Henry narrowed his eyes, but I could see a glimmer of amusement in the depths, appearing almost teal in the lamplight. ‘Fine. Strategize away.’

I waited another two before realising that I was never going to beat Henry at either chess or the waiting game. It seemed petty to concede, however, so I picked up the nearest piece and plonked it down a few squares away. Henry instantly leant forwards, his frown deepening.

‘Do you think I did the right thing?’ I asked, eventually.

‘I have no idea,’ he said, scouring the board. ‘I can’t figure out your tactics.’

I blew out a big enough sigh for him to look up, and then keep looking as he realised I wasn’t talking about chess. Sitting up, he moved to adopt a similar position to me, leaning back on the headboard, arms resting on his bent knees.

‘It might depend on how you look at it,’ he said. ‘Some would say that such a huge career move is easily worth a few comments about three other people’s flaws. Especially considering they’d already done the same to you. Do what needs to be done, move on. No big deal.’

‘That’s not what you’d say though, is it?’

‘It’s not me who has to live with the decision.’

‘But?’

Henry was quiet for a moment. ‘I’d say that if your family taught me anything, it’s the value of authenticity. Being true to yourself and what you believe to be important in the small things as well as the big ones.’ He held my gaze, his voice dropping to a soft rumble. ‘I’d say that you’re an extraordinary woman. I’m proud to call you my childhood betrothed.’

‘Thank you.’ I ducked my head, cheeks flushing.

‘There’ll be other opportunities. Ones that don’t include working for Baxter Bigwood. You’ve proven yourself this weekend to be a first-rate weather forecaster. Those other candidates couldn’t come close.’

There was another long silence, Henry’s compliments hovering between the beds.

‘Best ever Christmas memory?’

‘Oh, now that’s a tough one.’ I pulled one of the pillows into my lap, resting my chin on one hand in a thoughtful pose. ‘You know the Armstrongs make a lot of those.’

Although, after swapping stories and reliving our shared history of the over-the-top celebrations our families had colluded in over the years, when I lay in bed later on, all I could do was keep thinking about how, looking back, those memories appeared so different now.

16

We were packed, ready to go, and sneaking past the angry elves as soon as the first light appeared over the tops of the pine trees. The wind had eased to a soft moan, and the sky was now full of stars, the air crisp and clear.