Sorry for the massively huge delay in updating this story. It's a cliche but real life did indeed catch up with me. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed or sent me a PM. I had five when I logged in earlier. Don't think I've ever been so popular.

Things may be progressing quickly, but as I've said before I do believe this love story is an instant thing not matter what era Bates and Anna are in. I hope you enjoy this.

P.S- Wasn't the Christmas special wonderful?

Disclaimer- Downton belongs to ITV/Carnival/Julian Fellowes.

Looking in his rear view mirror, John smiled as he saw his little girl sitting in her car seat, singing along to the CD he had put on. Enduring 'CBeebies Greatest Hits' was worth it to see his daughter smiling as she enjoyed the themes of her favourite shows and songs by her favourite characters.

The morning routine was become easier as each day passed the more Madison got used to nursery. She had come on leaps and bounds as they entered her third month attending Cherry Blossom nursery. He had always actively encouraged her education, pointing things out to her and asking her open ended questions rather than telling her what was what, but the care she was receiving from the nursery staff was second to none. John noticed how she simply suddenly knew more, her enthusiasm for learning knew no bounds.

She had made lots of friends too, which pleased John considering a lot of the children in her preschool class would likely be going to the same primary school. But there was one who had made an impression more than most- Milo. He loved the relationship they shared, watching them together and seeing the genuine friendship they had built warmed his heart. He had been to the farm on numerous occasions, excited about helping out and playing with Maddie and Maxwell in the fields. John had been flattered when Milo told him he wanted to be a vet too. Milo was a great kid, and a credit to his Mum.

And that was where things grew complicated. With Milo came Anna, and with that John had found himself fighting feelings he never thought he would feel again. As soon as Madison had arrived and the situation with his ex wife materialised, John had resigned himself to the fact it would be the two of them, nothing would matter more than his daughter. But the more time he had spent with Anna, the more he found himself falling for her. It had been such an instant attraction it had hit John with all the force of a speeding train. Their times together had never been anything but a coffee whilst their children played at soft play, or in the car park at nursery but that didn't seem to matter. Any time he saw Anna, John would feel this magnetism between them, he felt himself drawn to her and there seemed to be nothing he could do to stop it.

'Little Donkey, little donkey, on the dusty road…'

Bringing him out of his daydreaming as he turned into the car park at Cherry Blossom, John furrowed his brow as he looked at Maddie in the mirror.

'Darling, that's not how the theme to Mr Tumble goes.' John said, gesturing towards the stereo where her music was still playing.

'I know that Daddy,' Madison replied, rubbing her forehead and sighing slightly. 'That's a Christmas song.'

'A Christmas song?' John questioned, checking the date on the dashboard as he lined up to park his Land Rover. 'It's only October.'

'We've been practicing, for the Christmas nativ… the Christmas nativi…the Christmas play.'

'Oh, I see,' John nodded, chuckling at his daughters inability to say the word 'nativity' whilst he looked in his wing mirrors as he reversed into the space. 'When is this happening?'

'When Father Christmas comes, silly,' Madison shook her head, unclipping her seat belt once John had turned off the ignition.

John offered her a roll of the eyes. 'Oh yes, forgive me.'

Getting out of the car, John moved around to Madison's side of the car. Opening the door, he smiled brightly as she placed her hands on his cheeks and gave him a kiss.

'Thank you,' John said, lifting her out of her seat. Closing the door, he could already feel Madison taking hold of his little finger. As they strolled across the car park, John felt his breath hitch as he noticed Anna's Fiat 500 parked in the space opposite his car. She must be dropping Milo off.

Once inside the nursery, John greeted the nursery manager as Maddie let go of his hand and continued on down the corridor. Stopping as he rounded the corner, John watched as Madison ran towards Milo and Anna, who were by the pegs outside the preschool room.

'Hello Anna,' Madison squealed.

'Hi Maddie,' Anna said with a smile, looking over her shoulder and meeting John's gaze. She smiled, John couldn't help but smile in return. 'How are you?'

'Alright,' Madison replied, already hanging up her bag and coat. 'What's wrong with Milo?'

'Oh, he wanted a chocolate bar for breakfast,' Anna shrugged, John couldn't help but chuckle at her words.

