In this heartwarming two-in-one collection
it’s all about

FINDING A FAMILY!

Meet two couples who have resigned themselves to
being alone…until a chance encounter from the past
sparks a whole new beginning—together!

Watch as they discover that to make a perfect family—all
you need is love!

BRIDE ON THE CHILDREN’S WARD
by Lucy Clark

MARRIAGE REUNITED: BABY ON THE WAY
by Sharon Archer

BRIDE ON THE
CHILDREN’S WARD

BY

LUCY CLARK

&

MARRIAGE
REUNITED:
BABY ON THE WAY

BY
SHARON ARCHER

MILLS & BOON®

www.millsandboon.co.uk

BRIDE ON THE
CHILDREN’S WARD

BY
LUCY CLARK

Lucy Clark is a husband-and-wife writing team. They enjoy taking holidays with their two children, during which they discuss and develop new ideas for their books using the fantastic Australian scenery. They use their daily walks to talk over characterisation and fine details of the wonderful stories they produce, and are avid movie buffs. They live on the edge of a popular wine district in South Australia, and enjoy spending family time together at weekends.

Recent titles by the same author:

A MOTHER FOR HIS TWINS

CHILDREN’S DOCTOR, CHRISTMAS BRIDE

CITY SURGEON, OUTBACK BRIDE

A WEDDING AT LIMESTONE COAST

SURGEON BOSS, BACHELOR DAD

To Natalie & Chris. Congratulations.
Embrace your new life together.
Mark 5:19

CHAPTER ONE

EDEN couldn’t believe the apprehensive nervousness clouding her as she entered the hospital and made her way to the spinal ward.

She was back.

Back home in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, walking through the halls of the hospital she’d been born in twenty-nine years ago. She’d fled under the cover of darkness ten years earlier, and until two weeks ago hadn’t made any plans ever to return. Australia was quite a way from where she’d been only a few days ago, but nevertheless she’d promised Sasha, her best friend, she would come home—and come home she had.

She glanced at a few people as she walked down the hospital’s corridor, wondering if she would recognise anyone or if, heaven forbid, anyone could recognise her. Subconsciously, she knew she was hoping to see David walking towards her.

Did he know she was here? Had Sasha told him?

Eden’s heart-rate increased at the thought of David Montgomery—Sasha’s older brother. He was the man she measured every other man against, and no one had yet lived up to the standards of tall, dark and handsome David.

When Eden had left home, only sweet Sasha had known her plans. The two had remained in constant contact over the years, their friendship never waning. They’d shared their deepest secrets from the moment they’d met when they were ten years old. Eden’s leaving hadn’t changed that. They’d written letters, and Sasha had visited her quite a few times. First in Darwin, where Eden had done her medical degree, and later overseas, where Eden had been working for Pacific Medical Aid, a medical relief organisation.

Swallowing over her dry throat, she felt another prickle of apprehension wash over her…as though someone was watching her. She looked behind her, but the corridor was empty. No David anywhere. Disappointed, she shook her head and chided herself for looking for him. David was a busy doctor and was no doubt somewhere in the hospital busy doing doctor duties. He didn’t have time to stand around corridors looking for her…did he?

Laughing nervously, she clutched the present for Sasha tightly to her chest and turned left into another long corridor. There was an information board on the wall and she stopped momentarily to make sure she was going the right way. Yes. The spinal unit should be the second corridor on the right.

The butterflies returned, but she reminded herself it was just Sasha. She was here for Sasha. Not David—the man who had broken her heart all those years ago. Sure, she’d been young, and he’d been her first serious boyfriend, but just as a girl never forgot her first real kiss, she’d never forgotten her first heartbreak either.

Sasha. She had to focus on Sasha. Not David, not her parents or brother or anyone else in the exclusive suburb where she’d done most of her growing up. She was here for Sasha because that was what best friends were for.

When she was finally standing outside Sasha’s door, Eden paused and brushed her free hand down her skirt. It had been two and a half years since she’d last seen Sasha. Eden had been working in Ethiopia when Sasha and Robert, Sasha’s then fiancé, had come for a visit. It had been the first time Eden had met the man who had stolen her friend’s heart, and she’d been delighted with him. The three of them had made lots of good memories during that visit, and for Eden it had been absolutely wonderful to see her friend so happy.

Then, a few months after their visit, Eden’s world had exploded once again. Pain and anguish washed over her as pictures of that time flashed before her eyes, but she quickly pushed the awful memories from her mind, focusing instead on being able to do something for her friend. She had come because Sasha needed her.

Thank God Sasha had survived the horrific car accident which had now left her a patient in the spinal ward. Life wasn’t fair—they both knew that—but at least Eden still had her best friend.

Hitching her handbag onto her shoulder, Eden knocked on the door before pushing it open and looking into the private room. She frowned. It was empty. She walked back towards the nurses’ station and looked over the patient information board to make sure she had the right room. Yes. Room 4 was where Sasha Litchfield should be. Eden went back into the room and sighed.

All that anxiety and trepidation wasted. She laughed brightly at her own ridiculousness and put the bag and present down before heading over to the window, gazing out at the view of a small courtyard garden below.

‘Now, there’s a laugh I haven’t heard in a long time.’ A deep, masculine voice spoke from behind her.

Eden froze, recognising it instantly. ‘David.’ His name was scarcely a whisper on her lips, and one she enjoyed hearing there. Goose bumps spread up and down her arms and she breathed in, trying not to sigh as the sweet and hypnotic scent she would always associate with David assailed her senses. That spicy scent had driven her wild at the age of seventeen, when they’d first got together. Actually, it was starting to drive her wild now. It was amazing that such a thing as the mere smell of him could still affect her after a whole decade. He might have broken her heart, but that was a long time ago. That was then…this was now.

Slowly Eden turned. Their gazes met. He stood in the doorway, all neat and tidy, and as sexy as all get out. Eden let her gaze wander over his lithe frame, knowing he was doing exactly the same thing to her…she could feel it. Could he see the woman she’d grown into? Did he see much difference from the seventeen-year-old she’d been when he’d last seen her? She certainly hoped so.

‘Well…’ David was the first of them to find his voice. ‘Eden Caplan.’ There was a veiled twinkle in his brown eyes and the slight hint of a smile on his lips. ‘I thought I saw you in the corridor just now.’

Eden spread her arms wide, her heart starting to beat a different rhythm. ‘It’s me. In the flesh.’

‘So I see.’ His gaze dipped briefly to her knit top which had a V-neckline. Eden smiled as his Adam’s apple worked up and down and he swallowed.

She quirked an eyebrow. ‘Should I turn around? Give you the full view?’ She couldn’t quite believe she was flirting with him the way she had in the past. Instantly, she felt as though she was seventeen all over again, teasing him, wanting to make him laugh. He’d always been so serious.

David was startled just for an instant, but quickly recovered. He should have known to expect something like that from Eden…the girl who had provided such a bright spark to his otherwise staid life all those years ago. ‘Still saying the most outrageous things, I see.’

‘Still stating the obvious, I see.’

He took a step farther into the room. ‘It must be what…twelve years?’

Eden nodded. ‘Your nineteenth birthday. Remember?’

He swallowed again and put his hands in his trouser pockets. ‘I remember.’ There was an air of determined nonchalance about him, as though he didn’t want her to see how her words were affecting him. Was it possible that she could still knock the ever-steady David Montgomery off balance? She hoped so.

‘You broke my heart.’ She said the words with a hint of jest.

‘I remember.’

‘You broke my seventeen-year-old little heart and then you fled to Melbourne. Two years later, I fled—due to my own circumstances—and went to Darwin.’

‘Opposite ends of Australia.’

‘Until now.’

‘Until now,’ he repeated, and nodded his head slowly. There was a pause, which neither of them rushed to fill. It was as though they were both swept back to the last time they’d been together—that night in the depths of the Montgomerys’ enormous garden—where, beneath the moonlight, Eden had kissed David for the last time. Kissed him goodbye with all the passion and wonder of a seventeen-year-old in the throes of her first love. Back then she’d thought they’d be together for ever. That they’d be able to overcome the objections of both his and her parents and live happily ever after. Wasn’t that what all seventeen-year-old girls thought?

As though catching himself, David shook his head and gestured to the empty bed. ‘Sasha finally got you here.’

Eden instantly became serious and concerned, knowing he wouldn’t sugar coat the truth. He was David—the most honest man she’d ever known. ‘How is she, David?’

‘Coping. It’s been two weeks since the accident, and medically she’ll be fine. There’s still quite a bit of bruising, but that is fading. Of course they say she’ll never walk again, but you and I know Sasha’s determination. She’ll prove them wrong.’ His tone was that of an experienced doctor, but Eden knew him far too well to miss the slight tremor in his voice.

‘You’d better believe it. Sasha’s a fighter. I’m just sorry I couldn’t get here earlier. For the past two weeks I’ve been getting daily updates from Robert. They’ve been like a lifeline to me.’

‘Well, you’re here now. I guess that’s what counts.’

Eden sighed and shook her head, looking at the empty bed. ‘Poor Sasha.’

‘Uh, sorry. That’s not allowed.’ David took his hands out of his pockets and ticked the points off on his fingers. ‘No pity, no lies, no looking back. Those are her rules.’

Eden grinned through the tears which had gathered behind her eyes. ‘That sounds like my Sasha. Determined to find the silver lining and remain positive.’

‘And we’re allowed to spoil her as much as we want.’

‘Oh, thank goodness. For a moment there I thought she’d gone totally off her rocker.’

David smiled, and she found it difficult not to sigh. He had the most gorgeous smile. It had always made her heart flutter and now was no exception. ‘I’m glad you’re here for her, Eden. It’ll mean a lot to her.’

‘Hey, that’s what best friends are for. I’d do anything for Sasha.’

‘Yet you didn’t make it to her wedding two years ago.’

Eden’s smile faltered at his words and she looked away, flicking her long auburn curls over her shoulder. Why had he brought that up? ‘Sasha understood.’

David could see walls going up around her. Eden? Walls? She’d used to be an open book—especially to him. Then again, it had been twelve years, and people could certainly change a lot in twelve years. Himself included. ‘Yes, she did. I didn’t.’

Eden shrugged, not about to discuss one of the blackest period of her life. Not here, not now, and not with David. He’d always seen her as a strong person, and at that point she’d been anything but strong. Now, though, she was here for Sasha—to help her friend be strong, to listen and to make her laugh. That was her role because that was what best friends did.

Eden glanced towards the bed and picked up the nursing chart, scanning it briefly.

‘You’re not allowed to read that.’ He sounded as though he didn’t really care, but as David always did the right thing he probably felt he had to say the words out loud, even though he knew he wouldn’t be able to stop her.

‘So sue me,’ she muttered.

‘Got good malpractice insurance?’

‘Doesn’t everyone?’ She glanced up at him and smiled, the uncomfortable moment over. ‘Why? You want to borrow some of mine?’

‘You’ll share?’

‘If I’m allowed to—which I don’t think I am. But, hey, it’s yours if you want it.’

David chuckled. ‘Still the same old Eden. Confusing, baffling, but always amusing.’

Her smile brightened as the sound of his laughter washed over her. She tried not to sigh with repressed longing. She’d always loved his laugh, and here she was, years later, still enjoying the way it made her feel…the way he made her feel.

‘Thank you, Dr Montgomery. I aim to please.’ She returned the chart to its rightful place and prowled around the room, straightening the bedsheets so they’d be ready when Sasha returned. She could feel his gaze on her, watching her movements.

‘I have to say that when Sasha told me you were studying medicine I was surprised.’

‘Didn’t think I was smart enough?’

‘It was never a question of intelligence, Eden. No, I always thought you’d end up as a lawyer. Righting wrongs. Saving the oppressed. Doing your duty.’

‘And you don’t think medicine covers any of that?’

He thought for a moment. ‘I guess it does, but in a different way.’ Silence reigned again before he asked, ‘So, what made you decide on medicine?’

‘Your influence.’ Eden’s words were honest. ‘Watching your dedication during your first year of med school, helping you swot for your exams. I was intrigued.’

It was because she’d helped him study for his first-year exams that they’d become closer friends. He’d started to see her as a person in her own right, rather than just a friend of his sister’s. And then one night, when they’d been exhausted from studying and punch-drunk from too much caffeine, they’d kissed. His mouth on hers. It had been the most seductive and alluring kiss of his entire life…and he hadn’t wanted it to end.

He’d known his parents didn’t approve of Eden, of her influence over himself and Sasha, but he hadn’t cared. She had been so vibrant, so radiant, that he’d been drawn to her like a moth to a flame. She’d brought sunshine into his life and he’d wanted it to remain. So they’d secretly started to date.

‘I remember being surprised that you wanted to help. You had your own studying, your own homework to get through, your own high school exams.’

Eden waved his words away. ‘They were easy. The medical world was exciting and different and I liked being able to help you out.’ It had also given them the excuse they’d needed to spend time together.

Eden had always liked to be of help whenever she could, and when she’d realised that David didn’t have a study partner she had offered her services and hadn’t taken no for an answer. At first he’d thought it was simply so she could be near him, and whilst that was definitely a benefit, he’d been impressed when she’d proved herself to be a more than capable study partner.

David continued to watch her as she once more prowled around the room, glancing out of the window, straightening the different vases of flowers, making sure the sheets had perfect ‘hospital corners’. Was she nervous? Had coming home after all this time made her nervous? Was he making her nervous? Did he still have the power to affect her? He wasn’t sure how that made him feel. It was definitely something he could ponder later on.

‘I take it Sasha’s either in radiology or hydrotherapy, or having some other tests and she’s going to come back wiped out and exhausted?’

David nodded. ‘More than likely.’

‘Seriously, David. How is she? From the big brother perspective, not the medical one, please.’

David’s tone softened, and she could hear the love he had for his little sister in his words. ‘She’s coping, which is to be expected because that’s the type of person she is, but the scars run deep, Eden. I’m expecting her to coast along for a few months and then come crashing down in a heap.’

Eden nodded. She’d seen it before—far too many times to count. ‘It’s to be expected. Her life’s been spun in a circle, chopped in half and then flipped upside down.’

‘You sound as though you know something of that.’

‘Well, I could hardly be expected to stay the same person I was when I left. A lot can happen to a girl from nineteen to twenty-nine.’

‘She becomes a woman.’ His words were soft, caressing, and Eden had to stop herself from crossing the room and planting a big, smoochy kiss on those delicious lips of his. David had been the only man who had ever affected her like this. The sound of his voice, the scent of his cologne, the way he held himself. Everything about the man made her want to be reckless and exuberant, yet at the same time she couldn’t forget that he’d broken her heart once before—which meant he was more than capable of doing it again.

There was another one of those pauses, but this time neither of them rushed to fill the gap. It was as though simply being in the same room was enough for now. There was a lot that hadn’t been said between them, and she hoped during this visit she’d finally be able to get some perspective on things where David was concerned. He was definitely an unfinished chapter in her life, and she was very interested in finding out how it would end.

He cleared his throat. ‘I’ve…er…read your papers. They’re very good.’

That surprised her. ‘Really?’ Did he have any idea how much it meant to hear him say something like that?

David chuckled. ‘That’s what happens when you publish them in medical journals, Eden.’

‘I guess. But that wasn’t the reason I wrote them.’

‘Not for the prestige? Not interested in making a big name for yourself?’

‘No. That may surprise you, but it’s the truth.’

‘So you’re content to hide away in some Third World country, caring for the sick and then writing about it?’

‘As well as trying to educate other doctors,’ she felt compelled to point out. ‘And I’m hardly hiding, David.’

‘Where are you based now?’

‘The Ukraine. A small village about two hours outside Kiev.’

‘And how long are you back for?’

‘I’m not sure. It all depends on Sasha.’ She had been devastated that she hadn’t been able to get back to Australia for Sasha’s wedding, and this time, when her friend needed her, she had been determined to be there. To help—because that was what Eden did. She helped people. If she kept herself busy, if she focused on helping others to get better, then it meant she didn’t need to focus on herself.

‘Good to hear. You’ve come back just in time for a fairly decent Sydney spring.’

Eden shrugged. ‘Actually, the temperature isn’t that much different from the Ukrainian autumn.’

He nodded, still unable to believe she was really here. He’d thought about her a lot over the years—more than she would ever know—but he’d also accepted that Eden Caplan was nothing more than a long-ago romance. He was, however, surprised to find that being near her, standing close to her and inhaling her wild perfume, still elicited a reaction from his body.

His pager beeped and he quickly glanced at the number. ‘Well…I guess we’ll be seeing each other quite a bit whilst you’re here.’

‘I guess we will.’ As she spoke, her eyes dipped down to rest on his mouth. The memory of those lips pressed against hers flashed into her mind. The kisses they’d shared had happened so long ago, yet standing near him now it felt as though it was only last week. How could twelve years disappear so quickly, yet the feelings and emotions remain? What would it be like, she wondered, to feel that mouth on hers once more?

He cleared his throat. ‘I’d…better get to the ward.’

At his words, Eden immediately looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed.

‘Do you want me to find out how much longer Sasha will be?’ he offered.

‘No, that’s fine.’ She waved his words away. ‘You go. I can speak to the nurses, introduce myself, get a cup of coffee. That sort of thing.’

David nodded. ‘OK.’ He still didn’t move. ‘I guess I’ll see you later.’

Eden’s smile was bright. ‘I guess you will.’

David didn’t move. He was mesmerised by the way her green eyes twinkled with happiness, and for a second he wanted to believe that it was happiness at seeing him again. Her mouth was curved in that delicious way which had always urged him to kiss it—and he realised that now was no exception.

He closed his eyes for a moment and slowly shook his head. ‘Don’t do that, Eden.’

‘Do what?’ The smile faded. What had she done?

‘Don’t smile at me like that.’ He didn’t want her to affect him the way she did. He didn’t want to stare at her mouth the way she’d been staring at his. He wanted to be immune to her smiles, to her expressive eyes, to the way her body seemed to sway and radiate a love of life. Here she was, the girl who had definitely grown into a woman…and she was still affecting him. He’d left town all those years ago to escape his constant thoughts about her, to put temptation right out of the way. And now, over twelve years later, she was back—and the connection between them was not only still there but apparently as strong as ever.

‘My smile? You’re cross when I smile?’

He raked a hand through his hair. ‘Yes.’

‘Why? It’s just a smile, David.’

‘No, Eden. It’s your smile. That come hither smile.’ His voice was low and a little shaky, showing Eden just how much she could affect him. It surprised her.

‘Do you want me to…come hither?’ Her tone was equally intimate.

‘No.’ He took a step backwards as though to prove his point. ‘We’re grown-ups now. We can control our emotions much better than when we were teenagers.’

She wasn’t too sure about that. A few minutes in his company had revealed that she was still as strongly attracted to him now as she’d been as a teenager, and apparently she wasn’t alone in her feelings.

Again they both stood there, almost as though they were sizing each other up, drawing the boundary lines…Well, David certainly was. He needed to guard his heart, to guard his words and to guard his unwanted attraction to Eden. He’d made a fool of himself in the past and he’d vowed he’d never let it happen again. One failed marriage was enough for a man to live with—and besides, the reason for his marriage breakup was still very relevant.

He’d do well to keep her at arm’s length during her stay and not get involved, despite the signals his body was sending to his brain. Flirting and getting involved with Eden Caplan was the last thing he needed—especially now, when he was determined to prove himself as the new head of Paediatrics.

His pager beeped again, bringing him back to reality.

‘You’re obviously very popular,’ she murmured.

David knew he should go, knew he had to go, but again he found it hard to leave her presence. He opened his mouth to say something, decided better of it, closed his lips together, gave her a brisk nod and turned on his heel, striding from his sister’s hospital room. To say anything else to Eden would just continue to wind him in knots.

He hadn’t been prepared to see her, even though Sasha had told him she’d been in contact with Eden. Still he hadn’t expected her to come. She hadn’t bothered to come for Sasha’s wedding, which David had found extremely odd. Or perhaps it was just that he had been mentally psyching himself up to see her, interested to see whether the frightening natural chemistry which had existed between them in the past was still there. And then he’d been let down by her lack of appearance.

