From The Manse Window

Christmas Eve.

They’d had to cancel last week’s Mission Christmas meeting because they’d been working late.

Besides, they all knew what was happening with each other’s goals.

Katherine was looking slimmer than they’d ever seen her and Zoe had her dream home.

As for Maria, she supposed she could dance a little better than she had before.

Zoe loved Christmas Eve, and this one was special because she was spending it with her favourite people.

GJ, Katherine, Paul and Maria were here. So was Adam. She had invited him on impulse because their date had gone so well and he’d looked delighted.

Earlier on, Maria had told Zoe and Katherine that she was no longer with Noah and that she was fine with it.

Zoe wasn’t sure she believed her. It was a bad time of year for a break-up, but Maria had been resolute that she’d made the right decision.

“It’s not a long-term solution, but if you’re still looking for a flat you’re welcome to the one above the salon,” Zoe had told Maria. “Mate’s rates.” Maria looked relieved. “Thanks. That could work well.”

“How’s the dancing going?” Katherine asked Maria and she smiled, but then they were distracted by a knock at the door, announcing Adam’s arrival.

Christmas Cottage had lived up to its name tonight, Zoe thought now as she surveyed her home.

A fire roared in the hearth, lighting up the gold and green baubles on the tree. The room glittered with warmth.

Katherine and Paul were glowing with happiness, and she had to admit she was feeling a bit of a glow herself – a glow that Adam had contributed to.

As if picking up her thoughts, he moved a step closer to her so they were standing, almost touching, in the doorway of the snug.

Paul and Katherine were in the kitchen. They’d insisted on washing up. GJ and Maria were in the lounge.

GJ had just leaned forward to say something to Maria, who nodded.

Then they were on their feet and Maria was pushing back the sofa so they could free up some floor space.

They began to dance. GJ was stiff at first, but Maria was showing her some steps.

A simple routine, Zoe realised, catching Adam’s eye and smiling.

GJ had always loved to dance and Maria was a good teacher, as well as an excellent dancer.

Her face was animated as she and GJ moved to the music.

“Shall we join them?” Adam asked Zoe, holding out his hand.

Taking it, she moved forwards into the room, grateful that she had a big enough lounge to dance in, and no neighbours to disturb with the music.

By the end of the song, Katherine and Paul had joined in and Mr Timms was eyeing them all disdainfully from the sofa.

“I’ll sit this one out,” GJ said as the song finished. She smiled at Maria. “Thank you for reminding me how good it feels to dance.”

“My pleasure,” Maria replied, glancing at Katherine. “Does that answer your question?”

Katherine and Zoe both smiled.

“I’d say that was Mission Christmas accomplished,” Zoe said, remembering the first time she’d made that toast.

“I think things have worked out rather well, don’t you?” Everyone nodded. “We should have a toast to the festive season,” GJ announced, raising a glass.

“Here’s to the festive season,” she said and they all echoed the toast.

Outside, in the darkening Christmas Eve, the first snowflakes began to fall. The End.