Page 35 of Only You

It surprised Ana when Andrew let out a belly laugh.

“Who are you kidding? I know my mother, and I know what she can be like.” Ana smiled at the way Andrew’s eyes were now twinkling with mischief. “It’s not only about you... My father called me today and told me I needed to speak to her. I know her interference has come from a place of love. She forgets I’m a grown man and Olivia is my daughter. Dad admitted she was terrified of leaving us, that something might happen while they were away. He wanted me to reassure her. She has spent the last year focusing her and Dad’s life around Olivia and I.” Andrew sighed. “She needs this break as much as we do.”

Ana nodded, but her expression must have given her away.

“I understand you are sceptical. But tonight, when I spoke to her, she told me how happy Olivia has been since you arrived. She apologised to me and wanted to apologise to you, too. She knows you are not your sister.” Andrew gave her a small, knowing smile. “I told her to go home. I thought you may have had enough of her for one evening.”

Ana let out a long exhale.

“I don’t blame her, Andrew.” Ana sighed. “I don’t think I’d want me around your daughter, either.”

It was Andrew’s turn to look confused.

“Andrew, my sister, walked out on you and your daughter. No proper explanation. My family is screwed up on a mammoth scale. I don’t blame her for having reservations.”

Andrew placed his hand on top of Ana’s, spreading an unfamiliar warmth throughout her body.

“I don’t have any reservations, Santana Lewis. I am glad you have come into our lives.”

Andrew patted her hand and gave Ana a warm smile. Ana felt the walls around her heart begin to crumble. For the first time in her life, someone was accepting and appreciating her. Taking her feelings into account. How had she got so lucky?

Chapter Twenty-three

Ana

It was eight o’clock before Andrew walked through the door that evening. Olivia had messaged him multiple times, asking when he would be home. It shocked Ana when he walked into the sitting room where she and Olivia had been playing a board game. His eyelids were heavy, and there were dark circles around his eyes. Oblivious to her father’s exhaustion, Olivia threw herself at him, talking ten to the dozen. Goosebumps slid along Ana’s neck as Andrew scooped her up, love radiating from his eyes as he listened to what his daughter had to say. Before Ana could blink, Olivia was racing off. Andrew walked further into the room, sinking down into the chair, before tipping his head back and closing his eyes. Ana moved, wanting to give him space, but when she looked over at him, she found his gaze locked on her.

“Don’t go,” Andrew said, rubbing a hand over his face. “Olivia wants to show me her costume.”

Ana had added the finishing touches after Andrew’s mum had left the night before. Ana had to admit she was proud of what she had produced. Olivia had been ecstatic when Ana had shown her the finished costume that morning. She had thrown herself at Ana, who was getting used to the affection Olivia gave.

Ana sank back onto the carpet where she had been sitting.

“She’s so excited. I hope you don’t mind me letting her stay up to see you?” Ana said, wondering for the first time if she’d made a mistake in allowing Olivia to stay up. Andrew looked dead on his feet.

“No, you were right. It’s hard when I’m on the late shift. I don’t get to spend enough time with her. I really appreciate she’s had you this week. She would normally stay at my parents, and I would not get to see her. This way, I’ve been able to see her in the mornings and check in on her at night. I’m just sorry it has thrown you in at the deep end.” Before Ana could reply, Olivia came flying back into the room wearing her new Halloween outfit. The expression on Andrew’s face sent a wave of heat radiating through Ana’s chest. Olivia gave her dad a twirl before running over to Ana and throwing her arms around Ana’s neck.

“Isn’t Ana amazing, Daddy?” Olivia said, giving Ana another tight squeeze before turning back to her father. “She even added this pocket which the bought one doesn’t have.” Olivia showed Andrew the secret pocket that Olivia had told her about when they had been discussing the costume. It was a special pocket where the witch kept all her important spell ingredients. Ana had added it as a last-minute addition, surprising Olivia that morning. Ana looked up and felt her cheeks heat under the intensity of Andrew’s gaze.

“Thank you, Ana,” he said, his gaze holding a genuine warmth. “I am very grateful for what you have done this week.”

Ana found it impossible to hold his gaze, instead shifting her attention to Olivia, a smile forming as she watched her skipping and dancing around the sitting room.

“You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do, and Olivia has helped me. She is quite the seamstress.”

It had been the perfect bonding activity. The costume had taken longer than usual to make. When Ana had said,we, Olivia had held her to it, wanting to learn how the sewing machine worked and how the pattern held together. Ana had thought she would struggle, having spent her life doing most things alone, but she’d enjoyed being able to share her passion with someone who was clearly interested. Ana had looked forward to their sessions, especially when Olivia’s eyes lit up as soon as she mentioned it or had until Andrew’s mum got involved.

Olivia heard the words and ran up, placing herself on her father’s knee. She began telling him all about the sewing machine and how Ana and she were going to make dolls’ clothes next. Ana grinned. The fact Olivia wanted to learn, and that she could teach her, was perfect. It was, after all, how Ana had developed a love for sewing and creating. She had taken her old clothes and re-purposed them for her dolls. The only difference was, she had had no one to show her. She was completely self-taught.

While Olivia talked, Ana excused herself and went to put the kettle on. She could hear Olivia talking animatedly to her dad. After making Andrew a cup of tea, she returned to the sitting room, placing it down on the coffee table. Andrew nodded his appreciation, but Ana could see he was struggling to keep his eyes open. His determination to give his daughter his full attention when his eyes were rolling around his head, set butterflies dancing in her belly.

“Come on, Olivia, it’s time for bed,” Ana said, making an executive decision.

“But Ana...” Olivia said, looking back and forth between Ana and her dad.

“I thought you had a big party tomorrow?” Ana said, making her voice light. She understood Olivia wanted to see her daddy, but she could see how tired he was. “At this rate, you’ll be falling asleep in the bobbing apples!”

Olivia giggled. Ana was learning fast, whatever Linda thought. Olivia seemed to respond best when she thought it was her idea.

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