As soon as Sasha had announced her engagement to Robert, David had thought Eden would come home. It had been the day before Sasha’s wedding when his sister had told him that Eden would be unable to make it. Still, he’d half expected Eden to show up on the day, in a flurry of colour, but she hadn’t—and he’d been angry with himself for caring. That had turned into anger aimed at Eden for not being there on her best friend’s special day.

‘Well, she’s here now,’ he muttered. ‘And you certainly weren’t prepared.’ He shook his head, feeling a lot like an adolescent schoolboy, unable to control his body’s reaction to a beautiful girl. Which was exactly the predicament he’d found himself in all those years ago when they’d first kissed.

He’d known she’d had a crush on him, and whilst he’d been flattered, he’d known it was up to him to ensure they kept their distance. Dating his sister’s best friend would only lead to disaster. Besides that, he’d had medical school ahead of him, and Eden Caplan would have ended up being an enormous distraction with a capital D.

Then, when she’d offered to study with him, he’d accepted—even though he’d known he was playing with fire. He’d managed to keep things on an even keel until after she’d been helping him study for over two months. Then one night, tired from studying so much, Sasha long since having fallen asleep on her brother’s bed, David had given in to the irrepressible urge to feel his lips against Eden’s.

She had waited patiently for him to make that first move, but once he had she hadn’t held back. He’d been astounded at the surge of emotions he’d felt upon kissing her. Even then he’d still fought against the attraction, knowing his parents wouldn’t approve of Eden, but he’d been helpless. Eventually he’d agreed to date her, so long as it was kept from their parents.

He shook his head, wondering how they could have been so stupid. ‘Nineteen and thinking you knew it all,’ he scolded himself with a half laugh, shaking his head at their teenage naïveté. Still, the time they’d spent together had been so freeing for him—especially given that his home life hadn’t been all that happy. Then, at his nineteenth birthday party, David’s father had informed him that the rest of his medical schooling would be completed in Melbourne, rather than Sydney. When he’d asked why, his father had bluntly stated that it was to get David away from trash like Eden Caplan.

David had tried to argue, to state that the grades for his recent exams wouldn’t have been so high if it hadn’t been for Eden, but his father had simply dismissed him. So David had found Eden, taken her out to the garden so they could be alone, and then broken her heart.

He hadn’t been able to tell her the truth about his parents’ decision because he’d been so embarrassed and ashamed by their snobbery. He’d known if he’d confessed the real reason why he was leaving, Eden would stand up and fight against it. That she would no doubt lobby his parents to get them to change their minds, to show them how unfair they were being. But he’d known his parents’ controlling indifference far too well, and known that if he allowed Eden to do that it would mean the end of her friendship with Sasha…and Sasha had needed Eden more than he had.

So he’d told her it was over between them. Told her he was leaving because he needed to devote more time to studying. That she was a distraction, that his life didn’t have room for her in it. She hadn’t cried, even though he’d seen quite clearly that she wanted to. Instead, she’d kissed him, so passionately, so intimately that it was as though he could still feel the touch of her lips on his now. Then she’d fled.

Now, though, Eden was back—and so were the memories. Her scent was the same. Her laugh was the same. Her rich, green eyes were as hypnotic now as then. His heart-rate accelerated. He couldn’t believe his reaction to her was the same as it had been well over a decade ago.

Well, of one thing he was certain. He couldn’t change the past, but he could certainly learn from it—and that meant better control over his future.

Eden was only in town for a few weeks, and he would have to keep all contact with her down to the absolute minimum. They were older now, and their careers would keep them headed in different directions. He’d lived through some intense events. He’d worked his way methodically through them and was still dealing with others. He wasn’t the same man he’d been at the age of nineteen…Yet seeing Eden standing framed against the sunlight coming from the window had stirred something deep within him which he’d thought long since dormant.

She wouldn’t be here long. She had her own life. He had his. He could resist her…and he would. With his mind firmly back on track, David took the stairs two at a time as he headed to the paediatric ward to check on his little patients.

As he walked in, a flash of blue ran in his direction before wrapping around his legs. David looked down in surprise. ‘Dart?’

‘They want to give me yucky meddy. I don’t like yucky meddy, Dr David.’

David looked up to find Francie, one of the nursing sisters on the ward, standing there with her palms spread wide. ‘He’s too quick for me,’ she said with a grin as she headed towards them.

David managed to pry Dart’s hands from his legs and bent down so he was closer to the four-year-old’s height. ‘I don’t like yucky medicine either, Dart.’

Dart’s blue eyes widened. ‘You don’t?’

‘No, but sometimes swallowing the yucky medicine is the only way our bodies can get better.’ David stood and held out his hand to the boy. ‘Let’s get you back to your bed and I’ll check your chart.’

Dart trustingly took David’s hand and went happily back to his bed, where he bounced around on his hands and knees. Francie was there beside him, trying to get Dart to quieten down. ‘Have you been bouncing around like this all morning long?’ David asked Dart.

‘I’m feeling so good today that I don’t even need to have the yucky meddy.’

‘Is that right?’ David nodded wisely, but couldn’t help the niggling feeling that he was missing something. ‘Temperature normal all night long. And you’ve managed to eat all your breakfast.’

‘I was hungry,’ Dart interjected.

‘These are all good signs.’

A grin split the little boy’s face. ‘And that’s why I don’t need to have any yucky meddy.’

David couldn’t help but laugh. ‘You’re a persistent one.’

‘I am.’ Dart stopped bouncing for a second and tilted his head to the side. ‘What’s sersistent mean?’

‘Persistent. It means you don’t give up.’ Dart merely shrugged his shoulders and started bouncing around again. ‘In fact,’ David continued, ‘if you keep on getting better we might be able to let you go home tomorrow. Where’s your mum? I’ll go and have a chat with her now.’

David winked at the little boy and went in search of his mother. Mrs Wilman was always around. She was one of those parents who insisted on spending all of her time in hospital with her son, wanting to care for him as much as possible. It was strange that she wasn’t around now.

‘Ah…Mrs Wilman had to go home last night. Her husband called to say he was in town for a brief visit and wanted to take his wife out to dinner. I told her to go—in fact, I had to almost pressure her to go. Dart was doing fine. The woman needs a break every now and then. Anyway, she should be back within the hour. Apparently, her husband had to fly off to Prague this morning.’

‘He travels a lot?’

‘Yes. From what I understand, from what she’s told me, he’s an international businessman. Not really sure exactly what he does, but he’s away ninety percent of the time.’

‘That can’t make it easy on her. Raising a bubbly four-year-old on her own.’ David read Dart’s case notes, which were kept at the nurses’ station. ‘Did Dart’s father come to see him last night?’

‘No. Mrs Wilman said that as it was only a flying visit she didn’t want Dart upset at not being able to spend more time with his father.’

David nodded, frowning a little as he read about Dart’s previous two admissions. One had been when he’d just turned three—almost eighteen months ago. The boy had fallen out of a tree and broken his arm. The fracture had been a greenstick, but he’d been kept in for over a week. The second admission had been just four months ago.

Back then David had taken a shine to the little boy who had presented with a multitude of symptoms. Dehydration, iron deficiency and slight malnutrition. This time Dart’s symptoms had been somewhat similar, the malnutrition more severe. Mrs Wilman was concerned that Dart was hiding his food, that he was somehow not eating what she provided. She would give him drinks, but for all she knew he was tipping them into the garden.

After a week in hospital, the first twenty-four hours having seen the little boy on a drip to boost his fluids and get his system back on track, Dart had made a brilliant improvement.

‘What do you want me to do with the yucky meddy?’ Francie asked, a small smile on her lips.

‘Watch him. See how he is. Do his obs for the next few hours, and if he starts to go down, call me. If he can do without the medicine and his body is functioning fine, then we’ll leave it at that.’ David wrote those instructions in Dart’s notes before getting started on his informal ward round.

Once he was done, he headed to his office to return some phone calls. He was pleased that he’d managed to not think about Eden for almost a whole hour, and reminded himself that when he focused on work any diversion could be controlled.

As he rounded the corner, he slammed straight into the one woman he didn’t want to slam into. ‘Eden.’ His arms came around her to steady both of them. The scent of her wild perfume swirled around him, wiping all coherent thought from his mind. The last time he’d held her like this he’d ended up being unable to resist her charms. His first instinct was to put as much distance between them as possible, and he meant to do just that. Yet all he seemed capable of managing was to shift his hands from her waist to her arms.

‘Sorry,’ she mumbled, her head down, her hair shielding her face. She sniffed, and that was the first inclination he had that something was wrong.

‘Eden? What is it? What’s wrong?’

She looked up at him. He hadn’t removed his hands from her arms, and all she wanted right at that moment was to lean close to him, to feel his arms about her, giving the comfort she was so desperate to receive.

‘I’m sorry, David. It’s fine.’

‘It’s obviously not.’ He propelled her into his office. Once inside, he shut the door and turned her to face him. Her nose was shiny and red, her eyes were glazed and her cheeks were ruddy. ‘You’ve been crying!’

Eden gave a pitiful laugh. ‘Was it the tears which gave it away, or my impersonation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?’

David put his hands on her shoulders. ‘Rudolph, actually.’ The attempt at humour was totally Eden, always trying to lighten a serious moment, and he gazed down into her eyes, his tone filled with compassion. ‘What is it?’

‘It’s nothing. Honestly. I just thought I was sufficiently prepared, that’s all. I wasn’t, and now I’m paying for it.’

‘Prepared? For what?’

‘For Sasha!’ Even as Eden said the words her eyes filled once more and her lower lip quivered. ‘I’ve seen a lot of terrible and tragic sights in the past, but this…this is different. This is Sasha. My Sasha. I had no idea it was going to hit me like this.’ She waved her arms about in the air. ‘I mean—to see her like that. And in a wheelchair! I knew it was going to be like that, but it’s real, David. It’s real. My beautiful Sasha, my best friend…she’s broken and I can’t fix her.’ The distress in Eden’s voice was paramount and a fresh bout of tears followed.

Without a word, David pulled her into his arms and held her tight.

CHAPTER TWO

HE LET HER CRY. He simply held her and let her cry.

Eden felt safe and secure in his arms as he offered comfort. He knew what she was feeling, what she was experiencing because he’d been there as well. David understood because Sasha was his sister. At the same time, Eden was acutely aware of how nice it was to be this close to him, to feel his warmth, to breathe in his scent. However, that wasn’t the point of this embrace, and she tried to school her mind in the right direction.

She knew she needed to get herself together before seeing Sasha again. She needed to be strong, to be in control so her friend could lean on her.

‘But you are strong.’ David’s words were filled with caring, and it was then that Eden realised she’d spoken out loud. ‘You’re the strongest woman I know.’ He dragged in a breath, closing his eyes with pleasure as her scent continued to surround him. His fingers played with the ends of her hair, loving the silkiness of her curls. ‘You’re also the most stubborn and pigheaded,’ he added softly, the tenderness in his tone belying the severity his words might have carried.

Eden sniffed, her tears starting to subside, but she made no attempt to draw back from David’s arms. ‘Some people consider those qualities an asset.’

‘I never said they weren’t.’ He knew he was playing with fire, and that he’d no doubt get burnt, but he couldn’t deny how nice it was to comfort her like this. Especially as he knew exactly how she felt—the helplessness at being unable to ‘fix’ Sasha.

Eden smiled at his words, shifting to press her ear to his chest, enjoying the lub-dub of his heartbeat. Her hands were still curled beneath her chin, but as she hiccuped a few times her breathing started to return to normal. Drawing in a deep breath, she let it out slowly and sighed.

David closed his eyes. He should let her go, step away, move before he did something they’d both regret…Well, something he’d regret. Eden had always been the sort of person to act on impulse, to speak her mind whenever she had something to say, and she had never apologised for being that way. Her directness was a quality he’d long admired, though he’d never told her that.

He needed to let her go. To put distance between them. But this was Eden…the only woman who’d ever managed to make him lose control over his usually logical thought processes. The only woman who fitted so perfectly into his arms. So perfect.

‘Well, if you’re feeling better I should let you go.’ His voice was soft, quiet and very intimate.

She could hear something different in his tone. A hint of veiled desire, perhaps? Was the fact that she was standing this close to him, listening to his heartbeat, too much for him to fight? ‘You should,’ she whispered back. ‘Although it sounds as though you don’t want to.’

‘Eden. We can’t.’

‘Can’t what?’

‘I think you know what.’

‘Well, maybe I need you to spell it out for me?’

David dragged in one last deep breath, appreciating the feel of her so close, so near to him, before opening his eyes and finally releasing her. Eden dropped her hands to her sides, feeling instantly cold and bereft. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms.

‘What can’t we do, David?’

He was silent, looking down at her, his gaze drawn to her mouth…her full, highly kissable mouth.

‘Pick up where we left off.’ His eyes were intent on hers as he spoke, showing her that he wasn’t shying away from the memories, but merely putting them into order.

His words surprised her. ‘The last time I saw you was the night I kissed you goodbye.’

‘I remember. You’re…you, and you’re…gorgeous, and…’ He stopped and cleared his throat, trying to get a better handle on the situation. ‘I don’t think we need to go down that road again. We know where it leads.’

David forced himself to move, taking two giant steps backwards, and bumped directly into his desk. He placed a hand on the wood, feeling the hard reality of the world around them. ‘Besides, I know you didn’t come back home for me.’

Eden angled her head to the side, her red curls falling over her shoulder in a way that made him want to touch them. To feel the silky softness sift through his fingers. To breathe in her scent. To let himself go.

How did she do it? How could she make him forget everything? Everything except the frightening natural chemistry which existed between them. It was incredible that after twelve long years, their lives having taken them in completely different directions, the attraction was still there…still as powerful and as strong as ever.

‘No. I didn’t come home just to kiss you, David.’

‘We’ve both changed a lot in the past twelve years. We’re adults now, not teenagers, and I think we can control ourselves much better.’

‘True.’ Eden shifted and pondered his words for a moment. ‘Although I thought the reason you ran away before was because I was so young, so inexperienced. Wasn’t that the reason you gave me? You didn’t want to hold me back from experiencing life, from dating other people, from having experiences I wouldn’t have if I continued to date you? I was only seventeen. I was too young to be tied down, to be in a relationship.’

‘You were so young, and that was the problem,’ he stated firmly. ‘Now, can we please drop the subject.’

He hadn’t said anything confirming her being inexperienced. That was good. It was a concern Eden had been carrying around for such a long time. She’d often wondered what she had done wrong. She’d been so confused by his reaction. First he had pushed her away, and then he had returned the last kiss they’d shared. Then he’d not only put her from him but he’d left the state!

Back then, when she’d been in her late teens, Eden had hidden her true self behind humour, flippancy and her crusades in helping others. David’s leaving had hurt her so much that the only way she’d been able to cope was to repress her pain, to close off that part of her. She’d cried herself to sleep for weeks on end, trying to figure out what she’d done wrong. Why had he left her? Why hadn’t he wanted her?

Of course she’d hidden her feelings from everyone, locking them away. She’d been bright and bubbly on the outside, throwing herself into helping others. She’d volunteered at soup kitchens, helped out at a women’s shelter, and when she’d graduated from high school the year after David had left, instead of being one of the party animals she’d been one of the carers, helping those who’d drunk too much to find a safe place to spend the night.

One crusade after another. Helping others wherever possible. It was the reason she’d become a doctor, wanting to be able to help those less fortunate than herself. Now here she was…almost full circle. Near David, breathing him in and still unsure what she should do. Did he have any idea what seeing him again had done to her? Awakening those feelings she’d thought long buried, deep down inside?

‘And I didn’t run away. My parents decreed that I should continue my studies in Melbourne, and as they held the money-strings, I went. Besides, it ended up being a good career move as the university there had a stronger focus on paediatrics. But I didn’t run away.’ He stood from where he was, leaning on his desk, and went around to sit in his chair, putting even more distance between them.

‘So…just a second. Are you saying you broke up with me because your parents found out about us?’

‘Yes.’

‘You didn’t want to end it, then?’

‘Eden. It’s in the past. Let it go.’

‘Wait. Let me just clarify here. Are you saying that you did like kissing me? That you liked hanging out with me, spending time with me? Dating me?’

‘Yes.’

‘You didn’t break up with me because I wouldn’t go all the way with you?’

‘Eden! You know I was against us “going all the way”. You were too young.’

‘But you wanted to,’ she pushed.

‘Of course I did. We were dating and you’re…you.’ He shook his head and raked a shaking hand through his hair.

‘You wanted me back then?’

‘I did. Can we drop this now?’

‘And you left because your parents made you?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then why didn’t you tell me the truth? Why did you let me think you didn’t care about me?’

‘Because I cared about you too much. You and Sasha.’ He shifted and looked her in the eyes. ‘Look, Eden, I know you. I know you would have fought against my parents’ decision, and then they would have banned you from seeing Sasha, done whatever else they could to destroy you as well. They’re experts when it comes to getting what they want, and they wanted us apart. I figured telling you it was my idea would at least give you access to Sasha. She needed you more. She still does.’

Eden shook her head in wonder. ‘All those years I thought I’d done something wrong, but now you tell me that wasn’t the case.’

‘You hadn’t done anything wrong.’

‘And you didn’t think to fight your parents? To tell them you weren’t going to go to Melbourne?’

‘Not back then. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I was nineteen and to all intents and purposes I’d been sheltered for most of my life—even though my parents had so little to do with my upbringing.’

Eden smiled. ‘You had a few nannies.’

‘I didn’t. Sasha did.’

‘Right.’ She smiled as though she didn’t believe him, but it didn’t matter any more. Although David had left her, had gone to Melbourne, it hadn’t been because of her.

‘Now, can we please leave it?’

She nodded. ‘All right. Subject dropped.’ She walked over to the chair opposite where he sat and lowered herself into it. ‘So tell me…what’s been happening with your life during the past twelve years?’

‘I’m sure Sasha has kept you informed.’

Eden acknowledged his words with a slight nod. ‘Not in great detail. She told me you were getting married—I cried myself to sleep that night.’ She sighed theatrically so he didn’t take her seriously. ‘Then she mentioned you were getting divorced.’

‘Did you cry that night, too?’

‘I was sorry for you. Sorry that it hadn’t worked out. You deserve happiness, David.’ There were no theatrics now, just sincerity. ‘Will you tell me what happened?’

‘Nothing out of the ordinary. I married a woman I shouldn’t have. Simple.’

‘Who?’

‘Jacqueline Baker. I don’t think you know her. She wasn’t from around here, but our parents knew each other through their charity work.’

‘Ha! Charity work as far as our parents are concerned is throwing money at people, but never once getting their own hands dirty.’ She blew on her nails. ‘Oops. I’ve chipped my manicure.’

‘As I was saying, Jacquie and I met through our parents. We became friends, and then we sort of drifted into marriage.’

‘Drifted? Sounds terribly romantic.’

‘Do you want me to tell you or not?’

‘Yes. Sorry. I’ll be quiet.’

‘Thank you. After trying to make it work for about three years, we both decided we’d been stupid to allow ourselves to be pushed into the union and we amicably divorced. She’s now remarried and is expecting her first child very soon.’ He frowned as he said the words, and Eden knew there was certainly more to it than he was letting on.

‘You still see her?’

‘At social gatherings. She’s been in a few times recently to see Sasha.’

‘An amicable divorce. Isn’t that an oxymoron?’

David smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. ‘It does happen. Jacquie and I were always better at the friends part, so that’s the part we’ve kept, and although our divorce displeased our parents, we knew it was the right thing to do.’

‘And you always do the right thing?’

‘Not always, Eden.’

‘Really?’ She raised her eyebrows, a teasing glint in her eyes. ‘Well, I look forward to the next time you decide to buck the system.’

‘Stop it,’ he said with a warning smile. ‘I’m not letting you bait me this time.’ How was it that she had the ability to make him feel young and carefree again? It was so…Eden. So bright, so bubbly, but he’d been watching her before and had seen a multitude of emotions flit across her face, each one as brief as the next.

