“That’s fine, the more the merrier. We have plenty of food, so everyone is welcome.” He rang a discreetly hidden bell, and a maid opened the door. Explaining quickly, he sent her out to the car for Ethel.
Looking coyly at him, Annabel gently clutched his shirt. “Boris, I have a small confession to make, I…” She willed a blush to flush her cheeks. “I have always admired you, but I…” She bit her lip, looking earnestly at him. “Oh well, I might as well say it, whilst I’ve always admired you I was sure that you felt nothing for me.”
“Oh, Annabel, I’m shocked. To think I gave you that impression, I’m sorry. No, you were, are so beautiful I never imagined you would even look at a man like me.”
“Boris, so many misconceptions, but |Christmas is the time to make things right and I really do feel that our meeting today is Kismet.”
Bending his head, Boris lifted her hand and gently kissed the palm.
* * * *
Christmas Eve brought with it more snow, high winds, and drifts that reached halfway up the door. But it also brought with it a high level of excitement. The children were beside themselves with glee at the thought of Santa coming and made their presence felt by continuously asking all manner of questions about the reindeer, the sleigh and whether Santa could actually get stuck up the chimney. Hannah felt like the whole unpleasant episode of Ethel’s duplicity was somehow surreal. It was like it had happened to someone else, or that she had seen the whole thing in a film, or read it in a book. Goran seemed to have put the whole thing behind him and threw himself into patiently answering the twins’ never-ending questions and keeping them entertained with the making Christmas cards. Hannah was amazed at his transformation, she’d seen glimpses of his softer side but this was a new Goran. Gone was the brooding, serious, immortal persona of previously and in his place was a Goran who laughed, played silly games, frolicked with dogs and children alike, and tenderly wiped away overtired tears.
The evening finally brought a sense of calm. Mince pies and milk was left on the lounge table for Santa. Then, after much consideration the children decided that not only did Rudolph and all the other reindeer need carrots, but they also needed an apple each and a bowl of water. This was slopped over the pristine wooden floor to the despair of Henry. Finally the children were in bed, awake they were little dynamos but asleep—Hannah sighed her face softening as she looked at their adorable little forms tucked up in twin beds—asleep they were angelic.
Goran smiled tenderly at Hannah’s glowing face. She would be a good mother, he thought, imagining her with her own little bundle of joy cuddled to her breast. Four children, he decided, two boys and two girls, maybe twins. The girls would look exactly like their mother and the boys well, they would be rambunctious, climbing trees and putting frogs in the girls’ beds. Hannah would scold them affectionately, sharing a tender look with him, a look of pride at their exuberant offspring. He grimaced self-consciously. He was becoming soft, daydreaming about the future, imagining a lifetime of love with the woman of his dreams. He shook his head to dispel the daydream, and whistling to Apollo and Zeus informed Hannah in a no-nonsense tone that he was taking the dogs out for their evening constitutional.
It was nearing midnight, the house was quiet and the soft sounds of a carol were playing gently in the background. The fire burned fiercely, the flames dancing in the hearth and up the chimney. The lights were dimmed, but the Christmas lights on the tree gleamed brightly against the dark green foliage, and twinkled merrily next to the glass baubles that moved gently in the breeze created by the quiet opening of the door. Hannah looked sleepily up as Goran entered carry two mugs of hot chocolate. With a gentle smile he handed her one and then settled himself in the chair opposite.
“Tired?”
“Yes.” Hannah nodded, sipping her chocolate and for some unknown reason feeling suddenly shy.
“It’s been a busy day and the children have been…”
Hannah laughed. “Yes, but that’s what Christmas is all about isn’t it? I mean, the excitement, the anticipation and the magic, it’s a feeling that’s elusive at any other time of year. It’s…” She bit her lip, trying to put into words how she felt about the season.
