Page 24 of Only You

He himself struggled to understand why his ex-wife had left.

Ana looked down, a sense of sadness crossing her face.

“I just don’t want to cause any distress to Olivia or you. I should never have come here.”

“That’s fine. We don’t need to tell her,” Andrew replied. “It’s not like she knows about you.”

Ana stared at him wide-eyed.

When Eva had said she wanted nothing to do with the baby, Andrew had assumed she would come around. She had carried their daughter for nine months, had felt her kick, had given birth to her. He had waited and waited, hoping she would change her mind, that if it was post-partum depression, she would come back to them, but she never had. He had to finally accept their marriage was over, and she wanted nothing to do with him or their baby daughter when a solicitor’s letter arrived giving him full custody.

After the solicitor’s letter arrived, Andrew had tried to speak to his in-laws, but they, too had closed ranks. His father-in-law had been clear that he and the baby were no longer welcome. Andrew had left their house in shock. He had looked at Eva’s mum, but she had turned her back and left the room. He had always known they had different family values, but he had never thought they’d turn their back on their own flesh and blood.

“I’d love to meet Olivia.” Ana snatched Andrew out of his thoughts and back into the present.

Andrew felt his shoulders relax, his hand moving up to knead the back of his neck. He hadn’t realised how much he’d wanted to hear those words.

“Maybe we hold off telling her I’m her aunt,” Ana surprised him by saying. “I don’t want to confuse her or have her asking questions about my sister or family. Questions I can’t answer.”

Once again, Andrew wondered what the young woman in front of him had been through. Did she really have no contact with her family?

“How are your parents?” Andrew asked.

Ana shrugged, her laugh hollow. “I don’t know. I stopped speaking to them over four months ago.” Her coldness surprised Andrew after the warmth she’d shown when asking about Olivia. He decided against pushing her any further.

“Would you like to stay the night?” Andrew asked, changing the subject. “The spare room is made-up.”

“I don’t want to put you out,” Ana said, “But I’d be grateful. I’m not sure where else to go.”

“Well, you are family, and you are more than welcome to stay. It’s late, and I need to be up and out at five.” Andrew looked at his watch and realised it had gone midnight.

“I’m so sorry.” Ana looked distraught. “Just give me a shout, and I’ll be up and ready to leave when you need to.”

Andrew laughed. “No, you won’t. No-one wants to be up at that ungodly hour. I’ll leave you a spare key on the sideboard near the front door. Just lock up when you leave.” He stopped before adding, “It’s not safe for you to go back to your flat alone. You are welcome to stay here until you find somewhere else. We can collect your belongings tomorrow evening after I finish work.” Andrew watched as she was about to turn him down, so he added as a sweetener, “Olivia will be here tomorrow night. I know she’d love to meet you.”

Ana’s face lit up. Heat radiated through his chest, making him want to punch the air. He wasn’t above using his daughter as a magnet. He did not want Ana to go back to her flat. Her landlord was a predator, and he doubted Ana was the first and wouldn’t be the last. Ana should report him, but now was not the time to bring that up. His protective instinct was coming out, and his priority was ensuring her safety.

Andrew watched as Ana bit the inside of her lip. “Are you sure you don’t mind me staying for a few days? I’ll aim to be out of your hair by the weekend.”

“It is no problem,” Andrew said, giving Ana a wide smile. “Now we have that settled. I can show you to your room. Unfortunately, I have an early start and am not as young as I used to be.” Andrew got up and led Ana up the stairs to one of the spare rooms. He grabbed a towel out of the airing cupboard and a new toothbrush from the bathroom cabinet.

Ana took what he was offering before pausing at her bedroom door. “Thank you, Andrew. You are a wonderful person.”

Before Andrew could reply, she had turned and entered the room, closing the door with a soft click.

Andrew walked into his own room, closing the door. Leaning against it, he dropped his head back. This was not how he expected the evening to go. Andrew closed his eyes before opening them, an idea forming, quickly taking route in his mind. His child-minder interviews to-date had been a disaster. Not one woman he had interviewed in the past week had been what he was looking for. Sally had mentioned her sister looking after her children. Who better to look after Olivia than her own aunt? A slow smile spread across his face. Ana coming into their life at this moment might be a godsend.

As he lay looking at the ceiling. He hoped Ana would return the following evening. If she stayed for a few nights, then he’d see her with Olivia. He had a feeling his daughter was going to love her. He wasn’t wild about the idea of not being honest with Olivia about who she was, but he could see Ana’s dilemma. Olivia was already having issues with her mother’s absence. Maybe finding out about her aunt might not help.

As he lay in bed, he liked the idea more and more. Ana could become Olivia’s child minder. She could stay in the spare room until the annexe was furnished, which would then give Ana her own space. She’d been interested in meeting Olivia. Sending up a silent prayer, he hoped someone was listening.

Ana might just be the answer to all his problems.

Chapter Fourteen

Ana

Ana rolled over, the silkiness of the sheets beneath her waking her with a start. It took a few moments for her brain to engage and remember where she was and what had happened the night before. Rolling over, Ana groaned into her pillow. What must Andrew think of her, turning up on his doorstep late at night? The poor man had to work this morning, early! Guilt wracked her body. How was she going to face him? She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. There were no cracks on this ceiling. Everything was smooth and pristine. They had carefully recreated the cornices and rosary that framed the high ceiling with first-class replicas. Everything about the room was beautiful, from the matching wardrobe and chest of drawers to the king-sized wooden bedframe and heavy brocade curtains with matching bed throw. The furniture was a mixture of old and new, but somehow together, they made a warm and inviting space. She had to admit, whoever had designed this house had immaculate taste. Whether that was her ex-brother-in-law or not, Olivia was lucky to be raised somewhere like this. It screamed love.

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