Page 86 of A Festive Surprise

‘Ahh, and was it him?’

Holly stepped aside and pointed to the rug. Farid looked properly for the first time at the pile of gifts. They were placed neatly around one of his work boots and a few of them were poking out of it. In front was a tiny carved wooden camel, lying down.

Farid stooped and picked it up. It was light as a feather and rich brown. ‘This is gorgeous.’

‘It’s carved from an avocado stone. I saw it in a gift shop. I think it was made for you.’

‘It’s perfect. Like you, jamilati.’ He held the camel in the palm of his hand. Placing it on his mantelpiece, he smiled. ‘I’ll treasure it.’

Holly slipped her fingers into his. ‘Let’s crack open this bottle then and we can toast our first Christmas together.’

The cupboards were stocked with every size and shape of glassware, including miniature wine glasses perfect for the port. Farid poured the ruby-red liquid and handed a glass to Holly. ‘Eid milad sa’id,’ he said with a smirk.

Holly’s lips quirked into a grin. ‘I love you too.’ She lifted her glass and sipped from it. ‘And Merry Christmas.’

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