“Well, it’s special, wondrous in fact. And I know that this sounds kind of daft but I always feel as if I’m waiting. The air feels different somehow, it’s almost as if I’m holding my breath, waiting for the wonder to happen. There’s nothing quite like that feeling and that’s why to me, Christmas is more than a holiday, more than the commercial venture it’s latterly become, to me it’s a breathtaking, wonder, that tightens the chest and takes your breath.” She glanced up at Goran who was silently watching her and she blushed. Feeling suddenly self-conscious and feeling the heat rise up into her cheeks she wondered why she’d felt the need to share such an intimate part of herself with him? Shared her childish feelings at the wonder of Christmas. She’d never, ever, told anyone what she’d just told him. But, she mentally shrugged, she loved him so of course she wanted to share such a magical feeling.
Goran smiled tenderly at her and she responded, shyly pleased that he seemed to understand.
Finishing their drinks in silence, they stared into the flames, each lost in their own thoughts until the striking of midnight brought exclamations of surprise.
Rising out of his seat, Goran pulled Hannah into his arms and gazing into her eyes he kissed her tenderly. “Merry Christmas, Hannah.”
“Merry Christmas,” she responded softly.
Taking her hand into his, Goran led her from the room and up the stairs. Pausing at his bedroom door, he swept her off her feet, kicked open the door, and striding into the room, laid her gently on the bed. Moments later they were devoid of clothing and she was in his arms. His kisses were magical, taking, giving, promising. And as the moon glowed softly through the stained glass windows he made her his, and at that moment of supreme ecstasy, Hannah was certain she could hear the gentle tinkling of sleigh bells on the roof.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hannah awoke to the door opening. Pulling the duvet up around her neck, she watched as the children stood transfixed inside the door at the sight of Hannah in their godfather’s bed. Smiling wryly at Hannah, Goran suggested to the suddenly silent children that they get dressed and then they would be allowed to open one present before breakfast. Bickering good-naturedly they turned and ran back to their rooms, now focused on finding out what Santa had left them for Christmas.
Turning to look at Hannah, Goran grinned in real amusement at her wide eyes and flushed cheeks, and gently pulling the duvet away from her face he leant forward and took her into his arms.
“Good morning, Hannah.”
“Morning,” she replied a trifle huskily before Goran closed her mouth with a kiss so tender it was like the brush of butterfly’s wings against her lips. Wanting more, she wound her arms around his neck and pulling him toward her, closed her eyes as he once again took her to heaven.
Thirty very satisfying minutes later they were making their way downstairs, and after the children had chosen and ripped open a parcel they trailed to the table to partake of breakfast.
Breakfast was far from a quiet meal. The children’s excitement had not abated and they chattered nonstop as they shovelled pancakes thick with syrup and bacon and eggs into their eager little mouths. Waiting impatiently for the grown-ups to finish their coffee they shifted restlessly in their seats, fiddling with cutlery, gulping juice and asking repeatedly if Uncle Goran had finished yet?
Eventually the children were given leave to move into the lounge. So slipping from their seats they raced to the door calling for Apollo and Zeus to join them. Slowly Goran rose from the table and holding out a hand to Hannah who slipped hers into it, they followed the sounds of excitement.
The next hour was spent opening gifts. Paper was torn from parcels and spread in all directions along with ribbons, tags and bows. Finally, the children retired to the nursery to play and Hannah and Goran
relaxed with a much needed cup of coffee.
It was while they were drinking their coffee that the door knocker was energetically thumped. Looking enquiringly at Goran, Hannah was surprised to see a quickly suppressed look of excitement on his face. Minutes later the lounge door opened and Henry, with a rather pleased smile on his face, ushered in a man and a woman, whom Hannah could see instantly were the twins’ parents, Ellen and David, so alike were they.
Amidst much backslapping and handshaking the children returned to the lounge squealing in excitement that their parents were back for Christmas.
It was some time later when finally peace had returned to the household that Goran took Hannah to the study and pulling her onto his lap looked deep into her eyes.
“Merry Christmas, my love,” he said, kissing her softly.
