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Erin tightened her scarf around her neck and slid her hands into her soft leather gloves, a gift from Zara for Christmas last year, then they crossed the carpark and went through a wooden archway decorated with colourful fairy lights that led to the Christmas tree farm.
Festive music surrounded them, piped from speakers on fence posts and Erin could smell hot dogs and onions as well as spiced wine and crepes. Her stomach gave a growl and she licked her lips, anticipating food and maybe a spiced wine as they looked at the trees available.
They made their way to the food stalls and browsed what was on offer and soon, they all had something to eat and drink. Her dad led the way to a barrel table and they set their drinks down on it while they unwrapped their food. Erin had chosen a hot dog with onions, ketchup and mustard and her mouth watered as she took a bite. When she’d finished it, rather quickly, she took a sip from the paper cup and her tongue tingled. The mulled wine was sweet and tangy, spiced with cloves and cinnamon and slices of orange bobbed on the surface. When the wine reached her stomach, it warmed her from within and the alcohol soon sent a gentle buzz through her veins.
‘I think it’s as good a time as any to say Merry Christmas to my wonderful family.’ Her dad held up his cup. ‘I’m overjoyed to be here with you all and to have this chance to spend Christmas with you once more. I will never take a thing for granted from this point on. Not to sound cheesy, but I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to show you all how much you mean to me. I’m a bit like Scrooge after he’d been visited by the three ghosts!’ He laughed but Erin’s mum shook her head and dabbed at her eyes with the back of her hand.
‘Cain! I wish you wouldn’t make these emotional speeches. I’m constantly a wreck,’ she said.
‘I have to tell you all how much I love you,’ he replied. ‘There might not be a tomorrow.’
‘Dad, please!’ Zara said. ‘Cut it out.’
Their dad smiled but he raised his cup again. ‘Look… tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone but after you’ve been through what I have, you learn to grab hold of today and to make every second count. This Christmas will be our best ever, I promise.’ As he smiled at them, his eyes shone and Erin found her own vision blurring again.
‘Love you so much, Dad,’ she said then she gulped down some wine.
‘And I love you all,’ he said. ‘Right then… shall we go and find the best tree ever?’
They all nodded then followed him towards where the trees were stored, and Erin was grateful as Zara slipped an arm around her shoulders. She’d have to put her brave pants on if she was going to make it through this Christmas without being an absolute snotty, tearful wreck. But at least she knew these were happy tears because her dad was alive and well and they were all together again for the holidays.
Chapter6
Erin
Later on that day, back at her parents’ house, Erin watched as Zara handed the silver star to her mum then her mum handed it to her dad who put it at the top of the tree. The four of them stood there admiring the tree and their efforts decorating it.
‘It looks wonderful,’ her mum said, wrapping an arm around her dad’s waist. ‘Our best tree yet.’
‘I agree.’ He kissed her on the cheek. ‘We did well, team!’
‘Time for some mulled cider?’ Erin asked.
‘Definitely!’ Zara said, grabbing Erin’s hand and leading her to the kitchen area.
They filled the glass mugs with cider from the steaming pan on the stove and placed them on a tray along with iced gingerbread and mince pies.
‘Do you think Dad’s OK?’ Zara asked as she got festive napkins from the drawer then added them to the tray.
‘I think so,’ Erin replied. ‘Don’t you?’
Zara rubbed at her forehead and sighed. ‘Yeah… I guess so… I just get scared.’
‘I know. I understand.’ Erin nodded. ‘It is scary after what happened earlier this year. But he’s taking care of himself and he’s reduced his stress levels by leaving work and moving here. He should be fine now. Who knows, he could outlive us all!’
‘I suppose he could.’ Zara blinked. ‘I just can’t imagine life without him around.’
‘I feel the same.’ Erin opened her arms and embraced her sister. ‘But he’s all right now and that has to do. We can’t live in fear. We have today, right here and now, and we have to treasure that.’
Zara nodded against Erin’s shoulder but she didn’t reply and Erin suspected that her sister was trying to get a hold on her emotions.
‘Shall we get this cider to the parents before it gets cold?’ she asked.
‘Yes.’ Zara stepped back and wiped at her eyes then sniffed. ‘You’re right. I was just having a wobble.’
‘And it’s perfectly OK to have wobbles. I’ve got you, baby sister.’
Zara giggled. ‘I’ve got you too, big sister.’
