Page 75 of A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet

‘That’s so thoughtful, thank you.’ She went over to him, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him hard.

‘Oh, and there’s something else.’

‘There is?’

‘Two ticks.’ He disappeared into the kitchen, returning seconds later, his hand behind his back. ‘I just need you here a moment.’

‘Oh, okay.’ She headed over to him, looking up into his eyes to see them dancing with mischief.

‘Tada!’ With a theatrical flourish, he produced a sprig of mistletoe, the thrilled expression on his face making her laugh out loud. ‘Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a kiss under the mistletoe,’ he said, dangling it above them.

‘I suppose you’re right,’ she said, still giggling.

He gave her a lingering kiss. ‘Merry Christmas, darling Brogan.’ He smiled down at her, the warm glow in his eyes unleashing a host of butterflies in her stomach.

‘Merry Christmas, Nick.’ She smiled back up at him, squeezing him tight, savouring the solid warmth of his body. She still couldn’t believe how things had turned out between them; couldn’t believe it was possible to feel this happy.

After delivering another heart-melting kiss, he said. ‘I’ve got a sneaking suspicion kissing under the mistletoe is going to become my favourite Christmas tradition.’

Before Brogan could reply, Wilf barked. They looked across to see him gazing lovingly at Maudie who was looking at him from the corner of her eye. The sight made Brogan and Nick burst out laughing.

‘Are you playing hard to get, Maudie?’ asked Brogan.

‘Poor Wilf,’ said Nick. ‘Want to see if the mistletoe can work its magic for you, fella?’ Wilf replied with a happy wag of his tail while Nick turned to Maudie and said, ‘I’ll share some advice I was given recently about matters of the heart. Don’t leave this fine young man dangling for too long; you never know when someone might come along and steal him from under your nose – don’t forget young Nell’s calling round today; just putting that out there.’

He turned back to Brogan. ‘Right then, where were we? Oh, yes.’ His eyes twinkled at her. ‘I do hope you realise I fully intend to get my money’s worth out of this mistletoe.’

Smiling happily, she stood on her tiptoes and slipped her arms around his neck. ‘I was rather hoping you would.’

The End