It reminded him of the nights she and Sasha had helped him study for exams. They would be all serious and studious one moment and then laughing the next. Those had been some of his favourite study sessions, and whilst Sasha had ended up falling asleep a lot of the time, leaving himself and Eden to slog through the workload, David had felt even then that there was a much deeper side to Eden than anyone realised.

‘Party-pooper.’ She gave a mock pout.

‘Exactly. Now, speaking of parents, are you planning to see yours whilst you’re back in town?’ As he spoke, he watched as every muscle in her gorgeous body tensed. ‘I take it your family are still a sore point.’

‘Uh…yeah. I haven’t spoken to any of them in ten years.’

‘Is that so?’ David knew this, as he was in fairly constant contact with her father, Hal, but now wasn’t the time to tell Eden that.

‘Come on, David. You know what my parents are like. Money is the only thing important to them. Oh, no—wait. Money and status. Two things are important to them. Not the happiness of their children.’

‘Todd turned out all right.’

Eden almost pounced at the mention of her little brother. There had been so many times—especially in the first few years after she’d left home—where she’d missed him terribly, wishing he was with her. ‘You’ve seen him? How is he?’

‘He’s good, Eden, and I know he’d like to see you.’

She eased back into her chair, watching him carefully. ‘You know this…how?’

‘Because I see them quite regularly. Your father is on the hospital board.’

‘Of course he is.’

‘And your mother is involved in several of the same charities as my mother.’

‘Accepted at last. She should be proud of herself.’

‘They’ve changed, Eden. Don’t you think it’s about time to put the past to rest?’

Eden brushed the hair back from her face, letting David’s words sink in. ‘I wrote to Todd not long after I left, and he wrote me a letter back saying he never wanted to speak to me again.’

‘He was…what…fifteen years old then?’

‘About that.’

‘So what does a fifteen-year-old brother know? He was probably hurt.’

‘I’ve sent my family Christmas and birthday cards every year, but never got one back.’

‘Maybe they didn’t know what to say?’

‘How about “To Eden. Merry Christmas from your parents”?’

‘Did they know where to send them?’

‘They had the address of the agency.’

‘Maybe things didn’t get through to you?’

‘The agency always passes on mail to staff. All of Sasha’s letters and cards made it through. Besides, I was in Darwin at medical school for a lot of that time, and although I was working in the Outback during vacations they still could have contacted me.’

‘Stop avoiding the question, Eden. Are you going to see them or not?’

‘I don’t know,’ she huffed, and crossed her arms defensively over her chest. ‘And stop being on their side. You were my friend first.’

‘This isn’t about sides, Eden.’

She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down. Finally she looked at David and shrugged. ‘I don’t know what to do.’

‘You must have known this question would arise when you decided to come back.’

‘Yes, of course. But honestly, David, if I’d allowed myself to focus on that I might not have come. I’m here for Sasha. First and foremost.’

‘No one’s disputing that, but what’s stopping you from healing this old wound? You’ve locked your family away in a box marked “DO NOT TOUCH”. It’s not healthy for them to stay there for the rest of your life.’

He had a point. What he didn’t know was that she had a box with his name on it marked ‘DO NOT TOUCH’ as well, and yet here she was, sitting opposite him, drinking in the sight of him, allowing herself to be swayed by him. He’d always been able to make a convincing argument, and she had a feeling he wasn’t going to let this one drop.

The worry, the concern and the repressed pain were clearly evident on her face. ‘I don’t know if I’m strong enough to handle more rejection from them.’ She dropped her hands, dejection overcoming her with force. ‘My father kicked me out, David. He told me to leave and to never come back.’

‘He’s changed, Eden.’ David came around the desk, but still kept a clear distance between them. ‘You’re so driven, so focused, and you are always there for others. Be there for them.’ His words were deep, imploring. ‘Apart from all of that, I’ve already told you that you are the strongest woman I know.’

She sighed and gave him a small smile. ‘And I thought that was because I used to beat you at arm wrestling.’

He matched her grin. ‘I used to let you win.’

Her smile increased, her tension starting to dissipate. ‘I know.’

David paused, his tone encouraging. ‘See them, Eden. Perhaps now is the time to put the past behind you? To start afresh?’

‘Next you’ll be saying that life is too short to have regrets.’

‘It is.’

‘Do you have regrets?’

‘Who doesn’t?’

‘I mean about me.’ Eden’s heart started pounding fiercely against her chest as she spoke. Could he see she wasn’t joking around or teasing this time? Could he feel that she needed some sort of reassurance? He’d rejected her and it had hurt. Then he’d left, adding even more pain and guilt to the rejection she’d suffered.

David was silent, and she was about to tell him to forget it when finally he answered. ‘Of course I do. But we were both so young.’

‘You still rejected me, David. Rejection is never easy to handle. First you, then my family. Oh, I’d been used to being on the outside at school, in fact, ever since my parents moved to the “money” suburb after their lottery win, but rejection, especially at such a young and impressionable age, hurts.’

‘I tried to let you down as gently as I knew how.’

‘By leaving me? By cutting yourself off?’

‘If I wasn’t around, I knew it would protect both of us from heading in a direction which was—’

‘Oh, you don’t need to explain. I understand now, being older, but still, rejection is never easy to deal with. I would have gone completely around the bend if it hadn’t been for Sasha. She was the only one, still is the only one, who’s always been there for me. It’s why I needed to come back. She needs me and I’m here.’

‘Yet you didn’t make it to her wedding.’

‘We’ve discussed this, David.’ There was a warning in her tone, a warning not to push her, but he needed to know.

‘Not really, Eden. I still don’t understand why you didn’t come. It makes no sense. Too busy helping others? Researching? Writing papers? Couldn’t that have waited? Your best friend got married and she wanted you there.’

‘Sasha understood.’

‘So you say.’

‘No, David. Sasha really understood.’

‘Then explain it to me.’

‘I’d rather not, if you don’t mind. I’ve been on enough of an emotional roller-coaster for one day and I don’t need another turn.’ She walked towards the door, eager to put some distance between them—for when he looked at her with such cold confusion Eden’s heart started to break. She was far too vulnerable right now to discuss such a topic with him. Not only because it had been one of the darkest times in her life, but because she’d no doubt end up in tears again.

‘I should get back and check on Sasha, or at least chat to Robert if Sasha’s sleeping. He’s so perfect for her.’ Eden’s smile came naturally when she thought about the way Robert and Sasha looked at each other. Along with that smile came a natural yearning to one day experience that sort of love. Would she ever find the right man? Was he standing right in front of her?

She was changing the subject and David let her, but hopefully she’d realise he wasn’t going to let the subject drop. It was important to him. He needed to understand, because not turning up for her best friend’s wedding had been so unlike the Eden he thought he’d know. He didn’t want to think he’d misjudged her character, that the young woman he’d distanced himself from was someone very different deep down inside. It was for that reason alone that he was determined to discover the real reason why she hadn’t been there to share in Sasha’s special day.

‘Yes, he’s good for Sasha. Loves her one hundred percent.’

‘It’s so rare to find that happily-ever-after, and I’m so glad it happened for Sasha. I know they’ve got a long and difficult road ahead of them, but I honestly believe they’ll make it.’

David agreed. ‘Rob’s a patient man. He’ll stand by her.’

Eden smiled. ‘Must be good that he has your approval. Good for Sasha, I mean. Your opinion means so much to her.’

‘Does it mean anything to you?’

‘Your opinion?’ Eden was a little surprised at the question. ‘Of course. I value your opinion, David. I always have.’ Didn’t the man have any idea of the influence he’d had on her life? She had measured every other man she’d come across against David. He was her yardstick, and so far no one had ever come close to matching him in integrity, in honesty, in ethics or principles, and of course looks and sex appeal. David definitely had those last two in spades.

‘Well…that’s nice to know. Hopefully you’ll trust me enough to tell me why you didn’t make it back for the wedding.’

Eden’s sigh was heavy and she gripped the door handle a little tighter. ‘It’s not that I don’t trust you, David. It’s just that…’ She knew he wasn’t going to let it go. He wanted an answer and he would eventually drag one from her. He was a man who, once he decided on something, usually followed through.

She rubbed at her temple with her free hand. ‘It’s just that it was a very difficult time in my life. But as I said, I’ve had enough emotion for now, and bringing it up would only make me upset again. I’d no doubt end up back in your arms and then we’d have to fight this…’ she waved her hand about to indicate the space between them ‘…this chemistry thing which still exists between us. I don’t have the energy for that. You say you’ve read my papers. Read them again, David, and this time read between the lines.’

It wasn’t the answer he’d been expecting, and seeing the hint of raw pain and anguish in her eyes made him feel uneasy. He shouldn’t have pushed so hard, so fast.

David nodded. ‘I’ll do that.’

‘OK.’ She opened the door, but stopped halfway through it. ‘Oh, and I’m sorry about before. The crying thing.’

‘No need to apologise. I understand.’

‘Thanks.’

‘Feeling stronger?’

Eden smiled, but it wasn’t like the other smiles which had touched her eyes, and he knew he was the one who had taken that glow from her earlier spark. ‘Back to my old self.’

‘Heaven help us.’ He rolled his eyes heavenward. ‘Go see Sasha.’

He kept his encouraging smile in place until she’d gone, but the instant he was alone he closed his eyes and shook his head. Why did the woman affect him so much? She’d been here for less than an hour and already he was so tied up in knots he’d need a steamroller to squash them out. And then he’d gone and pushed her. He’d wanted to know, and all she’d left him with was a cryptic message and a sadness around her eyes.

He recalled numerous times when she had sent him out to collect petition signatures for one lost cause or another…and he’d done it. He also remembered one occasion where she’d taken himself and Sasha to an old quarry mine simply to rescue a stray kitten she’d seen entering the dangerous zone. She’d been wild and adventurous and had really made him believe that one person, one voice, could make a difference in the world. Now…he’d upset her.

He opened his eyes and raked a hand through his hair. ‘Nice going, Montgomery.’ He walked around to his chair and sat, looking at the empty seat opposite him. Her scent still lingered in the air and the memory of how perfect she’d felt in his arms was potent. Just like before. Eden Caplan, the girl who had made him laugh, made him take a step out of his comfort zone, made him see her in a whole new light.

He knew it was inevitable that when a person grew up and had varying experiences in their life that it would change them. Sure, she still portrayed the same carefree Eden on the surface—but what was beneath the surface? A woman with scars? A woman who’d been through something that brought pain and anguish into her beautiful emerald-green eyes at the mere mention of it?

David stood and went to the bookshelf, pulling down the two volumes of paediatric journals he knew contained Eden’s published papers.

He had no need to consult the index, flicking to the page almost automatically. He’d read the articles a few times and he’d been impressed and proud of her brilliance, glad she’d put that amazing intellect of hers to good use.

One of the papers was on the specialised care of underdeveloped children in an unsterilised environment, which he knew she’d encountered daily during her work overseas in Third World countries, but it was another article he wanted, about an unusual epidemic which had resulted in over twenty unexplained deaths. The paper cited the signs and symptoms as well as the probable causes. It was a well-formulated and well-written paper, giving information in the matter-of-fact way that was required for journal publications. Emotions weren’t put on the page, but Eden had told him to read between the lines.

Although Eden was listed as the primary author of the paper, several of her colleagues’ names appeared as well. He’d initially presumed she’d come across this information second-hand and decided to publish it for the common good, which was so typically Eden, but David now realised he’d been mistaken.

‘She lived this.’ The shocked words were whispered into the cold silence of his office. He read the article again, taking particular note of the statistics in which twenty children, ranging from one to seven years of age, had died before the cause of the epidemic had been discovered.

Eden had been the one trying to save those little lives. He knew it because he knew her. She would give and give and keep on giving everything she had to any cause other people classified as lost. She rooted for the underdog. She worked hard to lift the oppressed. Eden had been the one fighting for the lives of those children, and those twenty deaths would have weighed heavily on her heart.

The time she’d made him and Sasha help her look for the lost kitten in the quarry had shown him how closely she felt loss. They’d eventually found the kitten after dark, all of them using searchlights in a fenced-off area, but the poor animal had already died.

Eden hadn’t said a word, but had lifted the creature and cradled it in her arms while they’d carried it back to her house. He’d dug a hole and they’d buried it in the backyard. She’d been solemn and sincere, saying a few brief words once he’d finished covering the small mound with dirt. Her younger brother Todd had found her grief funny, but that had been more due to his immature age than anything else.

Once the deed had been done, David and Sasha had left, but later that night he’d heard his sister on the phone, consoling a broken-hearted Eden, and he’d realised then just how deeply senseless loss affected the beautiful girl with the expressive eyes and gorgeous red hair.

Realising she’d witnessed the death of all those children, been unable to ‘fix’ them, and no doubt been with the families when the small mounds had been covered, made tears spring to his eyes.

If this was the reason Eden hadn’t made it back for Sasha’s wedding then he did understand. Just as Sasha had. He also understood why Eden wouldn’t want to discuss it. Something so deep, so tragic and unnecessary—and she would have taken it all on as her fault. As doctors, they all lost patients now and then, and they coped with that. They’d been trained to cope. But twenty children? All at once? All with the same signs and symptoms…with more to follow? His heart ached for Eden and the empathic pain he knew she would have experienced.

David shook his head, disgusted with himself for pushing her. He now had his answer and he knew he needed to apologise. It was also a relief to realise he hadn’t misjudged her. Eden missing Sasha’s wedding had surprised him, but he should have trusted her to have had a good reason. It did appear that in essentials Eden Caplan hadn’t changed at all.

Clearing his throat, he closed the journals and returned them to the shelves, wondering what he could do to apologise for trampling on her emotions. Should he get her flowers? No. She didn’t like cut flowers. A pot plant? No. She wouldn’t be in town for long. He needed to think of something.

Perhaps a nice quiet dinner at one of her favourite hangouts? That might be nice. Just the two of them. His eyes widened at the thought. He knew he’d vowed less than an hour ago to keep his distance where Eden was concerned, but his faux pas couldn’t be left as it was. Besides, they were friends. Nothing more.

He could cope for one night.

Without stopping to think further on his idea, he decided to be impulsive and hauled out the phone book, quickly locating the number of a small Italian restaurant she’d frequented in her teens. He knew it was still there because every time he drove past it he would think of her and the way she’d slurped spaghetti until the sauce was all over her face. She would laugh brightly and encourage Sasha to do the same. David shook his head, remembering the way Eden had unlocked the gate of his sister’s emotions. Sasha had been a girl who had been too shy to open up to anyone before Eden Caplan had entered their lives, filling it with laughter and sunshine.

He dialled the number and made reservations for that evening, knowing he could easily cancel them if she had other plans, although he secretly hoped she didn’t. Once it was done, he realised that it was the first spontaneous thing he’d done in a long while. He’d always equated spontaneity with Eden, and here he was, back in her presence and already acting on impulse.

He laughed at himself. ‘Really letting go, Montgomery. Dinner reservations? What a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants thing to do.’

Now all he had to do was to get Eden to agree to come. Would she?

Eden sat in the chair by the window, pretending to read a glossy magazine, but every so often her gaze flicked to Sasha, who was lying in bed, her eyes closed. Robert had gone to make a few phone calls, so it was just the two of them.

Eden was pleased she felt more in control. Thanks to David she’d been able to let go, to weep for her friend, and now she was ready to be strong, to get Sasha through the next few weeks at least. She flicked a page in the magazine, barely scanning it.

‘Stop faking.’ Sasha’s weak words came from the bed. Eden looked at her but didn’t move.

‘Meaning?’

‘You hate those glossy things. I remember you saying if women took the money they spent on shoes and put it towards a good charity instead, poverty in the world would be less and women wouldn’t have so many painful calluses on their feet.’

Eden smiled. ‘Well, it’s true. I mean, just look at these shoes and the price they’re asking for them.’ She held up the page so Sasha could see. ‘It’s ridiculous.’ She put the magazine down and walked towards the bed. ‘I’m not saying people shouldn’t buy shoes. Of course they need shoes to wear. But you can only wear one pair at a time.’

Sasha laughed. ‘Same old Eden.’

‘You sound like David—and enough with the old. You’re the same age I am, missy.’

Sasha reached out her hand and Eden instantly took it. ‘I know, but right now I feel ten times my age.’

‘Rubbish.’

‘Eden, it’s true.’ Sasha glanced behind her at the closed door. ‘Where’s Robert?’

‘Gone to make some phone calls. He said he wouldn’t be long. Do you want me to go find him?’

‘No.’ Sasha’s word was insistent and her big brown eyes—which were so much like her brother’s—stared at Eden. ‘I’m scared, Ede.’ Her lower lip began to quiver and her eyes instantly filled with tears. ‘I’ve put on a brave face. I’ve told everyone not to cry, not to lie and not to look back, but…’ She hiccuped. ‘I can’t walk. I can’t walk!’ The tears bubbled over. ‘One minute my life is on track, and the next I’m lying in a hospital beneath a big round X-ray machine being told my spinal cord’s been severely damaged and that I may never walk again. It’s not fair. It’s so not fair. Poor Robert looks at me like he doesn’t know what to do next, and I don’t know what I want him to do, and we’ve only been married for a few years and I love him so much, but it’s not fair to put him through this, but if he leaves I’ll just shrivel up into nothing, and I have to know…What am I supposed to do now?’ She broke down and sobbed, clinging to Eden’s arm.

Eden reached for a tissue with her free hand and gently dabbed the tears away, brushing the hair from her friend’s face. The door to the private room opened and Eden glanced up as David slipped in. She silently communicated that he should stay back, which he did. Sasha’s sobs were so heartwrenching, so full of pain and despair it really was heartbreaking, but Eden was glad Sasha had finally broken down.

Softly she spoke. ‘This is what you’re supposed to do, Sash. You’re supposed to cry, honey. You’re allowed to wallow, to feel sorry for yourself. You need to let the emotions out so the healing can come in.’ She leaned closer and kissed Sasha’s forehead. ‘Don’t be ashamed to cry.’

Sasha reached up with her other arm and hooked it around Eden’s neck, holding her friend close as she cried. Eden could feel the pain, feel the anguish, and it was impossible to stop her own tears.

‘I hate feeling sorry for myself,’ Sasha whispered. ‘What if I get so depressed I stay that way?

‘Not going to happen. You’re too strong for that. Besides, a little depression is more than natural given what you’ve been through. You need to let it out, let out the stress and the anxiety and the uncertainty. You are surrounded by people who love you.’

Eden looked over at David and he walked towards his sister. Sasha looked up at him and David’s heart constricted at the look in her eyes. It was as though she was six years old again and had done something wrong, and didn’t have a clue what to do next.

‘Cry, my sweet friend, because you’ll feel much better—I promise.’ Eden spoke softly but clearly near Sasha’s ear. ‘It’s OK to cry. It’s OK,’ she soothed. ‘I’m here, David’s here, and let’s not forget that brilliant husband of yours. We won’t let you fall.’ Eden sniffed as she spoke, her voice thick with emotion as she made such solemn promises to her friend. Tears slid down her cheeks as she felt Sasha’s pain. Her tears must have landed on Sasha because her friend looked up.

‘Why are you crying?’ Sasha asked, sniffing and releasing her grip on Eden to reach for a tissue.

‘Me? I’m not crying.’ She wiped at her own eyes, belying her words. ‘I merely have itchy eyes. On my way here I walked by the catering hall and they were chopping heaps of onions. I must have breathed in deeper than I thought and that’s why my eyes are watering. Crying? Pffttt!’ She waved the suggestion away as though it was ludicrous.

Sasha started laughing at the ridiculous excuse. ‘That’s our Eden. Isn’t it, David? Always saying the craziest things.’

David looked across at Eden and acknowledged the deep, abiding friendship the two women had shared for most of their lives. For two weeks he’d watched his sister being brave, helping everyone else to deal with what had happened. He’d been deeply concerned that her own grieving process hadn’t started, but now he realised she’d simply been waiting…waiting for Eden. Eden would be strong for Sasha, would help his sister through this difficult time.

What was his role, then? To be strong for Eden? To let her lean on him as she had just a few hours ago? The idea certainly had a definite appeal to it.

