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“Yep, but I’m lonely. I loved being married. It was my other half that didn’t. Christmas alone is going to suck.” He stood up. “Gotta get over to Bright’s and don my happy outfit. It does cheer me, playing Santa.” He walked to the door then turned back. “What are you buying Kati for Christmas?”
“I thought I’d get her a couple more settings of Spode Christmas china. She only has two. And I might buy her some serving pieces. Women seem to like that brand and pattern.”
Bob shook his head. “Women prefer jewellery and perfume or fancy lingerie. They hate getting things for the house. And if you want some really good advice, I’ll bet she’d be ecstatic if you gave her a diamond ring. You’ve got a lot to learn, pal.” Chuckling, Bob shut the door behind him.
Andrew picked up his pen to go back to
work, but his mind was reeling. He’d never felt about anyone the way he did about Kati. But an engagement? He’d never considered moving that fast. Was he ready to have a woman move in with him? Not just any woman, but Kati.
And would she go for it if he asked? If she did, what if they didn’t get along? How did you ask a woman to leave? It was pretty scary to think about. Sharing your space and whatever… A diamond would be a lovely gift, but Andrew wasn’t ready to propose marriage.
His hand shook, and he laid down the pen again. Could you give your lover a ring without making any promises?
Chapter Four
As Kati prepared for an afternoon and evening—whoops, overnight—with Andrew, she felt incredibly happy. This morning, she’d unpacked her Spode Christmas china and set the table with it. A light snow was falling outside her windows, and that added to her exhilaration. Softly singing I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, she folded clothes into her blue leather overnight bag. Her sexiest unmentionables, some casual togs for whatever, and a work outfit for Monday. Chuckling, she added some items such as edible underwear, cosmetics and feminine care.
She’d just finished dressing when the doorbell rang. Andrew stood there, rubbing his hands together against the cold. His cheeks were red, and he looked adorable in a brown leather jacket and khakis, his breath making tiny clouds in the chilly air.
“I’m ready,” Kati said, handing him her bag while she grabbed up her purse.
They rushed from the warm apartment building to his van. He’d left it running with the heater on, so it was a cosy ride downtown.
Holding gloved hands, powdery snow beneath their feet and with Christmas carols pouring forth from speakers outside the stores, Katy felt exhilarated. Charity volunteers rang bells beside manned kettles. Kati stuffed a couple of bills inside one.
“I hate shopping, even for people I love,” Andrew complained, dragging his feet as they entered Bright’s. “I never know what to buy.”
His mood, unfortunately, didn’t equal hers, but she was determined to make this expedition fun. Kati knew the store well and thought she could make short work of finding the right things.
“What’s your Gram’s favourite colour?” Kati asked as they passed by a fragrance counter with enchanting aromas. She didn’t think Andrew would know what scents his grandmother preferred.
“Rose,” Andrew said. “Deep pink.”
“Do you think she’d like this?” Kati asked, stopping by a display of cashmere sweaters.
“It’s the right colour but…” He wandered away and came back with a cardigan the same colour but with embroidered roses cascading down the front. “She also loves Calvin Klein’s Eternity,” he said, backtracking and dragging Kati along.
Next, he found a smoking jacket for Grampa—something she would have never thought of but Andrew deemed perfect. He picked up a box of Godiva Chocolates and one of cigars on their way to Customer Service for gift-wrapping. It was Kati’s suggestion, and Andrew called it a wonderful one as they left the store.
“Now, we can go to dinner,” he said, beaming. “And then, home together.”
* * * *
They were both smiling as they were seated in a corner booth at a cosy pub she chose. The words, home together, held a special ring that warmed Kati’s heart.
“You could have picked any restaurant in the city,” Andrew said, moving close so his thigh touched hers.
“And on a Sunday evening this close to Christmas, we’d have waited an hour or two for a table. Besides, I’m a plebeian at heart. Give me a cheeseburger, onion rings and a cold beer, and I’m in heaven. Plus, they’re playing Christmas music.”
Andrew chuckled. ”Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer?”
Kati smiled. “You are amazing when it comes to choosing gifts.”
“I surprised myself,” he said modestly.
“Andrew,” she began, crossing her fingers and hoping this went well. “Could we…I mean, are you…going to put up a Christmas tree at home?”
He shrugged. “I guess. But I don’t have any decorations. I don’t usually—”