'We don't eat chocolate for breakfast, silly,' Madison informed her friend with a laugh.

'Morning,' John said, finally catching up with them.

'John,' Milo exclaimed, moving away from his position slumped against the wall to stand in front of Madison's Dad.

'Hello young Milo,' John responded, taking Madison's hand once more before accepting Milo's offer of a high five. 'Listening to Mummy, I hope.'

'How are you John?'

Anna garnered his attention and for the briefest of moments, John forgot how to speak. She really did look beautiful today, dressed in a smart white blouse and dark grey skirt. She was wearing heels which decreased the height deficit between them, but only marginally.

'I'm good,' John murmured, hardly noticing as Madison let go of his hand and carried on into Preschool with Milo. 'Yourself?'

'Stressed,' Anna replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. 'My parents are on a cruise so Milo's doing longer hours here at the moment, plus he's being difficult because his Dad is away with work and he hasn't seen him for a couple of weeks. He's back on Sunday though, thankfully, and Mum and Dad are home next week.'

'It's tough, this single parenting lark eh?' John remarked with a grin.

'Tell me about it.'

'Are they both alright?'

Anna and John looked up to see a smiling Daisy in the doorway, Milo and Madison beyond her in the distance already sorting themselves out with some breakfast.

'Yes, sorry,' John stepped towards the door, Anna following and joining him in the room. John waved from the doorway. 'Bye little one.'

'Bye Daddy,' Madison called from the breakfast table, sitting down with her newly poured bowl of Cheerios. 'Bye Anna. Your hair looks really nice today.'

'Bye Maddie and thank you,' Anna replied, John smiling as he watched the two of them interact. 'Bye baby.'

'Bye Mummy,' Milo called back, sitting beside Madison and opting for toast, choosing a piece from the plate in the middle of the table. 'Love you lots.'

Anna sighed, rolling her eyes as she thought about all the trouble they had had that morning yet you wouldn't know it the way he was behaving now. 'Like jelly tots. Be a good boy.'

'Before you go,' Daisy caught both of their attentions, handing both John and Anna a sheet of paper each. 'Parts, for the Christmas nativity. I know it's only October but it's just to give you time to get their outfits ready.'

'That explains Maddie's rendition of Little Donkey on the way this morning,' John replied with a chuckle, before he felt Anna's hand on his forearm. He met her gaze, her face beaming before she spoke.

'God, you too? I had a rather special version of Silent Night yesterday evening at bath time.' Anna looked away from John then, her eyes now trained in on Daisy's face. Her hand remained where it was however, John hoping he was hiding the effect her touching him was having. 'He struggles to hit the high note towards the end of the verse, it's hilarious.'

'Imagine it when all twenty of them do it at the same time,' Daisy joined in laughing with Anna. 'It's going to be a special moment.'

'I can't wait,' Anna relinquished her hold on John's arm, 'I best be going. Have a nice day, Daisy.'

'You too,' Daisy replied as Anna left the room. 'And you, Mr Bates.'

'Yep,' John gasped, smiling weakly. Following Anna down the corridor as she read the letter Daisy had given her, he watched Anna as she walked. She really did have the most amazing figure, John not finding it hard to admire her.

Reaching the car park, Anna turned to face John. 'Ha, he's got Joseph. My son has the male lead in the nativity.'

'What do you know,' John replied as he studied his piece of paper. 'Madison is Mary.'

'Brilliant,' Anna exclaimed, John finding it hard to not be infected by her enthusiasm as he began to chuckle slightly. 'We should go shopping for costumes together. Accessorizing outfits is the sign of an in sync couple.'

'Quite right,' John agreed with a nod, putting the note in his back pocket before remembering a play date they had made for the weekend. 'We still on for soft play Saturday?'

'Oh, I meant to talk to you about that,' Anna said, walking towards her car, John following without needing to be asked. 'They have closed the soft play for the time being. Playground gossip cites cockroaches.'

'Eww,' John winced, meeting Anna's gaze. 'Thank goodness we only ever drank coffee there.'