My love? Hannah’s heart stopped beating. Had she heard him correctly?
“Yes, Hannah, you heard me correctly,” he said almost as if he could read her mind. “Because you are, my love, I love you and I think, hope you feel the same way about me?” His eyebrow arched wickedly.
For once lost for words she nodded and, cupping his face, she kissed him hard.
“Yes, Goran,” she said when she finally came up for breath.
“I do love you and have done for ages I think, but I can’t believe you feel the same way. I know we made, had sex, but I thought that it was just a fling for you.”
“We made love, Hannah. And no, it wasn’t a fling. I think at first it was just an animal attraction, but soon it grew to something more. I wasn’t sure at first exactly what it was, but it didn’t take long for me to realise that life without you would be unbearable. So what I’m asking Hannah is—will you marry me?”
Hannah barely registered anything but the words, marry me! “M–marry you, I yes, I, yes I would love to marry you. I love you so very much.”
It was some time later that Hannah came up for air. Goran had spent the last hour kissing, cuddling and between the kisses talking to Hannah about their future together. Hardly able to believe that her life had changed so rapidly she relished the euphoria being in Goran’s arms made her feel.
“This must be the best day of my life,” she whispered contentedly against the side of his neck.
“Not quite yet, Hannah.”
Pulling back, she looked at him questioningly. “What do you mean?”
“The day’s not over yet, Hannah.” He grinned at her look of confusion.
“Do you remember that day when you told Annabel that we were getting married on Christmas Day?”
Feeling heat rise in her cheeks Hannah nodded, shamefaced.
“Well, if I’m not mistaken today is Christmas Day.”
“So?”
“So Hannah according to you and your conversation with Annabel, today is your, our wedding day.”
“Our wed…” She looked at him her eyes sparkling with the beginnings of hope. “Our wedding day,” she repeated wondrously.
Glancing at his watch, Goran pushed her off his knee and rose to his feet...
“So, you’d better get to it, because according to my calculations you have exactly thirty minutes to put on your bridal gown and meet me in the ballroom. I believe our guests are waiting to see the most beautiful bride in the world along with her groom.”
“Thirty minutes? Bridal gown? But Goran I don’t have, haven’t got...”
The door opened and Ellen came in smiling widely. “Are you ready to don your finery?” she asked, seeming to enjoy the look of confusion and suppressed excitement on Hannah’s face.
* * * *
The wedding went off without a hitch. Goran had been very through in his arrangements and had organized everything faultlessly. Guests, some of which Hannah knew and some which she didn’t, filled the room all smiling widely at the entrance of the bride. Hannah’s dress was a dream. Goran had guessed her size perfectly. Ivory satin that skimmed her neat but curvaceous figure, the intricate lacework interspersed with tiny seed pearls at the back and around the hem setting the gown off to perfection. The draped bodice and dipped neckline making the most of her curves. Her shoes, beautiful kitten heels, were Jimmy Choos and matched the ivory of the dress meticulously. Her hair had been arranged artfully in a Grecian style threaded through with tiny flowers and miniature pearls.
The twins acted as pageboy and bridesmaid. Janet was so excited by her beautiful lace and tulle dress that she beamed from ear to ear, and although John puffed out his chest at being the ring bearer, he felt it was a bit sissy-ish to have to hold a pillow with the rings on, and so was allowed to keep them safely in his pocket. David was of course Goran’s best man and Ellen, Holly’s matron of honor. The ceremony was beautiful and as Hannah whispered her vows to Goran and he gazed deeply into her eyes she felt as if she were living in a magical fairy tale. The handsome prince marrying the beautiful princess, as she had never felt more beautiful than at this moment.
And as to the setting, it was picture perfect. A castle decorated with sparkling lights, green foliage, red berries, cream pillar candles and roaring log fires. The gloriousness of the decorations was further enhanced by the unexpected delivery of dozens of cream, sweet-smelling cabbage roses and green-tipped white tulips.
