Page 32 of Only You

Andrew pulled back, looking down into his mother’s face. “Don’t think for one moment that I don’t appreciate everything you do for us. You and Dad deserve this break. Go, enjoy yourselves, have fun with Chris, enjoy the sunshine. Olivia and I will be fine... I promise.”

It was at that moment that Olivia came flying back into the room. “All tidy, Granny,” she said, throwing her arms around his mum’s waist, her head buried in her stomach.

“Good girl. Have you got all your school things together?” his mum asked.

“All by the door,” Olivia said, grinning up.

His mum ran her hand over Olivia’s hair. “Grab them, sweetheart. Daddy needs to get you home.”

“Is Ana at home?” Olivia’s eyes shot to his face, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Yes, she is. So, go, do what Granny says and make sure you give Grandad a kiss goodbye,” Andrew said, encouraging his daughter to follow his mother’s instructions.

Olivia was back in a flash. Andrew watched as she kissed his mum goodbye before grabbing hold of his hand. There was nothing he would not do for his daughter. Was he making the right decision?

Only time would tell.

Chapter Twenty-one

Ana

Chaos hit the second weekend. On Saturday morning, Ana came downstairs to find Olivia hysterical in the kitchen.

“But, Daddy. You promised.”

Tears streamed down Olivia’s face as she stared at her father.

“I’m sorry, Liv. They’ve sold out. There is nothing I can do.”

Ana watched as Andrew ran his hand over his mouth. Her heart lurched as the scene unfolded before her, the anguish clear in Andrew’s eyes.

Ana stood in the doorway, not wanting to intrude. She had tried to stay out of the way as much as possible since moving in, but it was the weekend, and she couldn’t hide in her room forever.

As if sensing her, Andrew looked up, ushering her into the room. “Come in, Ana. You don’t need to stand in the doorway.”

Olivia got down from the stool she was sitting on and threw herself at Ana. Ana’s body froze before her arms enveloped the sobbing child, whose arms were locked around her waist. Ana’s eyes found Andrew’s. He looked as shocked at his daughter’s response as she was. Ana dropped to one knee, drawing the little girl to her, running soothing hands up and down her back.

Ana looked at Andrew for clarification. She was wary of getting between father and daughter.

Andrew grimaced. “Olivia reminded me she needs a Halloween costume for the school disco on Friday night. We discussed it a few weeks ago, but I forgot to order it.”

“And now they’ve sold out,” Olivia sobbed into Ana’s neck.

Andrew sighed, running his fingers through his hair, shaking his head.

“I... I... I was... going... to... be… partners... with... Skylar.”

Ana hugged Olivia a little tighter. The little girl’s distress broke her heart.

Ana looked up. Andrew was watching their interaction, a crease forming between his eyebrows. Heat rushed to Ana’s cheeks, and she untangled herself from the heartbroken seven-year-old. What must he be thinking?

“I might be able to help.” Ana heard herself saying. Ana turned to Andrew, building up the courage to look at him again. “If you want me to?”

Taking Olivia’s hand, she walked her back towards the kitchen island.

“Do you have a picture of the costume you want?” Ana asked once Olivia calmed down.

Olivia ran out of the room, her feet thundering up the stairs.

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