'I was saying the same thing,' Anna replied before they both descended into laughter. 'So I was thinking we go further a field, how about the adventure park near Ripon? I've checked their website and the café has a five star rating with environmental health.'

'Good to know. That sounds good,' John nodded, 'I do some work there occasionally. They have a small farm. Might even be able to get us in for cheaper.'

'Talk about knowing the right people,' Anna continued to laugh.

'I'll drive,' John offered, 'me and Maddie can pick you up about half ten?'

'Sounds good,' Anna nodded, opening her car door. 'See you then, if not tonight when you pick up Maddie.'

'See you then, Anna.'

He couldn't help but watch as she drove away. John wondered if she knew what she was doing to him, then laughed away that notion. She was way out of his league, she probably didn't even give John a second thought.

Knocking on the door, John stood on the doorstep as he waited for Cora to answer. Confused as to why she would be taking so long, he moved his face closer to the frosted glass and squinted. Seeing the figure of someone approaching, John stepped back and in the next moment, the door opened.

'Hi John, I'm afraid you interrupted us at a pivotal moment,' Cora explained, stepping aside and allowing him to walk inside. He studied Cora from head to toe, tongue firmly in cheek as he noticed her covered in flour and what looked like chocolate, or he hoped was chocolate anyway.

'No problem, been busy?'

'Your daughter insisted we make some cookies to take to the adventure park tomorrow,' Cora explained, before both of their attentions were grabbed by Robert's voice.

'Those are fantastic, Madison Bates.'

Walking into the kitchen, John was taken aback by the mess that had been made, although the look on his daughter's face was priceless. Plus, he didn't have to tidy up the kitchen.

'Daddy, we made Cookies,' Madison wailed, pointing at the trays and trays of biscuits on the counter. 'They are for the picnic tomorrow.'

'A picnic, in October?' Robert looked at John with a puzzled expression.

'We can eat inside,' John explained, reaching for a cookie before being scolded by his daughter. 'No Daddy, they are for tomorrow.'

'Sorry,' John removed his hand immediately. 'Why did Uncle Robert get one, then?'

'Because he helped make them, and because he isn't coming tomorrow.'

'Ner ner ner,' Robert poked his tongue out at John before taking another bite of his cookie.

'What is it you wanted to ask me, this morning?' Cora asked John as she put the kettle on. 'You'll stay for a tea, yes?'

'Yes please and oh, parents evening.'

'Parents evening?' Robert questioned, beginning to tidy away as Madison moved the biscuits from the baking trays to a Tupperware box. 'She's only three.'

'It's just a chance for me to check up on how she's getting along.' John shrugged, sneakily taking hold of a biscuit behind Madison's back. 'I booked an appointment for half seven on Thursday, is it alright if she stays the night? She's with you on Friday anyway and I'll add another fifty quid into your money.'

'Oh yeah, a sleepover,' Madison shouted excitedly, turning around to see John chewing. She narrowed her gaze, placing her hands on her hips. Her tone was accusing as she spoke. 'Daddy.'

'Sorry little one, they just smelt so delicious.'

'Alright,' she conceded, continuing with her task before adding, 'but only one.'

'That's fine John,' Cora said in response to his question. 'And I don't want anything extra. I love having her. I've been missing not seeing her everyday.'

'It was you who suggested she needed to go to preschool,' John replied, a laugh in his voice.

'I know, and I think we all agree it's doing her the world of good.'

John looked at his daughter, still carefully putting the biscuits in the tub. 'It certainly is.'

'So who is Anna?' Cora asked perfectly innocently, moving to take three mugs from the cupboard. John felt his cheeks grow warmer, praying Robert hadn't noticed.

'Why?' he choked, loosening his collar.

'Madison was waxing lyrical about her earlier,' Cora replied, looking to John and noticing his demeanour. 'And Milo.'

'Well, Anna is Milo's Mum.'

'And they are who you have been out with several times?' Robert questioned, handing Madison another box to put the remaining biscuits in.

'Yeah,' John nodded. 'The kids get on really well so we meet up as often as we can so they can play together.'

'Oh yeah,' Robert wasn't convinced. 'Mum's a looker, eh?'

'Robert,' Cora shouted, before gesturing in the direction of Madison.

