Christmas Miracle on Their Doorstep by Ann McIntosh

Author:Ann McIntosh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-09-15T17:03:45+00:00

* * *

Theo knew if he’d gone back into that warm, cosy cottage with Nya and Hope, spent another evening with them, as though they were family, he wouldn’t be able to resist.

Resist the draw of Nya’s smile, her shining gaze, her lush, sassy mouth.

The urge to pretend he could belong again and start over.

Walking away had been a wrench, but necessary, so as not to make a fool of himself, and risk the friendship he had with Nya. Yet, the following morning, as he looked out of his kitchen window at the light drizzle, he still regretted doing it, and wondered if inviting her over this evening was wise too.

He wanted her, with an intensity he found difficult to comprehend and was still trying to come to terms with and understand.

Was it just a case of rebound on his part?

Loneliness?

A result of his long sexual drought?

Or was there something more there? An emotional connection that went beyond that all-important friendship?

Until he could figure that out, he wouldn’t chance losing the relationship they did have, on a whim.

And, even if there was something more on his side, would Nya ever be willing to explore it?

She’d always seemed happy—content—with her life. Safely ensconced behind the bastion of her widowhood. Remembering a love that would never age, or change, or wither.

In a strange and stupid way, he envied her that unwavering emotion.

The love that was trapped in amber for all time, never to disintegrate.

That never had to be questioned or held onto, so it wouldn’t slip away.

When his phone rang, still lost in thought, he picked it up without looking at the screen.

‘Theo.’ The sound of Nya’s brisk voice made his heart start to race. ‘I’m sorry to call so early, but can you come and pick up Hope at Carey House?’

‘Is there a problem?’

‘Hazel just called to let me know she’s not feeling well and won’t be in today. We have a full schedule, so I have to go in as soon as possible to try to keep everything flowing smoothly.’

‘I’ll be there in thirty minutes, at the outside.’

‘Thank you. I have to run.’

He was already halfway to his bedroom when she hung up, and it took him only a few minutes to change and be on his way.

It turned into one of those days that consisted of putting out one fire after another at the hospital. Theo was glad that, once he got there, he decided to just stay, rather than take Hope back to his house.

‘I’ve asked Lorna to fill in on Reception,’ Nya told him, looking totally calm, although the pulse at the base of her neck was thumping. ‘But she’s totally out of her depth. I’d ask Sophie to keep an eye, but she’s off doing home visits, and I need Kiara to see to patients. And I just got a call about a mum who’s fallen. A neighbour is bringing her in. I may have to ask you to consult, but then I don’t know who will look after Hope.

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