Page 52 of Only You

Ana threw her arms around his neck and hugged him before pulling herself back abruptly. It was so quick Andrew hadn’t had a chance to react, but his body wanted more. Ana, however, had switched her attention to Olivia. The only sign it had affected her was the deep flush that darkened her face and neck.

Olivia wriggled out of Ana’s grasp and turned to him. “Come on, Daddy, you need to open Ana’s present.”

As with Ana’s, Olivia gave him a helping hand. Andrew held up the canvas print in front of him. It was a colourful print with words depicting the type of surgeon he was, surrounded by a tree with human hearts hanging from the branches. Andrew loved it and knew Suzie would too.

“Thank you. This is amazing. My patients are going to love it.”

Andrew gave Ana a genuine smile and saw her relax.

“I got you these, too, just in case,” she held up another box.

Inside were two whiskey glasses etched with a pattern. On closer inspection, Andrew realised the pattern was, in fact, little human hearts.

Andrew smiled. “These will come in very handy,” he said, directing Ana’s gaze to the tree where he had all the gifts his patients had given him. A combination of chocolates, wine, and spirits. He knew there was an aged bottle of whiskey in there. Lucas had brought it for him at his last checkup when he’d also invited Andrew and Olivia for Christmas dinner.

Andrew looked at the time. They would need to get ready to leave for Lucas’ home soon. Ana was already up and carefully putting the discarded wrapping paper into a bin liner while Olivia sat redressing her doll in one of the many outfits Ana had made for her.

“Come on, Sunshine. We need to get ready to go, or we will be late.”

Andrew watched as Ana scooped the last of the mess up. The floor was still littered with toys, but that could wait until later.

They all headed out of the sitting room and made their way back upstairs. Andrew watched as Ana disappeared into her room, her box of material clasped to her chest. He smiled to himself, pleased she appeared to love his present.

Chapter Thirty-five

Andrew

Andrew had come down to Olivia, showing off the new dress Ana had made for her. Ana looked stunning in one of her own creations.

Was there no end to her talents?

Ana had made them all a small breakfast before they left.

They had decided to take the gingerbread house with them to share. There was too much for them to eat, plus they’d had more than their fill of gingerbread.

The drive to the Hunt household was about an hour away. They lived further north, on the outskirts of London, in a massive country house. Olivia had packed her bags as they had decided early on, pre-Ana, that she would stay the night. With Andrew being on call, they had arranged it as a precaution. It was no longer necessary with Ana, but Star had said it wasn’t fair to the girls to change the plans, so Andrew agreed Olivia could stay.

Andrew noticed Ana was quiet on the ride over. He knew she was uneasy about coming. She felt she was imposing and had made that very clear. He’d told her there was no way she was being left at home... alone, on Christmas Day.

When they arrived, The Hunt family met them on the doorstep.

“Welcome, Welcome. Merry Christmas,” Lucas said, his arms outstretched.

Skylar rushed past her grandfather towards Olivia, her own doll in hand. Olivia spun around and gave Lucas and Mary a quick hug, hello, looking to Andrew for permission before disappearing into the house.

Rosy the German Shepherd appeared, her year-old puppy in tow. Both made a beeline for Ana, who crouched down and was being loved up. One word from Damian had the two dogs sitting, their excitement instantly tamed. “Sorry,” Damian said apologetically to Ana, “I promise they’re harmless teddy bears.”

Ana rose to her feet, giving Damian a shy smile. “No problem, they’re adorable,” she said, rubbing their heads.

“Don’t let Rosie hear you say that, or she won’t leave you alone,” Star said, stepping forward and sweeping Ana into a hug. “We’re so glad you could come. Merry Christmas.” With that, Star swept Ana past them all and into the house as if sensing the younger woman’s discomfort.

Damian rolled his eyes at his wife’s departing back. “Come on, let’s get you a soft drink,” he said, leading Andrew into the house behind Mary and Lucas.

The house was a winter wonderland. It appeared they were not the only family who had gone all out with Christmas decorations. The hallway held a fifteen-foot tree that stood next to the sweeping staircase. Olivia and Skylar had disappeared up to Skylar’s bedroom. Andrew doubted they would see them for a while.

They found Ana and Star in the drawing room; another beautifully decorated tree stood pride of place in the large window. Its twinkling lights stood out against the backdrop.

Damian came to stand next to Andrew, offering him a drink. “Mum and Dad have used Skylar as an excuse to get out the big guns this Christmas,” he explained, motioning to the decorations around the room. “Any excuse, I think.”

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