Chapter 13
23rd December - My Birthday
Unfortunately, on this occasion, my dad was right to be pessimistic. When I opened my curtains first thing this morning I was greeted by the sight of a white carpet so thick that the cars parked outside our cottages were little more than rounded mounds. In a way, Jacob did me a favour by crashing into my car as she will be locked away safe and warm in Mac’s Automobiles repair shop. Somewhere under the snow is Leanne’s car, but not Jacob’s four-wheel-drive Audi.
My heart had plummeted the previous afternoon when I heard Leanne say, ‘It’s too late.’ I had been sure that she would forgive him once she knew the circumstances that led to her being stood up at the altar. I didn’t want to interfere any further but I couldn’t let their chance of happiness slip away. I took a deep breath and tapped on the lounge door before pushing it open. The sight that greeted me made my heart soar. They were kissing, quite passionately, actually, and I had to clear my throat to make my presence known. They broke free of each other and turned towards me, neither looking in the least bit embarrassed. Jacob spoke first.
‘You knew?’
‘Not everything. In fact, I had no idea that you were Leanne’s Jake when you turned up here this afternoon. You scared me when you said you’d seen me putting the bin out and told me that’s why you crashed. I thought maybe you were some kind of weird stalker and I’d innocently welcomed you into my home. It was pure coincidence, or maybe fate, that you were here when Leanne arrived.’
‘But why did you get me to come here?’ Leanne said. ‘I’m assuming the whole thing with the gas company document was just a ruse?’
‘I thought you should see Jake’s card.’
‘I did see it, last year. That’s why I moved so suddenly. I couldn’t believe he’d found out where I was living and I was afraid he might have knocked on my door. I wasn’t in any fit state to speak to him after… what happened.’
Jacob had pulled her closer to him at that point.
‘Not the card that was in your box of Christmas decorations. Another one arrived a few days ago, and I recognised the hand-writing. I know I shouldn’t have, but I opened it.’ I had turned to Jacob at this point. ‘It broke my heart to think that Leanne might never know what happened.’
‘Well, she knows now and, thanks to you, we’re going to get back together.’
‘But… I heard you say, it’s too late, Leanne.’
‘Too late to arrange things before Christmas as Jake suggested, but we are going to get married as soon as possible once he has cleared everything up with my parents. They adored him; that’s why they were so devastated when he didn’t show up at the church.’
‘Speaking of which, we should get going. I might as well face the music sooner rather than later. Even the four-wheel-drive is going to find it tough going in this snow. Is it okay if Leanne leaves her car outside and we pick it up when the weather has cleared? Perhaps we can even have that coffee you suggested?’
‘Of course, and forget having a coffee; I think a glass of bubbly would be far more appropriate.’
It had been such a satisfying feeling watching them walk hand in hand down my freshly brushed garden path where the snow was already beginning to resettle despite a liberal sprinkling of rock salt.
There had been no visible evidence of a path when I looked out this morning, just pure virgin snow without so much as cat or fox tracks across it. I glance out of my bathroom window and am surprised to see great big footprints that weren’t there a couple of minutes ago when I came upstairs to clean my teeth. I’m just thinking, surely Rick, the postman, hasn’t ventured out in this, when there is a knock on my door.
I dry my hands quickly and run down the stairs calling out, ‘Coming.’
I pull open the door and about three foot of snow tumbles in.
‘Oops,’ says Matt from next door, ‘that’s made a bit of a mess. Shall I give you a hand to clear it up?’
Remembering the inappropriate wink from yesterday, I reply rather frostily, ‘I can manage. What do you want?’
He looks rather taken aback by my sharpness. Serves him right.
‘Matt sent me round to check that you’re okay.’
What is he talking about? Surely, he can’t be drinking already, it’s not even lunchtime.
‘Does Sally know you’re here?’ I ask, my tone even icier than before.
‘They both do. Look, have I done something to upset you? Are you mad at me because I confronted you about lying to your dad? I didn’t mean anything by it, I just don’t think lying is very cool.’
I’m looking closely at Matt now. I’ve only met him on a couple of previous occasions but he does look a little different somehow.
‘Who are you?’
‘Luke, Matt’s brother. I thought Sally told you I was coming to stay for a few days over Christmas?’
‘Yes, she did,’ I say, feeling more than a little stupid, ‘she just omitted to tell me you were twins. I’m assuming it was you sweeping the paths last night?’
‘Too right. Matt would probably have made Sally do it.’ He winks at me again. ‘Only kidding, he’s not that bad. Sally says you are to come around to us at twelve thirty.’
‘Why?’
‘Maybe I mentioned that I overheard you were meant to be having lunch with your parents. Obviously, that’s not going to happen so she’s making you lunch instead. Will you be able to manage in the snow, or shall I come and fetch you?’
‘I’m quite capable, but thanks for offering. I’ll bring the bottle of wine we were going to have.’
I arrive on their doorstep an hour and a half later having slipped and slithered all over the place. Why didn’t I just accept Luke’s offer of help? It’s a good job it’s not a fizzy wine or we wouldn’t be able to open it for a couple of hours without the froth going everywhere. I raise my hand to knock on the door but it opens before I have chance. The three of them are crowded into the hallway, Sally holding a birthday cake, and they give a raucous rendition of ‘Happy Birthday to You’.
‘How did you know?’ I ask through my happy tears.
‘My middle name’s “Big Ears”,’ says Luke.
‘Well, it’s kind of you to mention it to Sally.’
‘Not really, she makes delicious birthday cake; I wasn’t going to pass on an opportunity like that.’