WARM WINTER KISSES a feel good Christmas romance novel

by STEEPLES, JILL

  With that, he pulled me down into his arms and proceeded to kiss me all over. Having Rocco make love to me, slowly, leisurely, his face full of tenderness, was the best Christmas present I could ever have wished for.

  * * *

  Later, downstairs, Rocco made us breakfast.

  ‘I know it’s turned into a bit of a cliché, but you can’t really beat smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for a festive breakfast, along with, of course, the obligatory glass of champagne.’

  ‘Mmm, delicious,’ I said, my noise twitching at the aromas wafting around the kitchen. Not only the scent of creamy eggs, but competing for attention a cranberry and orange sauce simmered gently at the back of the hob, some muffins were baking in the oven and a concoction of sage, onion and something else, the ingredients for the stuffing to accompany our magnificent goose at lunch, was sitting in a bowl on the side.

  I only had to turn my back for a second and it seemed Rocco had whipped up another culinary creation. I was completely in awe of his mastery.

  After breakfast we donned our winter gear and prepared to face the elements. A few months earlier the suggestion of a walk in the great outdoors would have been enough to send me scampering for the safety of the sofa, but now it was one of my favourite things to do, something I looked forward to with pleasure. Millie, not having read the calendar, was excited just at the prospect of coming with us, but then she always was. As Rocco opened the back door, she went blundering outside, her progress only slightly curtailed by the deep snow underfoot.

  It was a beautiful bright winter’s day, the light casting an almost magical glow on the surrounding landscape. We walked hand in hand, chatting and laughing, squeezing each other’s hands. Rocco scooped up a handful of snow, patting it into a perfect ball before lobbing it playfully at my back as I did my best to dodge his aim.

  ‘Right, that’s it!’ I squealed, bending down to make my own, failing miserably to hit my target at all.

  Rocco laughed, ducking my feeble attempts, and playfully rubbed snow into the back of my anorak. I was grateful for the padding.

  We walked for miles in our wellies, crunching through the fields, along the towpath, marvelling at the sight of the boats all dusted in white. Surprisingly, there were lots of people about, togged up in their best Sunday gear. Some of them were on their way to church, but others, like us, were just out for some fresh air before descending into the excesses of the day.

  I thought of Mum and Dad and wondered what they would be doing, trying to imagine them with a glass of something in hand sitting on some sandy beach. And Lexi, enjoying her first poignant Christmas alone with Mitchell. I felt a momentary pang of longing for my family, resolving to phone them all later that day to send them my love and Christmas wishes.

  ‘Are you ready to go home now?’ We’d been walking for at least an hour and a half. The tops of my thighs and the backs of my calves ached with the exertion, my face and all the other exposed bits of my body glowed in what I felt certain was a ruddy, unflattering manner.

  ‘I think so.’ We climbed over the stile at the bottom of the field adjoining Whitefriars and trudged our way up the hill, Rocco’s arm around my shoulder.

  Back at the house Millie, after a cursory wipe with a towel from Rocco, snuggled up in front of the Aga and I popped the kettle on to make some coffee.

  ‘No regrets, then?’

  ‘Regrets?’

  ‘Yes, about being here. Spending Christmas with a cantankerous old chef?’

  ‘No,’ I said, laughing. ‘I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be or, more importantly, anyone else I’d rather be spending Christmas with.’

  ‘That’s good to hear.’ Rocco took my hands in his and kissed me lightly on the lips. ‘I love you, Beth. I love you with my whole being. I honestly never believed I could feel this way about someone.’

  I couldn’t help the huge smile from spreading across the entire width of my face. Hearing those three little words uttered from Rocco’s lips was the most amazing thing I’d ever heard in my life. I knew I would never tire of hearing them. I thought I might even burst with happiness.

  ‘Oh Rocco!’ I said, throwing my arms around his neck, ‘I love you too!’ The words I’d always struggled to say to Martin now tripped off my tongue effortlessly and without any hint of self-consciousness. This was the thing I’d thought I might never experience, but at long last it was really happening to me.

