APOV

I woke wrapped in Christian's arms, hearing a noise echo around the room. It wasn't my alarm that woke me up, telling me that Monday morning had arrived. It was Christian's phone ringing.

"What, slow down. It's too early in the morning to try and interpret your screeching" he told who ever was on the line.

"Mia would like to speak to you" he said in a gravely voice, neither of us properly awake yet.

I was just about to put his phone to my ear when Christian's lips met mine.

"Morning baby."

"Morning Christian" I said smiling as he burrowed back under the covers and closed his eyes.

Looking at the clock, it was just coming up to seven. Doesn't she sleep.

"Morning Mia."

"Oh Ana, thank you, thank you, Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for and especially at this time of the morning."

"I never knew when you went into the ball on Saturday that you had named Violet and me as the ones who had made your dress. Violet got into work before, to the answer machine going crazy. All messages about the dress you wore and what other lines we make."

"I'm glad Mia, I love my dress."

"Sorry for waking you, but I couldn't wait any longer. I have been here over half an hour and the phones haven't stopped."

I could hear the phones going in the back ground before I heard her speaking to someone.

"I had better go, phones to answer. Violet said thank you."

"You're welcome Mia, see you soon."

"I take it, it's good news" Christian mumbled.

I laughed when I looked down my bed. Christian looked like he had burrowed his way down and just his eyes and the top of his head was visible.

"Yes. Apparently the phones are ringing off the hook because I named them as the designer of my dress on Saturday."

"I'm glad. I'm very proud of my sister and what she has achieved. She had friends who just sat on their trust funds and did nothing apart from spend it. From a young age when Mia used to make clothes for her doll, I knew fashion would play some part in her career."

"Her boss is lovely."

"Yes, she is. Mia could've worked for one of the larger fashion houses but she preferred where she was. Violet mentored her from the beginning. She was her tutor when she was in college and saw the potential, bringing her onboard as soon as she graduated. Mia told us all that working for a smaller company gave her more freedom to make her designs, instead of being swallowed up in the crowd."

I heard the alarm come from Kate's room, turning mine off which I knew went off a few seconds after.

"Time to get up" I said stretching.

"Keep doing that and it will be me getting up" he said looking at my breast and stomach. I don't see the point of wearing clothes to bed as he just removes them.

"You have an early meeting to get to remember and I have to get to work."

"Yes I have a meeting across town, I will drop you off at work first."

"Christian I'm fine driving besides if you drop me off at work, you will be late for your meeting. I will drive or I will let my chauffeur drive me" I said.

"Ok stay close to Ryan please. I'm hoping that the press have their story now and they will back off a bit. I wouldn't put anything passed them though."

"I will, I promise. Now go to work."

"I will after I shower" Christian made his way towards my bathroom before turning around. "I forgot something" he said.

Walking back over to me, he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. My squeals echoing throughout the room. We were soon under the spray of the shower, whether I was ready or not.

...

"What was that squealing before or do I not want to know" Kate asked me.

"Christian was going for a shower and decided I was going with him whether I wanted to or not" I wasn't going to tell her about the shower sex that had him rushing out of here to make his meeting on time.

"I'm glad you did the tree. My parents tree looks like a fairy has threw glitter up on it with all the sparkles."

"It's not changed from last year then" I laughed.

"It's worse than last year."

I heard the buzzer from downstairs, letting Ryan know I would be down in a few minutes.

"What are you doing after work since we are not going for a tree now" she asked me.

"Nothing, I will be home tonight. Christian is going to Boeing field to speak to someone about his helicopter. Apparently the final results are in and he is going to see if it's salvageable "

"Do you think it is."

"I don't know Kate. It was in pretty bad shape when they pulled it out. We will just have to wait and see."

"How about a bit of Christmas shopping then and we can get some dinner."

"Sounds good, count me in" I said, getting my jacket on.

"Text me when you are finishing work."

"Will do" I hugged my best friend goodbye, before I went to meet Ryan

...

"Good morning" I said, making my way through the large office to my own.

"Morning Ana" Hannah greeted me

"Let's hope this is a quieter week than last. What have you got for me."

"Two potentials, one I really like. You should too, the couple meeting in a small town."

"If they meet with a crashed helicopter on the side of a mountain, I'm suing the author for stealing our story."

"No helicopters. Her car breaks down in a blizzard and he saves her" she laughed.

