Page 66 of A Festive Surprise

‘I guess.’

‘And do you believe in love?’

‘Yuck,’ said Rowan. His mum and dad shared a look.

‘Maybe, but your parents love you and you love them, I’m sure. And by bringing you here, they want to show you love. What I’ve learned about Christmas so far is not the importance of Santa or cakes or trees, but joy, family and love.’ He glanced up and caught Holly’s eye. Her heart skipped a beat. This was getting worse. ‘So, will you come say Merry Christmas to Santa?’

‘Ok,’ said Rowan.

Holly passed the present to Beatie.

‘In Syria, we say, Eid milad sa’id for Merry Christmas. Can you say that?’

‘Ed… milad…’ said Rowan, ‘…sy… yeed.’

‘Very good.’

Holly frowned. That didn’t sound like the words he kept saying to her.

‘You’ve definitely earned a present this year, young man,’ said Beatie. ‘After all that football training. Well done and have a very Merry Christmas.’

Farid winked at Holly. In a couple of weeks, she’d grown too fond of that face. The danger intensified. She was falling so fast for Farid a crash landing was imminent.

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