'What?' Robert shrugged, 'she's only three. How much can she understand, really?'

'Anna is really pretty,' Madison added, placing the lid on top of the box. 'Isn't she Daddy? I am going to the toilet.'

With those words, Madison exited the kitchen.

John looked to Robert with an incredulous expression. 'Why Robert? Just why?'

'What, it was a perfectly innocent question,' Robert said in his defence as he began to load the dishwasher. 'It's you that is making it out to mean more.' Robert prodded John on the chest as he continued, 'one thinks one doth protest too much.'

'What? Anna's nice, we get on well too. I don't mind admitting that.'

'John's got a girlfriend,' Robert began to sing, John reaching behind him and grabbing a tea towel, before hitting Robert with it.

'Maddie's more mature than you,' John remarked, Robert finding the whole situation rather amusing. 'Cora, your husband is an immature toss…'

'Hello Madison, darling.' Cora interrupted at just the right time. 'You'll be coming to Aunty Cora's for a sleepover next Thursday, would you like that?'

'Can you do my hair?'

'Of course I can, sweetheart,' Cora smiled before glaring at the two men to her left. 'Now sit down and I'll do you some juice.'

Anna stood in the doorway to the living room, watching as Ryan and Milo played with the train set he had brought back for his son from Berlin. Being a television researcher meant he was often sent to somewhere in the world at a moments notice. It was hard on Milo, but in these moments when she saw Milo and Ryan together, Anna knew what a devoted Dad he was and how lucky Milo was to have him.

He still wasn't happy, with Anna's intentions to move to New York. The firm already had solid foundations in place for opening the branch in Manhattan, the property for the office was in the latter stages of being bought. The job was Anna's. Her parents were supportive, although admitted it would be hard to be so far away from them both. But both conceded it would be easier to do it now whilst Milo was young, and still able to adapt quite easily.

'Ten minutes till bath time, Milo,' Anna called from her position before moving away to the kitchen.

Once there, she set about washing up. Lifting her head, she looked at the picture Milo had drawn of himself, Madison, Anna and even John on one of their trips to the park. Anna liked John. He was such a fantastic Dad to Madison and Milo adored him. When they spoke as the children played, Anna felt herself completely beguiled as he described his life as a single father. Anna had so much admiration for him. Not many men would do what John had. It was clear from seeing him with his daughter that they were absolutely devoted to each other.

Anna had found herself suggesting more and more playdates, just so she and John could spend time together. He was unlike any other man she had ever met. It was his selfless streak, she supposed. His desire and determination to do anything and everything to provide and care for his daughter. Ryan had only ever thought about number one. It was obvious that everything John did, he did it for Madison and Anna found that to be an attractive quality.

She would catch him on occasion, watching her and it would make the hairs stand up on the back of her neck. The smiles he afforded her would make her insides flutter, her mouth go dry. John possessed this look in his eye that would catch her unguarded, as if in that moment he could read her every thought and her every desire. They had known each other barely five minutes, but it was so natural between them Anna often wondered if they hadn't known each other longer.

'He's ready for his bath.'

Ryan caught Anna unawares as he walked into the kitchen, taking his jacket off the back of one of the dining chairs.

'Right, thanks Ryan. He loves trains.'

'I know that,' his voice was harsh as he spoke, 'he is my son after all.'

Sighing, Anna looked to the heavens before dropping the plate she was washing into the sink. 'I don't want another argument, Ryan.'

'Don't take my son to New York, then.'

'We've been through this, Ryan. Me and Milo will be leaving next March.'

'So they've given you a date, then?'

'Yesterday, we fly out in March, they give us a few weeks to acclimatise then I start in April.'

'Well, I'll enjoy the time I have left with my boy then.' Ryan said bitterly, pulling on his coat. 'He'll never forgive you, you know. For taking him away from everything he knows. Does he even know yet?'

'No,' Anna bowed her head. 'I am going to get Christmas out of the way then we'll discuss it.'

'Mummy, can I have three stories tonight?'

Anna averted her gaze from Ryan to her little boy. 'Of course sweetheart. You go up and choose them and Mummy will be up in just a minute. Say goodbye to Daddy.'

'Bye Daddy,' Milo said, hugging his father's legs.

