world. I left my sister’s children with a stranger and didn’t even care to check on them. Now they are hurt, or worse, and it will be all my fault.
As I push my way into the kitchen, Robert is hot on my heels, and we stare in disbelief at the scene in front of us.
Sable laughs out loud. “I told you that would work. It got their attention, just like I said it would.”
Angelina is standing on the kitchen table and Brad is tucking into a plate of cookies.
“Auntie Jessie, do you want to listen to the song I’m singing in the play?”
The play! Oh, my goodness I completely forgot they are in the nativity tomorrow and I haven’t even thought about their costumes.
“Come in and take a seat.” Sable says with excitement. “Let our very own Christmas fairy entertain us.”
We take our seats beside Sable in a trance, and she nods to Angelina. “Off you go dear.”
She flicks a dimmer switch on the wall beside her, casting the room in a warm glow that appears almost magical. The glittering tree by the window reflects its light all around the room and you could hear a pine needle drop as we wait for the show to start.
Taking a deep theatrical breath, Angelina starts to sing, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem and, to be honest, I can’t tear my eyes away from her. She sings like an angel and as her little voice wafts around the room, it brings a surprising tear to my eye. There is total silence as we all watch the small person with the sweetest voice I have ever heard, sing such a beautiful, festive song that hits me hard in the heart.
Robert’s hand finds mine and as I stare down at our entwined fingers, I swallow a lump in my throat. I steal a look in his direction, and he smiles softly and the expression in his eyes causes me to hitch my breath. It’s as if this is the most special moment of my life as the angelic voice swirls around us like the coolest breeze. There is no music and no noise to disturb the moment and as she finishes, there is a small silence before Sable claps, causing the rest of us to join in. Even David looks at Angelina with pride and it’s only Brad who obviously couldn’t care less and is more interested in his cookies.
“Bravo, darling, I had every faith in you.” Sable turns to us and says in a whisper, “The darling told me she was nervous about singing in front of the school. We decided to rehearse here so she wouldn’t be anxious tomorrow.”
If anything, I’m surprised at how much I love Sable Harvey right now. She is nothing like my first impression after meeting her earlier. To be honest, she is kinder than I thought and I stare in fascination as she brushes a tear away from the corner of her eye and says with pride, “You have a talent young lady that cannot be ignored. Your school is lucky to have you.”
“The play.” I hiss at Robert. “I haven’t organised their costumes yet, and it’s their bedtime already.”
“Costumes.” Sable pipes up. “What do you need?”
“I’m a fairy.” Angelina shouts and Brad groans. “I’m a shepherd, but I wanted to be Aqua man.”
Robert says with a grin, “We should go.”
“What, now?” Sable looks alarmed. “Please stay. We haven’t even had a chance to chat.”
“But…” I make to protest, and she huffs, “I won’t take no for an answer. I will take great delight in sorting out costumes and I made some lovely home-made soup that needs eating.”
Robert appears as astonished as I am as his mother jumps up and lifts Angelina off the table and as she swings her around, Angelina giggles as if it’s the best thing in the world.
“Ok, this is what will happen.”
Sable decides to take charge and glances at Robert. “You entertain your father, and Jessica and I will deal with the children. When we’ve finished, we can all enjoy a supper of soup and crusty bread before bath time and bed.”
“Excuse me.” I’m a little giddy with it all and Sable says with excitement, “Everyone can stay here tonight. There’s enough room, and it will be the best Christmas present I ever had, knowing this place is full of life once again.”
Her husband obviously doesn’t agree, but he lowers his gaze when she glares at him sharply and only Angelina’s loud cheer tell me she’s more than happy about this.
Robert makes to speak, and I place my hand on his arm and say loudly, “Thank you. It really is most kind of you.”
“Nonsense.” Sable says firmly. “It’s my pleasure.”
She takes Angelina’s hand and says loudly, “Come on, darling, there is a wardrobe full of things upstairs that will make you the best fairy on the planet.”
She smiles at Brad. “There are also plenty of options for a shepherd. Let’s go and see what we can find.”