Eden smiled at her friend. ‘It’s what I’m here for. Now, take a deep breath. Nice and slow.’ Sasha did as she was told. ‘Then let it out just as slowly. There. Feel better?’

Sasha’s answer was to look at her friend and laugh again. ‘That’s my Eden,’ she repeated. ‘You’re such an amazing person.’

Eden dabbed gently at the corner of Sasha’s eyes with a tissue. ‘Right back at ya.’

‘Ugh. I must look a sight.’ Sasha tried to finger-comb her hair and Eden quickly found a brush and passed it over. David smiled at them.

‘You both look like you’ve been chewing raw onions.’

‘You’re such a charmer, David Montgomery.’

‘But you did eat raw onions once, right? I distinctly remember coming into the kitchen and you were both redfaced, puffy noses and eyes, and eating raw onions.’

Eden groaned. ‘Do you remember every stupid thing we ever did?’

David grinned and crossed his arms over his chest, enjoying the opportunity to tease her a little. ‘Pretty much. Why were you eating them again?’

Eden squared her shoulders. ‘It was a test. To see if boys were stupid enough to do anything for a pretty girl, even if she smelled like onions.’

Sasha giggled. ‘That’s right. We had a dance on at school and three different boys had asked you to go. That was a funny night.’

The door to the room opened and this time it was Robert who came in. Sasha immediately put on a bright face, not wanting her husband to see she’d been upset. Eden gave her hand a squeeze and leaned down to whisper in her ear. ‘Let him see you like this, Sash. Vulnerability is sometimes a good thing, and he loves you very much. Open up to him. Let him help you.’ She kissed her friend’s forehead again before pulling away.

Robert walked over to his wife’s side and smiled down at her. ‘You all right?’

‘We’ve been eating onions.’ Eden spoke matter-of-factly, as though the comment was perfectly normal. Sasha giggled when Robert looked blankly at her. ‘I’ll let Sash explain. David?’ Eden smiled brightly at him and crossed to his side, lacing her arm through his and flicking her hair down her back. ‘Why don’t you show me your ward? I’d love to meet some of your patients.’ She urged him towards the door and thankfully he picked up on her cue. ‘I’ll be back in about half an hour,’ she said to Sasha over her shoulder.

‘OK.’ Sasha was looking lovingly at her husband.

‘Eat some onions with Robert,’ David suggested, before escorting Eden from the room.

Once they were out, Eden kept her arm where it was, even though she felt him shift away. ‘They need to be alone.’

David agreed. ‘It looks as though you’ve broken the drought.’

‘Yes, thank goodness. Now hopefully they can cry together and heal together.’

David shook his head as they walked slowly along the corridor. ‘You’re quite a woman, Eden.’

‘So glad you’ve noticed,’ she said saucily. Since she’d discovered his parents had been the real reason why he’d left all those years ago, she felt as though at least one huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She tightened her grip on his arm, liking that she could be this close to him again.

David was well aware of the looks he was receiving from the nursing staff, and he smiled politely—as though it was more than natural for him to walk around the hospital with an incredible redhead on his arm.

‘Eden. You’re flirting again.’

‘Am I, David? Well, thank you so much for pointing that out.’

‘Perhaps you need to really eat some onions.’

‘Would that stop you from holding my arm?’

‘Who’s holding whose arm?’ he countered. He paused for a moment, then asked, ‘Did it work?’

‘Did what work?’

‘The onion test. Did the three boys who asked you to the dance do anything and everything for you?’

‘Two did, one didn’t. He was the one I dated.’

‘How old were you?’

‘Fifteen, I think. Yep. Bryce Martineau. Dated him for a whole two weeks. But the chemistry wasn’t there so it was soon over.’

‘Chemistry.’ He muttered the word as he led her into the stairwell. He didn’t want to think about physical chemistry when he was this close to her.

‘It’s everything.’

‘Hmm.’ He’d hoped that in the stairwell she’d let go of his arm, but instead she simply moved closer and he knew exactly what she meant when she said chemistry. Awareness was coursing through him, the need to haul her into his arms and press his mouth to hers was overwhelming and difficult to resist, but resist, he would. ‘Eden, we’re not going to fit up these stairs squashed together.’

‘No?’ An imp of mischief buzzed through her and she felt young and free, being with him, being this close to him. He’d used to like it when she was this close. In fact, she could recall plenty of times when he’d crushed her into his arms, holding her tightly as his mouth devoured hers. It had been the best time of her life so far, and a part of her wanted that throw-caution-to-the-wind feeling back again.

Her smile increased. ‘Are you sure you don’t want to try? Could be fun?’ She wriggled a little, closing the distance, the side of her breast grazing against his chest.

David groaned and dropped her arm, moving right away from her—which was difficult given the confined space.

‘Should have taken the lift,’ he muttered, and she laughed, reaching down to take his hand.

‘How about this? Is holding hands OK? After all, we are such dear old friends.’ Without another word she tugged him forward, and he had little option but to follow her up the stairs. ‘Now, which way to the ward?’ she asked, not letting go of his hand.

He decided he might as well enjoy it for the moment, because he was only fooling himself if he denied the chemistry which coursed between them. It still didn’t mean he was going to act upon it.

‘Left.’

She turned left and soon they were at two big doors which were painted with a bright and cheerful mural of animals, flowers and rainbows.

‘Lovely. Your ward is just lovely, David.’ She gave his hand a little squeeze before she let it go. ‘Shall we?’

‘We shall.’ David opened the door, holding it for her like the gentleman he was.

‘Ahh, there you are,’ said one of the nurses, phone receiver in hand, as they walked to the nurses’ station. Her badge said her name was Francie, and she replaced the phone. ‘I was just about to page you.’

‘What’s the matter?’

‘It’s Dart.’

‘Gone downhill?’

‘Quite rapidly.’

‘Is his mother here?’

Francie nodded. ‘She arrived about an hour ago.’

‘Did you tell her we were thinking of letting Dart go home tomorrow?’

‘I did.’

David shook his head. ‘Well, here’s hoping we don’t disappoint her. Has he had his medicine?’

Francie shook her head. ‘He’s refusing.’

All the time David had been discussing his patient with the nurse, Eden had been well aware of the interested glances she was receiving from the staff around them.

‘Right. I’ll go see what I can do. Oh, by the way, this is Eden. Eden Caplan.’ David quickly introduced her. ‘You may see her around during the next few weeks. There are some patients I’d like her to review.’

Eden raised her eyebrows at this news. She’d been quite happy just to play the role of visitor, but if David needed help…well, helping was what she did best.

CHAPTER THREE

‘YOU need my help?’

‘Yes.’

She winked at him and lowered her voice to a seductive whisper. ‘I’m always happy to help out an old friend.’

Francie nearly choked on her tongue, and one of the other nurses stifled a giggle.

‘Stop it.’ David shook his head, a small smile twitching at his lips. ‘Concentrate, Dr Caplan, and let’s go take a look at Dart.’

‘Dart?’ Eden was all business and efficiency as she followed David to the first bay of beds. Francie was behind her.

‘Short for d’Artagnan.’

‘Really? That’s going to turn a few heads when he gets older. What’s the situation?’

‘The poor boy is up and down like a yo-yo. Dehydration, stomach pain, headaches, dizziness. He’s been scanned, poked, prodded and still I can’t figure it out.’

‘Multiple admissions?’

‘This is his second with these symptoms.’ David pulled back the curtain which was around Dart’s bed. Mrs Wilman quickly stood from where she’d been sitting on the bed next to her son. She held a child’s drinking cup in her hands as though she were trying to persuade her son to keep his fluids up. She quickly put the cup on the bedside table.

‘Hey there, Dart,’ said David, smiling a greeting at the mother. ‘I hear you’re not feeling as well as you were this morning.’

‘I’m afraid he’s not well at all, Dr Montgomery.’ Mrs Wilman was earnest in her words. ‘I don’t understand what you’ve done to him. You were supposed to be making him better.’

‘He’d improved dramatically overnight. Earlier this morning he was bouncing around on his bed and running about the ward.’

‘He quite clearly should have been lying still and resting.’ Mrs Wilman’s tone was more one of stress rather than accusing the staff of neglect. ‘Now I’m sorry I didn’t stay last night with Dart. He was probably so distraught at my leaving him that he’s had a relapse. I don’t think sending him home is at all a wise move. Do you, Dr Montgomery?’ She shook her head as she spoke, and before David could answer continued. ‘I think he’ll need to stay for at least another few days—if not the week.’

David held out his hand for a stethoscope, and Francie had one at the ready. ‘Hey, Dart. Can I have a listen to your chest and your tummy, please?’ He pulled the covers down and smiled reassuringly at the four-year-old.

Eden was busy watching. Not only what David was doing, but also keeping a close eye on the mother. Mrs Wilman was obviously very upset and concerned about her son, but there was something else going on. Eden had no idea what—it was just a hunch, and in the past she’d learned to follow those hunches.

‘It hurts,’ Dart moaned, and David nodded.

‘I know, mate. Let’s see if we can’t get you better.’

‘I don’t want the yucky meddy.’

‘I know,’ he said again, before continuing with his examination. When he palpated Dart’s stomach, the little boy groaned.

‘You need to get him back to Radiology for another scan of his abdomen.’ Mrs Wilman was quite insistent as she spoke to David. ‘I really think this time, Dr Montgomery, that an MRI should be requested. In fact, I’m quite insistent about it.’

‘Hmm.’ David was half listening to what Dart’s mother was saying, but was far more concerned with trying to figure out why the little boy had gone downhill so quickly. He looked at Mrs Wilman. ‘I’d like to put Dart back on an IV drip, and I’ll order some more tests. I’m not convinced at this point whether an MRI scan is necessary, but it’s certainly something to consider down the track.’

‘I’m not completely satisfied with that diagnosis, Dr Montgomery,’ Mrs Wilman counteracted. ‘I’m certain an MRI is the next step in my son’s treatment, and if you don’t order one I’ll get someone else to order the tests. I’ll go above your head if necessary. I don’t want to, but I will.’

‘I’m head of the paediatric department at St Thomas’ hospital. When it comes to the treatment of children, no one is more qualified than myself. You are, however, more than welcome to a second opinion.’ David indicated Eden. ‘For instance, Dr Caplan here is a trained paediatrician who has worked extensively overseas. She is widely published on topics which include mysterious illness in children, and is highly regarded by her peers. I’ve already asked her for her valued opinion on Dart’s condition, because I can assure you, Mrs Wilman, I am just as concerned as you are about his health.’

Mrs Wilman looked at Eden, giving her the once-over before turning her attention back to David. ‘Well, I’m pleased to see you’re doing something to try and fix my son.’ She looked to Eden. ‘I hope you have some new ideas, or at least can persuade Dr Montgomery to see sense by advising him to order an MRI.’

Eden smiled warmly at the woman, who seemed to know quite a bit about medical procedures and terminology. ‘I must say it’s so nice to see a parent such as yourself taking an interest in their child’s health.’

Mrs Wilman straightened her cardigan. ‘What mother wouldn’t?’

‘Oh, believe me, there are plenty. As Dr Montgomery said, I’ve been working overseas in areas where a lot of parents are so busy trying to find work that they can’t afford to spend time looking after their sick children. It’s fantastic that you’re here for Dart and that you’re willing to get really involved, to question and seek out different answers. So many parents are so…lax at times.’

‘I see.’ Mrs Wilman almost preened. ‘Well, you’ll find that I’m not one of those types of parents. I do know exactly the sort of parent you’re talking about, though. So many of my…acquaintances are more concerned with their careers rather than what’s most important in their lives.’ she looked down at her son. ‘That’s why I’m here for d’Artagnan. It’s why I stay at the hospital overnight. Last night was the first night I wasn’t able to be here, and look what has happened today upon my return.’ She reached out and stroked the hair from her son’s forehead.

David’s tone was firm. ‘Francie, would you do observations again? Let me know if there has been any change. Get the IV line in whilst I have a chat with Eden.’ He looked at Dart’s mother. ‘We’ll get him sorted out.’

After they’d returned to the nurses’ station, Eden shook her head. ‘What?’ David asked, clearly agitated that he couldn’t figure out what was happening with his little patient.

‘You shouldn’t promise like that.’

‘I know, but I want to figure this out. I’m really worried about him. The thing is that his reaction to the usual medicine is that it seems to work initially, and then, wham, something happens and he goes downhill again.’

‘So we just need to figure out what the “wham” part is, eh?’

‘Exactly.’ David shook his head and lowered his voice. ‘Any help you can offer would be gratefully received. Have you ever seen anything like it?’

‘Hand me his notes. Let me review them and we’ll see what we can come up with.’ David did as she asked and she took the notes, meeting his gaze. ‘We’ll find out…together.’

David swallowed at her words, and seeing the look in her eyes, wondered how she could make one little word sound so intimate. ‘Uh…right. Yes. Together.’

A smile touched her lips. ‘I like you most when you’re flustered.’

‘Hmm. Well. Er…’ He cleared his throat. ‘Listen, whilst you’re here in the hospital I’ll organise for you to receive Visiting Medical Officer status. That will make things a bit more aboveboard—especially as Mrs Wilman seems to be shopping for my scalp.’

Eden nodded. ‘She is a little gung-ho. It’s good to see that she’s taking an interest in her son, that she’s here with him, but she needs to trust you more. You are the one with the medical degrees, after all.’

‘A lot of parents freak out when their children are ill. Mrs Wilman’s actually quite nice. She’s helpful to the staff, and encouraging with other parents who are here—showing them where the tea and coffee facilities are, that sort of thing.’

‘OK. Let me get through these notes. I hope you don’t mind if I ask the nurses some questions as well?’

‘Investigating me?’ He raised an eyebrow.

‘Investigating Dart.’ Eden smiled at him, seeing his veiled concern. Had he forgotten that she knew him so well? ‘Sometimes you need to think outside the box. You might be a little too close to the situation, holding on a little too tightly.’

‘Is that what you’ve learnt overseas? To see things differently? To try different approaches?’

‘You have to. We don’t have access to most of the facilities you have at your fingertips. We have to improvise, to think of alternatives, to see beyond the normal way of things.’

‘You sound as though you enjoy it very much.’

‘I do.’ Eden sighed. ‘Although sometimes…’ She looked away from him, down at Dart’s notes. ‘Sometimes it gets a little draining. Even I’ve been too close to a project before. Needed someone to come along and point out the simplest of solutions. It happens to all of us.’

Was she referring to the epidemic he’d read about in the journal? When he’d asked her for assistance he hadn’t wanted to raise any old ghosts, to awaken any old memories. That hadn’t been his intention. He’d merely been after a fresh perspective. He didn’t want to hurt her. ‘Listen, Eden. If you’d rather not help me out—if you just want to relax and spend time with Sasha—then I—’

Eden reached across the desk to where he was sitting, placing a finger over his lips. ‘Shh. That wasn’t what I meant. You know I’ll always help you. You’re my friend, David, and friends help each other.’ Her words had slowed as she realised just what she’d done, just how close they were…again.

David’s expressive brown eyes had widened at her touch, and now she watched as his gaze dipped to her lips, lingering briefly before rising to meet her eyes once more. Eden’s breathing slowly started to increase, and she wished the world would simply freeze so she could figure out exactly what it was that existed between herself and David.

Sure, they were attracted to each other. Sure, they had a bit of history together. Sure, they’d both changed over the past decade. Life, however, didn’t always turn out the way you planned. She quickly dropped her hand back to her side. ‘Besides…’ She tapped Dart’s case notes and forced an overly bright smile to try and cover up the devastating effect he was having on her equilibrium. ‘I’m intrigued. Go. Do what you need to do and let me review.’

David opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He closed it quickly, nodded, and then walked back to his office. There were a few other patients he wanted her to meet, especially the eleven-year-old girl who had been admitted with anorexia, but that could wait. He headed back to his office and tapped a few commands into his computer to bring up the template for the forms he needed to fill in. The idea of making Eden a VMO wasn’t what he’d initially had in mind, but seeing how she’d managed to win Mrs Wilman over in a matter of seconds was enough of an impetus for David to forge ahead.

He sent the form to print, then sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. Why had she touched him like that? The imprint of her finger was still on his lips. The warmth, the tenderness, the…Eden-ness…it was all still there. He licked his lips, and the hunger he’d been trying to control from the first instant he’d laid eyes on her that morning started to burn harder and faster than before.

Memories of the times they’d spent together came instantly to mind, and he knew for certain that if he kissed her again his world would once again be rocked on its foundations. He couldn’t have that. She had been the first girl he’d dated who he’d been serious about. He’d enjoyed her company, been amazed by her intelligence and had valued her opinion. Those factors alone had been enough for his parents to ship him off to Melbourne, away from Eden. Even though he now had little to do with his parents, he knew that the effect Eden still had on him was as strong as it had been back then. He couldn’t even risk getting involved with her because she meant far too much to him. She meant far too much to Sasha, and his sister had already been through enough.

If Eden ever found out about his accident, discovered his own dark secret, then he would be diminished in her view. Just as he had been in Jacquie’s. When his ex-wife had realised the truth, that David could never father children, she’d started seriously discussing divorce. As far as she had been concerned there had been no reason to continue in the marriage. Things had already been strained, and both had agreed their friendship was the one thing worth salvaging from their incompatible marriage.

For some reason Eden’s opinion of him mattered far more than he’d realised, but perhaps it was because she’d looked up to him for so long, for so many years. They had a past, a history which was more than just the chemistry between them. They’d been friends, and if he couldn’t have anything else with her, friendship would be the next best thing.

The phone on his desk rang and he instantly snatched it up, relieved to have something to ponder other than Eden Caplan.

There was nothing untoward in the case notes, and Eden was now as perplexed as David. She’d spoken with Francie, and some of the other nurses who had cared for Dart during his admission, but still nothing obvious seemed to jump out at her.

She’d been in to see Dart, to do some observations of her own and try and talk to him, but he’d just lain on his bed, listless and depressed. Something was really wrong in this little boy’s world, and she wasn’t sure it was all physical. Psychological issues could make a person very sick indeed.

‘Four-year-olds don’t get depressed,’ one of the nurses said.

‘Yes, they do. All the time,’ Eden remarked. ‘I’ve seen a lot of children depressed for quite long lengths of time. Children younger than four as well.’

‘That must have been heartbreaking.’ Francie had already pumped Eden for information about the various countries Eden had worked in, as well as on what it was like working for a medical aid organisation.

‘I’ve been through worse. Of course a lot of the time the children don’t realise it’s depression. Things are bad. There’s no way they can get better and they slump down, their spirits crushed. Thankfully, though, it doesn’t take much to buoy them up again. Children are far more resilient than adults.’

‘So we need to find a way to boost Dart’s spirits?’

‘Until we can figure out what’s causing his relapse, why not?’

‘Were you successful with the IV line?’ David spoke from behind Francie and the nurse jumped.

‘Good golly, Miss Molly. You’re so quiet, I didn’t even hear you there. The IV line is in. He just lay there. No fuss at all.’

David frowned. ‘This is perplexing. Eden?’

‘I’ve got nothing. Apart from the blood tests you’ve ordered and the medication you have him on, I can’t think of anything I’d do differently.’

‘Do you think it’s worth doing the MRI?’

Eden pondered this for a moment. ‘I’m not sure it’s going to give you any new information after the scans Dart’s already had. The only thing it will do is appease the mother, and that’s a very expensive way to appease her.’

‘Hmm.’ David was pensive once more.

‘You know what? Perhaps a change of scenery might help.’

‘Meaning?’

‘I’m going to go see your sister. Want to join me?’

David hesitated for a moment. More time alone with Eden? He wasn’t sure he could handle so much in one day. Then again, he had made dinner reservations for them—but that was different. That was his way of apologising for being an insensitive clod, and that apology still needed to be made. Besides, at dinner they’d be in a crowded restaurant. They’d be eating and enjoying polite conversation.

He’d already been alone with her in a hospital stairwell today and look what had happened. She’d flirted with him, and the fact that he’d liked it was completely beside the point. As a man wanting to keep his distance from a woman he wasn’t doing a very good job—and he wasn’t the sort of man to enjoy conflict within himself.

