Free A Merry Mistletoe Wedding by Judy Astley

fun, and, in the end, essentially pretty harmless, as Mike had been up to the same at the time with Charlotte.
    â€˜You can hardly put Hardy in any “domestic” category, surely?’ Miriam said, waving her hand about. The hand contained a scone and crumbs and a blob of strawberry jam fell on the rug. A black cat rushed across and licked it all up and Miriam took no notice at all.
    â€˜Well – it depends. I mean—’ Anna began but the doorbell rang and Miriam whirled off to open it.
    â€˜Hello, Mum. You said it would be OK – I’m not intruding, am I?’ And there, in the doorway, stood Alec. Hair longer, a bit greyer, possibly a little less of it. He was wearing a cream linen jacket and old jeans and looking, well, probably what Thea would call ‘totes buff’. Anna could feel her face going pink. ‘Hi, everyone,’ he said, ‘I hope you don’t mind me joining in but
Tess
is one of my favourite books. Mum said I could come if I promise to behave.’ There were a few giggles and a general murmuring of approval. Then he crossed the room and sat beside Anna on the fuchsia velvet sofa. ‘Hello, Anna. You’re looking well. It’s been a while.’

SEVEN
    â€˜So how was day one back at the chalk face? Survived?’ Sean called Thea just as she was beginning to water the big pots of Japanese anemones in the back garden. They were flagging in the heat and deserved a long cool drink, as did she, and she’d brought out a glass of ginger beer to have on the terrace once the watering was done.
    â€˜It was fine, just. Two who wouldn’t stop wailing – they kept setting each other off. But there was only one pair of damp knickers, which is pretty good for day one.’
    â€˜Were they yours?’
    â€˜No!’
    â€˜Oh. I’m disappointed. Does that mean you weren’t thinking of me at all?’
    Thea giggled. ‘You are so naughty! And of course I was thinking of you but I’m not going to tell you that. It’ll go to your head.’
    â€˜Or to my … No, sorry. I just can’t help it. I’m missing you like crazy here. I have to keep getting in the sea. Woody is looking well fed up with me running down the beach the whole time. He’s bored with following me down there and stands on the top of the dune, miaowing crossly.’
    â€˜Aw, sweet. I miss him. You too, of course, but definitely him more.’
    â€˜Heartless woman. I’ll be up at the weekend to remind you what you should be missing most. But anyway, how is Emily and the sprog? Have you seen them yet?’
    â€˜Not yet. She wants a few days of settling, she said, but on Friday night she and Sam have invited us all there for a takeout supper and some baby-gazing. Will you be here by then? And if you are, could you bear to come too?’
    â€˜Of course. Can’t miss an opportunity to show your folks what good husband material I’ll be, can I?’
    â€˜Brilliant. Just don’t go mentioning things like damp knickers though, OK?’
    â€˜Oh go on, just once or twice? Please?’
    Before Thea could answer, she heard a click and the side gate opening. She was sure it had been locked that morning when she’d left for work but maybe she’d forgotten. She looked round quickly, suddenly nervous that she’d be face to face with an on-the-off-chance burglar but instead a dog came racing towards her. A big apricot poodle. Benji. He woofed a delighted greeting at her and she reached out to pat him. He leaned against her, thrilled to see her, his big woolly head lolling and his tongue hanging out.
    â€˜What was that? Did I hear something?’ Sean asked as Thea looked beyond Benji. He wouldn’t have arrived alone.
    â€˜Oh, er … nothing. A dog just got into the garden. I’d better go and shoo it out,’ she said. ‘Shall I call you back later?’
    â€˜Yes, do. Love you, Thea. Can’t