Page 80 of A Festive Surprise

‘Gavin?’

‘You know him?’

‘A little. They dated at uni and they were together for a few years. I was sure they’d get married. Holly always wanted the big white wedding but now she seems to have gone completely the other way.’

‘Was he a bad man?’

‘Not at all. He was a bit dull, but not bad. When Holly split with him, she didn’t see anyone else – not in the long term. She moved about and I couldn’t keep track of where she was living or who she was seeing. I don’t know why they split though.’

‘She told me why. It’s not for me to tell you. But I’m not him. Just because he didn’t truly love her doesn’t mean I won’t.’

‘I know that, but you’re right, she’s stubborn. I wish I could help, but I suspect if I get involved, she’ll get annoyed with me.’

‘It’s too late.’ Farid sighed.

A scuffling in the hall alerted them to Archie’s return. The two dogs hustled into the room, panting. One of them jumped on Farid, wagging his tail.

‘Dexter,’ said Georgia. ‘Honestly, that dog is named after a serial killer and sometimes he’s just about as insane.’

‘He is not named after a serial killer,’ said Archie.

The dog licked Farid’s face and he scrunched up his nose, trying to ward off the giant tongue.

‘Dexter, get down.’ The dog jumped down. ‘Into your room, both of you.’ Archie held the door and pointed; both dogs skulked out. He patted their heads as they passed. ‘That’s it, go and chill.’

‘They don’t listen to me,’ said Georgia.

‘Dexter doesn’t listen to anyone,’ said Archie. ‘Now, Farid, I’ve got the cables and done a reset on this laptop. Hopefully, it’ll be ok.’

‘That is so kind, truly.’

‘No problem.’ Archie handed it over, then sat beside Georgia.

‘Tomorrow,’ she said, ‘You can come here for Christmas lunch. I don’t want you sitting up there alone.’

‘No. I don’t want to get in the way.’

‘You won’t be in the way,’ said Archie. ‘Christmas is for families and you’re part of the Ardnish family.’

‘Exactly,’ said Georgia.

‘That’s kind,’ said Farid. ‘But what about Holly?’

‘She can come too,’ said Archie.

‘That’s the problem.’

Archie furrowed his brow.

‘Things aren’t going too well,’ said Georgia.

‘It’s Christmas Eve,’ said Archie. ‘That’s when the magic happens.’

Georgia beamed. ‘It did for us.’

What did she mean?

Farid’s scepticism must have shown because she continued, ‘Two years ago, things looked bad for us, but on Christmas Eve, Archie proposed.’

---