"OK I will take a look at it then."

Hannah left to make my tea before I got down to some work. I was looking forward to seeing Kate tonight, even though I don't like shopping all that much. It will be nice to spend some time with her though.

The morning was busy with the editors meeting as we discussed what was due out in the next couple of week's and what would be going into print soon.

"I think we all heard on Friday that Stanley Bruce's debut novel has just gone to print" Kay laughed.

"Don't remind me" I grumbled.

"Do we have a release date" she asked me.

"Would the other side of never do"

"No."

"I have a date then of February 4th if everything goes as planned. With regards to book tours, it would be the first time I would say no. The company doesn't need the negative press associated with this book. I still have no idea why Mr Roach put it forward."

"He's a relative of some sort who was badgering Jerry to publish it. I think he only agreed so he would leave him alone in his sick bed. He said he doesn't care if it makes any profit or not. So I agree on no publicity."

Leaving the meeting room when it was over, I made my way back to my office when Hannah stopped me.

"Your mother is on the line."

"Thanks" I said rolling my eyes as I shut the door behind me and took a seat at my desk.

I had been avoiding her calls, especially since the ball. We had a drama free day yesterday and I wanted it to continue.

"Hello Mum" I said, connecting the call.

"Don't you hello Mum me Anastasia. I have been calling you for the past few days and you haven't picked up. Your Dad is no help either."

"What would you need Dad's help for, when you're calling me."

"To get you, to pick up the phone."

"Mum I have been busy all weekend and I have been in meetings this morning.

"Too busy to speak to your mother or return her call."

"Mum last time I called you, you put me on hold and forgot I was even there so I hung up after ten minutes."

"I was busy" she said loudly as if we were talking about an everyday thing.

"Yes too busy to take your daughters call like I have been too busy to take yours."

I feel like I'm going round in circles.

"I always have time you you." she said, making me laugh.

"Mum you cancelled on me at thanksgiving to go on a trip that never happened and then expected me to drop everything and run to you because your plans fell through. If you're that desperate to spend time with me, what are you doing at Christmas."

She reeled off everything she would be doing. From parties with her friends, shopping for her cruise before her and Bob went away. Everything she could do rather than spend time with her daughter. Even getting her hair done was more important.

"I lead a busy life Anastasia."

"Yes I get it. You're always too busy to call your daughter unless there is something in it for you. Last time you called, you had no interest in anything to do with me. All you were interested in was speaking to my boyfriend and finding out his net worth. Have you any idea how you make me feel with your lack of interest in my life. When Christian's helicopter came down, I was a few minutes away from being where it actually crashed and not once have you ever asked how I was that night."

"Anastasia, you're being dramatic now."

"NO Mum, I'm not being dramatic. For once I would like a mother who would give a damn about me and not getting one up on their friends that you know and can get information on Christian Grey. You don't know anything about him. You don't even know your own daughter and until you stop being so selfish and care about someone other than yourself, I don't want to speak to you. Don't call me and certainly don't call Dad until you grow up and take on the roll you were given the day you gave birth to me. Goodbye."

I put the phone down, angry with myself that I let her get to me. I can put ex's in their places, deal with irritating authors but my own mother, the woman who should support me, makes me cry. Is it too damn much that I just want her to care.

I brushed the tears away, knowing I will look a sight. Picking my phone up, I called my Dad. I know she will be straight on to him telling him what a bad daughter I am.

"Winchester Falls Police Department, Kelly speaking."

"Hi Kelly, it's Ana. Is my Dad there."

"Hi sweetheart. Of course, I will put you through. Are you ok."

"Yes, just need to speak to my Dad."

Hearing my Dad come on the line, I tried to compose myself so as not to make him worry. Who am I kidding, he knew something was wrong as soon as I spoke.

"Hi Daddy."

"Annie what's wrong."

"Mum. I just wanted to give you a heads up in case she calls. I put the phone down on her."

"What did she say" I could tell he was angry by the tone of his voice.

Relaying my conversation to my Dad brought on the tears I had tried to stop. I was trying to keep it together, being at work but I just needed to hear my Dads voice.

"I don't know who that woman is any more" he said angrily. "The woman she is today, is certainly not the woman I married."

"I just want her to care Dad. I'm a grown woman but am I asking too much that if I needed her, she would be there for me. Grandma was more of a mother to me that she ever was."

