Page 110 of The Christmas Holiday

‘Well, like I said, they’re not exactly neat and tidy. The doc did a great job with what he had to work with.’

‘Hunter! I don’t care what they look like. And I’ll never beable to thank any of the people enough who helped you. Everything they did brought you back to me. I just wondered if it caused you any pain. Like the scars up here sometimes do.’ I traced my fingers over his hair as I laid back down on his chest.

His hand curled around my free one and he lifted it to his lips, kissing the palm gently. ‘No. And those are getting better too. I promise. I havesomeone I see, and I’m going to make an appointment to see him to talk over what happened with the fireworks. And the nightmare. Things are a lot better than they were and I’m determined to keep it going in that direction.’

‘Good. I’m glad you’ve got someone who’s helping you work things out.’

‘Yeah. I’m lucky. I could afford to do it. There are plenty of people, servicemen and women especially,who can’t and there isn’t enough help available. I’ve actually talked to Liv about it and, once she’s back from honeymoon, she’s promised to arrange one of her gala dinners to raise money for the few charities that do offer help, and increase awareness about how much more is needed.’

‘That sounds like a great start. I get the feeling Liv and Sandeep know some pretty influential people. Itcan only help.’

‘That’s what I’m hoping.’

‘So, apart from attending gala dinners in your posh frock,’ I teased, ‘what else is next for you? Do you have another job lined up?’

‘I’ve got a shoot in Paris for a few days just after New Year. And I’m looking at a couple of other things for afterwards I haven’t quite made up my mind about yet.’

‘Very nice too.’

‘I’m more concernedwith what’s happening closer to home, though.’

‘Meaning?’

‘You. Me. Us.’

‘I thought the fact I’m in your bed meant that was a little more decided.’

‘I love you, Mia.’

‘I know. I love you too.’

He shifted and rolled so I was underneath him. ‘I still want to marry you. Oh my God, so badly. But I’m not expecting us to just pick up where we left off. We’ve both changed andwe’ve both grown. I’m happy to basically start again, if that’s what you want, if that’s what makes you feel comfortable. We’re going to get it right this time.’

‘I think we had it right last time. We just didn’t know it.’

He dipped on his arms and kissed me. ‘I think you might be right.’

‘Then are you going to give me my ring back?’

‘What?’

‘That’s mine, I believe,’ I said,reaching up and touching the diamond.

The grin spread across his face as he sat back and pulled me with him. His hands went to the chain, undid it and the ring slipped into the palm of his hand. Lifting it with his other, he took my left hand and began to slip the ring back on my finger.

‘Wait!’ I said, pulling my hand away.

Hunter’s confusion was clear but he pushed it aside and foldedthe ring within his hand. ‘It’s fine. Like I said, there’s no rush.’

‘No…’ I caught his hand. ‘It’s not what you think. This…’ I turned his hand over and released his fingers, leaving the ring glittering in his palm. ‘You made this your good luck charm. In the plane. In the bombing. Perhaps you should keep it now.’

Hunter smiled, leaned forward and kissed me softly, his hand moving togently take mine again.

‘You’re my good luck charm now, Mia.’