'Bye son,' Ryan replied, rubbing the top of his back. 'See you on Sunday.'

'Football at the park,' Milo said excitedly, throwing his arms in the air.

'You bet.' Milo made his way upstairs, leaving Anna and Ryan alone once more. 'I should make the most of football at the park, eh?'

Ryan turned on his heels then, the next sound Anna heard was the slamming of the front door. She closed her eyes upon hearing it, before throwing the washing up brush down in the sink. She exhaled a deep breath. As far as Anna was concerned, Ryan could have had his family years ago. It was him who didn't want that life until it was too late. She was damned if she was going to give up her dream of her own branch for him now. It just wasn't going to happen. She and Milo were going to New York. And that was all there was to it.

It had been surprisingly mild for an October day. They had arrived a little after half past eleven and decided to have their picnic before setting off to see what the adventure park had to offer. Madison and Milo were excitable during lunch, it taking a firm word from John to calm them both down. Anna had been impressed as both of them calmed, John's commanding tone of voice settling them down. Madison's cookies had gone down a treat, her obvious pride in the compliments being bandied her way warming John's heart.

After visiting the bathroom, Anna had hung back a little to watch John with the children. She hadn't even realised she was doing it, it was just the way he was with not only Maddie but Milo too made her stop in her tracks. Both the children seemed mesmerised as he spoke to them about an animal he had seen to a few days before. Anna had never really looked at John before, but right that moment he was all she could see. She knew he was older than her, maybe ten years or so, but that didn't seem to matter. The way his hair was today, it was less slicked back than he had worn it before. A strand kept falling above his right eye, it was highly distracting yet was affecting Anna in ways she couldn't describe. The royal blue polo shirt he was wearing was tight around his upper arms…

Anna shook her head. What was she doing? She was on a play date with her son and his best friend and her father. That's was all it was.

'Mummy,' Milo called, waving to get her attention. 'Can we go on the rides now?'

'I'm not sure, Baby,' Anna replied as she approached the table. 'Perhaps we should go to the farm first as you've only just eaten.'

'I think that's a fabulous idea,' John agreed, looking up at Anna with a smile.

The farm was quiet, until Madison and Milo arrived that was. They were just so happy to be together, John and Anna not wanting to quash their enthusiasm but at the same time being wary of other people out enjoying their day. The horses were a big favourite, Anna and Madison thrilled to see they were named after Disney princes and princesses. Milo and John preferred the pigs, named after characters from Fireman Sam.

John offered careful advice to the children as they handled some of the animals, Milo seemingly hanging on John's every word. Anna had never seen her son respond to someone who wasn't his family like he was John. There was genuine connection between them. This was also evident when they stopped for a game of football whilst Madison and Anna watched from a bench. Milo had finished his ice lolly, where as Madison was taking more care over hers.

'Milo is really good at football,' Madison commented in between licks of her lolly. 'He's almost as good as Daddy.'

Anna nodded, watching as John let Milo kick the football between his legs, causing the little boy to laugh hysterically. 'He certainly is. Which horse did you like best, Madison?'

'Belle,' Maddie replied without even having to think about it.

'Good choice,' Anna replied, remembering the white horse with a silver mane. 'Cinderella was beautiful too, though.'

'You're really beautiful,' Madison said, without a hint of reservation.

Giving Madison the benefit of the doubt that she wasn't comparing her to a horse, Anna accepted her compliment. 'Thank you. So are you.'

'Do you like being Milo's mummy?' Madison continued, finally biting into her ice lolly.

'I do,' Anna said before curiosity took over her. 'Why do you ask?'

'My Mummy didn't like being my Mummy. I think that's why she left.'

Anna couldn't get over how matter-of-fact children could be. 'I'm not sure if that's right, Maddie. You might not understand now, but as you get older you will. But you have your Daddy, right?'

'I do love my Daddy.'

'Sure you do,' Anna said encouragingly. 'And that's all that matters.'

'Can we go on the rides now, please.' An out of breath Milo was running towards Anna and Madison, the ball tucked under his arm, John gently strolling behind him.

'I suppose so,' Anna laughed, looking to John who was smiling broadly.