"I know sweetheart. I blame myself for you missing out on her a lot when you were younger."

"Dad no, you never did anything wrong."

"She wasn't from a small town like I was, born in the city. I couldn't let her take you away Ana. I told her I would fight her for custody of you so she couldn't take you away from me, not knowing where you would end up. She just grabbed the bags she had packed and left, left your bag by the door while I held you tight to my chest and said she would be in touch about her visitation rights. It was soon after that I heard she had moved in with that Stephen, sending divorce papers not long after. She admitted that she had been seeing him while we were married so the divorce was quickly finalised. I know a small town isn't for everyone. She could've talked to me, told me how she was feeling but she just gave up and found the quickest way out. I never wanted you to know all this Ana, I didn't want to taint the image you have of your mother."

"Dad she taints that all on her own and I'm glad you kept hold of me, kept me safe because I love my little town and it will always be home."

I looked up when I heard my door open to see Christian stepping inside, before closing it behind him.

"Dad, Christian is here" I said looking at the concerned face of my boyfriend.

"Good, I know he will look after you when I'm not there. Love you sweetheart."

"Love you Dad, I will see you at weekend."

"I can't wait."

I ended the call and Christian pulled me into his arms. I don't know how he was here but I was glad he was.

"Shh baby, I got you" he said as I cried into his shirt.

He moved us over to the couch in my office and pulled me onto his lap.

"I'm supposed to be working" I said trying to push the tears away.

"Your boss said to take your time."

I looked to my door, the whole office must have heard my talk with my mother. Closing my eyes, I rested my head on his chest, just taking his scent in to calm me.

"I was going to call you but I needed to warn Dad first."

"It's fine Ana. I was still out from my meeting and was on my way to see if you were free for lunch when Andrea patched the call through from Hannah."

"Hannah?"

"Yes she had spoken to Andrea and said you were upset."

"I probably scared her. I'm usually the no-nonsense one around here but my mother" I said, not having words for that woman.

"I know your mothers indifference hurts you Ana. I just wish I could do something."

"You're doing everything I need Christian."

His arms tightened around me as I felt his lips on my hair.

"I don't know why I let her upset me so much."

"Because out of all the people around you, your parents are supposed to put you first and your mother is seriously lacking in that department."

I know what Christian said was true. My mother had missed ever milestone I had. From graduating high school to college, she has been absent.

"Have you eaten."

"No. I was just coming back from a meeting when she called."

"Come on, lets get some fresh air then and grab some lunch."

I put my jacket on, making sure it was done up. It was cold when we arrived this morning and I don't think it had warmed up much since then.

"Kay I'm just going to get some lunch" I told her when Christian and I came out of my office hand in hand.

"Take your time" she smiled.

Reaching the door, I heard behind me that Stanley Bruce was on the line.

"Put him through to me" Kay said before we walked out of the door.

We had a quiet lunch together, my mood lifting the more I was in Christian's presence. No matter what I do, nothing is ever going to change the way my mother treats me so I think it's time to leave her behind and get on with my life. I won't let her upset my Dad any more or interfere in my relationship with Christian.

"Thank you for coming" I told Christian when he walked me back to work.

"I will always be here for you Ana."

"I know Christian, I love you so much."

Kissing him at the door, we held each other.

"Enjoy your shopping tonight with Kate, keep Ryan close please."

"I will, I hope Charlie Tango can be fixed."

"Me too baby, it doesn't look good though. It maybe time to look for another, I will see what the final results are later."

Kissing him once more, it would need to last me until I saw him tomorrow. I waved as I walked back into the office.

Heading straight to Hannah, I hugged my friend.

"Thank you."

"Any time, I'm just glad his secretary put me through."

"She would've. All his staff have instructions to put me through when I call. I know calling about me, wouldn't have been any different."

"Hey Ana, you missed the battle of the century" Shelly told me as she came out of the kitchen with her coffee in hand.

"What do you mean."

"Apparently Bruce said that he had found another company that was willing to print his book. Kay tore into him, told him how he would pay for every book already printed, that's not including how much it would cost him for breaking the contract. He soon backed down and then he had the cheek to ask for you, realising quickly not to piss Kay off."

I smiled, chuckling to myself as I walked to Kay's office.

"I prefer a smile on your face" she said when I knocked on her office door.

"I'm sorry about my meltdown earlier."

