Page 89 of A Merry Little Christmas

Maybe he was unusual and other men would be fine with it, but he couldn’t bear the shame of people knowing he was infertile. The pity on their faces when they put two and two together and realised that all these years, he’d been bringing up a boy who wasn’t his.

He hated his own weakness. He hated his body for letting him down and all because of getting mumps as a kid. Mumps was a joke. It puffed your face up and made you feel like hell for a week or so. It wasn’t supposed to ruin your life. But the thing Olek hated most of all was that he’d always had his suspicions about whether Max was his. He had managed to keep them at bay, never to examine them too closely. But now he couldn’t avoid it any longer.

For years, Yvonna hadn’t conceived, then one day she had changed, she had a new energy about her, a sparkiness to her behaviour, a reluctance to spend time alone with him. When she’d found out she was pregnant, it had healed their relationship for a time, and he’d pushed any niggling concerns to the back of his mind. Right up until he’d found her with Viktor, and it all came flooding back. He’d been humiliated and lost his confidence for a while, until he met Nell. Nell had made everything right in his world.

These last couple of weeks had brought those feelings of weakness into sharp focus again. But he knew what he needed to do.

Olek put the fire out, spreading the last few embers which still retained a glow from last night. He stuffed his remaining things into his bag, checked he hadn’t left anything in the bathroom, and turned out the lights.

It was time to go home and face the music.

Chapter 37

Merry

When Cole turned down the long tree-lined driveway to the Enchanted Spa, Merry drew in an excited breath. It was snowing harder now, but ahead of them she could see the most beautiful country house, which, dusted with snow, looked absolutely magical.

‘This is going to be wonderful,’ she said, smiling at Cole. Even more wonderful had she had company, but it was understandable, Emily was bound to have other things to do so close to Christmas Day.

‘I hope so, darling,’ Cole replied, slowing down to manoeuvre the truck into a parking space right by the door.

A car passed by behind them as Merry opened the passenger door. She did a double take and then laughed. ‘Gosh, I’m seeing things, I could have sworn that was Emily driving into the car park.’

She craned her neck for another look, but the car had turned the corner.

‘Whoah, stay right there,’ Cole yelled, running around to her side. His boots skidded in the snow, and he almost slid into her. ‘Don’t go anywhere by yourself, it’s dangerous.’

‘All right, keep your hair on,’ she said with a giggle. ‘Although I’d like to point out you just nearly knocked us both over.’

He grabbed her handbag from the footwell, slung it over his shoulder and then held her hand tight. ‘I panicked. I’m under a lot of pressure today.’

She gave him a sceptical look. ‘Care to elaborate on that?’

‘Just you,’ he spluttered. ‘Dealing with my heavily pregnant wife in these conditions.’

‘Fine,’ she retorted, letting him lead her towards the revolving door. ‘But less of the “heavily” please, I’m beginning to get a complex.’

‘And I’m beginning to think I prefer you when you haven’t had a good night’s sleep; I can’t keep up with you today.’

‘Wowzers,’ Merry breathed, turning a full circle as they stepped through the doors. The foyer of the spa oozed glamour and luxury, from the twinkling crystal chandeliers to the sparklingly clean marble floor. ‘This is very fancy.’

‘Glad you approve. Reception desk straight ahead,’ said Cole, steering her forward.

There were already several other women checking in; Merry took a seat while Cole waited in the queue for her.

The Christmas decorations were the most extravagant Merry remembered ever seeing. Enormous festive floral arrangements adorned each end of the reception desk. Sprigs of spruce, trailing ivy, winter berries and velvety red roses spilled from vases and everywhere she looked, she saw red and silver bows woven through evergreen swags, wreaths and garlands, all plump with holly, mistletoe and eucalyptus. From hidden speakers came the gentle sound of Christmas music played on a harp. The whole effect was just as magical as the exterior.

The revolving doors started to turn again as someone else arrived and Merry suddenly found herself on her feet, her heart thumping with shock at the sight of her best friend. She glanced over at Cole and then back at Nell. This couldn’t be a coincidence.

For a moment, she stood speechless, watching as Nell spun around exactly as she had, admiring her surroundings. It was so good to see her; if her limbs didn’t feel quite so leaden, she’d have wanted to run to her and hug her tight. To hell with their argument, she just wanted her friend back.

Finally, Nell turned in her direction and noticed her.

‘Merry!’ she gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth. ‘What the hell? What is going on?’

Merry took a step back, that wasn’t quite the warm greeting she’d been expecting. ‘I was about to ask you the same question.’

‘Emily brought me,’ Nell said, folding her arms. ‘Have I been set up?’