A Kiss in the Snow - Rosie Green Page 0,78

the night. Snow has started to fall, swirling gently around us.

‘What did you think?’ he asks, closing the door and immediately catching me around the waist. ‘I hope I haven’t turned you off with my warbling.’

‘You didn’t warble. You were amazing.’ I smile shyly up at him. ‘And no, you didn’t turn me off. Quite the opposite, in fact.’

He groans and pulls me against him. ‘I was hoping you’d say that. So it was worth taking the chance, then?’

‘Oh, yes.’ He’s holding me so close to him, my head is spinning with ecstasy. Here in his arms is where I’ve needed to be for so very long. And now, it feels like all my Christmas dreams are coming true at once. ‘No-one’s ever done anything so romantic for me.’

‘Well, they should,’ he growls, ‘because you so deserve it, Carrie.’ His lips curve into a smile as he traces the line of my cheek. ‘Anita convinced me that you were no longer mad about Adam. I’m sorry I left like that. I was so confused. I didn’t know where I stood with you.’

‘But you know now, I hope?’

He smiles down at me, and it’s just as well he’s holding me up because otherwise, I’d be on the floor. ‘I know now.’

And then I feel his hot breath as his lips brush my neck, and I slide my hands up around his neck and pull him closer. And then his mouth comes down on mine and I respond urgently, sliding my hands inside his jacket and exploring the hard muscles of his chest. Snowflakes are falling heavily now, landing on my upturned face and making my nose twitch, and he laughs gently and pulls me closer, sheltering me inside his jacket. And I sigh happily. I just want to stay like that, crushed against him, with the snow swirling magically around us, for the rest of my life…

Watching the three of them walking up the path to Moon Cottage, something suddenly occurs to me. ‘Oh.’ I glance up at Ronan. ‘I think I’ve just solved a Christmas riddle.’

He laughs softly. ‘I’m pleased for you.’

I grin. ‘Do you mind if I just give my friend a quick call?’

‘Of course not. I’m not letting you go, though.’

‘Good.’ I fish out my phone and find Madison’s number.

‘Hi! Are you still in Silverbells?’ she asks.

‘I am indeed.’

‘Good to hear from you.’

‘I’m phoning to tell you that I’ve solved your Christmas riddle.’

‘Ah, yes. Two mothers and two daughters go out for a Christmas meal. But only three meals are eaten. How is that possible? Go on, then. Tell me the answer.’

‘The two mothers and two daughters are three generations of the same family. A grandmother, her daughter and granddaughter. Two mums and two daughters.’

‘Well done,’ laughs Madison.

‘What’s the prize?’

‘The prize is returning to Sunnybrook and civilisation. I expect you’ve been bored out of your mind these past few weeks.’

I glance at Ronan. He smiles that smile at me. The one that makes me go weak at the knees.

‘God, yeah. Bored to tears.’

‘Thought so. Come back and we’ll cheer you up.’

‘Okay. Merry Christmas, Maddy!’

‘Merry Christmas to you, too.’

I end the call and grin at Ronan. ‘Maddy thinks I need cheering up.’

He pulls me against him and smiles down at me. ‘Does she, now? Well, I’m going to try my very best.’

‘I believe you.’ I take his hand and pull him away. ‘Now, how about we go back to Snowdrop Cottage and you can start putting those words into action.’

Laughing, we walk off together, as the snow swirls around us…

Dear Reader

I really hope you enjoyed Carrie’s story.

Reading is such a great escape when you’re feeling challenged by life, as so many people are these days, so I hope I’ve managed to put a smile on your face. I’m already writing the next Little Duck Pond Cafe story, which is due out soon.

Meanwhile, take care and stay safe.

Until then, stay safe and happy reading!

Lots of love

Rosie xxx

Acknowledgements

I’d like to say a big thank you to some very important people, who help bring the Little Duck Pond Stories to you so brilliantly.

The wonderful Berni Stevens @Berni_Stevens1 is the creator of all my gorgeous covers, and when it comes to formatting, I couldn’t do without the talented and unflappable Matt Maguire, of www.candescentpress.co.uk. Big thanks also to my wonderful editor, Barbara Simmons, and the fabulous Rachel Gilbey @rararesources for organising my blog tours so efficiently and making them so enjoyable - and to all the lovely bloggers who are always a delight to work with.