"Ana, I have known you a long time. Not only are you a valued colleague here but you're also a friend. Speaking from one friend to another, I'm surprised you haven't told her off sooner."

"Maybe I was hoping that just one day she would change."

"You can't change someone who doesn't want to change, I should know that with my Dad."

"We're opposites" I smiled as she nodded. Her Dad was just as useless as my mother. "I need to put her behind me and start living my life."

"With that very good looking boyfriend of yours."

"Hey hands off" I told her as she lifted her hands in surrender. "I had better go and get some work done."

"If Bruce calls again, put him through to me. I fancy a round two."

I laughed, heading back to my office where I was finally able to get down to some work. I had a Stanley Bruce free afternoon, getting all my work done before I got ready to meet Kate.

"Hannah if Carla Adams calls again, I'm not available. If she tries to cause any trouble, just put the phone down on her."

"It will be a pleasure" she smiled.

Leaving work, heading for The Bravern. Are you finished x – Ana

Just clearing my desk now, cab already waiting. See you soon x – Kate.

I messaged Ryan that I was on my way and he was waiting for me when I exited the building.

"Did you run."

"No" he laughed "I knew you would be out around now. Where are we going to."

"The Bravern for a bit of retail therapy and after today even I'm looking forward to it."

I must be ill, me looking forward to shopping. I think I'm looking forward to spending time with Kate more.

I sent Christian a message to let him know I was on my way to meet Kate and I would call him when I got home.

Ok baby, I will speak to you later. Love you x – Christian

Love you too x – Ana

Getting out at The Bravern, we walked from the garage towards the entrance. It was packed with late night shoppers and I think Ryan was getting jumpy.

"I knew I should've brought Reynolds with me."

"We will be fine. I can't see the pap's being allowed into the mall and if we need back up when we are leaving then I'm sure he could get here quick enough."

Ryan messaged Reynold's to be on standby if needed as I spotted Kate who was waiting just inside the doors.

"Good day" she asked, hugging me.

"So so. Mother problems but apart from that, everything has been fine."

There was no love lost between Kate and my mother. Kate telling her on more than one occasion what she thought of her.

"Who are we buying for" she asked me.

"I want a few things for Christian, my Dad and if they're coming, the Grey's."

"Have you invited them for Christmas."

"I asked Christian if he wanted to come with his family but he hasn't gotten back to me yet so at the moment, I don't know who's coming. I wish you were coming."

"Do you think you would have room for me, if everyone comes."

"Kate, I would make room."

"That's good then, because I will be there on Christmas eve. I can't get down before then because of work."

I let out a squeal, hugging my best friend to me.

"How. I thought you would be here with your family."

"Well Ethan is going to Aspen, skiing with his friends for Christmas and my parents have been invited on a cruise with some of their friends but were not going to go if I was on my own. I told them to go for it and I will tag along with my best friend."

"Cruise. I hope they don't end up on the same ship."

"If they do, my mother has instructions to throw yours overboard" she laughed, wrapping her arm through mine as we headed for the stores.

Store after store we went into, picking up gifts along the way. I bought Christian a new watch, it's the most I've ever spent on a watch before but he is worth it.

"Ryan close your eyes" Kate told him as we looked through the lingerie.

She loved to tease him and if we were in a safe environment he would just take it. Here though where there are a lot of strangers around, his eyes are everywhere, always on guard.

"I like this" I told Kate.

I held up a red, bra and panties set. The bra had a ribbon at the front that could easily be opened and the panties had ribbons on the sides. It would be like Christian was opening a present. Perfect for Christmas but if the house was going to be full, I might take it home with me this weekend and let Christian have some fun.

"Very nice" Kate said. "I'm sure he will like it. I've found some but they will be just for me, for now."

"You never know, Mr Right might be just around the corner."

We both looked toward the door seeing a balding man in his fifties enter. Kate looked at me as I looked to her, both shaking our heads as we laughed before continuing to look around.

I found another set of lingerie, in black this time with little red bows. That went to the counter along with some stockings, so I could pay.

"Where to now" Kate asked me, having her own bag of goodies.

"I want to get Christian a coat for home. He was wrapped up when we went to get the tree but it's colder up there and I haven't seen anything in his closet that will keep him really warm in the Cascades."