‘Go see your sister,’ Francie chimed in when he didn’t say anything. It was then David realised that Eden had stood and was ready to go. ‘I’ll call you immediately if there’s any change with Dart.’

‘OK.’ He looked at Eden. ‘Let’s go.’

This time as they walked between the two wards Eden didn’t attempt to take his hand, touch him or flirt with him in any way, shape or form.

‘Are you all right?’ he eventually asked.

‘Sure. I’m fine. Just pondering things.’

‘What are you going to do once you’ve seen Sasha?’

‘Why? How many patients have you got for me to review? Or were you just saying that to appease me? To stop me from being bored whilst I’m back in town?’

‘Uh…no. I really do have a few more cases I’d like your opinion on.’

‘My cases have been vastly different from the ones you usually have here,’ she felt compelled to point out.

‘That’s what I mean. I’m counting on your unique perspective—your Eden way of thinking things through.’

‘My “Eden way” of thinking?’ She turned and smiled at him, and it was then he realised that she looked tired. Very tired, in fact. Not in essentials, but just about her eyes. A passer-by wouldn’t notice anything amiss, but he did. He knew her too well.

‘When did you arrive back in Australia?’

‘Eight o’clock this morning. My room wasn’t ready when I checked into my hotel, so I left my luggage there and headed straight here. I needed to see Sasha, to see for myself that she was OK, even though she’d assured me several times on the phone. However, I’m starting to feel a little worn out now.’ She flicked her skirt with her hand. ‘And I think a change of clothes is definitely in order. I feel as though I’ve been wearing this outfit for ever.’ She grinned. ‘And I have!’

How was it possible? he wondered as they stopped outside Sasha’s door. She still looked fresh and bright, and now she was telling him she’d just travelled halfway round the world. That was impossible. No one could look this good after travelling all night and then spending the morning in a hospital. David’s gaze encompassed her again, taking in her leather sandals, long flowing skirt and matching top. He was glad she’d left her hair loose. It was quite a bit longer than it had been the last time he’d seen her. He liked it.

As though his hand had a mind of its own, he reached out and tenderly took a handful of the rich auburn tresses. Eden didn’t smile, but her gaze remained riveted on his as he sifted the strands through his fingers.

‘The colour’s slightly darker,’ he murmured, and she tried not to gasp at the huskiness in his tone.

The attraction she’d felt for him in the past had developed slowly. First he’d just been Sasha’s big brother, then he’d been someone she’d thought was cute, then someone she’d listened to, and then someone whose opinion she’d valued. Finally she’d become aware of the growing attraction which had existed between them and which had eventually led to them dating. What she hadn’t expected now was for the attraction to be stronger than ever, to have actually increased since she’d first seen him that morning.

The breath she’d been unconsciously holding escaped her lips at his touch. Then, as though he’d realised what he was doing, he quickly dropped his hand and cleared his throat. ‘You…er…don’t look unkempt, if that’s what you’re worried about.’

Eden shrugged, temporarily unable to speak as she tried to get her emotions under control. She was tongue-tied and glued to the spot simply because David had voluntarily touched her hair. Even though the touch had been brief, it had been tantalising—sensual, and a complete breach of her comfort zone, but one she was more than willing to allow. She put her current state of mind down to too much emotional turmoil and not enough sleep.

‘Eden…er…do you have any plans for dinner this evening?’

She looked at him a little perplexed. Out of everything he could have said, that wasn’t what she’d expected. She’d thought he wouldn’t want to spend any more time with her than was necessary, given that by touching her hair in such an intimate way he’d openly acknowledged the attraction, the chemistry which existed between them. Then again, perhaps David had just asked because it was the right thing to do—and David always did the right thing.

She swallowed. ‘Ah…no. I was going to see how Sasha was doing, but I think it’s best if she and Robert have some more time together tonight. Besides, my day is starting to catch up with me.’

He nodded, understanding that she was tired. ‘That’s OK. If you’re tired, we don’t have to go. It’s no problem.’

Go? Was he asking her out? ‘No. I didn’t mean it like that.’ She spoke quickly. ‘I don’t have any plans and I’d love to have dinner with you tonight…if that is what you’re asking.’

His smile was gorgeous as he spoke. ‘Obviously I’m doing a very poor job. I guess it’s been a while since I’ve asked a woman to dinner.’

‘Well, if it helps, it’s been a while since I’ve accepted. Just tell me where you want to meet and when and I’ll be there. I can’t say for sure what type of company I’ll be, but hopefully I’ll have managed to sneak in a bit of a nap before night-time hits, so I’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.’

‘We have reservations for seven. Is that too early? Too late?’

Eden was touched. Excitement coursed through her at knowing that David had already made plans. It made her feel special, pretty and feminine, and she hadn’t felt like that in…she couldn’t remember when. David wanted to take her to dinner. She didn’t care why because right now just the thought was all she needed to make her happy.

‘Seven sounds great.’

‘OK. I’ll meet you at your hotel.’

‘Perfect. Thank you so much for thinking of it.’ Stepping forward, she wrapped her arms about his neck and hugged him close. ‘A nice quiet dinner with you is just what I need,’ she said softly near his ear.

David was surprised at the embrace, but he should have expected it. It was so Eden. He withdrew his hands from his pockets and placed them gently at her waist, easing her back slightly so her gorgeous body wasn’t pressed so firmly against his. She must have felt his restraint because she instantly pulled back.

‘Perfect,’ she repeated, feeling more relaxed and more herself. ‘Shall we go and see Sash?’

David cleared his throat. ‘Why don’t you go in? I’ll catch up with her later on in the day. I want to get your VMO paperwork rushed through.’

‘Oh. OK, then. Well, I guess I’ll see you tonight at seven.’ She quickly gave him the name of her hotel before she forgot, then pushed open Sasha’s private room door and went inside with a beaming smile on her face.

David walked into the lobby of the hotel, surprised at the apprehension in the pit of his stomach. What was there to be apprehensive about? It was just Eden. He walked over to the Guest Services desk and asked them to call her room. While he waited, he recalled a good many reasons why he should be apprehensive about Eden—and number one was the undeniable attraction he felt for her.

It didn’t seem to matter how many lectures he gave himself, determining to keep his distance, to keep whatever contact he had with her down to a minimum and make sure that contact was light and friendly. That was what he was planning to do tonight. Light and friendly.

Then he saw her.

He was positive his jaw went slack at the sight she made, walking across the lobby towards him with that sexy swish of her hips. She was dressed in another flowing creation, although this time it was a dress rather than a skirt and top. It came to just above her knees, revealing far too much leg for his liking. Her shape was perfect—nice and curvy, the way a woman should be. She was a bombshell with the most gorgeous hair, her auburn curls flowing loosely around her shoulders, clipped back on one side with a frangipani blossom.

‘Hi.’ She came to stand before him, her perfume making it difficult for him to think rationally.

‘What are you wearing?’ They were the first words out of his mouth, and he wished them unsaid the next moment. His tone held a hint of censure, of that big-brother protectiveness he’d often used on Sasha and Eden when they’d been younger.

Eden’s response was to torture him further by doing a slow twirl. ‘Do you like it?’

David couldn’t help but look at her as she showed off her delectable body. His heart was pounding wildly at the intoxicating sight she made and he shifted awkwardly.

‘I bought it this afternoon. I must say it feels so soft against my skin. Almost melts into it.’ Eden watched David’s reaction closely, loving the way he seemed stuck for words, his Adam’s apple working its way up and down his gorgeous throat as he swallowed nervously. She lowered her tone a notch and leaned a little closer. ‘I was thinking of you when I bought it.’

David straightened the lapels of his jacket and cleared his throat. ‘Right. Well. We should…go.’

‘Sure.’

‘Do you have a jacket?’ Something ankle-length, which would hide her body from everyone else. David glanced around the lobby for a second, noting there were several appreciative glances being sent her way. ‘Or have you forgotten what Sydney is like in early spring?’

Eden’s answer was to indicate the shawl she had draped over her arm. She went to open it and David quickly helped her, taking it abruptly from her hands before placing it around her shoulders. He hadn’t even realised she’d been holding it, along with a small clutch purse, because he’d obviously been too distracted by the rest of her.

‘I haven’t forgotten what Sydney weather is like, but my body is acclimatised to Ukrainian weather and it’s a tad colder there—especially in winter. It’s also why I went and bought a new dress. I never get the time to dress up and go out, so this is definitely a special occasion.’ She linked her arm through his, then leaned up and pressed a small, light kiss to his cheek. ‘Thank you for asking me out tonight.’ Her tone was one hundred percent sincere, and he found that side of Eden even more difficult to resist.

David simply stood there, looking down at her, at this gorgeous woman who had been through so much in her life yet continued to persevere. He could see the pain hidden deep beneath her hypnotic green eyes, which were now highlighted with the skilful application of mascara and eyeshadow, making her even more stunning than usual.

Eden didn’t move. Didn’t want to move. David was looking at her in such a way that she wasn’t at all sure what would happen next. She was sure if she leaned over to give him a kiss that they might end up changing their plans. If she’d had any doubts about whether or not he was attracted to her, they vanished into thin air.

It had been her main purpose when she’d stumbled across the dress hanging in a shop window that afternoon as she’d walked from the hospital to her hotel. To see whether she could knock his socks off. She was pleased that she’d succeeded. However, they couldn’t spend the rest of the night standing in the hotel lobby, gazing into each other’s eyes.

‘Shall we go?’ The words were a whisper from her lips, and it took a split second for them to penetrate David’s hazy mind. He looked down at her lips one more time, and Eden held her breath, waiting to see what would happen.

Then he looked away, the moment broken. ‘Of course.’

As they headed out into the early evening, Eden’s excitement start to increase. She was out on a date, with David. Well, he might not call it a date, but she most certainly did. She’d dreamed about this—the two of them going out to dinner—so many years ago, her seventeen-year-old heart desperate for some grown-up time with him rather than eating pizza and studying. Now that it was actually happening she was pleased they hadn’t done it before, because it made tonight more special.

‘I wasn’t sure whether you wanted to take the car or walk.’ His voice was a little clipped as he desperately tried not to breathe in her scent, but he knew he was fighting a losing battle. Eden was alluring, and he was beginning to realise just how addictive she was. He named the restaurant and Eden racked her brain trying to remember where it was. ‘It’s two blocks away. Not far.’

She nodded. ‘That’s right. All I remember is the food. Delicious, and exactly what I’m in the mood for.’

‘Walk?’

‘Absolutely.’ She tightened her hold on his arm. ‘At least that way I get to be closer to you for longer.’ She waggled her eyebrows up and down. David didn’t comment, but merely smiled politely. ‘Add to that fact you can help support me in these shoes. I am definitely not used to wearing high heels.’

David chuckled at this information.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘You. You breeze into the lobby as though you’re so sure of yourself, turning everyone’s head, portraying a woman who is as stable as she is sexy, and then you go and confess you’re not as confident as you appear.’

‘Well, you try walking in these things. They’re not too bad in the comfort department, but it’s early on. Who knows? By the time the night is over you might be giving me a piggyback all the way home.’

David grinned at the image this produced. ‘Why are you wearing them, then?’

‘Because they go perfectly with the dress. They complete the picture.’ She spoke as though he’d asked the most ridiculous question possible.

‘Right. That explains it all.’

‘Ahh…you may feign nonchalance now, but your look back at the hotel told me otherwise.’

‘What look?’ David kept his eyes straight ahead, knowing that if he looked at the woman beside him she would see far too much. So much for guarding himself around her.

‘The one that said you wanted to devour me.’

David was stunned. Had he been so transparent? He closed his eyes for a brief second, his mind working frantically as he tried to decide the best course of action. He eventually decided upon humour. Keep it light and friendly.

‘You’re trying to razz me up again, aren’t you?’

‘Is it working?’

He glanced down at her, their gazes melding. ‘I’m already razzed.’ The soft words were out before he could stop them. He saw surprise and then total appreciation in her eyes.

‘And you’re admitting this to me?’

David exhaled slowly. ‘It seems pointless not to. All day long I’ve struggled against the way you make me feel. It’s there. It exists between us. Is there any point in denying it?’

‘No. No.’ Eden was astonished. ‘Not at all. This new, not-afraid-to-admit-his-feelings David is a delightful find.’

‘It doesn’t matter, because we both know nothing can ever come of it.’

‘Why?’

‘You don’t live in this country, Eden. You work overseas, and we’ve been a wrong fit right from the start. You forget that I know you better than the plethora of men you usually play with.’

‘Play with?’ She quirked an eyebrow at him, trying to hide the way his words were making her feel. First elation, then excitement, then dejection.

‘There will have been plenty of men over the years—none of them serious, though. Am I right?’

Eden considered his words carefully before answering. ‘Not entirely.’

‘Some serious, then?’ A surge of jealousy instantly coursed through him, catching him completely off guard. The picture of Eden with her arms wrapped around another man, pressing her body, her full, delicious mouth to his, was more than David could bear. He blinked fiercely, the vision dissipating.

‘Not as such. Just not as many men as you’re referring to. You forget I’ve been working overseas in remote areas for the past few years. Not a lot of socialising goes on.’

‘All work and no play?’ Now, why had her words made him feel happier?

‘Exactly. Hence the need to dress up and enjoy myself tonight.’ They stopped at a red light and she looked up at him, wondering just how far she could razz him. ‘Besides, there was this guy I dated when I was seventeen, and he kind of set the bar as far as men were concerned.’

David cleared his throat and swallowed nervously. ‘Is that so?’

‘That is most definitely so. You rocked my world back then, David.’

He swallowed again, and forced himself to look away from her mesmerising eyes. ‘Light’s green,’ he choked out, and was rewarded with a little chuckle from the woman beside him—the woman who could still tie him in knots with just a few words.

The restaurant was only a few doors past the crossing, and soon they were seated at an intimate table. The candlelight reflecting off her hair almost gave her a halo effect. Eden? A halo? He smiled at the idea. Sure, she fought for worthy causes, righted wrongs and generally supported the underdog—but a halo? Then he remembered what she’d been through a few years ago and the main reason why he’d decided to take her out to dinner. Perhaps she did deserve that halo after all.

Once they’d ordered, David raised his glass of wine to her. ‘To new beginnings,’ he said, and tapped his glass gently with hers.

‘Are you talking about you and me?’ Her curls bounced softly around her, and he couldn’t believe how incredibly beautiful she was.

He nodded.

‘Do we need a new beginning?’ she asked. ‘Because I like the one we already have.’

He thought for a moment. ‘So do I. However, I was referring to the way I annoyed you earlier today.’

‘You didn’t annoy me, David. You excite and confuse me, but you don’t annoy me.’

He groaned. ‘Don’t say things like that when I’m trying to apologise.’

‘Apologise? For what?’

‘For pressuring you to tell me why you didn’t make it to Sasha’s wedding.’

‘Oh.’ Eden looked down at her glass for a moment, before meeting that rich, chocolate gaze of his once more. He was so handsome, and just being here, sitting opposite him, made her heart pound wildly against her ribs. ‘You didn’t pressure me. Well, not much—and it’s all right. I understand that you were confused. After all, Sasha and I are so very close. She’s the only person who’s ever really cared about me.’

That wasn’t true. He certainly cared about her, but telling her might only bring them closer and he was trying to make sure there was distance between them. ‘I read your articles. I read between the lines.’ David reached across the table and took her free hand in his. ‘Eden. I’m sorry.’

Eden looked down at their entwined fingers, a lump forming in her throat. She’d resigned herself years ago to the tragedy which had occurred. She’d had counselling, she’d worked through her emotions, and yet now, with David displaying such honest tenderness, all the helplessness she’d felt back then surged to the forefront.

‘They were so small. Tiny, undernourished children. Disgusting living conditions and disease at every turn.’ She raised her eyes slowly, meeting his. ‘It was horrible, David. Their pain, their suffering. It was there in their big wide eyes. Those looks still haunt me. They looked to me to help them, to make them better.’ She pursed her lips together to try and control her emotions. closing her eyes. ‘I couldn’t. The sounds of mothers wailing as their children were taken from them. The lifelessness of those little bodies—bodies I had held in my arms, willing them to hold on, praying for a miracle. The smell of death in the air, the breaking of hearts, the utter desolation.’

A tear slid down her cheek, but she made no attempt to wipe it away. ‘On a day that was supposed to be so important to me—the day my best friend got married—I was attending a mass funeral instead.’

‘Eden.’ David tightened his grip on her hand and leaned over to brush the tear from her cheek with his thumb.

Her eyes snapped open and she pulled back from his touch as though burnt. Letting go of his hand, she clasped hers together, dragging in a cleansing breath.

‘Sasha wanted to postpone her wedding until I could be there, but I had no idea when that might be so I encouraged her to proceed without me. I needed to know that at least she was happy. You have no idea how much comfort that thought gave me in those dark days. My Sasha. Happily married to a man who adores her.’ Eden blinked again. ‘Anyway, if you’ll excuse me?’ She stood from the table, taking her purse with her. ‘Won’t be long.’

David watched her go, feeling almost as drained as she had looked. He’d been moved by her words, astonished that she’d opened up, that she’d shared with him, and yet at the same time he wanted her to stop torturing herself by reliving it yet again. How many times had she done that? Spoken about that dark time? She’d written about it in a medical journal, sharing the facts of what had happened in an analytical fashion. She’d no doubt been treated by a therapist. And yet despite the passage of time, and the fact that she and her team had eventually discovered a cure, he knew she felt each and every one of those deaths every day. He knew that because he knew Eden.

She might come across as flirty and thriving, but there was another side to her, a deeper side—far deeper than he’d previously realised. When she’d spoken of Sasha being adored by Robert there had been a wistfulness in her tone.

Ever since he’d first met her she’d been this person with so much energy. Helping others. Giving everything of herself. It was no wonder she’d ended up in the career she now had. He’d always thought that that satisfied her, that helping others was enough, but in her vulnerability she’d shown him something else.

She’d shown him that she wanted more. In fact, she wanted the fairytale. She wanted to find that special someone—that man who would love, cherish and adore her. The man who would understand her need to help others and yet provide the help that she needed. Sasha had found that with Robert, and Eden envied that.

David’s heart stirred as he watched her walk back towards him, her body swaying in such a provocative way. He wasn’t sure she was conscious of how incredible she looked. A surge of protectiveness flooded through him for the second time that day, but this time it wasn’t the protective instinct of a brothersister relationship.

This was the protectiveness of a man who was falling in love with a woman.

CHAPTER FOUR

THE instant the revelation hit, he emphatically denied it.

It was completely and utterly impossible that he was in love with Eden. She was like a sister to him and the feelings he felt were purely those of a big brother. Although a tiny voice said this was totally different from the way he felt about Sasha.

He’d just seen too much of her today. It was like an Eden overdose, which had brought back so many memories of when he’d been younger. Even back then he’d had trouble keeping his feelings for her under control, preferring instead to focus on the long slog of medical school which had been before him. That wasn’t the case now. Sure, he had a highpowered, pressured job, but he was well trained and knew how to control his stress. He’d succeeded in so many of his goals, and yet in others he would never succeed. He would never be a father.

Yes, he was attracted to Eden. He admitted that. But it was the fact that he cared for her so much in a brotherly way and he didn’t want to see her hurt. He knew if he let things get out of hand that he would indeed hurt her. She was a woman made to be the mother of a gaggle of her own children—little imps with wild curls and cheeky green eyes.

He could never give her that.

He could, however, help her to be strong for Sasha. He could even help her to heal the rift she had with her family. He would do everything he could to make her happy, to make sure the pain and vulnerability which remained behind her eyes was protected. He could do all of this as a platonic friend. He could help her help herself. Deep down inside she appeared to be lost, and he could help her find herself.

‘Now,’ she said as she sat back down at the table, an overly bright smile on her face, ‘let the feast begin.’

‘You’ve certainly ordered enough food.’ He took a sip of his wine, pleased he had a more logical footing on his thoughts.

‘You’re not being a tight date, are you David?’ She tuttutted. ‘After all these years we finally make it out to dinner, and you’re complaining about the cost.’

