APOV

"Do you have everything you need" Christian asked me as we stood by my car.

"Yes. Well almost everything, unless I can take you with me."

"I wish Ana. As soon as my meeting finishes tomorrow, I will be on my way so save me some of your Dads birthday cake."

"I will. I love you Christian" I told him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"I love you too baby. Please call me as soon as you get to the station and hopefully we can speak again once you get up to the house."

"I will."

On my tiptoes, I brought my lips to his as his arms wrapped around me. This kiss had to last me until I saw him tomorrow and as he deepened the kiss, he was making sure, it would last him too.

"Drive safe Ana" he told me as we finally parted, opening the door for me. Once I was sat in the car and my seat belt done, Christian leaned down to kiss me once more.

"I will speak to you soon" I told him. Nodding, he stepped back from the car as I started the engine.

Pulling out into traffic, Ryan was immediately behind me. He had decided to follow me all the way to Winchester Falls, having never been before and wanting to know where I would be.

I put the radio on, the usual Christmas music playing but I didn't mind. It took my mind off leaving Christian behind and made me more excited for what was to come. Christmas with not just my dad for a change but with Christian, our first together and also his family and Kate.

It took us 90 minutes to reach the signs for Winchester Falls. Going over the bridge with the window open and breathing in the mountain air, I was finally home.

"Call Ryan" I said hearing his phone start to ring.

"Is everything ok Ana" he asked picking up.

"Everything is fine. On your left soon is a turn off, that is the way up to my house if you ever needed to find it. It's the only house on that road and there are a few twist and turns until you reach it so I would recommend caution, until you know the road."

"I will remember that, thanks."

Disconnecting the call, we pulled into town. We made our way over to the station before parking in front, beside my dad's car.

"So this is the famous Winchester Falls" Ryan asked, doing his coat up, just a bit tighter against the cold.

"Yes, this is my home town. Big isn't it" I laughed.

We walked up the steps and into the front office, saying hello to Kelly who told me she was glad I had arrived today and not tomorrow afternoon as the snow was coming in. I heard a door opening and then paw steps before I was practically knocked off my feet by Boomer.

"Have you missed me boy, I have brought you lots of treats for Christmas" I told him, scratching behind his ear.

"I told you, no fattening him up."

I turned to see my Dad walking out from his office with Luke following closely behind.

"Hi Dad" I said, before I was pulled in for a hug.

"Hello sweetheart it's good to have you home again" he pulled back a second, checking me over like he always does before his gaze fell to my coat. "Nice coat, we won't miss you in a blizzard wearing that."

"I think that's the idea. Christian vetoed the white one I was looking at."

"Smart man."

"Dad this is Ryan, he's my CPO" I introduced them as they shook hands.

Dad knows this is the man who looks after me when neither Christian or he was there.

"Hi Ana."

I turned to acknowledge my old school friend.

"Hi Luke, how are you doing."

"Well, thank you, I will see you around. Thanks chief" he said before making his way out of the door.

"Short and sweet. Is he in trouble again" I asked.

"No, not this time. We have an opening here at the station and he was interested in applying. If I can keep him out of trouble, maybe he will grow up."

"Luke was always the smarter of the bunch, he just got dragged along."

"Well hopefully no more. Oh this came for you yesterday."

He handed me a Christmas card which could only be from my mother. Walking towards the shredder, I put it in and watched it turn into hundreds of pieces. I know what it would be. There would be no Christmas message, just her disguised letter telling me what a horrible daughter I was.

"I would have done that myself but it wasn't addressed to me."

"If any more come Dad, you have my permission to treat them the same way as I do."

I said goodbye to Ryan who was heading back to the city, before using dad's office to call Christian.

"Hi Ana, are you home."

"I'm still at the station with Dad. Ryan has just left to go back to Seattle. I showed him the road up to my house on the way here so he knows where I live now."

"That's great baby, I hope I can speak to you when you get up there. You've only been gone a few hours and I miss you."

"I miss you too Christian. If it doesn't work, I will radio the station and get Dad to contact you."

"That's fine, I will let you go Ana. I know what the weather is like in that town so I want you home before any snow comes in."

"I will be fine, the snow is not due to arrive until tomorrow afternoon anyway. Make sure you're here by then."

"I will Ana, is that the weather forecast or Kelly."

"Kelly" I laughed. "I will speak to you soon, hopefully."

"Ok baby, drive safe."