Ryan suggested a store for us to visit, one he shops at himself. I found Christian's coat while Kate looked for some boots. At least she will be more prepared than the first time she came.

Our shopping trip was a lot of fun. Kate's parents always gave her and Ethan money for Christmas so she treated herself with a gift from them. Dad and I are not like that, always spending time to choose a gift. This year it is a new fishing box and rods, great for ice fishing. I wonder if he will take Elliot sometime.

We were heading out of the mall when I spotted a toyshop.

"Ana we're a bit old to be in here" Kate told me but followed anyway.

"I just wanted to look at something."

Just above the checkout was a helicopter that was in mid air. Getting closer, I could see it attached to wires but the rotor was going around on its own.

"How do you do that" I asked.

"It's solar powered. The rotor does work from the power saved to the battery but to get it off the ground, it really needs the sun. Hence why we have it on wires."

"You're buying Christian a helicopter" Kate laughed.

"I got him a tiny wooden one for his tree. I think this one, Christian can have more fun with."

The sales assistant brought out one of the helicopters, still boxed up. Once it was paid, we were soon on our way again.

"Where are we going for something to eat" Kate asked me.

"How about Zig Zag."

"Perfect, we don't have far to fall home then."

"Kate I'm not falling anywhere. I have work in the morning and so do you."

"I'm sure it's Friday somewhere" she laughed.

"Keep wishing."

We followed Ryan back to the car, giving him instructions to go to The Zig Zag Cafe. Thankfully Reynolds wasn't needed as we were able to have our shopping trip in peace.

"If Christian tries to take a peek in the bags, you have to stop him" I told Ryan.

I could see the look on his face, knowing I had no chance of him keeping anything from the man he worked for. It would be up to me then to distract Christian, if he tried to peek.

We had just stopped outside the bar when my phone rang.

"Hi Christian, hows Charlie Tango." I asked, when I answered the phone.

"Gone Ana. For the amount of work and money to get it fixed, I may as well buy a new one."

"Sorry, my tree and rocks are strong."

"I'm glad baby" he laughed "wouldn't want to fall off that cliff."

"No, definitely not. What are you up to now."

"Elliot and I were just going to grab something to eat."

"We just arrived at The Zig Zag Cafe, if you want to join us."

"Kate and Elliot in the same room. That could either be a recipe for disaster."

"Or a lot of fun" I finished.

"We will be there soon then."

Kate and I got out of the car and walked towards the doors as I put my phone away in my purse.

"Anastasia Steele, what are you smirking at."

"Nothing. Christian is out with his brother so I invited them to join us."

"Fine by me, what's his brother like."

"A lot of fun."

We were seated quickly at a table for four as I explained two more would arrive shortly. Kate had already ordered a glass of wine but I stuck to water for now. Ryan was sat at the bar, nursing a cola and keeping an eye on the room.

The door opened and four men came in. Ryan immediately watching them but they made their way to the other side of the room where they met up with, what looked like friends.

When the door opened again, Christian and Elliot came in.

"Holy shit" I heard from beside me as I laughed at my best friend.

"Ana" Elliot rushed forward, annoying Christian no doubt and hugged me as my feet lifted from the floor. "I hear we're spending Christmas together, we might not get Mum and Dad home again."

"You're all coming" I asked.

"Yes Ana, they're all coming."

Finally I was able to hug and kiss my boyfriend. Even though I had only seen him hours before, it was nice to be in his arms again.

"Are you ok."

"I'm fine Christian, time to look forward."

He smiled, kissing my lips before we turned to Elliot and Kate. They had already taken a seat and were chatting like old friends.

"Should we introduce you" I asked.

"Ok course, don't be rude Ana" Elliot teased.

"Kate this is Elliot Grey. Elliot, my best friend Kate Kavanagh."

They shook hands, seeming to take an age before their hands parted.

"Should we leave them alone" Christian whispered in my ear, making me laugh.

"No, it's more fun to watch."

"What do you want to drink Ana" Christian asked me.

"Just a diet cola please. I don't want any alcohol when I'm at work in the morning."

Christian order my cola, ordering himself a glass of wine. Kate was on her second glass and Elliot wanted a beer.

"Do you have Jose number. He gave it to me but I think I might have put it down wrong." Elliot asked me.

"Sure" I found Jose number and passed him my phone, so he could check it.

"I had a three instead of a five at the end. I kept getting an old lady, I'm sure she was thinking I was calling for a date."