  ‘Good answer,’ said Rocco grinning, breaking the spell. ‘In that case, I think it must be time for presents.’

  ‘This just gets better and better. Presents too? I can’t wait.’ Rocco took me by the hand and led me out of the kitchen and into the living room. Millie, as ever, followed behind. At the threshold I stopped dead in my tracks and gasped. The sight in front of me brought tears to my eyes.

  The tree, the one I had lovingly decorated, looked absolutely stunning, the myriad of fairy lights twinkling invitingly. The fire was stoked with logs and was crackling away, but most amazing of all was the huge stack of presents that had suddenly appeared in front of the tree.

  ‘Wow! Where did they all come from?’

  ‘Father Christmas, of course!’ Rocco grinned, looking pleased.

  ‘But there’s so many of them!’ I ran over to the tree, picking up each of the beautifully wrapped packages, seeing that every single one of them had my name written on the label.

  ‘It would seem that way. Well,’ he said, with a hint of impatience, ‘aren’t you going to open them?’

  ‘You first,’ I said, diving to the back of the tree, finding the one solitary present I’d bought for Rocco, which was looking a bit sorry for itself among all the presents for me. I placed it in his hands, and his face lit up.

  ‘Well, thank you.’ He paused as his eyes grew wide. ‘What can it be?’ His fingers pulled away the wrapping paper to reveal the countryman’s hat within. ‘Aw, that’s fantastic!’ Straight away he placed the hat upon his head, where it looked as if it had always belonged. ‘I shall wear it all the time.’

  ‘Well, I’m sorry I didn’t get you anything more, but—’

  ‘Hush,’ he said, putting his finger to his mouth. ‘I told you, as much as I love this hat . . .’ He adjusted it into a jaunty position, looking up at me from under the brim with big brown eyes. ‘The best present I could ever have wished for is having you here with me, so I’m one happy man. You though, madam, have a fair few presents to get through, so you’d better get started.’

  It was overwhelming. I didn’t really know where to start. Rocco picked up the camera and started snapping as I began to unwrap the first of the huge pile of presents. Each of the parcels was intricately wrapped in the same rich gold embossed paper, with matching ribbons and tags.

  ‘Oh, they’re almost too beautiful to open!’ I turned a small box over and over in my hands.

  ‘Get a move on or else we’ll be here all day and we’ve got plenty to fit in yet.’

  I couldn’t imagine what. The dinner was looking after itself and Rocco would be putting the finishing touches to that later, Millie was walked and was lying contentedly in front of the fire and I was happy to spend the rest of the day curled up right there.

  ‘Oh, all right then,’ I said, ripping off the paper with a flourish. Inside was a black velvet box. I pulled the lid back and gasped at the pretty diamante brooch in the shape of a crescent.

  ‘It’s lovely!’ I said, my fingers scrabbling with the pin as I attached it to my jumper.

  Next came a big fluffy towelling robe in pink, no doubt given in the hope that it would stop me borrowing Rocco’s, two CDs that I’d mentioned I liked the sound of, two whopping romantic novels from the current bestseller’s list, which I had to restrain myself from diving into there and then, a beautiful cashmere V-necked jumper in slate grey, a hard-backed floral-covered notebook, a fountain pen, a delectation of delights from Floris and a pair of pink Hunter boots.

  ‘I’ve never had so many presents,’ I admit
ted some time later, from beneath a mass of wrapping paper, feeling thoroughly and deliciously spoilt.

  ‘You’re worth it,’ he said, leaning over and kissing me on the forehead. His cheeks were flushed, which I assumed was due to the heat radiating from the hearth. ‘Fancy a drink?’ he asked. ‘I think it’s about time we had another glass of champagne, don’t you?’

  ‘Great,’ I agreed, far too readily, resolving there and then to embark on a new healthy living regime from the New Year onwards, limiting myself to just one glass of champagne a week, or perhaps more realistically, one glass a day. After all, don’t they say a little of what you fancy does you good?

  ‘By the way . . .’ Rocco handed over a brimming flute of bubbles. ‘I got that contract drawn up for you if you’d like to take a look.’