He gulped on the mouthful of wine, swallowing too quickly. ‘I am not a “tight date”, as you so eloquently term it, nor am I complaining about the cost. I was merely stating the fact that you’ve ordered a lot of food for someone so small.’

‘Ahh, I may only be five feet six—which is no doubt short compared to your over-six-foot, muscled and well-toned frame—but I’ll have you know in some countries I’m considered tall.’

He smiled at that. ‘Really?’

‘Don’t sound so surprised—and besides, I’m counting on you to help me eat the mountain of food that’s coming. It’s been ages since I’ve eaten here…well, eaten at any restaurant for that matter…and I intend to thoroughly enjoy myself.’

The smile was back—the true smile of Eden—and David relaxed. Platonic friends. Good company. Flirty banter. He could deal with that. So long as he kept his hands by his sides and didn’t touch her.

When their first course arrived, David watched as she lovingly savoured every mouthful. Again and again she showed her appreciation and delight for the food as they continued to talk about a variety of topics. ‘Mmm…delicious,’ she declared again as she slurped her spaghetti, a drop of the sauce landing on the side of her mouth.

David looked at it. Couldn’t help but focus on it. And he wasn’t at all surprised at the powerful urge to lean over and kiss it away. She had the most luscious lips, full and inviting, and sitting opposite her, breathing in her scent, he was starting to lose his will-power.

‘David?’

He dragged his gaze back up to meet hers, realising he’d been staring at her.

‘Hmm? Sorry? What were you saying?’

Eden took a mouthful from her water glass and swallowed, letting her thoughts calm for a moment. David had been looking at her as though he wanted to toss the table and all its contents aside, scoop her into his arms and devour her one inch at a time. It was heady stuff.

She’d been surprised earlier when he’d admitted that she razzed him up—that she, in essence, got his blood pumping—but to see him gazing upon her in this way was almost too much for her to ignore. She might be tired, exhausted and starting to feel the initial effects of jet lag, but that wouldn’t stop her from encouraging him…if he intended to actually do something about it.

This was David. The man responsible for her first real love. It was a love which had been growing and festering with the passing years. It was quite true that he was the man she measured all others by, but could it be that her feelings for him were far deeper than she’d previously thought?

‘You shouldn’t look at me like that.’ Her tone was soft, barely a whisper, but he heard it. In fact, he felt her words more than heard them, such was the connection between them.

He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat, feeling highly self-conscious. ‘Er…like what? How am I looking at you?’

‘As though you still want to devour me.’ She blinked slowly, then leaned forward onto her elbows. ‘It’s all right, you know. I don’t mind.’

‘Eden!’

The bubble which had encapsulated them burst, and she couldn’t help but laugh sweetly at the expression on his face. It held a mixture of disbelief, doubt and desire.

‘You’re not supposed to say those sorts of things to a man. Is this how you usually conduct your dates?’

‘Ahh…so you’re admitting this is a date? Interesting.’

‘It’s dinner. Between friends.’

‘That look you just gave me said you’d like to be very friendly.’ She was deadly serious in what she was saying, but kept her tone light, jovial. If he thought she was just teasing, perhaps she’d be able to get more out of him. With all she knew about him, for all the history they shared, he was still a difficult man to read—especially when it came to affairs of the heart.

David took a deep breath in and let it out slowly, deciding the best way to calm things down was to be honest with her. ‘Eden, I’m not a blind fool who doesn’t recognise the attraction, the tension which exists between us. Of course I find you attractive, but I also admire and respect you far too much to think of changing the strong friendship we currently have. You have your life. I have mine. Our paths have crossed again because of Sasha. That’s it.’

Eden frowned. ‘What does that mean?’

‘It means that if Sasha hadn’t been in this accident you wouldn’t have come back home. I wouldn’t have been an insensitive clod and we wouldn’t be having dinner together.’

‘But all of that did happen and here we are. Sitting at a candle-lit table in an Italian restaurant, discussing the way you were just looking at me. I know you have your world nicely under control and would rather not have it upset, but sometimes when our worlds are turned on their heads we find out more about ourselves.’

‘Is that what has happened to you? Working overseas, helping so many people—has it helped you to know yourself better?’

Eden thought on his words. ‘In a way it has, and in other ways I think I’ve lost myself even more.’ The mask was off. There was no flirting, no laughter in her words. She was trusting him with a much deeper side of herself. ‘It’s strange. Coming home like this…I didn’t realise how much I’d…missed.’ She played with her food for a moment before putting the fork down and pushing the plate away.

‘Do you mean your family?’

Eden sighed and met David’s eyes. There he was. In the role of confidant, the man she could trust, could talk to, could rely on to tell her what to do. ‘I left Sydney with such anger, such determination to show my parents that I didn’t need their money to have a wonderful life.’

‘And on the whole has it been wonderful?’

She nodded. ‘It hasn’t been too bad. I supported myself through medical school, and I’ve worked in some incredible places, met some amazing people and travelled the globe. I love helping people.’

‘I know.’

‘It’s very fulfilling—especially where there is poverty. Being able to make such a difference, to see that what you personally are doing is changing things for the better. It’s a nice feeling.’

‘I don’t doubt that. You’ve been helping people for so long, Eden. Even when you were young you were helping those around you. But your family are a part of you. Your parents. Your brother. They’re in your heart and won’t ever leave, despite how long it’s been since you’ve seen each other.’

‘Is that how you feel about your parents?’

‘My parents had an indifferent attitude to their children. Being raised by nannies and housekeepers wasn’t all that bad. Sasha and I had every possible material possession we could need.’

‘But not your parents’ love?’

He nodded. ‘As an adult it’s easier to understand why our parents did what they did. They didn’t know any different. They both came from wealthy families, were raised by nannies and sent to boarding school at young ages themselves. They married because it was expected of them, and they produced offspring.’

‘And all that because of money—because of wealth.’ The sour taste which had made her flee her own house all those years ago rose in her mouth. ‘At least your parents have the excuse of being raised in that environment. They didn’t know any different. My parents did. They won the lottery when I was ten, moved to the upper north shore and changed our lives—for the worst.’

‘That was a long time ago, Eden. Perhaps this feeling you have now of missing something is because you’re ready to see them. Surely the possibility must have crossed your mind when you made the decision to come home?’

‘Of course it did. But Sasha is my first responsibility. She needs me and I’m here for her.’

‘For how long?’

‘You asked me that earlier today. As long as it takes.’

‘What if that’s months?’

‘Then I’ll be here for months.’

David was a little surprised at this. ‘I thought you’d just taken leave for a few weeks?’

Eden shook her head. ‘No.’

His eyes widened. ‘You’ve resigned?’

She smiled. ‘I’ve taken an indefinite leave of absence. In other words, I’ve asked PMA not to send me anywhere just now.’

‘That’s Pacific Medical Aid, right?’

‘Yes.’

‘I have a friend who’s done a lot of work with them over the years.’

Eden was surprised. ‘Who?’

‘Michael Hill. Do you know him?’

‘Yes. Of course. I’ve worked with both Michael and his wife, Chloe, on several occasions in Tarparnii. They have two absolutely gorgeous children.’

‘Two? I knew they had a little girl. She had one of those new-fangled strange names which seem to be so popular.’

‘Meeree is her name—and it’s not new-fangled. She was named after a very good friend of theirs. They’ve also adopted a little Tarparniian boy, Worf, who can climb trees faster than anyone else I’ve seen.’ She shook her head. ‘Wow! I can’t believe you know them.’

‘The world isn’t really that large. When you narrow your parameters it becomes quite small, quite intimate, and that’s why it’s a good idea to see your parents while you’re here.’

Eden listened to his words, watching his expression. The waiter came and cleared their plates, yet she kept her eyes on David. When they were alone again, she asked carefully, ‘Why are you so insistent that I should see my parents? Is something wrong? They’re both well, aren’t they? David, you would tell me if something was wrong, wouldn’t you?’

‘They’re both fine, Eden.’

‘Which means you’re in contact with them.’

‘Yes. I wasn’t the one who ran away from home.’ He didn’t think it the right time to let her know that her father, Hal, was also his tennis partner. David had always respected Eden’s parents, and when he’d returned to Sydney he hadn’t seen any reason not to continue the friendship.

‘I didn’t run away. I was told to leave. My father kicked me out—remember?’

‘Actually, I don’t. I was in Melbourne at the time.’

‘You know, if you had been here in Sydney perhaps things wouldn’t have escalated so badly between my father and myself.’

‘Your rift is my fault now?’

‘No. It’s just that you were my sounding board. You were my voice of reason. I listened to you. I looked up to you—especially in your first year of medical school. Until then you were just Sasha’s big brother—my surrogate big brother—there to help us out when we needed you. But that year, David, when I helped you study, when we would talk about anything and everything long into the night, when we became friends—real friends in our own right and not just because of Sasha—that was one of the best years I’ve ever had.’ Tears touched her eyes for the second time that night. ‘And then you left me.’

She dragged in a breath, trying to keep her emotions under control. ‘I missed you so much, and not just because of our attraction. I missed our talks. I missed your voice of reason. Your clarity of mind. Your guidance. Your support.’

‘So are you saying if I’d stayed you wouldn’t have organised a protest march—a public protest march—against your father’s own company?’

‘He was in the wrong. The health of his factory employees was at stake. I’d tried to reason with him. I’d given him fair warning of what I thought, of what I had planned in the way of protest, and still he didn’t do anything about it. The protest was a success. His company was forced to take action. Nowadays there are occupational health and safety measures put in place by the government.’

‘A win?’

‘Politically, yes. Personally, no.’ She sighed. ‘I don’t know if I’d have done anything different. I just know you would have helped me to perhaps look more closely at the possible repercussions—because I would never have guessed that my father would ask me to leave his house.’

‘The past is the past and we can’t change it. I can’t change my parents and I don’t even bother trying. I see them twice a year at their Easter and Christmas parties, and I send an appropriately expensive gift on their birthdays. That’s it. I can’t change them, Eden, but your parents are different. They’ve changed themselves. There have been a lot of hard lessons for them to learn—for you all to learn. Surely it’s time to try and patch things up again?’

‘Do they know I’m in Sydney?’

‘They know about Sasha’s accident. They’re smart enough to figure out the rest. And as you’re planning on staying for a while, the longer you leave it, the harder it will get.’

‘The voice of reason?’

David’s smile was small, but it radiated kindness. ‘If you like.’

‘I’ll sleep on it.’

‘Good—and speaking of sleep, how about I get you back to your hotel?’

‘Nice segue, Dr Montgomery.’

‘Thank you, Dr Caplan.’

As they left the restaurant, Eden realised the temperature had dropped. It still didn’t compare to the wintry weather in the Ukraine, but it was cool enough to make her shiver. Without a word, David slipped off his jacket and placed it around her shoulders.

‘Thank you.’ They’d taken but a few steps when Eden tripped, but David quickly steadied her. ‘Sorry. I told you I wasn’t too good at walking in high heels.’

‘I remember.’ He had his arm about her waist and decided it was probably easier to keep her warm and support her by leaving it there. Glad he’d found a logical reason to hold her close, to torture himself with her soft body against his, he started them on their way back to her hotel. When they stopped at a pedestrian crossing, Eden leaned against him, closing her eyes and breathing in deeply.

‘Mmm. You smell like you,’ she mumbled, and he realised she was getting sleepier by the minute…and more difficult to resist.

‘We’re almost there.’ He put his other arm around her, holding her firmly as they waited for the light to change. He closed his eyes and tucked her head farther into his chest, breathing her in. Eden. Gorgeous, impetuous, delectable Eden. He’d been hard pressed the whole night long to stop himself from doing what he was doing now…holding her close.

He ignored the rational side of his mind—just this once—not wanting to be bothered about analysing exactly what this meant. Instead he allowed himself the luxury of simply enjoying her being this close, snuggled into him, resting sleepily against his chest. Even all those years ago he’d never held her like this, and although they were now surrounded by the sounds and colours of city life it didn’t seem to matter.

The fact that she fitted perfectly into his arms, that her body moulded against his as though they’d been made for each other, did matter—and it was something he knew he’d get used to far too quickly. He’d been surprised and then touched when she’d told him how much she’d missed him the year after he’d left Sydney.

Feeling jostled from behind, David opened his eyes and belatedly realised that they’d missed their turn at the lights. Eden was now dozing against him, her exceedingly long day finally catching up with her. The need to protect this woman surged within him once more, and as he watched the traffic flow by he knew the feelings he was trying to deny wouldn’t stay hidden for ever.

When the lights turned green, he managed to rouse her long enough to get her across the road, into her hotel and in the lift up to her room. ‘Where’s your key, Eden?’

She sighed as she leaned into him, and mumbled something which sounded like ‘purse’. He took it from her hands and found the swipe card to open the door. He managed to prop the door open, but by that time she was barely able to stand on her feet. It appeared jet lag had finally hit, and he sympathised with her.

Lifting her into his arms, he carried her over the threshold and into the room, thankful that the maids had been round to turn down the bed. He slipped his jacket from her shoulders, then laid her down before removing her shoes and the clip from her hair. She snuggled instantly into the pillow and David folded the bedcovers over her.

He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. ‘I missed you, too.’ He brushed her hair from her face, his fingers grazing the softness of her skin. The touch electrified him and he quickly stepped back, looking at the sleeping woman, his heart pounding out a tattoo.

Never had he felt this way about any woman, and that was a scary thought. She was Sasha’s best friend, she was Hal’s daughter and she would soon become a temporary hospital employee. To become more involved with Eden would not only hurt her…it would hurt him as well.

CHAPTER FIVE

THE next morning Eden woke to the incessant ringing of the phone beside her. Reaching out, she grabbed the receiver and lifted it to her ear.

‘Hello?’ she mumbled, her eyes still closed, the remnants of an incredible dream involving David Montgomery swirling around in her mind.

‘Wakey, wakey. Rise and shine,’ a deep, rich voice said down the line. It sounded just like David, and she snuggled deeper beneath the covers, thinking she was still dreaming.

‘Hmm. Instead of me rising, why don’t you come over and I’ll show you how we can both shine together.’

‘Eden!’

He lowered his voice, and she chuckled at the veiled desire she could hear threaded through his tone. She’d always been able to razz David up. It had been one of her favourite things to do, and she was enjoying the way he now seemed to be accepting her teasing and wanting her to continue. Mmm, this was a very good dream. A little more intricate than the ones she usually had about him, but still, she wasn’t going to quibble with her imagination.

Her laughter ended on a sigh. ‘I’ve missed you, David. Why do you have to be so far away? Come and cuddle me. I know you’ve always wanted to cuddle me, to hold me close in a nice big bed.’ She knew her bed in the PMA dorm wasn’t what you would call big, but they could squeeze in.

‘Eden…’

Her fuzzy mind started to wake a little, and she idly wondered when she’d had a phone installed beside her bed. There was the phone in the corridor outside her room. That was the one which usually rang at all hours. She frowned and opened one eye, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Where was she? Her mind frantically began to sift through the last memories she could recall as she moved in the bed, discovering that it was indeed big.

‘Sasha!’ She sat up suddenly, remembering where she was and why.

‘Sasha’s fine,’ David said down the line. ‘Are you all right?’ There was concern in his tone and Eden closed her eyes in embarrassment as she recalled exactly what she’d just said to him. Hopefully, though, he’d think she was just being her usual teasing self—yet in actual fact she’d been serious…seriously dreaming of him. Again.

‘Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. I’m OK. So…what time is it?’ She turned to look at the digital display on the hotel clock. ‘After ten! My goodness. I didn’t realise it was as late as that. Poor Sasha. I said I’d have breakfast with her.’

David chuckled. ‘Perhaps you could make it lunch instead? At any rate, if you’re able to come in to the ward to sign a few papers, your VMO status can be finalised.’

‘That was quick.’

‘I need your expertise, Eden.’

‘Oh?’ She smiled, taking his words out of context. ‘Do you, now?’ Her tone was rich and saucy, and she heard him breathe heavily into the phone.

‘And then, later on today, I thought I might take you to see your family.’

She pouted. ‘You don’t play fair.’

‘Neither do you. How are you feeling? Still fuzzy from the jet lag?’

Eden thought for a moment, then looked down at what she was wearing. ‘I’m still in my dress.’ The words were said with total surprise.

‘Do you remember much about last night?’

‘Of course I do. Except for getting back to the hotel. That’s all a bit blurry.’

‘You were exhausted.’

‘I take it you were the one to tuck me safely up in bed?’

‘Well, it was a toss-up between myself and the night concierge, but he was a bit of a weakling and wasn’t strong enough to carry you.’

‘You carried me?’

‘It was either that or let you sleep in a puddle on the floor.’

‘I guess thanks are in order, then—both for not leaving me in a puddle and for tucking me safely into bed.’ She leaned back against the pillows. ‘Thank you, David.’

‘You’re welcome, Eden. Now, what time can I expect you in?’

‘You’re all business this morning.’

‘Some of us have to work.’ There was something in his tone which let her know that things might not be going the way he’d hoped.

‘Dart?’

‘No change. It’s so odd. I’m going to order the MRI.’

‘Can we get him put into a private room? If his symptoms are puzzling, then perhaps he should be isolated.’

‘Yes. I was thinking along those lines, too. If possible, I’d like you there for the MRI.’

‘Let me know what time and I’ll be there…Well, after you tell me where the MRI unit is situated, that is.’

‘Thank you, Eden.’

‘OK. I’d better ring Sasha and apologise for sleeping through our breakfast date.’

‘She’s at Physio at the moment, but I told her that you were exhausted last night.’

Eden raised her eyebrows at this news. ‘Sash knows we went out to dinner?’

‘Yes. Anything wrong with two old friends enjoying a meal together?’

She smiled at his words. ‘No. Nothing at all—so long as you don’t think it was only two old friends enjoying a meal together. From what I remember, there was quite a bit of flirting going on, too.’

‘You’re the expert.’

‘I am.’

‘So…I’ll see you soon?’

‘Give me half an hour and I’ll meet you on the ward.’

‘Half an hour? To get ready and walk to the hospital?’

‘I’m used to moving quickly,’ she supplied.

‘See you then.’ David replaced the receiver and leaned back in his chair. She was definitely moving quickly—moving quickly into his mind, into his heart, into his life. From the instant he’d laid eyes on her he’d found it increasingly difficult not to think about her. After holding her so close last night, feeling the softness of her skin, the silkiness of her hair…it had been impossible not to dream about her.

It was just the way it had been all those years ago—the way he’d thought about her, looked forward to spending time with her even though she’d been helping him study. Never before or since had study been so…evocative. Having her quiz him on the bones of the body whilst her scent had surrounded him. The way her laughter would mesmerise him if he got the answer wrong. How she’d lie on the floor with her sexy legs resting on his bed, medical textbooks surrounding her auburn locks as exhaustion started to set in.

Back then he would dream about her every night, which hadn’t helped with his concentration when it came to actually sitting the exam. Now, though, he and Eden were adults. They had no parental interference, they’d qualified, had their careers firmly on track. It should all seem so simple. But it wasn’t. He’d had one failed marriage and there was no point in even pursuing another one given that the outcome would be the same.

Women wanted children. Eden would want children. He couldn’t give them to her, which meant she was better off with someone else. The problem was he was having a difficult time following through on his own plan. How hard was it to keep his distance from her?

Apparently very hard, because right now he was watching the clock, waiting for the next half hour to pass as quickly as it possibly could. He was still stunned at how open she’d been with him last night, telling him about her darkest time overseas. What was gnawing at him now was that he’d had an equally dark point, which had changed his life, and there was no way he wanted her to know.

As it stood, Jacqueline was the only person who knew what had happened to him—and that was only because she’d been there when the verdict of his sterility had been passed. His parents, Sasha, none of his closest friends had any idea of the accident he’d been involved in almost seven years ago.

He’d dealt with it. He didn’t need to rehash old war wounds with Eden. Besides, despite what he was feeling for her, he knew deep down she wouldn’t stay in Sydney. She was a lone reed, blowing where the wind took her, helping people who needed help. Right now that was Sasha, but he was sure that once Sasha was back to her old self Eden would leave again.