'The next Messi, your boy is,' John managed to stammer out, clearly as out of breath as Milo was.

'I wish I knew what that meant,' Anna replied, 'but I'm sure it's nice all the same. Right, these rides.'

John and Anna took it in turns to take the kids on the rides, John relieved Anna offered to take them on the more rigorous ones. He just about managed the tea cups and the carousel. John had noticed Anna and Madison talking quite intently on the bench whilst he and Milo were playing football. Madison had looked troubled, but then Anna said something and her mood seemed to lift. It was usually only John or Cora who could make her feel better, but Madison seemed to respond to Anna just as well.

After the rides, Madison and Milo were beat. Anna suggested they go back to her place for dinner, John not wishing to impose but unable to decline. Anna proved to be very persuasive. Once they had eaten, Milo and Madison asked to watch some television, Anna and John granting them permission. With the children happy in the living room, Anna made herself and John a cup of tea in the kitchen.

'I had a great day today,' John said, gratefully accepting the tea from Anna. 'Vera would never have done anything like that.'

'Vera?' Anna asked, frowning as she sat down.

'Oh right,' John cocked his head to the side before revealing who she was, 'the name of my ex wife.'

'Right,' Anna nodded slowly. She took a sip of her drink. 'How long have you been on your own?'

'Since Maddie was six months old,' John revealed. 'We decided to try for a baby for all the wrong reasons. To try and mend something that was unfixable. It had ended long before she conceived really.'

'I guess at the end of the day, you got Madison out of it all.'

'Precisely.' John offered Anna a grin then, completely taking Anna's breath away. He really did have the most beautiful smile. He suddenly started chuckling as a thought came into his mind. 'The first member of the female species to actually get me.'

Anna laughed as well, nodding her head in agreement. 'And Milo me. Ryan never knew what I wanted.'

'Milo's Dad?'

'Yeah.' Anna met John's gaze then, sipping on her tea. John never knew the most innocent of actions could have such an affect him. He released a shaky breath before she started speaking again. 'He's a good dad, don't get me wrong. And I thought I loved him. But he was only ever after one thing, I suppose.' She stopped herself for a moment, suddenly blushing a shade of crimson. John found it so endearing he nearly didn't hear her next words. 'Sorry, I've revealed too much.'

'Not at all,' John shook his head, 'it's fine. Bad past relationships, it seems we have a lot in common.'

'Yes, it seems we do,' Anna murmured, seemingly physically unable to avert her gaze from John's. Her heart was beating quicker than it had in months, years even.

'Daddy, the cartoon has finished.' The moment was broken as Madison climbed into her Daddy's lap. 'I had a really nice day today.'

'I'm glad little one.' John took a rather large sip of his tea as Milo came into the kitchen. He looked at his watch as he put his mug back down on the table. 'I guess we should get going. Nearly bedtime.'

'Of course,' Anna smiled, 'it's been a long day.'

'Go and get your shoes on Maddie.'

'But Daddy, I can't do it on my own.'

'Madison Bates, that's a lie and you know it. Go on.'

'I'll help you Madison,' Milo offered, taking her hand and almost pulling her off her father's knee. They ran down the hallway towards the living room, John meeting Anna's eye, the two of them laughing.

'What can I say, he's a gentleman.'

Daisy had been really pleased with Madison's progress. John was surprised his heart hadn't burst with pride as her teacher explained how well she was doing in the areas of mathematics and literacy. He was also pleased to learn she was a sociable little thing, having lots of friends but Milo was by far her favourite. Walking out into the corridor, clutching on to Madison's profile, John looked up to see Anna chatting to a member of staff in the next room.

'Anna,' he called. She turned to look at him, instantly smiling. She finished her conversation before walking towards John. 'Here for Milo?'

'I've had my appointment actually,' Anna replied, pointing towards the toddlers room. 'I stopped in there to talk to one of Milo's old teachers and time got away from me. How is Madison getting on?'

'Perfectly,' John replied, smiling from ear to ear. 'How about Milo?'

'Yeah, okay,' Anna said none too convincingly. 'He's got loads of friends and loves anything physical, but trying to get him to sit down and do anything like writing or numbers is proving difficult. He knows it, he'd just rather be playing on a bike.'