I disconnected the call before going back to my Dad. I was hoping to have longer with him but he is off to the Clayton's on a call out and I have no wish to find out what that is about.

Driving out of town, I turned onto my road. It mustn't have snowed for a few days as the roads were still clear but I know it never stays like that for too long.

Taking the boxes inside, I set about make the fire once the tree and outside lights were lit. Now to hopefully speak to Christian.

I took my phone, getting Christian's number and put it into the satellite phone. I finally released a breath when I heard it start to ring.

"Grey."

"Hi Christian" I smiled, sitting on my couch, so happy I could hear his voice.

"Ana, are you home?"

"Yes, I'm sat in front of our fire."

"That's brilliant Ana, I'm so relieved that I can speak to you."

"Me too, are you still at work."

"Yes, I'm leaving soon. I have been summoned to my parent's for dinner. I'm sure they think I'm going to curl up in a ball because you're not here."

"Aren't you" I teased.

"Of course, but I'm not telling them that."

"I'll miss you tonight Christian."

"Me too Ana. I will be back with you tomorrow though as soon as I can get away."

"Call me as soon as you get home tonight, even if it's late. I will take the phone upstairs to bed with me."

"Lucky phone. I will call you as soon as I escape. I love you."

"I love you Christian."

Once the call was disconnected, the only sound was the crackling fire. I still had a lot of presents for everyone to wrap up so I got to that, putting some music on to break the silence. I smiled, knowing how it wouldn't be so silent in a few days and I was looking forward to having everyone here.

I spoke to Christian just after ten. He hadn't even waited until he was home to call, ringing me as soon as he had gotten out of his parents gate.

"How is everyone" I asked. Apart from Elliot, I had not seen any of them since the ball.

"Mum hasn't stopped talking about coming for Christmas. She has everything wrapped under their tree ready to transport to yours."

"I have only just finished wrapping all mine up. When I tried to do it there, Kate would always find some excuse to come into my room so she could take a peek."

"No peeking allowed until Christmas morning. I will be wrapping mine when I get back home. I apologise now if your present looks like a three year old has been let loose with paper and tape."

"Sound like my Dad's wrapping" I laughed. "I should have put Dad's rods in a tube as I have just used a full roll of paper to wrap them."

"I'm not looking forward to sleeping without you tonight Ana" he sighed.

"I know what you mean. I left my bra that you loved to play with last night in your top drawer so it could keep you company tonight."

I laughed when he shouted YES, probably scaring the crap out of Taylor who would be driving him.

We were still on the phone when he walked into his apartment. I knew he went straight to his bedroom as I heard the drawer open.

"Thank you for the present baby" he told me.

"You're welcome Christian. Hopefully my smell will stay with you, until I can see you tomorrow."

"I wonder if anyone will notice it in my pocket."

"Yes. Try explaining that if it's seen" I laughed, thinking what Ros would say if she saw my bra in his pocket.

"I will sneak it in somewhere. I love you baby, get some sleep because I will be keeping you busy tomorrow night when we get home from dinner with your Dad" he told me as I tried to stifle a yawn.

"I look forward to it. I will see you tomorrow. Love you."

We ended the call, as I went up to bed. I made sure that the phone was on charge, not wanting to miss his call in the morning.

…

"Happy birthday to you, I went to the zoo. I saw a big monkey and I thought it was you whooo."

My Dad laughed as I walked into his office. I don't think I have ever sang happy birthday to him properly, since I learnt that version from Joe when we were in kindergarten.

"Thank you sweetheart" he said taking the present and card that I had handed to him. "I hope this is socks."

"Of course, you will get more for Christmas as well."

He opened the card, making sure he read every word before placing it onto his desk. His present of a new camera followed, including his socks.

"Ana I love it thank you and I will have to thank Christian as well when he gets here. It will be well used at Christmas and I will keep it away from the pond" he said laughing, as that was where the last one went as he was trying to take some pictures in the autumn.

"Come on, I'm buying my old man some breakfast."

"Less of the old man" he laughed, following me out to the diner with Boomer closely behind.

"Just this once" I called. as he ran across the road after us.

Putting him on the leash, we entered the diner and sat at the table next to the door so Boomer could escape if he wanted too. He settled down at our feet, hoping no doubt that a sausage was coming his way.

"Birthday boy in the house" Leisa called into the kitchen before coming out and placed his breakfast, already made in front of him.

