Page 105 of The Christmas Holiday
‘Half of Hamley’s for my niece and nephew.’
I laughed. ‘They’re going to be thrilled! But isn’t it getting a bit late to post it all to South Africa?’
‘They’re coming here for Christmas. Going to be kind of a squash at the flat but I can’t wait. You should have heard Molly squeal when I showed her the snow from the window onSkype! I’m pretty sure I’ve lost some hearing.’
‘I’m assuming she’s never seen snow?’
‘Never. To be honest, I think her parents are almost as excited as she is.’
‘It sounds like it’s going to be wonderful.’ I stepped back from the boot and Hunter closed it. ‘Would it be strange for me to ask you to send them my love?’
‘No. Not at all. But I know they’d be more thrilled if you deliveredit in person.’
‘Oh! Hunter, I—’
‘Are you two getting in?’ Sandeep’s disembodied voice bellowed out of the open car door. ‘We’re freezing our arses off in here!’
Hunter rolled his eyes and smiled, gesturing for me to go ahead of him. We climbed in and pulled the doors closed behind us.
‘If you two hadn’t bought half of London, it might have been quicker.’
‘I have a big family,’Sandeep quipped, grinning.
‘And I just really like shopping,’ Liv added, honestly. ‘Plus, it helps with my nerves.’
‘You must be really nervous then,’ Hunter said, glancing out of the window.
I gave him a jab in the ribs with my elbow.
‘Ow! What?’
‘She’s getting married in two days’ time. She’s allowed to be nervous. And she’s allowed to buy up all of Oxford Street if it helps!’
‘Thank you, Mia!’ Liv said, before poking her tongue out at Hunter, who just grinned.
‘Fine. OK. To be honest, though, I don’t get what you’re nervous about. You’re going to be the most beautiful bride Mia’s ever written about. And you’re marrying him, which seems to make you incredibly happy. But I guess there’s no accounting for taste.’
Sandeep gave him the finger.
Liv smiledand snuggled in to her fiancé. ‘I know. And thank you. I suppose I’m just nervous about all the people there and what if I trip up on the bits I’m supposed to say? Or completely forget them!’
Hunter leant forward and took her hand. ‘Liv, I highly doubt that’s going to happen. But even if it does, who cares? You just start that bit again. You wouldn’t be the first and certainly won’t be thelast. And as for all the other people, forget about them. It’s your wedding day. Yours and his. You’re the only two people you should be thinking about.’ Tears were now washing Liv’s eyes and, as she pulled Hunter to her in a big hug, a few released, dripping off her chin and running down the back of his coat, chasing silvery for a moment before sinking into the dark wool. Liv sat back.
‘Youknow. You really can be rather sweet when you put your mind to it.’
Hunter put a finger to his lips and winked. ‘Our secret.’
***
The hotel ballroom had been transformed into a wash of silver, pale gold and a million tiny, twinkling fairy lights. Perfectly symmetrical Christmas trees lined the sides of the room, decorated in the same colours. Instead of a fairy or a star, each treewas topped with a little bride and groom. Normally I was tucked at the back for these things, making sure to keep out of everyone’s way, but on this occasion Liv had insisted that Hunter and I be nearer the front. I glanced sideways at him under my lashes and studied him for a moment. The cargos had been swapped for a beautifully cut suit in a light navy that matched his eyes. His skin was lightlytanned and freshly shaven, and although off duty, with an official photographer taking the strain for today, his Nikon rested on his left thigh, one hand holding it loosely. Keeping his face forward, he leaned towards me, bringing with him the scent of the light, woody aftershave he now favoured.
‘What?’
‘What?’
‘You’re staring at me.’
‘Rubbish. Not every woman stares at you, youknow.’