The ceremony completed, Goran with his two majestic dogs at his side was told to kiss the bride. Funnily Hannah’s insides felt all of a flutter as Goran cupped her face and she had to admit that rather unexpectedly she felt shy of her new husband. The kiss was everything she could have hoped for, tender, caring and romantic and heat rose in her face as everyone clapped.
With the aroma of cinnamon, oranges and cabbage roses filling the air Hannah stole a glance through the window. The snow was falling and she noticed with a sense of perched on the branch of a tree singing prettily to those who would listen. How Goran had managed it all and in such a short space of time Hannah had no idea, but it was a day that would live in her memory forever because Christmas at Pendragon was truly as wondrous place.
The food was sumptuous, and as it was Christmas all the usual fare of turkey and pudding was served along with smoked salmon, caviar and the most amazing sweets and deserts to grace any table. A stupendous wedding cake covered in cream chocolate roses held pride of place on a table groaning under the weight of food, and on the table alongside were miniature versions in pretty beribboned boxes for the guests to take home as a memento of a glorious day.
* * * *
Later that night with the stars gleaming brightly in a midnight blue sky Hannah lay tucked up in bed beside her new husband. The fire was burning brightly in the hearth and sparks from the flames danced up the chimney. Hannah felt content, Goran had made long beautiful love to her throughout the night and she finally felt part of someone. Finally she felt she had come home, found that special someone who would watch her back, take care of her and even if she was wrong stand up for her. At last she had what every woman wants—a hero.
Turning her head to one side she stared deep into Goran’s beautiful eyes and smiled softly.
Tenderly he reached out and trailed a light finger down her cheek, then cupping her face in his hands dusted her lips with a kiss.
“Never doubt the love I have for you my Hannah. I will love you and protect you all the days of my life, my dear, sweet wife.”
Epilogue
Hannah smiled gently as the door to the orangey opened and Goran entered. In the eight months since their wedding not a day passed that she didn’t give thanks to the agency that had sent her to a gothic castle in Cornwall in the middle of winter.
“I’ve some news.” Goran held up a newspaper.
“So have I.” Hannah sat at the table and smiled gently at her husband. “But you go first.”
“Look at this.” He passed her the paper opened at the middle page.
Hannah quickly scanned the contents then drew a deep breath, reread what had been written, then looked at Goran in astonishment. “I can’t believe it, what does this mean?”
“It means my dear sweet wife, that Jeffrey Stevens has at last got his comeuppance. He tried it on with another of his employees, but this time he went too far and got arrested for attempted rape and because of that his wife finally came clean. She told the police and…” He grinned engagingly at Hannah. “The papers, that her husband was a serial adulterer and that it wasn’t the first time he’d been accused of sexual assault, but that she’d paid off most of the victims in the past as she didn’t want a scandal. However, now he’d gone too far and she wasn’t prepared to put up with his promiscuous ways any longer and that she was going to divorce him. She accused him of being a sexual predator and that she wants nothing more to do with him. But the great thing here Hannah is that she’s made a statement declaring that the incident with employee Hannah Darling was a fabrication and that her husband was guilty of assault and that there had never been any attempt to blackmail. So what this means Hannah is that you are exonerated and if you want to you can sue?” He looked questionably at her. “And if you want to go down that route Hannah, believe me I will support you every inch of the way.”
Hannah looked thoughtfully at her husband. “Even though you knew about the scandal Goran you still married me. Why?”
Goran frowned. “Do you really need to ask Hannah?” He sighed and picked up her hand and gently kissed the palm. “Why? Because I love you, and nothing you did in the past could ever change my feelings toward you. And anyway I had some doubts about the validity of Jeffrey Stevens take on the whole situation, and when you made no attempt to defend yourself that made me doubt him more.”
Reaching out Hannah gently caressed Goran’s cheek. “Thank you,” she said simply, leaning forward and brushing his lips with hers.
Christmas at Pendragon (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 12