Page 48 of Only You

“Ana, when do you finish for Christmas?” Andrew asked her, snapping her out of her daze.

“A couple of days before Olivia, so I’ll be home to look after her,” she blurted, not wanting Andrew to worry about Olivia’s childcare.

“That’s okay. If you need some time for yourself, let me know. The hospital has a childcare facility, and Olivia can come in with me.”

“I’m happy to look after her. I thought we could make mince pies, and I’ve always wanted to make a gingerbread house.”

“Can we?” Olivia chirped up.

Ana grinned at her. “Well, I’ve found a recipe, so if you want to help me.”

“Can I? Can I, Daddy?”

Andrew laughed.

“I think it’s up to both of you. If you don’t expect me to do anything. Last time I made gingerbread, your Granny threw me out of the kitchen.”

Andrew explained that he had eaten half the mixture when his mum’s back had been turned. Olivia pulled a face at her father, then looked seriously at Ana.

“I promise not to eat the mixture.”

Ana had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing. Andrew’s eyes twinkled at her, making her heart flutter wildly in her chest.

“I promise not to as well.”

They spent the rest of the meal discussing the Christmas tree and decorations. It was late by the time they left, which meant they got to enjoy the full effect of London’s Christmas lights. As the taxi made its way back towards their home, Olivia fell asleep on Andrew.

Ana stared lovingly at her.

“She loves you, you know,” Andrew said suddenly, drawing Ana’s attention.

“The feeling is more than mutual. Thank you for letting me be a part of her life,” Ana said, staring into Andrews’ eyes.

Andrew nodded as if trying to find the words to say. Instead, he turned away and stared out of the window. What had he been about to say?

Andrew was silent until the taxi pulled up outside the house. Andrew scooped Olivia into his arms and carried her to the door while Ana rummaged around in her bag for her door keys. She eventually found them, following Andrew up the stairs.

“It’s okay, I’ve got her,” Andrew said, turning around with his daughter sound asleep in his arms.

Ana smiled. “I’ll say good night then.”

She headed towards her bedroom.

“Ana,” Andrew said.

Ana turned and waited, her hand resting on the door handle.

“Thank you for joining us today.”

Ana couldn’t do anything but nod, her eyes unable to meet Andrew’s. She took a deep breath as she entered her bedroom and shut the door before leaning back against it.

This was not good. She had felt part of the family. She was in over her head. Her feelings for Andrew and her racing heart would give her away. She swore Andrew would have heard it if they hadn’t been in busy shops. She needed to protect herself. But a certain little girl was breaking down her barriers and letting others in too. Dropping onto the bed, Ana picked up the book she was reading. She needed to send herself off into a make-believe world where love was an illusion.

Chapter Thirty-three

Ana

Olivia was up at the crack of dawn to decorate the Christmas tree. Ana didn’t realise Andrew had already ordered it, and they delivered the tree at seven. No lie-in that morning.

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