"You will have wax on your sausage" I laughed as my Dad blew out the candle that Leisa had stuck into it.

"Thank you for my breakfast" he told her, taking out the candle so he could finally tuck in.

"Thanks Leisa."

I started on the pancakes that she had put in front of me, while Jose came out to say hello.

"I hope there will be some cake left for us" he said, knowing there was no chance once Dad and Christian had worked through it.

"What time is Christian coming" Jose asked me.

"I'm not sure yet, should be sometime this afternoon when his meeting is finished. I'm hoping to at least get the cake in the oven before he arrives."

I walked back to the station with Dad when we had finished our breakfast or lunch as it should have been as we had spent so long in the diner.

"Are you going straight home" Dad asked me.

"I need to pick some eggs up from the store for your cake as I didn't think it was wise to bring them from Seattle."

"I will see you this evening Ana. Please don't tell me I have to wear a suit."

"It's your birthday Dad, wear whatever you want. Love you."

"You too sweetheart."

I kissed his cheek before he headed up the stairs and into the station.

Getting back into my car, I drove over to the store. It wasn't far but it was the way I was going anyway and seemed silly to have to walk back to the station with my eggs. I had to park at the side of the store as the spots at the front were taken. It was busy today, probably people leaving everything to the last minute.

I was just about to get out when my phone went.

"Hey baby, I'm about thirty minutes away."

"Did you skip your meeting then" I asked, smiling that he was nearly here.

"No. They just stopped messing me about and got down to business when I threatened to pull out. They couldn't sign quick enough."

"I'm just going into the store to get some eggs for Dad's cake so I will be home when you get there."

"Ok I will see you soon. Love you."

"Love you too."

Getting out of the car, I walked inside and took a basket. I didn't need anything for dinner as we were taking Dad to the restaurant but I needed something for tomorrow night. I had brought food for Christmas dinner but not knowing what we were doing tomorrow apart from staying in bed as long as possible, I would see what they had otherwise it would be dinner at the diner or restaurant.

I found some scallops as well as the eggs I needed to finish the cake. Picking up some chocolate for the cake as well, I made my way to the register when I bumped into Mrs March.

"Ana hello dear" she greeted as she pushed her trolley towards me.

"Hi, how are you. Have you been getting the band going again."

"No. That is a once a year deal, I'm enjoying my retirement."

"What are you doing for Christmas" I asked her.

"Maisy is coming tomorrow to pick me up so I will spend Christmas with her family. New year is back here but I prefer the quiet and not the parties."

"If you want a drink on new years eve, we are heading for Daryl's. It should be quiet earlier on."

"I think I'm past staying up past midnight. Is Christian coming."

"Yes all his family are staying with me too so I will have a full house."

"I love a big family Christmas, I love coming home from them too to the peace and quiet. I might take you up on the new years drink, see how I feel after surviving Christmas.

"I hope I see you there then. I will let you go, I had better get home and start Dads cake."

I said goodbye, knowing that Christian wasn't that far away. I was excited to see him.

I paid before heading out to my car. I had opened my door and put the grocery's on the back seat. when a truck pulled in beside me. I knew that truck anywhere and I had no intention of speaking to the occupant. I had a cake to make and the snow had just started to fall.

"Ana."

I ignored him, shutting the back door and opening mine. I put my purse in, placing my phone on the dashboard and was about to get in when I felt him right behind me.

"Ana, I want to talk to you."

"Don't you take the hint Paul, I don't want to talk to you so go away and leave me alone" I said angrily, turning to him.

"You were always so beautiful when you were pissed at me."

"Grow up Paul, I told you before I'm not playing your games." I turned around getting one foot in the car when I was pulled backwards, his hand over my mouth.

I tried to pull his hand away but he was pulling me back toward his truck. I bit his hand but he wasn't letting go.

He bundled me inside, pushing me into the seat next to his as I reached for the door. It was locked.

"Let me go, Paul let me go" I yanked at the handle but it still wouldn't budge.

"You should know there's a lock on that side, wouldn't want you falling out now."

"PAUL WHAT ARE YOU DOING" I shouted at him as he reversed out of the spot and straight up the road.

"PAUL STOP."

"NO YOU'RE GOING TO LISTEN TO ME, five minutes is all I wanted and you couldn't give me that so now you're going to listen to me whether you want to or not. I made a mistake, I admit that. All I want is a second chance."

"Paul where are you going."

ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME" he bellowed but he needed to turn around. He was going too far and it was too dangerous up there.

"Paul you can't go up there."

"Do you think I care Ana, I'm taking you where we won't be disturbed."

I knew seeing the signs for Elum Point that I was in serious trouble.

The snow was coming down hard, his wind shield wipers were going crazy but he wasn't stopping.

"Paul please turn around and we will talk."

"Your chance to choose where we talk was at the festival. It's my turn to choose."

He pulled up to what I hoped was not the top but I could see the metal barrier that stopped anyone going further.

He was gripping the steering wheel so tight, his hands were white. If this was summer I would have fought with him and been out his side of the truck. Taken my chances but out there now, I would freeze to death.

"I want another chance Ana. We were good together, brilliant. It wasn't just my fault that we broke up" he said turning to me.

"How is the demise of our relationship my fault" I asked, shocked that he was still blaming me for what happened.

"You left Ana, we were here. We could have had a life together, got married but you left to find your fortune in Seattle."

"You left too. You didn't see me going off with any other men while you were in college did you. I waited for you and when you dropped out, I stood by you like you always said you would do with me when we talked about me working with books."

"I would've killed any man I found with you" he said angrily. "It all went wrong when you left."

"So let me get this straight. You leave and I wait for you but I leave and you find the first pussy you can find as punishment because I succeeded and you didn't. Yet again I am to blame, you really are unbelievable. Take me home Paul."

He sat shaking his head.

"It's in the past, I told you I want another chance. I love you Ana. I promise no other women, I want you back here in Winchester."

"No" I said.

"No" His head whipped around to face me. "What do you mean by no."

"I have my life and my boyfriend and I'm not willing to give any of them up."

"Fucking boyfriend, billionaire pussy from the city. You can get a job here."

"You're not listening to a word I say Paul, it's all what you want. Take me home."

I had never felt scared of Paul before but at that moment I was, especially when he started the engine and moved us more closer to the barrier.

"Paul please, it my Dads birthday today. Please just take me home."

"Your Dad is just as bad, always trying to arrest me for something. Do you know, he takes great pleasure in telling my Dad how happy you are with your billionaire boyfriend. How he spoils you rotten."

I knew he was lying. The last person my Dad would talk about me to, was Paul's family.

"We used to come up here and make out. We could do that now, what do you say for old times sake" he laughed.

"Stay the fuck away from me" I told him.

"Give me one good reason. One thing that he has that I don't, beside his billions."

"Christian has me, my heart and I love him. He is going to be here soon and he is going to come looking for me."

"You love him. YOU FUCKING LOVE HIM" he raged, hitting the steering wheel in front of him. "Get out."

"What! Paul no. It's too cold, too dangerous."

"Let him come and save you then. GET THE FUCK OUT."

He unlocked the door, reaching past me to open it as I flinched when he touched my arms. The freezing air immediately hit me.

"Paul please take me home" I pleaded but he started pushing on my arm.

I dug my fingers into his coat to hold on but he was pushing harder. The snow, now coming in through the open door.

"GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY TRUCK NOW."

With one final push, I was on the frozen road. My head hitting the hard surface.

I couldn't see anything as I scrambled to get up, just the headlights that were tuning around and now moving away from me.

He left me, I couldn't believe Paul had left me up here. I tried to follow the way he had gone but it was hard when I could barely see my hand in front of my face. I was so cold, pulling my coat tighter around me. My whole body was shaking but I needed to try and keep moving.

The further I tried to walk, the slower I became. Every step took an age, took just that bit more energy to put one foot in front of the other. My teeth were chattering so much that my jaw ached. I couldn't stop the tears, even though I knew they would freeze to my face.

I had the life I always wanted, the man I loved more than anything and it had taken one person to take that away from us all. I hated him, hated the person he had become.

If this moment was my last then there were only two people who I wanted in my thoughts. My Dad, my protector. From the moment I was placed in his arms, he has shown me everyday how much I mean to him. He would be frantic by now, he would know I was missing because Christian would be here and looking for me also.

My Christian, I though bringing a sob to my throat. He was the best thing that ever happened to me, he helped me believe in love again. As my steps faulted and I landed in the snow, my thoughts were only of him and how I would give anything in the world for him to hold me once more.

Thank you for reading. As with all cliffhangers in my stories, the next chapter is written and will be up as soon as its edited.

Take care

Caroline.