Page 107 of Her Dom's Secret Past

“It’s over. There’s no way you could have known, no wayyou shouldblame yourself. I don’t.”

I pressed her tighter to me, my head resting against hers.

I had no idea how long we stood there. It was only the voice of Charlie calling out for us that brought us back to earth. Quickly, Anabelle slipped her nightgown and robe on while I blew out all the candles. Then hand-in-hand, we went back upstairs.

“Oops. Did I interrupt something?”

“No. We’d finished.”

Anabelle blushed to the roots of her hair as Charlie laughed and kissed her.

“Merry Christmas.”

She wished him a merry Christmas back and raced off to dress. I hugged him and wished him the same. Justin appeared from the kitchen area and I gave him a bear hug too.

“Hey, what’s going on? You’re extremely happy this morning.”

“I’m bloody marvelous!”

And I was! I wanted to shout from the windows, I wanted the world to know. Instead, I laughed and offered the boys a coffee. They followed me into the kitchen where they chatted while I fixed drinks all round. Anabelle came back out. She appeared radiant and I couldn’t help sweeping her into my arms and kissing her.

“Wow! You’ve really got into the Christmas spirit, John.”

“Can’t help it, I’m truly happy.”

Justin looked at Anabelle laughing beside me. He spied the collar.

“Ah, now I see. Congratulations.”

Charlie squinted at his partner, puzzled, but Justin winked, saying, “I’ll tell you later, my love.”

Right then, we heard Becky and Cass arrive and we went to greet them in the hallway.

“Dean and Jen are unloading their car.”

I went out to help the others while Anabelle helped Becky. Once everyone had dropped their bags in the bedrooms and settled down, we made breakfast on the barbecue—the works. Eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, some gourmet sausages I’d discovered in a little artisan butcher in the local village. Plenty of toast, tea, and coffee as we all sat outside and watched the morning slowly unfold.

The day was a highlight for me, and not merely because I’d collared Anabelle. As well, I’d found friends—great friends who added to my life. Having no other family or commitments meant the day could unfold without any pressure. We swam, we ate, and we drank. We exchanged gifts and sat on the deck, watching the sun set and the kangaroos feed.

What more could anyone ask?

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