Page 47 of Only You

“Good,” Andrew said. Shocked at what he’d said, schooling his features. “Sorry, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was, the Hunt family has invited Olivia and me to spend Christmas Day with them. Star wanted to know if you would like to join us?”

Ana felt awkward. The Hunt family barely knew her. She’d met Star a couple of times at pick up and when she’d had Skylar for dinner, but to be invited to Christmas dinner.

“I couldn’t,” Ana said, not wanting to impose. She was sure Millie or George would invite her if they knew she was going to be home alone.

“Don’t be silly,” Andrew said. “Olivia would love to have you with us. Christmas wouldn’t be the same. Lucas and Mary, Damian’s parents, are lovely. As far as they are concerned, the more the merrier.”

Ana really didn’t want to spend Christmas alone. She had done that for too many years. Her parents chose to be on call rather than enjoy a family Christmas. “That would be lovely. Thank you, and please thank them,” she said, focusing her attention on the pancake she was plating up, unable to look at Andrew.

“Yay,” Olivia said, appearing at her side and throwing her arms around her waist. “We are also getting the Christmas Tree this weekend. Will you help us decorate it? Please,” Olivia said, her wide eyes looking up at Ana.

Ana grinned; she was a sucker for putting up Christmas trees. She had always decorated theirs when she came home for the Christmas holidays. It was the only tradition her father had agreed to, and that was only for show if people came round. He wanted to appear to be enjoying Christmas. Ana had never really understood it, but then there was lots about her parents she hadn’t understood, like why the hell they had her in the first place?

Ana tilted her head as she looked at Olivia. “Do you have decorations?” she asked Olivia seriously.

“Of course we do, silly,” Olivia said, giggling. “We have thousands and thousands of decorations!”

“A slight exaggeration Olivia,” Andrew said, butting in, which made Olivia laugh even more.

“Well, if that is the case, then I would love to decorate the tree... and house with you,” Ana said.

“What about Christmas shopping?” Olivia asked her.

“I’d love to come Christmas shopping with you if that’s okay.” Olivia squeezed Ana around the waist once more before letting her go and heading to the table. “But everyone needs to eat these pancakes before they get cold!”

They spent the next twenty minutes discussing the best places to shop. Andrew had made Olivia write her letter to Santa a few weeks earlier, and Ana had been squirrelling away the presents as they were delivered. Her newly decorated bedroom in the annexe was currently full of gifts for Olivia. Today was apparently about getting presents for The Hunt family and Suzie, his secretary.

Ana had already begun work on her present for Olivia. She knew Andrew had bought her an American Girl. Both Olivia and Skylar were obsessed with their dolls. Ana had decided she would make some doll clothes for both of them. She had already replicated Olivia and Skylar’s Halloween costumes so the girls could dress their dolls in the same costumes they had. Plus started making Olivia’s favourite Disney Princess dress as well. They were nearly finished. She just had to add a few finishing touches and find something for Andrew. She knew what she wanted to get him but needed to find it.

After they had cleared up, it was all hands to the deck to get out of the house. They took a taxi as London shopping this close to Christmas was manic. Olivia’s mouth dropped open as the taxi drove them through the centre of London. The Christmas tree lights were spectacular, as were the shops. They were finally dropped off on Regent Street outside Hamley’s Toy Store. Ana had asked if they could go. There was a small queue outside the store, but when Ana looked at Andrew, he simply shrugged, and they joined the end. Olivia’s face lit up as they made their way past the shop window adorned with Christmas decorations, toys, and fake snow. This was a child’s paradise, and Ana had always wanted to come here after seeing it on a children’s television show.

They eventually made their way inside, and Ana felt herself caught up in the moment with Olivia. Only when she looked up and caught Andrew staring at her did she feel awkward. What must he be thinking? Ana watched as his stare became a full-blown smile she found herself returning. Only when Olivia started changing her Christmas wish list Andrew decided they needed to leave.

They spent the next couple of hours walking in and out of shops. Andrew picked up some small presents for Lucas and Mary, and Star and Damian. When Ana asked what she should get them, Andrew held up a hand. “You are coming with us. These gifts are from all of us and are simply a token to say, thank you.” While Olivia was distracted, Ana told Andrew about the dolls’ clothes she was making Olivia and Skylar for Christmas. Andrew had thrown an arm around her shoulder and told her that was perfect. Ana had wanted to curl into him, but Andrew had quickly withdrawn his arm before moving away and returning his attention to Olivia. Ana’s heart had sped up at the contact, her stomach tightening at his touch. Days like today, when they hung out like a family, were not helping her mental or physical state.

Andrew decided it was too late to bother cooking when they got back, so they made a pit stop to eat dinner. Olivia had requested pizza, which seemed to be her favourite go-to, so Andrew found them a table in an Italian restaurant.

Their waitress was an older lady who sat them down and told them she’d be back to take their food order. Olivia squished up to Ana’s side on the bench, sharing her menu.

“What are you having?” Ana asked Olivia.

“Pizza!” Olivia said, rolling her eyes as if Ana should have known that.

Ana just laughed back and pointed to the list. “Ahh, but what type of pizza?”

Olivia looked at the list and then back at Ana. The choice for a seven-year-old was endless. Ana went through the list with Olivia while Andrew sat and watched their interaction, a small smile playing on his lips. Ana wanted to ask him what the smile was for, but if he was smiling, she was happy.

“What do you think, Daddy?” Olivia asked, after changing her mind too many times.

“Whatever you want, Sunshine.”

“Ok, I’ll have the Margaretta.”

Ana had to stop herself from laughing. After all the choices, she went for the plain pizza. Ana’s eyes caught Andrews, and he winked at her. He’d known all along Olivia would go for the Margaretta, but he’d obviously enjoyed watching her work her way through the menu.

“What can I get this beautiful family?” the waitress asked as she returned. Ana felt herself freeze, but Andrew just smiled up at her, ignorant of the statement she’d made, and continued as usual. Ana knew she needed to relax. Of course, people were going to assume they were a family. She was amazed no one had put two and two together. Apart from colouring, which Olivia took from her dad, she had the same facial features as Eva and, therefore, Ana by default. Ana was getting too comfortable in their family. She no longer felt as if looking after Olivia was a job. It was a pleasure, one she would do for free if she could.

After giving Olivia her own order of chicken salad, they sat and chatted about their day shopping. Olivia soon got bored and started colouring with the set the waitress had left on the table.

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