Was that why he’d been wanting her to make peace with her family? To give her stronger ties and keep her coming back to Sydney? David shook his head. Eden needed to heal the rift with her parents if for no other reason than to help take away some of the sadness he’d seen behind her eyes.

The protectiveness surged within him again, and he knew if he didn’t stop just sitting around thinking about her, he’d get nothing accomplished before she arrived at the hospital. He looked at the clock and groaned. He’d wasted another ten minutes thinking about Eden. The woman was trouble…but it was a trouble he was drawn to.

‘Hi, Francie,’ Eden said as she walked towards the nurses’ station. ‘How are things this morning?’

‘Frantic,’ Francie replied. ‘I have an eleven-year-old girl suffering from an eating disorder in Room 3, refusing to let me put a drip in.’ Francie gathered supplies as she spoke. The phone was ringing, but someone else quickly answered it, and two sets of visitors had just come into the ward.

‘Want a hand?’

Francie looked at her, a little protective, and Eden quickly continued, ‘I have dealt with this sort of problem before. Unfortunately anorexia nervosa and bulimia are disorders the world over.’

‘OK. If you can convince her to let me put the drip into her arm, then I’ll be mighty grateful.’

‘Room 3?’ Eden pointed to the left.

Francie nodded. ‘Rooms 2 and 3 have cameras in them. Sometimes it’s necessary for the patients own wellbeing that we monitor them at all times.’

‘I understand completely.’ The two women headed into the room, where Eden was introduced to Chelsea. ‘Hi. I’m Eden. I’m a paediatrician.’

‘I haven’t seen you before.’ Chelsea’s sunken eyes looked uninterestedly at Eden for a moment, before moving to gaze out of the window once more.

‘I’m only a visiting doctor here. I usually work overseas.’

‘Yeah?’ The tone was still bland, but Eden managed to pick up something else. The smallest hint of interest. She guessed Chelsea wanted to know more, but she certainly wasn’t going to ask. If she didn’t interact with those people trying to help her, then it was easier to hear the voices in her mind—the voices which told her not to eat.

‘I’ve been all over Europe, and to China, India and Argentina. I’ve worked in Ethiopia, Africa, and until recently I was in the Ukraine.’

‘Yeah?’ That same tone, but this time Chelsea was looking at Eden as she spoke. If she could keep it up, establish some sort of bond with Chelsea, then that would be the first hurdle over. She wanted to make it clear to Chelsea that she was only here temporarily, that she wasn’t a permanent employee of the hospital or some specialist brought in to talk to her. Sometimes if patients knew you weren’t going to be around for long they would more often than not open up and tell you things they wouldn’t tell their local doctor.

Eden felt David’s presence behind her. She had no idea whether he was in the room or just outside the door, but she knew instinctively he was there. A small, delightful shiver of awareness trickled throughout her body, and whilst she wanted nothing more than to turn around and drink him in, she pushed her impatience aside and focused on the girl before her.

‘Travelling is great. I love it. So many places to see. So many things to do. So many adventures to have.’ Eden smiled as she remembered her last trip to Egypt. ‘Do you know where Cairo is?’

‘Duh! Egypt.’

That one answer was enough to show Eden that this girl had a desire…and one desire was all it might take to get her back on the rails again. Most eleven-year-olds had no idea where Cairo was, but it appeared Miss Chelsea was quite a smart little cookie.

‘Right—well, the last time I was there I was in a market and there were lots of pushy men trying to sell me things. One wanted me to buy watches, another had scarves, some had food, but one very pushy salesman wanted me to buy a carpet—a rug.’ Eden came around the bed and sat down on the edge. Chelsea shifted away from her. It didn’t matter, though, because she was still looking at Eden. ‘Now, you might not think anything was wrong with buying a carpet. He even tried to tell me that his carpets were of the flying variety.’

Chelsea scoffed at that idea. ‘A flying carpet! Did they think you were dumb?’

Eden smiled. ‘I must have looked it. Anyway, I was looking at one carpet that was hanging up, admiring the work and the pattern, when I thought I saw something move to my right. I looked over, but all I could see were other carpets, rolled up in a big, bulky way. I went back to my study of the carpet I was considering buying. And just then…’ Eden leaned forward, her voice dropping a notch or two ‘…I heard a noise.’

Chelsea’s eyes widened with interest. ‘What sort of noise?’

‘It’s hard to describe, but it was sort of like a far-off sound of someone talking—sort of muffled talking. It was really strange. The carpet seller tried to cough to cover up the noise, and it was then I realised that I had heard something.’

‘Otherwise he wouldn’t have tried to cover it up.’ Chelsea spoke with authority, but Eden was just pleased she had the girl’s attention.

‘Exactly. So I pointed to the rug which was rolled up on the ground, and I said, in my bravest voice, “I’d like to see this one, please.” Well, the owner tried to talk me out of it, pointing to other rugs and different carpets hanging up, already unrolled, giving me excuses and telling me he couldn’t unroll it because it was too heavy and would take too long. He wanted me to buy, and buy quickly. He was becoming quite insistent.’

‘What did you do?’

‘I kept pointing to the one which was rolled up. “I want to see this one,” I kept saying, and he kept trying to put me off. He was all dressed in robes, but as he moved I saw the folds of material shift back and noticed there was a gun in a holster on his back.’

‘What?’ Chelsea was in shock. ‘Oh, my gosh! What did you do?’

‘I kept insisting I wanted to see the rolled-up carpet, and in the end I actually leaned down and started to push the carpet so I could roll it out. He hadn’t been joking when he’d said it was heavy, but I persisted—even though he was trying to stop me, to pull me off.’

‘But he might have shot you!’

‘I know, but by then, we’d caused such a scene that other tourists had stopped to see what was going on. At first I think they thought it was a theatrical performance.’ Eden shook her head and Chelsea rolled her eyes.

‘Dumb.’

Eden smiled. ‘Anyway, I kept rolling the carpet out, and as I did I realised that the reason I’d seen the carpet move and the reason why I thought I’d heard muffled yelling was because there was a man rolled up in the rug!’

Chelsea was dumbstruck, blinking her eyes several times in disbelief. ‘Well? What happened?’

‘The man who was in the carpet jumped to his feet, gasping for air and shouting at the carpet-seller in their native language. Then the carpet man pulled out his own gun and pointed it at the carpet-seller.’

‘What did you do?’

‘I kept asking them both to stop, but I don’t speak Arabic all that fluently, and there are so many different dialects I wasn’t quite sure what I was saying. For all I know I was asking how much it was to buy a camel!’ She laughed at her own silliness.

‘Well…what happened next?’ It was a deep, masculine voice that asked the question, and Eden turned to see both Francie and David as mesmerised by her story as Chelsea.

‘Oh…yes. Well, obviously no one got shot—especially not me, because I’m still here—but it turned out the man who had been rolled up was a spy.’

Chelsea was so excited at this information that she clapped her hands. ‘A real spy? You’ve met a real spy!’

‘I have. His name was Tony.’

‘Tony?’ Chelsea scoffed. ‘That doesn’t sound like a spy name. It should have been James or Ranulf or something exotic.’

‘Perhaps it wasn’t his real name. Either way, he used my phone to call some of his colleagues and they came and took the carpet-seller away. Tony took me out for a drink—non-alcoholic, of course—to say thank you for saving his life.’

‘Was he good-looking?’

‘Tony?’ Eden thought for a moment before shrugging. ‘He wasn’t classically handsome, but he was a nice man.’ She glanced to her right and saw David shifting uncomfortably. She worked hard at hiding her smile. Surely he wasn’t jealous? But it wouldn’t hurt if he was. After almost admitting that she’d been dreaming about him this morning, she’d come to the conclusion that she should pursue the attraction which existed between them to see where it led. That was if David would let her.

‘You’ve met a spy.’ Chelsea’s words brought her attention back into the room. ‘A real spy. I can’t believe it.’

‘Neither could I—but, as I said, travelling means you can have lots of adventures.’

Chelsea sighed and leaned back against her pillows. ‘Have you had lots more?’

‘Oh, I’ve had plenty—and I have the promise of still more to come.’ She glanced at David again as she spoke. He would definitely be an adventure.

‘Will you come and tell me some more later?’

Eden smiled warmly. ‘I’d love to. I’ll see if I can find some photographs as well.’

‘Do you have one of Tony?’

Eden shook her head. ‘No, I don’t. But I do have his telephone number, and he told me that if I was ever in Egypt again, or in a tight spot, to give him a call.’

‘He’ll rescue you.’ Chelsea clasped her hands together in the way that young girls did when they thought something was romantic.

‘Let’s hope I’m not in a position to need rescuing. Anyway…’ Eden stood from the bed. ‘Francie’s going to put a drip in your arm now, and I want you try and keep it in until I come tomorrow. Think you can manage that?’

Chelsea’s eyes lost their brilliance within an instant, but she reluctantly agreed.

‘I’ll tell you all about how I met a sheikh of Dubai.’

‘Where’s Dubai?’

‘Why don’t you try and find out before tomorrow? I’m sure Francie could find an atlas for you to look at.’

‘Certainly,’ Francie said as she set things up.

‘Great. OK, Chelsea. I’ll see you later.’ Eden smiled at the child as she walked from the room, David close behind her.

‘That was quite a story,’ he murmured as they reached the nurses’ station. ‘Is it true?’

‘Every word.’

David shook his head. ‘Still getting into mischief.’

Eden smiled sweetly up at him and fluttered her eyelashes. ‘You weren’t there to stop me. My knight in shining armour.’ She clutched her hands to her chest as Chelsea had done, and sighed theatrically.

‘You do that well.’

She dropped the pretence. ‘Thank you. Besides, I didn’t go looking for mischief—as you call it. Tony probably would have suffocated if I hadn’t happened along. He was wrapped really tight.’

‘Was he really not that good-looking?’ The words were out before he could stop them. That seemed to be happening to him a lot lately.

Eden glanced up at him, astonished he’d asked the question but pleased he had. It showed he was interested in her, and it was just what she needed right at that moment. ‘I’m not that shallow, David. I look at the person on the inside rather than what’s on the outside.’

‘Of course.’

‘But for the record…’ She took a step closer and brushed her fingers through his hair, grazing the top of his ear. ‘He was nowhere near as good-looking as you.’

David swallowed, feeling exposed and uncomfortable and yet delighted at her words. He took her hand in his own and lowered it. ‘Not here.’

She waggled her eyebrows at him. ‘Then where?’

‘Eden. We need to work. To focus.’

‘I am focused.’ She edged closer to him, bringing her other hand up to touch his hair, but he caught it before she got there.

‘On work.’

‘Oh. On work. Well, of course I’ll focus on work…if you’d be so kind as to stop holding my hands.’ She chuckled as he let go of her wrists.

‘Maybe I should have let you sleep? It would have been an easier day.’

‘Maybe you should have kissed me goodnight last night, because then we’d both be having an easier day.’ Her tone was deep, rich and seductive, low enough for only David to hear.

‘How do you know I didn’t?’

Eden’s eyes widened at this, but she knew that David would never have taken advantage of her. He just wasn’t that sort of man. He always did the right thing, and last night wouldn’t have been the exception. It did, however, present the most perfect opportunity for her to turn the flirting up by a notch or two. ‘You did? Darn. That means I missed it. Well, there’s nothing for it but a do-over.’

‘A do-over? Do I want to know what that is?’

Eden winked at him and swished her hips. ‘Oh, honey.’ She nodded slowly. ‘You’ll want to know, all right.’

David closed his eyes for a second, determined to find some semblance of control. ‘Why don’t you go see Sasha? Say hello, get your giggles out, and then come back when you’re ready to work.’

‘I’ll do that—and then I promise to really work it.’

‘Eden!’

She smiled warmly at him as she left the ward, then stopped and called over her shoulder. ‘Have Dart moved into Room 2.’

‘Why Room 2?’

‘Just a hunch. Room 2—OK?’

He nodded and watched her walk away, her hips swishing in a way he was positive was designed to drive him crazy. It was working.

CHAPTER SIX

WHEN David knocked on her hotel door that night, he wasn’t sure which version of Eden was going to be answering the door. Was it going to be Dr Eden—the dedicated paediatrician who also seemed to be a minor miracle-worker? Was it going to be nervous Eden—the one who really wanted to see her family, but wasn’t quite sure? Or was it going to be flirty Eden—the one who could tie him up in knots with one simple smouldering look from those amazing green eyes of hers?

He hoped it was either of the first two, as he was sure if she opened the door dressed in nothing more than a hotel robe, her come hither eyes inviting him in, he wouldn’t be held responsible for his actions.

After Eden had spent some time with Sasha, she’d returned to the paediatric ward ready to concentrate. He’d been most appreciative of it, and of her help. She saw things differently and seemed able to read people, knowing instinctively what sort of help they needed to ensure their recovery.

Young Chelsea was a prime example. When he’d walked into that room and seen Chelsea listening eagerly to the story Eden was telling, he’d been surprised at how different the child had looked. There had been no problems afterwards with Francie getting the drip in place, and when Eden had returned from visiting Sasha she’d had a large atlas beneath her arm.

‘Borrowed from the hospital library,’ she’d declared as she’d handed it to Francie. She’d assisted with Dart’s transfer to Room 2, and when David had enquired of Eden what her hunch might be regarding the young boy, she’d merely put a finger over her lips and shaken her head.

‘I never discuss my hunches,’ she’d whispered.

‘Why not?’

‘Because things always go wrong if I do.’

Her answer hadn’t made any sense to him, but he didn’t care. If she could solve the riddle of why Dart’s health was up and down like a yo-yo, then he’d leave her to her hunches.

She’d done an informal ward round with him, meeting the other patients on the ward, talking to mothers, cuddling some of the toddlers who’d held out their arms to her. It was as though she wore a perfume which made everyone she came into contact with relaxed and happy. It didn’t matter whether children were having serious treatment or were just in for a broken bone. They seemed to flock to her and she absorbed all of it, giving back twice as much as she received.

David frowned as he looked at the closed door, wondering why she hadn’t opened it yet. He knocked again, a little louder this time. Had she backed out? He’d been delighted when she’d said she’d visit her parents, even if she would only go if he went too. The last thing he needed was more time in Eden’s company.

‘Sorry.’ The door was opened a moment later. ‘I’m on the phone.’ She indicated the mobile at her ear. ‘Won’t be long,’ she said softly. ‘Sorry, Jett. You were saying?’

David walked in, looking around the room he’d carried her into last night. Now that the lights were on, he could see two suitcases, still half-packed, and other clothes lying about the room, over chairs and the end of the bed. Eden climbed onto the bed and sat cross-legged in the middle, leaning back against the pillows.

‘You’ll need to figure out what she’s allergic to first. This reaction isn’t normal.’ She paused. ‘Yes, I understand you can’t stop all treatments, but at least ease off on perhaps two and see if the rash clears. Is it an eczema type of rash or—?’ She listened to her colleague, but watched as David seemed to prowl about the room.

‘Have a seat,’ she whispered. David shrugged, as though he wasn’t sure where to sit. ‘Just throw those clothes into the suitcase.’ She watched him do as she suggested, smiling when he placed everything neatly and gently on top of her bags. It was so…David.

‘What about zinc? If you stop two of her meds and put her on zinc?’ She frowned. ‘Of course there’s zinc. It’s one of the minerals we can get. At least requisition some, and you’ll get it in about a week’s time.’ She listened again, still watching David as he leafed through the hotel’s compendium. ‘Oh, David might know. Just a second and I’ll ask him.’

He looked up at her. ‘Problem?’

‘We have a patient—eight-year-old girl who’s developed a rash.’ Eden gave him the rundown on what medications the girl was taking and the other particulars he needed to know in order to help her out.

‘What about a straight course of antibiotics?’

‘Tried that. Worked for about two days and then the rash came back. Next?’

‘Steroidial ointment?’

‘Can’t get it for another two weeks. Next?’

‘Umm…Is she itching?’

‘Yes.’

‘I like your idea about zinc. Zinc is good for skin problems.’

‘Anything else you can think of? Think natural medicines if at all possible. It’s easier to get our hands on them than pharmaceutical products.’

‘Do you think the rash is food related? Drug related?’

Eden checked with Jett. ‘Possibility of both,’ she returned.

‘The problem might actually be with the gut rather than anything else. If it’s food related, check what she’s eaten, and if it’s drug related, the acids in her stomach might either be reacting to it or might not be able to break it down properly.’

‘Yes. Yes. Good idea.’ Eden related this information to Jett, and within another minute or two she was off the phone. ‘Thank you. I appreciate it, and so does Jett.’

‘Is he a colleague in the Ukraine?’

‘He is. He’s the one who speaks the language most fluently, so we all tend to fight over him when we need things translated.’ She smiled. ‘I mean literally fight over him. One time Lauren and I had an arm each, and we were tugging poor Jett in two different directions whilst arguing over who needed him first and why.’

‘Who won?’

‘Tarvon. He’s a doctor from Tarparnii. He’s absolutely huge and he just put both hands on Jett’s shoulders and practically lifted him off the floor. It shocked us all—especially poor Jett.’

Her grin was wide and bright, her eyes shining with the memory, and she looked stunning. For the first time since he’d seen her again she wasn’t wearing a skirt or dress. Instead she wore a pair of denim jeans and a pale pink knit top. The colour should be all wrong to wear with hair so deep and rich, yet Eden carried it off to perfection.

When he just stood there, looking at her, Eden’s smile started to change. ‘David?’

‘Hmm? Yes?’

‘Are you all right?’

He shifted and realised she’d caught him staring. It wasn’t the first time she’d caught him today, and he knew, as he found it difficult not to watch her every chance he got, it wouldn’t be the last.

‘Of course.’

‘You know, if you keep looking at me as though you want to eat me up, I might just have to let you.’

‘Now, Eden. Don’t sta—’

‘Start? Too late, David. This thing between us started over twelve years ago, and while we’ve both had our own experiences you have to admit it’s quite astonishing to find the chemistry between us still alive and kicking.’

‘It doesn’t mean we need to act upon it.’

‘We might if my heart-rate doesn’t settle down. Whenever I’m around you it’s as though it’s beating out a samba.’ She took a step towards him, closing the distance. ‘You wouldn’t want me to be having palpitations now, would you, Doctor?’

‘Eden.’

‘You’re a caring doctor. One who has his patients’ best interests at heart.’ She continued to advance slowly, her steps small but sure, until she came to stand before him. He wanted to step back, to put more space between them, but he knew she’d follow him around the small hotel room.

‘You’re not my patient.’ He looked down into her face, his voice deep and husky. If she’d had any doubts as to whether or not he wanted her to stop, they were dispelled in that instant. Hearing the repressed desire, seeing it in his eyes, noticing the way his hands were clenched into fists at his sides, as though he was trying desperately not to touch her, Eden knew he wanted to kiss her just as much as she wanted him to.

‘Do I need to make the first move?’ she whispered, her breath fanning over him, her alluring scent drawing him in. David placed his hands onto her shoulders, mainly to stop her from coming closer, to stop her from pressing her body against his—because if she did that, he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist. Holding her close last night when she’d been asleep had been torture enough. It was ten times more acute now that she was awake.

‘Eden. We can’t.’

‘Why not? You want to, David. I can see it in your eyes.’

‘Of course I want to kiss you, to see what it’s like, to see if the magic is still there, but I can’t.’ The grip of his hands on her shoulders intensified a little. ‘I can’t do that to you.’

‘I don’t understand. You admit you’re attracted, and we both want it. We like each other—we’re friends. We’ve been dreaming about this moment for a very long time, both eager for the command performance. I think we’re ready.’

‘I don’t.’

‘But you’ve just said that—’

David dropped his hands and stepped around her, making sure their bodies didn’t touch. He walked towards the door, putting space between them, his back to her.

‘David?’

He closed his eyes, hearing her confusion. It was just as it had been twelve years ago, when he’d been forced to break her heart. She’d said his name then, too. With the same tinge of hurt and confusion lacing that one word as it did now.

‘Talk to me. Tell me why we can’t at least see where this incredible thing between us might lead?’