'He's a boy, I suppose,' John answered, 'I would have rather been on a bike at his age too.'

'Yeah,' Anna laughed softly, looking up at John's understanding expression. 'I suppose you're right. Anyway, I won't hold you up. '

'Madison's out for the night.' An idea played in John's mind, he remembered Madison saying Milo was staying over at his Daddy's house tonight. 'I hope you aren't thinking I'm being too bold, but do you fancy getting some dinner?'

Anna didn't reply for a moment and John felt like he had jumped the gun. Of course someone like Anna wouldn't want to go out for dinner with someone like him. She was gorgeous, deserved a man much better than he. He regretted asking her almost immediately.

'Sorry, I shouldn't have asked you that. I'll be in touch about another playdate…'

'No,' Anna interrupted, placing her hand on his arm, causing John to offer her his undivided attention. 'That sounds nice.'

'Great.' John's confidence from before was suddenly restored. 'Maybe we could drop your car off at yours then I'll drive us?'

'Alright,' Anna smiled then brushed some hair behind her ears. In that moment, John was sure he had never seen her look more beautiful. 'Let's go then.'

'I had a great time,' Anna said as John pulled up outside her house.

'Me too,' John agreed, smiling for what seemed like the hundredth time that evening. 'A really great time.'

The conversation had flowed as John and Anna shared dinner together. John was realising he hadn't felt this comfortable in a woman's company in a long time. Anna was so articulated, so intelligent and John found it to be such a turn on. Beautiful, clever, kind hearted women had never really given him a second look before. If he was honest, he had never met anyone like Anna before. Their gaze locked once more, and John was suddenly glad he was sitting down.

'I should be getting inside.'

'Let me walk you to your door,' John said as he unclipped his seatbelt, 'Milo isn't the only guy around here who is a gentleman.'

Anna didn't argue, the two of them walking in silence to her door. She turned around on the doorstep, and for the first time ever she and John were the same height. Meeting his eyes with her own, Anna had never noticed how green his eyes were before. They held so much sincerity when he gazed at her, no one had ever looked at Anna in quite the same way. He really was a handsome man.

'Goodnight then, Anna.'

'Goodnight, John.'

Silence fell then, neither quite sure what to do. John just knew he couldn't leave with just a goodnight. He wanted something more. He needed something more. She either wanted this or she didn't. Hoping he wasn't being too bold, he leant forward slowly to give Anna the chance to push him away. As he moved closer, John noticed the unmistakable sight of her eyes closing. Reciprocating, he breathed in ever so gently before placing his lips on hers.

Heavenly. That was the only word to describe it. Anna had entwined her fingers around John's as their kiss lingered. He pulled away, not wanting to push his luck but in the next moment, it was Anna who was instigating proceedings. Placing a hand on the back of his neck and crashing her mouth onto his, he could feel her tongue brushing along his bottom lip, begging for him to deepen the kiss. John obliged, wrapping his arms around Anna's waist and pulling her tighter to him.

'Wow,' Anna breathed as she moved away, her eyes still closed.

John chuckled lightly. 'Yeah. Wow.'

'I have wanted to do that since our first play date.'

'Really?' John was flabbergasted, looking into her eyes for a hint that she may be joking but all he saw there was truth. He smiled before whispering, 'me too.'

'I should really be going now,' Anna reiterated, 'up early for a meeting at work.'

'Right.' John relinquished his touch on Anna, taking a step away but taking her hand in his. 'Still ready to brave the soft play on Saturday now its reopened? We don't have to eat there or anything.'

Anna laughed. 'Yes, I'm looking forward to it. But I think we should keep this development to ourselves for now. Don't want Milo and Maddie getting any ideas.'

'I agree. Take things slowly.'

'Yes,' Anna breathed, before pressing her lips to John's for one last kiss, taking her chance to run her fingers through his hair. 'Something else I have been waiting for. To touch your hair.'

'My hair?' John furrowed his brow. 'Really?' Anna nodded. 'I will never understand women.'

Anna ran a finger along his jaw line, a light dusting of stubble becoming visible before offering John some advice.

'It's probably best not to try.'