The Nurse's Christmas Wish (The Cornish Consultants)

She stared at the ring in wonder and felt something lodge in her throat. ‘You don’t do relationships.’

‘That was before I met you,’ Mac said huskily. ‘Now I’ve discovered that I was wrong. I went into the hospital and for the first time in my life I didn’t want to be there. I wanted to be here. With you.’

There was another sigh from Alice. ‘That’s so romantic.’

Without turning, Mac grinned. ‘Thank you, Alice.’ He tightened his grip on Louisa’s hand. ‘Are you going to speak?’

‘I was afraid I’d driven you away.’

‘You’ve given me my life back.’ He slid his other hand around the back of her neck and pulled her gently towards him. ‘You’ve made me see things as they really are.’

‘Are they going to kiss?’ Poppy stared at them in fascination and then glanced at her father. ‘Are they going to kiss?’

Rick grinned and scratched his head. ‘Looks like they might. Close your eyes, sweetie. Perhaps you shouldn’t be watching.’

Louisa blushed and Mac gave a slow smile of masculine satisfaction. ‘No kissing. In a moment we’re going for a long walk on the beach and there will definitely be some kissing then, but for now I just want Louisa to answer one very important question.’

Alice cleared her throat. ‘Is there any more gravy?’

Mac closed his eyes briefly. ‘I’m trying to propose, Alice.’

‘Oh, goodness.’ Alice turned pink and adjusted her paper hat, which was falling over her eyes. ‘Do carry on. I’m not saying another word. Not another word.’

Louisa started to giggle, happiness erupting inside her. ‘Mac...’

Mac took a deep breath and then Hopeful crashed into the room, the remains of the turkey in his mouth.

Louisa gave a gasp of horror and stood up. ‘Oh, Mac! He’s got a turkey bone! It will splinter in his mouth and we’ll have to take him to the vet!’

‘Hopeful!’ There was no mistaking the authority in Mac’s tone and the dog stopped on the spot and dropped the bone.

‘Oh!’ Louisa stared at him in delight. ‘He’s learning to be obedient! You wonderful dog. I hope you didn’t swallow any, darling.’ She was on her knees beside the dog, sliding her fingers into his mouth to check. ‘I think he’s OK.’

‘I’m relieved to be spared the experience of discovering how much vets charge on Christmas Day,’ Mac said dryly. ‘And now, if no one minds, I’m taking Louisa down to the beach for a walk so that I can propose in peace.’

‘I know she’ll say yes,’ Alice said wisely, ‘so shall we have another drink to celebrate?’

Hannah giggled. ‘Alice, you’re going to be under the table.’

‘Probably.’ Alice reached for her glass. ‘Just make sure you wake me up for the Queen’s speech.’

* * *

The beach was deserted and the sky was grey and threatening.

‘There’s going to be more snow.’ Louisa glanced upwards and Mac caught her in his arms and pulled her against him.

‘I don’t want to talk about the weather,’ he growled, ‘and I don’t want to talk about turkey, Alice or Hopeful. I just want to talk about us and that ring you’re wearing on your finger. And I need to do it quickly before there are any more interruptions. Will you marry me?’

He was strong, handsome and the embodiment of every dream she’d ever had.

Despite the cold, her insides melted. ‘I can’t believe you really love me,’ she whispered as she stared up at him. This couldn’t be happening. ‘I’d given up hoping.’

‘Well, I do love you. Madly. And you were right about so many things,’ he said gruffly, stroking her cheek with his hand. ‘And it’s because of what I feel for you that I finally understand that what I had with Melissa wasn’t right. When I was with Melissa I never once had this burning urge to come home. I was happier at the hospital.’

Louisa didn’t notice the biting wind or the whisper of snow again

st her cheeks. ‘And now?’