I frown. “Really?”
“When I’ve gone to bed. She thinks I can’t hear her, but I can.”
My heart goes out to both of them. “That’s very sad.”
“When she says your name, she smiles.”
My lips curve up a little. “That’s nice to know.”
He shrugs. “I guess it’s okay if you want to kiss her.”
I’m surprisingly pleased to have the seal of approval from a six-year-old. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” he says, which makes me laugh.
“All done.” Isla comes out. “We’d knocked the extension lead, that’s all.” She takes Max’s hand and smiles at me. “We’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yep. All ready for the party. Should be fun. Okay, have a nice evening.”
“Thank you so much for dinner. We had a great time, didn’t we?” She looks at her son, then back at me, her eyes hopeful.
“I told him he can kiss you,” Max says. “If he wants to.”
“Oh.” Her eyes flare again. “Goodness.”
“Are you going to kiss her now?” he asks me.
“Max!” She blushes then, her cheeks turning a beautiful fuchsia.
I chuckle and walk up the steps. “How about this?” I murmur, and I bend and touch my lips to her warm cheek, inhaling her perfume, which smells exotic, maybe with a touch of jasmine, perfect for a hot summer evening.
I lift my head and smile at her. “See you both tomorrow.”
“Goodnight.” Wow, those eyes are stunning. And within them is a spark of desire, and a promise of excitement, like the glitter of a parcel beneath the tree on Christmas Eve.
I don’t yet know how everything is going to work out. But as I walk away with Ghost, my heart is lighter than it has been for some time.
*
The next day is the twenty-third of December. On Christmas Eve the Ark officially shuts until January the third,but even though it’s Christmas, the world doesn’t close. Animals will still get sick, and unfortunately will still need to be rescued, so there will be a skeleton staff here working shifts.
I haven’t committed to any dates because I’d assumed I’d be leaving soon. I thought about it a lot last night after leaving Isla. I’m anxious about it, but I decided I can’t go back on it now. I’ll do as Brock suggested and think about Archer’s offer over the next week. Everything feels up in the air, like glitter suspended in the sunlight. But in the morning, I spot Noah out in the Quad, helping to pin up some fairy lights, and take him to one side and tell him I’ll be staying until the New Year.
“Good,” he says with satisfaction. “That’s the best Christmas present anyone could have given me.”
“I’m flattered,” I say wryly. “I’ll tell Abby that after you’ve opened your parcels.”
He just chuckles. “I knew the Ark would work its magic on you both.” He looks over at where Ghost is running around the paddock with his German Shepherds, including the one in the wheelchair. He’s right. Since coming here, and especially since meeting Max, Ghost has been like a new dog. He even gave Elaine a lick this morning, much to her delight.
“You can come to my New Year party now.” Noah looks delighted.
“I’m not really one for parties…”
“Isla will be there.”
I blow out a breath. “All right.”
He grins and slaps me on the back. “Good man.”
