Page 104 of The Holiday Cottage

“But making up a dog—”

“Sounds like a creative solution to me. And it’s not as if ‘Bring your dog to work days’ are common. How were you supposed to anticipate that? What kind of dog was he?”

She broke off the corner of her croissant and ate it. “He was a golden retriever, just like Ralph.”

“Of course. Midas.” He nodded. “I should have guessed.”

“The weird thing is I made him up because I wanted to seem like a dog person like my colleagues, and it turns out I am a dog person. I didn’t even know I loved dogs until I met Ralph. I didn’t have a pet growing up, and I only invented Midas because everyone at work is obsessed with their pets.” She sighed and sat back in her chair. “And I still have to confess to them that it was all lies. I’m not looking forward to that part.”

“They don’t know Midas was fictitious?”

“No. I was sent on extended leave before I could tell them the truth. That joy awaits me in January, along with a load of other unpleasant things.”

Like dealing with her mother.

She felt a cloud descend as she thought of returning to her life in London. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Holly Cottage, but that was only hers for Christmas, of course.

The Christmas cottage. Just for the holidays.

In the new year Dorothy would be making it available as a rental property again.

Miles reached across and took her hand. “You don’t have to tell them if you don’t want to. There’s no rule that says you have to reveal all the details of your life.”

“I know, but I’m learning that if you never let anyone see the real you, then no one knows the real you.” She paused. “I suppose I was afraid they wouldn’t like me.”

“I know the real you, and I like you.” His tone was rough. “I like you a lot.”

How was it that she could be so confident in some areas of her life, and so unsure in others?

Like now.

She felt herself blush. “I like you a lot too.”

“Good.” His hand tightened on hers. “And now let’s think about Christmas, because that’s what today is all about. If you could have any gift for Christmas, what would it be?”

She didn’t have to think about it. “Having a real family Christmas is probably the best gift. Dorothy has hung a stocking for me on the fireplace. Can you believe that? Actually, it was Ava who insisted on it. And tomorrow is Iris’s school play—we’re taking Benson along. I’m in charge of making sure he behaves himself, although I don’t know how I’m supposed to do that because he has a mind of his own.”

“If I were you, I’d take an expert with you. Just to be safe.”

She looked at him. “You’d come?”

“If I’m invited.”

“You’re definitely invited.” She paused, remembering all the times she’d performed with no one in the audience rooting for her. “Iris would love it. And so would I.”

“Then I’ll be there. And returning to the subject of Christmas, apart from being with family, what would be your dream gift?”

A dog.

But not any dog. Ralph.

She didn’t say it aloud. What was the point? Ralph was Miles’s dog, not hers. And anyway, she couldn’t have a pet with her current lifestyle.

“I don’t know. What’s top of your list? Have you written to Santa?”

“I bought myself a weatherproof jacket that is going to keep me warm when I’m out in the fields at two in the morning in January.”

“That doesn’t sound particularly exciting.”

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