Page 147 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

This time, ‘surprise’ rang out in a loud chorus as the room flooded with light.

Warren looked at Anna. “You had this planned the whole time?”

She only nodded in reply before Liam and the rest of the kitchen crew jumped around Warren, congratulating each other raucously.

Then he got caught up with everyone else – Edie, and Ivy, his family, and Anna’s family. She watched him move around, looking slightly stunned and very emotional.

By the time he made his way back to her, he was more on the emotional side.

“I’msosorry,” he said, lifting her off the floor as he swept her up in a tight hug.

“That was the worst car journey I’ve ever been on,” she said, snuggling into his neck. “Of course I’m proud of you!”

“That’s quite clear now.” His forehead wrinkled deeply. “I shouldn’t have shouted.”

“You were upset.”

“I still shouldn’t have shouted.”

She pulled back to look him in the eyes. “You shout when you’re emotional. I don’t particularly like it, but I’d never want you to hide your emotions because you think I can’t handle it.”

He rubbed his nose against hers. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Carla appeared beside them and cleared her throat loudly.

Warren winced as he looked at her. “I’m sorry about my rant.”

“I was really touched,” Carla said with a hand at her chest. “Of everyone to disappoint you this week, mine hurt you the most!”

“I was so annoyed that you didn’t call,” he said, his cheeks flushing.

“Mum and I were under strict instructions not to call you,” Carla explained. “Anna thought we’d let it slip about the party.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “It was really horrible not calling to congratulate you.”

He looped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “What happened with your dog sitting job?”

“There wasn’t one. We made that up.”

“What about you?” Warren called to Lewis, who hovered nearby. “I thought you were supposed to be in Spain.”

“You got a Michelin star!” Lewis said. “We cancelled the trip.”

Warren hung his head. “All that stuff you were saying about the Michelin star causing more work…”

“It was so hard to keep a straight face.” He rolled his eyes. “Those Michelin stars are such a problem!”

“And the champagne!” Warren said, beaming.

“I thought I’d gone too far there. I almost cracked uplaughing at your look of disgust when you pulled it out of the bag.”

“I hate you all!” Warren growled as he pulled Lewis into a hug.

“I spent most of the week feeling as though I was about to have a cardiac event,” Anna said when he draped his arm around her shoulders. “This is the last time I ever throw a surprise party.”

“We only have one Michelin star so far,” Warren said cheekily. “When we get the second and third, I’ll be expecting the same thing then.”

“You can have a party. Just without the surprise element. My nerves can’t take it.”