Page 74 of A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet

‘You took the words right out of my mouth,’ he said, before kissing her again.

Later, when they went upstairs, instead of Nick heading to his own bedroom, he joined Brogan in hers. They climbed into bed, both too tired to speak. She snuggled into him, savouring the warmth of his body as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. Within moments, they’d both drifted off into a contented sleep.

* * *

Brogan blinked her eyes open,memories of the previous evening easing their way into her mind. The bed felt warm and cosy, and from where they lay it looked as if they’d barely moved through the night. She tilted her head so she could see Nick’s face, surprised to see him looking back at her. Her heart gave a little ping.

‘Morning.’ He gave a lopsided smile and kissed the tip of her nose.

‘Morning,’ she said, her voice husky with sleep.

‘Don’t know about you, but I think we’ve got a bit of catching up to do.’ He started trailing delicious kisses down her neck that sent her heart racing.

‘Mmm. I think we do, but won’t this make us late for work?’

‘Probably, but it’s better than my usual excuse of losing my wallet or my keys.’

His kisses were so distracting. ‘Yes, but—’ His lips were on hers, silencing her and making her stomach flip. She didn’t want to resist any more.

* * *

Nick was havingthe usual hunt for his keys while Brogan was piling the breakfast pots in the sink – it wasn’t like her to leave a load of washing up while she was out for the day and she found herself smiling at the reason for it.

‘Ah, there they are.’ Nick scooped his keys up from behind one of the Christmas cards on the dresser. ‘So are we going to make this official then? Are we going to tell the world about us.’ He strode over to her and planted a firm kiss on her lips. ‘Please say we are. I don’t think I’m going to be able to keep my feelings a secret.’

‘In that case, I suppose we better had.’ Brogan giggled at the earnest look on his face. And besides, she had a strong suspicion everyone would be able to guess without her having to say a word. She couldn’t stop smiling and she was sure she was walking around with a ridiculous “I’m feeling loved up” glow emanating from her. Anoushka and Kristy would know as soon as they set eyes on her; that was a given.

‘Great.’ He gave her another kiss, happiness shining in his eyes.

‘I think Bert’ll be pleased for us,’ she said, winding her scarf around her neck.

‘I think he’s already guessed. Told me I should get a move on in case someone took you from under my nose. Said I wouldn’t get another lass like you if I waited a lifetime.’

‘Bert said that?’ A feeling of warmth filled her chest.

‘He did. It hit home, and with what happened last night, I thought I’d better take heed of his words.’ He grinned, holding the porch door open for her, stealing a kiss as she passed. ‘I think we should go round after work and tell him.’

‘Me too.’

Driving across the moors, Brogan smiled contentedly as she gazed out at the stark beauty. This time last year she’d felt indescribably sad and lonely, the loss of her grandparents still intensely painful. But today, her heart was brimming with happiness. She felt a new optimism for the year ahead.

46

BROGAN

Christmas Day brought with it clear blue skies and pale winter sunshine that sparkled over the snow-covered land. It was as if Mother Nature had bestowed a gift on this little corner of the North Yorkshire Moors after the last fortnight of relentless blizzards and icy cold winds.

The Village Committee’s Christmas Day plan had been put into action; no one would be alone for the big day. Little Mary was going to Molly and Camm’s along with Grannie Aggie who usually spent the day with her family over at Wychwood Farm in Middleton-le-Moors. In light of the treacherous roads, she’d opted to stay local. ‘Folk are more fun here anyway,’ she’d said to Molly, who’d told her in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t to trouble Rev Nev over the festive period.

Brogan had wondered where Nick was planning on spending the big day, not wanting him to feel obliged to spend it with her. ‘I usually go to my parents, but I’d much rather be here with you and Bert. I’m sure Maudie would agree too,’ he’d said with a smile.

They woke early on Christmas morning, fishing presents from under the tree. Wilf and Maudie were given theirs first. Wilf, in particular, was thrilled with his new squeaky toy in the shape of a large steak. Nick had been delighted with the chunky jumper and socks Brogan had bought for him. ‘Just in case you get stranded in the snow again,’ she said, giving an amused hitch of her eyebrows.

‘And this is for you.’ Nick handed her a large box. ‘I can’t take credit for the wrapping; the lady in the shop did it for me.’ He grinned, watching intently as she carefully lifted the lid and opened the tissue paper.

Brogan gasped as she lifted out an emerald-green satin dress. ‘Oh, Nick!’ It was exactly the same as the one that had been ruined that dreadful night Nell had been stolen. ‘I can’t believe it. You shouldn’t have.’ A memory of him asking her where she’d bought the dress floated into her mind.

‘I so should, I know how upset you were it got damaged. It’s a beautiful dress and you look beautiful in it, so I sneaked a look at the label, took a photo and showed it to the lady in the shop; it was the day we went Christmas shopping in York.’ He beamed, looking delighted that his gift had been well received.

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