  I looked at him, puzzled, as he handed me a roll of paper, held together with a ribbon.

  ‘You know, we talked about formalising our working relationship, so I thought you wouldn’t mind me putting together a contract.’

  Of course I remembered. But today? I’m sure Rocco must have noticed my expression. It wasn’t that I minded; it was just that his timing was completely out. That whole magical experience of being with Rocco on Christmas Day, with the fire roaring in the background surrounded by my wonderful array of presents and a glass of champagne in hand had been punctured by this reminder of the real reason for my being there. My working relationship with Rocco.

  ‘Oh right, thanks,’ I said, turning the unexpected present over in my fingers.

  ‘Well, aren’t you going to open it, then?’

  I pulled open the ends of the ribbon, uncurling the formal-looking paperwork and as I did, something small and sparkly toppled out onto the floor. My eyes, growing larger with each passing second, followed the not-so-small diamond onto the floor, where it landed on top of a piece of tissue paper.

  I bent down and picked up the ring, staring at it, uncomprehending, for what seemed like an eternity before my gaze travelled up to Rocco’s face. The piece of paper in my hand demanded attention. I read the words.

  My Dearest Darling Beth,

  Will you marry me?

  Love Rocco xxx

  I had to read them again. I looked from the note to Rocco and then back again. Slowly, the creeping realisation of what it all meant seeped into my poor befuddled brain.

  ‘Really?’

  Rocco took the ring from my hand and placed it gently on the third finger of my left hand. It fitted perfectly.

  ‘Really.’ God, he was beautiful, I thought, drinking in his dark sparkling eyes and seductive smile. As if I needed any reminder just then.

  ‘But, we’ve . . .’

  ‘Please don’t say we’ve only known each other a short while.’ Rocco pre-empted my sentence.

  ‘I love you, Beth. I think you love me too. And I know for certain that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. What’s happened with my mum recently, it’s made me realise just what is important in life. The restaurant, the Michelin stars, they’re great, but they’re not everything. What I really want is you, Beth, to share my life with you. We could have a great life here together. Working in the business. Bringing up a family.’

  I nodded, overwhelmed, searching and failing to come up with anything apposite to say.

  ‘I hope that’s what you want too.’

  I nodded again, hoping my capacity for speech would return at some point.

  ‘So. Are you going to put me out of my misery? Will you marry me, Beth?’

  The tears that had been gathering in my eyes began to trickle down my cheeks. I threw my arms around Rocco’s neck.

  ‘Oh Rocco, darling!’ I cried, feeling more certain about this than anything in my life. ‘Of course, I’ll marry you.’

  Chapter 30

  The rest of Christmas passed in a warm blur of contentment. I can’t really remember the details. Only that we spent the long hours of those days eating wonderful food, drinking good wine, curled up on the sofa, legs and arms entwined, watching repeats of old movies and sitcoms, flicking through books, sharing kisses and occasionally venturing out to walk Millie through the snow-drenched countryside.

  ‘I think we should keep it quiet for a while, don’t you?’ I said to Rocco one day as we pottered in the kitchen, brewing coffee and making muffins for breakfast.

  ‘The engagement? Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts.’

  ‘No, it’s not that. It’s just with everything else going on, the funeral, Pandora’s wedding, the new business venture; we’re going to be so busy. I thought it might be prudent if we kept it under our hats for a while.’

  ‘And you think you’re going to keep that under wraps from your sister?’ Rocco pointed to the gorgeous sparkling diamond sitting on my finger as if it had always been there.

  I smiled, lifting my hand up for a closer inspection. The huge crystal twinkled at me in collusion. It was still hard to imagine it was all mine.

  Lexi had taken no persuading when I’d rung her yesterday and asked if she’d like to come and spend a few days with us in the country. She and Mitch were due to arrive tomorrow and I had so much to tell them.

  ‘I suppose not,’ I sighed, relieved that Rocco hadn’t jumped at my offer of a let-off clause.

  ‘Besides, it’s such good news, why should we keep it to ourselves? It’ll be good to share it with our friends and family.’

  Our friends, our family! That was something else I still hadn’t got used to. Suddenly I felt I belonged and it was a good feeling.

