We’re Planning to Celebrate the New Year at Your Cottage. ‘I’ve Come for the Keys,’ said My Brother-in-Law’s Sister.

Were thinking of spending NewYears at your cottage. Im here for the keys, my sisterinlaw said.
Why bother going up to the country? You two could have a lovely night in the house. Weve got a big lot three kids to look after over the holidays! Poppy snapped, clearly annoyed. Do you even know what its like living with three little ones?

I havent a clue, Laura replied calmly. Mike and I havent even started thinking about kids yet. First we need a place of our own and a steady job, then maybe well talk about a family.

Exactly! We never planned anything with Greg, Poppy shot back.

Then youre living off child benefits, Laura noted. Gregs hopping from one gig to another, no stability. I dont want a life like that.

Thats our business. Dont count other peoples money! Poppy roared. So, hand over the cottage keys.

No, Laura said firmly. Weve already booked it for NewYears with friends.

Fine, then change your mind! If you dont hand the keys over nicely, Ill call Mike and tell him how youre being rude, Poppy threatened.

Go right ahead, as long as you like, Laura smiled.

Poppy made a sour face and stalked out of the flat.

***

The cottage Poppy had her eye on actually belongs to Laura it was left to her by her grandmother, Mrs. Valerie Turner, whos well into her eighties. Lauras parents insisted Valerie live in London all year, under their watchful eye, instead of moving back to the country.

The cottage is a proper country house, fully equipped. Five years ago Lauras parents added an extension to give Valerie a bathroom and installed central heating.

Grandma Val refused to leave the city at first, but as age caught up she started thinking about a move. She made Laura promise not to sell the place and to look after the garden so nothing would suffer the frost.

Laura asked her parents to let her watch over the house. She remembers spending summer holidays at her grans as a kid those are some of her brightest memories.

With Mikes blessing, Laura set about a cosmetic overhaul: fresh wallpaper, new paint on the ceiling, modern chandeliers, and swapping a few pieces of furniture for something sleeker.

It wasnt cheap, but now the cottage is cosy enough for a weekend any time of year. So the pair didnt think twice about inviting friends over for a NewYears bash.

Then Poppy turned up, demanding Laura hand the house over to her. She argued that because Mike is younger, he should give way to his older sister. Laura couldnt see how her grandmothers cottage fit into that, and she felt no guilt about saying no.

***

Poppy flushed with anger. Instead of phoning her younger brother, she marched straight to his office. Mike was halfway through a meeting when his sister burst in, drawing the eyes of everyone around.

Mike! she shouted, making sure the whole floor heard. We need to talk, now!

Keep it down, Mike snapped. People are working here. Lets go to the smoking area.

Mike lit a cigarette, already sensing this wasnt going to end well.

What do you want? he asked shortly.

I want the keys to your cottage! Poppy demanded.

What cottage? Mike was confused. Oh, you mean the country house?

Yes, that one, Poppy said, pursing her lips. Ive already planned my NewYears. You need to talk to your wife and get those keys from her.

Even if I could, I wouldnt. How dare you make such a demand? Its the twentyfifth of December and decent people give a headsup about their plans! Mike retorted.

Dont lecture me, its nothing! Poppy snapped.

Were only five years apart. It might have mattered when we were kids, not now, Mike tried to reason. My breaks over, you should go home.

Poppy left more irritated than when she arrived, but she wasnt about to give up.

***

On the morning of 31December Laura was dashing between shops as Mikes last workday of the year wound down. He promised hed be free after lunch and theyd have everything ready, but Laura was still a little nervous.

Luckily everything fell into place, and by sixpm the couple were on the road to the Cotswolds. They had to do a bit of work to get the water running, and by nine the guests started arriving, ready to set the table, grill some kebabs and usher in the old year.

Mike, I think someones pulling up, Laura said. Probably Claire and Tom are getting here early to help. Theyre always on time! she added with a grin.

Ill meet them and unload the gear, Mike replied.

Great, Laura beamed, feeling the excitement building. Finally NewYears would be exactly how shed always imagined: fresh air, good friends, and a proper celebration.

Mike tossed on his coat and headed out to the yard. When he opened the gate, he froze.

Hey, brother! Poppy shouted, rushing in and planting kisses on both cheeks. Happy NewYear!

Mike needed a moment to collect himself as Greg hauled stuff out of the boot, while Poppy jabbered about the party. He finally shook his head and said, What are you doing here? We agreed this a week ago!

Listen, Poppy raised an eyebrow, you decided, I just didnt say Id go along.

Mike, whats the holdup? Laura called out, surprised to see his sister.

Yes, thats right, Poppy replied proudly. Things dont always go the way you want.

When Greg tried to bring the first batch of bags inside, Mike snatched his arm.

Youre not getting in, he growled.

Poppy, helping the kids unzip their seat belts, heard Mikes harsh tone and turned on him instantly.

Let Greg go right now! she shouted.

I wont, Mike replied. Everyone, pack up and leave now!

What did you just say? Poppy asked, pulling at Mikes arm.

What you heard!

Were not going anywhere, she said haughtily. Weve got a whole carload of kids.

I love my nieces, but theyll have to celebrate somewhere else tonight, Mike explained. You wont be going in.

Maybe youll call the police? Poppy quipped.

Id have to if it wasnt NewYears Eve, Laura intervened. Better you all leave peacefully, unless my friends boxerfighter husband shows up. He wont let you in.

Youre threatening me? Poppy sneered.

No, Im just making sure you leave.

Laura, taking charge, said, Everyone out, now, or well have a real mess.

Mike and Laura shut the gate, keeping the unwanted guests out. Poppy and Greg had no choice but to head back home, where Poppy launched a fullblown tirade at Greg in the car.

You could have at least nudged him aside! she yelled. What a clumsy mess!

They drove back to the house theyd lived in for years, where Poppys mother, Evelyn Lewis, still didnt speak to her son since his wedding.

Now Ill stop talking to Mike too, Poppys mother said, tossing her coat onto a chair.

What? Evelyn asked, squinting.

You threw us out of the cottage. Can you imagine? her daughter replied, indignant. And his wife, she wanted to call the police like we were thieves!

Thats why I dont talk to him, Evelyn muttered. Remember when I tried moving in and they said the flat was too small? They claimed wed have to share a cramped space with the kids!

Oh, Mum, stop, Poppys sister cried. Lauras ruined Mike for us.

Meanwhile the kids were running around making a mess, and Evelyn and Poppy happily sipped champagne while watching Love Actually. Greg was frantically trying to fix the kitchen.

Back at the cottage, Laura and Mike greeted the arriving guests and started the festivities. Laughter and chatter filled the air. Laura slipped away from the crowd, pulled Mike aside and whispered, Ive got something to tell you. She handed him an ultrasound photo.

Are you serious? Mike looked up, eyes widening. Were having a baby?

Yep, Laura smiled brightly.

Mike pulled her into a hug, kissed her and said, Thats the best NewYears present ever.