A Very Special Holiday Gift. Barbara Hannay

      His sister’s name broke from him on a desolate sob. His vision blurred as his throat was choked by tears.

      * * *

      Chloe’s heart almost broke when she saw the silver glitter in Zac’s eyes.

      Even now, under these most difficult circumstances, it was a shock to see her boss cry. Zac was always so in control. In the day-to-day running of his business, it didn’t matter how worried or upset or even angry he was, he never lost his cool. Never.

      He usually viewed any kind of trouble as a challenge. In fact, there were days when he seemed to thrive on trouble and conflict. Twice, to her knowledge, he’d taken his company to the very brink of economic peril, but he’d never lost his nerve and had emerged triumphant.

      Of course, there was a huge gulf between the challenges of the business world and a personal heartbreaking tragedy.

      Now Zac Corrigan, her fearless boss, was caught in the worst kind of heartbreak and he was shaking helplessly as tears streamed down his face.

      ‘Here,’ he said, thrusting the baby towards Chloe. ‘Please, take her.’

      Her own emotions were unravelling as she hastily dumped their coats to accept the warm bundle he pressed into her arms. The poor man had been through so much—too much—in such a short time and, on top of everything else, he was dealing with jet lag. But, even though he had every reason to weep, Chloe knew he would be mortified to break down like this in public.

      She wasn’t at all surprised when Zac turned from them and strode back down the corridor, his head high and his shoulders squared as he drew deep breaths and fought for composure.

      Watching him, she held the baby close, inhaling the clean and milky smell of her. She thought how perfectly she fitted in her arms.

      Beside her, Ruby, the social worker, said, ‘It’s such a very sad situation.’

      Indeed, Chloe agreed silently.

      The baby squirmed now and beneath the blanket she gave a little kick against Chloe’s ribs. Chloe wondered if this was how it had felt for Liv when she’d been pregnant. Such a short time ago.

      Oh, help. If she allowed herself to think about that, she’d start weeping, too.

      Perhaps it was just as well that she was distracted by Zac’s return. He seemed sufficiently composed—although still unnaturally pale.

      ‘I’m so sorry for your loss,’ the nurse said.

      Zac held up a hand and gave a brief nod of acknowledgement. ‘Thank you.’ His manner was curt but not impolite. Then he said, in his most businesslike tone, ‘I guess you need to bring me up to speed.’ He shifted his now steady gaze to the social worker. ‘What’s the current situation? Has anyone been able to locate the father?’

      Ruby shook her head. ‘I’m afraid we’ve had no luck at all.’

      ‘You’ve definitely ruled out the fellow who was in the car with Liv?’

      ‘Yes.’

      At this news, Zac looked bleaker than ever.

      ‘We’ve also interviewed the people who lived in the share house with your sister,’ Ruby said next. ‘But they haven’t been able to help us. They said Olivia wouldn’t tell anyone the father’s name. She simply told them that he wouldn’t be interested in a child and she didn’t want anything more to do with him.’

      Zac stared at her for a long moment, his grey eyes reflecting a stormy mix of emotions. Eventually he nodded. ‘That sounds like my sister, I’m afraid. But there was a boyfriend. I’m pretty sure Liv was still with him last Christmas. An Australian. A singer in a band.’

      ‘Bo Stanley?’

      Zac nodded grimly. ‘Yes, I’m pretty sure that’s his name.’

      Again, she shook her head. ‘A housemate did mention him and he’s still in the UK, so we made contact and had him tested. It was easy to disqualify him. He’s completely the wrong blood type.’

      This time, Zac stared at her as if he was sure she had to be mistaken, but eventually he gave an unhappy shake of his head and shrugged. ‘I guess he’s off the hook, then.’

      In Chloe’s arms, the baby gave a little snuffling snort. When Chloe looked down she saw that her eyes had opened. The baby blinked and stared up at Chloe, straight into her eyes.

      How much could those newborn dark grey eyes see? The baby’s expression was definitely curious. Trusting, too. Her intense, seemingly focused gaze pierced Chloe’s heart and she was enveloped by a rush of warmth, a fierce longing to protect this tiny, sweet girl. It would be so easy to love her.

      She realised that Zac was watching her.

      His gaze lingered on her as she stood there with the baby in her arms. Surprise flared in his eyes and then a softer emotion. Chloe held her breath and for a winded moment her mind played again with hopelessly ridiculous possibilities...

      Fortunately, Zac quickly recovered. ‘OK,’ he said, looking quickly away and becoming businesslike again. ‘I guess my next question is about the baby.’

      ‘What would you like to know?’ the nurse asked guardedly.

      ‘Is she healthy?’

      ‘Perfectly.’ She sniffed as if his question had offended her. ‘You would have been informed before now if there was a problem.’ Then, more gently, she asked, ‘Do you have a particular concern?’

      Zac grimaced uncomfortably. ‘My sister had a drug habit, or at least she used to.’ He shot a quick glance to Chloe and then looked away, as if he was embarrassed to have his employee hear this admission. ‘It was some time back,’ he added quickly. ‘And Liv assured me she’s been clean ever since, but I assume you’ve run the necessary tests?’

      ‘Yes, Mr Corrigan. I can reassure you there were no signs that the baby has been adversely affected by alcohol or drugs.’

      ‘Well, that’s good news at least.’ He swallowed. ‘So...’ Looking from the nurse to the social worker, he summoned a small smile, a glimmer of his customary effortless charm. ‘What’s next?’

      Ruby, the social worker, was clearly surprised. ‘Well...as you’re next of kin and you’ve been named as guardian—’

      ‘Yes, I’ve brought a copy of my sister’s will if you need to see it.’

      ‘And you’ve come all the way from Australia,’ Ruby continued. ‘I—I mean we were assuming that you planned to care for the baby.’

      Zac nodded and his throat worked as he swallowed again.

      Chloe knew he felt overwhelmed. He’d fielded successive shocks in the past twenty-four hours and she felt compelled to speak up. ‘We’ve only just arrived from Heathrow and Mr Corrigan hasn’t had any time to adjust, or to buy any of the things the baby will need.’

      The nurse nodded. ‘Of course. I understand.’

      Shooting Chloe a grateful look, Zac added, ‘If the baby could remain in your care for a little longer, I’d be happy to pay for any additional costs.’

      This could be arranged, they were told, and Zac was also given a list of funeral parlours, as well as the name and address of Liv’s share house, so that he could collect Liv’s belongings. On that sobering note, they departed.

      * * *

      Outside the hospital a brisk December wind whipped at them, lifting their hair and catching at the ends of their scarves. Standing on the footpath on Whitechapel Road, Zac almost welcomed the wind’s buffeting force and the sting to his cheeks. He dragged in an extra deep lungful of chilled air, as if it might somehow clear the raw pain and misery that roiled inside him. But there was no way he could avoid the two images that kept swimming before his