I laughed taking my phone back from him.

"Maybe she was lonely and wanted a toy boy."

"I think I will pass. I can take those shelves I made for Jose when we go for Christmas."

"I'm sure he will appreciate that. Dad said they are in the middle of renovating so it will be all nice for when his family come for Christmas."

"Do they not have the town over for Christmas dinner like thanksgiving" Christian asked me.

"Yes, some of the elder towns folk go. No one should be alone on Christmas. Dad stays with me Christmas eve so for once we are going to have a full house. I will have to air some of the rooms out this weekend."

"Are we all going to fit" Christian asked me.

"We should if Kate and Mia share and you don't mind sharing with my dad for the night Elliot."

"No as long as he doesn't snore. You're coming as well" Elliot asked Kate.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it."

"What do you do for a living when you're not shopping with Ana."

"I'm a journalist" she said, earning a raised eyebrow from Elliot before he looked at Christian and myself. "You don't like journalist" she asked him.

"It depends if they nosy into the lives of my brother and his girlfriend."

"Id rather lose my job" she told Elliot seriously, earning a smile from him.

We toasted Charlie Tango, may she rest in a pile of scrap and be recycled into something else.

"Thank you Charlie tango for getting Christian down safely."

"I'll drink to that" Elliot said as we clinked our glasses together.

We finally got around to ordering our dinner. I had the marinated chicken kebabs and actually managed to stay clean although my fingers were sticky. Christian took it upon himself to make sure they were clean, telling me he enjoyed the taste of them.

When we had all finished and Elliot had sneakily paid the bill, annoying his brother in the process. We headed out towards the seafront and towards the giant Ferris wheel.

Elliot and Kate were walking ahead of us, her arm through his and still in deep conversation. Christian and I were slowly walking arm in arm behind.

"Will you get a new helicopter."

"Yes. I will leave it to the new year now. I owe you a flight over the Cascades in spring" he smiled.

"You don't have to buy a new one, just to take me flying."

"I know. Despite crashing and getting hurt, I can't regret the accident because it brought me you."

We stopped for a second as I wrapped my arms around his waist.

"I'm glad it brought me you too."

Christian leaned forward and our lips were just about to touch when we were interrupted by Elliot.

"Are we going on the wheel" he shouted.

"Just after I have eaten, you have another thing coming."

"Ana we wouldn't get you in there if you hadn't eaten either" Kate laughed. My friend knew me so well.

"Do you want to go" I asked Christian.

"No for once I'm happy to keep my feet on the ground. HAVE FUN BRO" he shouted to Elliot as he and Kate headed to the wheel.

Christian and I found a table in one of the eateries near the wheel and ordered drinks. I couldn't eat anything else.

"They have to be mad" I said as their pod started to move upwards.

"I think I will stick to flying, I have control when I do that. Well normally anyway. Flying was one of the very first things I remember doing with my parents. Flying to Seattle from Detroit felt like a rebirth in a way. It took me away from pain so even in those early days, I associated flying with freedom."

"Driving home in a way feels like that for me. Even in the winter, its nice to breath in the clean crisp air. The smell of the mountains, the trees welcoming me home."

"What awaits us up in the mountains this weekend" he asked me.

"Well the reindeer's are back. Only two this time, to do sleigh rides around the school field. I told Dad two reindeer can still escape so he said he will have the carrots handy" I laughed.

"Sounds like chaos waiting to happen."

"And probably will. There is also a snowman building competition but only adults can take part if they're with a child. We had some very suggestive snowmen a few years ago which caused quiet a few explanations to the children, from their parents. Lets just say they were not amused" I giggled.

"For a small town, you sure have a lot of fun there."

"Too much fun for my Dads liking as he is usually the first to deal with the chaos. I'm looking forward to seeing the town lit up. The tree in the centre of town will be up now and every house will be covered in Christmas lights. Well apart from mine, until I can get there."

"I'm sure it will be beautiful by the time we are finished."

We walked back over to wait for Kate and Elliot to come back down. When they emerged they were still arm in arm, happy and laughing away. Maybe Christmas in Winchester Falls will be magical for them too.

Thank you for reading.

I thought it was time for Carla to finally hear some home truths about the way she treats her daughter. She will no longer be in Ana's life.

Until next time when we go back to a cosy house in the mountains

take care

Caroline