  ‘Look at you!’ screeched Lexi when she arrived with Mitch the next day, throwing her arms around me in a bear hug. Loosening her hold, she held me at arm’s length, looking me up and down, her eyes appraising. ‘You look so at home here — Lady of the Manor, no less.’

  I giggled, joining in with Lexi’s infectious enthusiasm.

  ‘Talk about getting your feet under the table,’ she whispered in my ear, as Rocco took Mitch off to find him a beer.

  ‘Stop it,’ I said. ‘God, it’s lovely to have you here. You look fabulous and we are going to have such a great time, I can’t tell you. Rocco has got loads of culinary delights in store for you both and then of course there’s Pandora’s party to look forward to.’

  ‘I can’t wait.’ Lexi screwed up her face in a picture of excitement. ‘It’s all I’m here for, you know that. Hobnobbing with all those celebrities. I’ve been practising my louche, just got out of bed look, in four inch stilettos and a little black number, naturally.’

  ‘Of course.’ I threw my arms around her again, not really believing that she was actually here with me.

  ‘Oh my God!’ she cried suddenly at the top of her voice.

  Startled, I braced myself, thinking I’d trodden on her foot. She pushed me away as Rocco and Mitch turned to view the commotion. ‘What is THAT?’ she demanded.

  She grabbed my hand, her eyes wide as they zoomed in on my none-too-subtle gorgeous Christmas present that I’d obviously done a bad job of concealing. Trust Lexi not to miss a single trick.

  I nodded at her unasked question.

  ‘Christmas Day,’ I explained. ‘We got engaged on Christmas morning.’

  ‘Wow! You should have told me sooner!’

  I’m sure our nearest neighbours, who were two fields away, must have heard Lexi’s delighted screams that morning. Rocco looked on fondly wondering, I’m sure, whatever had he done getting himself involved with such a peculiar family.

  He grinned broadly. ‘I think this would be the ideal time to break open the champagne.’

  I’d come to learn that you didn’t need much of an excuse for cracking open the bubbly at Whitefriars, but at that moment, on that occasion, it seemed the perfect thing to do.

  ‘Cheers and congratulations!’ came Lexi and Mitch’s collective call.

  ‘Cheers!’ we all cried together, as Rocco slipped his arm around my waist and gave me a squeeze. I’d never felt happier in my life.

>   Epilogue

  The year that followed was the Year of the Wedding. You know how it is. You can go for ages and ages not being invited to a single wedding and then, like buses, a whole bunch of them come along at the same time. That’s how it was that year.

  First and most spectacular was that of Pandora and Zak. It took some planning to organise the three hundred guests who descended on Whitefriars and made use of the two huge marquees that set up home in the grounds. And the entire arrangement of the celebrity event of the year had been passed onto me! Talk about stressful — well, mainly it was Pandora who was stressful, but it was still an incredibly satisfying and enjoyable event to be involved in.

  Zak had the best idea, disappearing off on tour for six weeks, returning just a week before the big event to participate in his stag night celebrations and take up his position in the wedding pictures.

  Thankfully, the whole thing went without a hitch and the glossy pictures that were spread across the pages of Hello were stunning.

  Though I must admit to a huge feeling of relief when we were able to finally wave the happy couple off on their honeymoon to Vancouver. A six week break from the demands of my new best friend Pandora was just what I needed after all that.

  Lexi and Mitch’s big day was next. After wangling an invite to Pandora’s wedding, Lexi, in her none-too-subtle way, kept dropping hints about Whitefriars being a truly magical place to get married and did I have any suggestions as to where I thought she should have her wedding. Bless! Still, it was a much quieter affair than Pandora’s do and having all our relatives and friends there, and most importantly, Mum and Dad, who’d returned from their travels the previous month, looking tanned, healthy and gloriously in love was really wonderful.

  Martin and Sue got married in the summer. It was a grand church affair in Sue’s home village in the North of England. Martin was almost unrecognisable in his top hat and tails, beaming with pride and happiness.

  I was pretty proud myself; it was like looking on as a much loved older brother got married.