‘Because I know where it will lead, Eden. I’ve been down that road and it wasn’t pretty.’

‘What road? Your parents aren’t involved in your life any more. They can’t control what you do.’

‘It’s not my parents I’m talking about. I’m talking about serious relationships.’ He turned then, looking at her, holding her gaze. ‘You’re too special to Sasha, too special to your family and too special to…’ He stopped and swallowed before continuing, his tone a little more intense. ‘You’re too special to me.’

‘For what? What are you talking about? It’s good that I’m special to you. Isn’t it?’

‘Eden, I’ve had one failed marriage.’

‘Marriage?’ Her eyes widened at the word.

‘I’m not a safe bet when it comes to serious relationships. We’re both better off right now if we just ignore whatever exists between us and leave it at that.’

‘David? You’re not talking sense.’

‘To kiss you would only draw us both in further. We know that. This thing between us is strong, stronger than anything I’ve ever felt before, and that in itself is reason enough why we shouldn’t pursue it.’ He laughed without humour and raked a hand through his hair. ‘If my feelings for you are greater than they were for my ex-wife, then we’re both in for a bucket-load of pain, and I don’t want to hurt you.’

‘I’m too special?’

‘Exactly.’

‘What happened in your marriage, David? Talk to me. Tell me. We’re friends first and foremost. Surely you can trust me?’

‘It’s not a matter of trust, Eden.’

‘I think it is. What went wrong? You know, it could have just been that you were married to the wrong person. You said yourself that you were sort of pressured into marriage by your parents, so it can’t have been right in the first place. I’m different. I’m special, and you have stronger feelings for me. That’s a good thing. Right?’ She took a step towards him, but he equalled it by taking one back. ‘And besides, your parents don’t even like me, so there’s no way they’ll ever pressure you to marry me.’ She shook her head. ‘Not that I’m suggesting we get married. Nor am I trying to pressure you into marriage—or anything else for that matter.’

‘You’re not? You’re not trying to pressure me into kissing you?’

She shook her head sadly and sighed. ‘No. I don’t want to pressure you to do anything, David. I would, however, prefer it if you wanted to kiss me. Or even if you wanted to talk to me, to tell me what happened to break up your marriage—because from what you’re saying I’m getting the feeling that it was much more than the reasons you’ve stated.’

He looked away and shook his head. ‘I should have remembered I’m with a woman who can read other people like a book.’

‘Hey—it’s instinctive. It’s like a gift. I didn’t ask for it. I’ve had it most of my life.’ She shrugged. ‘I just understand people.’ She smiled at him a little sadly. ‘Most of the time.’

‘Yet you’re still trying to find out who you are.’ His words were a statement of fact.

‘And it appears you have the gift too.’

‘No.’ David shook his head. ‘I just know you, Eden, and I see a lot of unhappiness behind your eyes.’

‘Then why not help me with that by kissing me? That would definitely make me happy.’

He was thankful the tension in the room had returned to a more reasonable level, and he gave her a lopsided grin. ‘This is you not pressuring me?’

‘I’m not pressuring. I’m cajoling. They’re two very different things.’

David stood there for a second before sliding his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. She hadn’t missed the way he’d looked when he’d strolled into her room. Casual black jeans, white shirt and dark jacket. Simple, solid, and downright sexy. Even now her fingers itched to touch him, to feel the firm contours of his chest beneath her splayed hands.

‘Don’t look at me like that.’ His words were combined with a gravelly thread of want and desire, and it was then Eden realised she was giving him the once-over with her eyes.

‘Sorry. I can’t help it that I like looking at you.’

He clenched his jaw tightly. ‘We need to go. Your family is waiting.’

Eden closed her eyes. ‘Don’t remind me.’

‘If you don’t want to go, if you’re not ready yet, you can always cancel,’ he suggested, trying to be helpful.

‘No. I need to do this. It’s like ripping off a sticking plaster. The sooner I do it, the sooner it’s over and done with. It’s the right thing to do, regardless of the unwelcome reception I’ll no doubt receive. I need to do this for my sake, for my peace of mind.’

‘You won’t be unwelcome.’ He could see painful memories of the past wash over her, and his protective instinct reared its head again.

‘How do you know? I mean, I’m presuming you’ve told them I’m coming round, right? There would be no point in going to see them if they weren’t home.’

‘They know you’re coming and they want to see you, Eden. Your reception won’t be a cold one,’ he repeated.

‘How do you know?’ she asked again, even though she had an inkling of what the answer might be.

‘I see your father quite a bit.’

‘Is that so?’

David nodded. ‘We play tennis together once a week.’

‘Tennis? You play tennis?’ The image came of him in white shorts and shirt, running around on a court, his muscles bunched and rippling. No wonder he was so toned.

‘You’re missing the point.’

‘I hope you don’t,’ she joked, but he merely gave her a look which she knew of old meant that he wanted her to be serious. ‘Sorry. Nervous humour.’

‘They all miss you, Eden. Especially Todd. They’re all stuck in their daily grind and they need a little light in their lives. You can provide that.’

‘But you will stay with me the whole time, won’t you?’

‘Yes.’

‘Promise?’

‘I promise.’

‘Pinky swear?’ She held out her little finger to him and David couldn’t help but smile at the gesture. He’d seen her and Sasha do their ‘pinky swear’ promises for years. He slipped his little pinky around hers and squeezed, ignoring the way the simplest touch of his skin against hers made his heartbeat pound double-time.

‘Pinky swear,’ he repeated, before quickly letting go. ‘So…ready?’

Eden nodded. ‘As ready as I’ll ever be.’ She collected her purse, ensuring she had the hotel keycard inside, before David held the door open for her. They walked to his car in silence, Eden’s thoughts fixed on the memory of the last time she’d spoken to her father.

Before she’d packed her bags and left, there had been some harsh words spoken, some unforgivable things said. They’d often argued way back then, mainly about the lifestyle her parents had been sucked into and how she had the right to disagree with them. Then she’d been asked to leave.

So she’d squared her shoulders and marched forward into her life—alone. She’d paid for herself to go to medical school, the hard way—without help from Mummy and Daddy. She’d paid off her student loans and was now debt free, doing what she did best—helping other people.

She remained silent on the drive, feeling the warmth of David’s glance on her every now and then, pleased he wasn’t trying to force her into talking. As he turned into Cherry Tree Lane, the street she’d live on for eight years, Eden felt a tightening in the pit of her stomach. He slowed the car down, coming to a complete stop as he parked at the kerb. She looked over at number 17—her parents’ mansion—which was only partially visible due to the large brick wall and iron gates which ringed the property.

‘Eden? Are you OK?’

‘I think so.’ She kept on looking at the house. Funny, she remembered it being bigger. ‘It seems so strange being here.’

‘You know, I’ve never asked, but did you get along with your parents before their big lottery win? Was it just their instant multi-millionaire status which annoyed you?’

‘We got along fine before their win. Well, I was only ten. It was when we moved to this elite neighbourhood that things started going wrong. We didn’t fight, per se, but I guess I baffled them more than anything. There they were, giving me everything I’d ever wanted, everything money could buy, and they couldn’t understand why I wasn’t happy, or why I’d give half of the presents away to others who had nothing. Sometimes, especially during my teenage years, they’d look at me with such puzzlement—as though to say, “Where did she come from?” Todd, however, was more their mould. A real chip off the old block, with a tiny bit of my zaniness thrown in.’

Eden sighed. ‘I guess when I left, he saw that as total desertion.’ She shrugged. ‘But, to answer your question, for the most part even after the big win I thought I got along fine with my parents. They probably wouldn’t agree, as I think I caused them plenty of headaches.’

‘You caused me a few, too.’

She smiled at his words. ‘All I know is I was glad it was you who came down to the local police station to bail Sasha and I out after we were arrested for protesting and not my dad. I doubt I ever would have heard the end of it.’

‘You’re just lucky they were all out of town at a charity event and I knew the guy behind the desk at the police station.’ David shook his head, remembering. It had been a week before he’d left—a week before his father had decided to change their worlds. ‘Why were you arrested again?’

‘For chaining ourselves to the front of a heritage building they were going to knock down. And I’ll have you know that building still stands. I saw it when I came into town.’

‘Another one of Eden’s victories?’

‘Yes.’

‘So it was all worth it then?’

‘Absolutely. Although I think being put in a gaol cell was almost the final straw for poor Sasha. For years I’d been dragging her along with my crazy antics, but while we were sitting on the small bed in the cell she looked at me and said, quietly and calmly, “You’re my best friend, Eden, but being in here does upset me a little.”’ Eden laughed at the memory. ‘Poor Sasha. She wasn’t in tears or hysterical or anything, but she was mildly upset about being in there in the first place. After that she only came along to my protests when she agreed with them, and never again were we locked in a gaol cell together.’

‘Well, that’s good news.’ She had her hands clasped together in her lap and he could tell by the way she was talking non-stop that she was nervous. ‘It’s time,’ he said softly. He’d given her a few minutes in the car, not wanting to rush her, but he knew if she had her way they might sit in the car all night long.

‘Yes.’ She nodded, but didn’t move.

David climbed from the car and came around to open her door. Still she didn’t move.

‘Eden?’

‘Hmm? Oh, right. Time to go in.’ She unclasped her seat belt and stepped from the car as childhood memories began to return. She looked up and down the street, noticing the size of the trees and how much the bricks in the wall had aged. ‘Don’t you think it’s odd that Cherry Tree Lane doesn’t actually have any cherry trees in it?’

‘I do,’ he replied as he shut the door after her and locked the car.

‘Who thinks up these street names?’

‘Someone who thought it sounded pretty.’

‘I suppose so.’ She stood on the footpath, noticing the oldfashioned street lamps shining bright beneath the starry sky which was starting to darken. Eden closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply, the scents of her childhood returning.

‘All right, all right—enough stalling.’ David took her hand in his, giving it a small tug. ‘You’ve looked, you’ve smelt. Time to move.’

She opened her eyes and grimaced at him. ‘No fooling you, is there?’

‘No, and you’ll do well to remember that. Now, come on.’

Her legs felt like lead as she walked stiffly beside him. ‘Remember you promised to stay with me?’

‘I will.’

‘You won’t leave me alone with anyone?’

‘Not unless it’s what you want.’ They were almost at the gate, where she knew David would press the intercom button and announce their arrival.

‘What if they don’t let me in? Don’t tell them I’m here. Just say it’s you,’ she said quickly.

‘They know you’re coming, Eden.’

‘Fine.’

‘Can we please just make it to the other side of the gate?’ David pressed the button and announced his name. A moment later an electronic buzz sounded and the gate opened.

‘And make sure you take me back to my hotel. I don’t want to stay here. I won’t be pressured.’

‘I promise to take you back to the hotel.’

They were walking up the path which would lead directly to the front door. How many times had she climbed over the brick wall and ran helter-skelter across the grass, sometimes dodging the sprinklers, other times strolling through them, especially on hot days? ‘Wow, the ground looks really dry.’

‘Water restrictions.’

‘I know, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad for some reason.’

‘We’ve had quite a few dry summers.’

They were almost at the door, and Eden’s grip tightened on David’s hand. She pulled him to a stop at the bottom of the steps. ‘It will be all right, won’t it?’

He took both her hands in his and gave them a little squeeze. ‘It’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. It’s time.’

‘Yes. It’s time.’ She could hear footsteps approaching the front door, and David held her gaze.

‘Best behaviour, now. No picking fights. This is a time for reconciliation.’

Eden didn’t say anything, but watched as the front door opened and she came face to face with her father.

They stood there, staring at each other for a brief moment, before her father shocked her completely by throwing his arms about her and embracing her so fiercely she thought she might pass out.

‘Eden? Is it really you?’

She clung even tighter to David’s hand, giving it pulsing squeezes.

‘You might want to loosen up there, Hal. She still needs oxygen,’ he drawled.

‘Oh, right. Sure. Come in. Come in.’ He stepped back, allowing them to enter the wide entrance hall. ‘David’s here,’ he announced to the house in general. ‘And he’s brought a special friend. We didn’t tell Todd,’ he said more quietly.

‘Why not?’

Hal shrugged. ‘He may not have been here if we had.’

Eden had expected the pain, she’d known it would come, but she hadn’t expected it to hurt this much. ‘I see.’

‘I’m sorry, Eden. That came out rather abruptly. Todd’s a busy man now. He has his own life.’ Hal tried to justify things as best he could.

‘It’s OK, Dad.’

‘It’s good to hear you call me that.’ Her father smiled and reached out to take her hand. It was then he realised that one of them was still being firmly held by David. He glanced quickly at one and then the other, before clearing his throat and leading them into the living room. ‘Come in. Please come in. Todd?’ he bellowed.

‘I’m coming.’ The sound of her brother’s voice made Eden tense all over again. True, her father’s reaction wasn’t what she’d expected—far from it—but how would her brother react?

‘Hey, David. Did you see the final score? Straight sets,’ Todd commented on his way into the room. When he saw Eden, he merely glanced at her before returning his attention to David, his face expressionless. ‘So? Who’s your friend?’

‘Todd…’ Hal growled.

The pain of rejection pierced her heart. ‘It’s all right, Dad. Todd’s entitled to his feelings.’ He’d certainly grown up. Her brother was indeed a man, and she’d missed it—missed his journey. She couldn’t blame him if he hated her.

‘No. This is a time for celebration. Time to kill the fatted calf.’ He put his arm around Eden and hugged her once more. Still she didn’t let go of David’s hand. It was as though they were fused together. He was her lifeline and she needed him. ‘I have my family together again.’ He let her go and smiled warmly, dropping a brief kiss on her head. ‘Where is your mother?’

‘I’ll get her,’ Todd offered, and quickly left the room.

Eden glanced at David, who nodded encouragingly.

‘Sit down, sit down,’ Hal invited. ‘Your hair is as gorgeous as ever, Eden. Your grandmother had hair that colour. That’s where you inherited your fiery spirit from.’

‘Really?’ She hadn’t ever heard that before.

‘Oh, yes. She caused havoc back in her day. Well, until your grandfather tamed her.’ Hal chuckled. ‘Having a family settled her down. You’ll be the same.’

Eden blinked. ‘Pardon?’

‘Drinks,’ Hal continued. ‘You both need a drink. What will it be?’

‘Iced water would be great,’ David said.

‘Eden?’

‘Er…fine…water’s fine.’

‘Great. Be right back.’

To Eden’s astonishment, her father left the room to go and get them drinks. Where were the servants? The butler opening the door? The maid getting their drinks? Within twelve months of them arriving at this enormous house her father had insisted her mother needed help, and help they’d received. The ‘help’ had increased slowly over the years, until her father had employed a household staff of ten to potter around after them, waiting on them hand and foot. It had been too much for Eden to bear back then, but now there didn’t seem to be a member of staff anywhere. Perhaps it was late? Maybe they’d gone home?

‘I don’t understand,’ she whispered. ‘Where are all the servants?’

‘We don’t have permanent staff any more,’ her mother’s cool, modulated voice came from the doorway and Eden immediately looked her way. Gretchen Caplan was sophistication at its best. If anyone had been born to have money, it was her mother. She was a woman who’d always carried herself with flair and poise, and now, dressed in casual pants and shirt, was no exception. ‘We have a house-cleaner, of course, but that’s only once a week.’

Eden stood, and so did David. ‘Hello, Mum.’

‘Eden.’ Her mother nodded. ‘Please sit. Be comfortable. David, lovely to see you as always.’

‘You too, Gretchen.’

Todd re-entered the room, and a moment later Hal returned with the drinks, handing them out with forced joviality. Eden felt uncomfortable, as she was sure did everyone else. She took a sip of the water and forced a smile, one hand still clinging tightly to David. She was sure she was cutting off his circulation, but he wasn’t saying anything so she pushed that thought from her mind.

‘So,’ her father drawled into the tense silence, ‘tell us what you’ve been doing. Working hard?’

‘Yes. I’ve been…ah…overseas. Working in small villages and orphanages.’ She shrugged. ‘Being a doctor.’ She wasn’t sure what else to say.

‘You’re back for Sasha, I take it?’ her mother said.

‘Yes.’

‘It doesn’t matter about the reason,’ Hal added. ‘She’s here.’

‘It took Sasha to be almost at death’s door to make you come home? What? Couldn’t be bothered making it back for her wedding?’ Todd sneered.

‘That’s enough.’ David’s tone was quiet, yet firm. ‘All four of you are starting to drive me mad. Regardless of the reason why Eden is back in Sydney, the point is she’s back. She has her own life and she’s not accountable to any of you, just as you are not accountable to her. Now, you’re either going to let the past be the past or let it interfere with your future for the next ten years.’ He shook his head. ‘Honestly, when they were handing out stubbornness this family certainly received its fair share.’

‘Hear, hear!’ Hal agreed, his tone now more sincere, more relaxed than before. ‘Forgive and forget—and I certainly hope you can forgive me, Eden. I said some horrible things to you the night you left, and it’s plagued me ever since.’ He leaned forward and took her free hand in his, his voice shaky with emotion. ‘Whatever reason it is that’s brought you home, I’m just glad you’re here, girl, and that I finally have the chance to say I’m sorry.’

A lump formed in Eden’s throat and tears welled in her eyes. ‘Dad…’ For the first time since she’d entered the house, she let go of David’s hand so she could properly embrace her father. ‘I’m sorry, too. Sorry for what I said.’ She turned to her mother. ‘Sorry for making you worry.’ She looked at Todd. ‘And sorry for deserting you.’

Todd stood there, hands shoved in his pockets, before shaking his head and stalking from the room. Eden quickly looked around at David, who merely shrugged.

‘He’ll come round,’ Gretchen offered as she too embraced her daughter—but not with the exuberance of her husband. ‘I’m relieved you’re safe, Eden.’

They stayed another ten minutes before the headache pounding against her skull couldn’t be ignored any longer. After promising to see them soon, Eden and David said their goodbyes.

It wasn’t until they were seated in his car, heading back to her hotel, that Eden started to cry. She knew she needed to release the pressure building inside her, to let the emotions out. She’d never been good at bottling things up.

David didn’t say a word, but just quietly passed her his handkerchief. By the time they arrived at her hotel she was only sniffing intermittently.

Again he came round and helped her from the car, linking his hand with hers as they headed inside. The silence continued as they walked to the lifts, rode up to her floor. When they stood outside her door, Eden jerked her thumb over her shoulder, indicating the room behind them.

‘Do you want to come in? I could make us a cup of tea.’

David shook his head. ‘I think it’s better if I go.’

‘Are you sure? You were fantastic. Thank you so much for being there, for supporting me. I couldn’t have done it without you.’

David shook his head. ‘I don’t know about that. I’m really proud of you, Eden—and I don’t mean that to sound condescending or anything like that. Going to see your family, breaking the ice—it was a big deal. And for the record, I think you would have managed just fine even if I hadn’t been there.’

‘I disagree.’ She put her hands on his shoulders and looked intently into his eyes. This man, this man who was so special to her on so many levels, this man who had held her hand had given her strength. It wasn’t the first time David had done that for her and she instinctively knew it wouldn’t be the last. ‘You were a good friend tonight, David. To all of us, but especially to me.’ Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek. ‘Thanks.’

His hands came to rest at her waist. It was an automatic reaction to stop her from overbalancing when she leaned up to kiss him. He didn’t remove his hands. Neither did she. David looked down into her upturned face, his gaze settling on her full and waiting lips.

Was he going to do it? Was he going to kiss her? Eden’s breathing grew faster. Butterflies took flight in her stomach as she stayed completely still. She needed David to make this decision, to make this move. He’d been so adamant before that it wouldn’t work between them, despite how much he wanted to kiss her.

Would he give in? Would he listen to his heart or his head? He glanced at her eyes, seeing total acceptance there. She was his. For this moment in time she was all his, and it was a moment he’d been longing for far too long to ignore any more.

‘Eden.’ Her name was barely audible on his parted lips, and she saw the raw heat, the full strength of his desire in his eyes as his arms tightened at her waist, drawing her closer.

This was it. It was finally going to happen. David was going to kiss her.

CHAPTER SEVEN

IT WAS as though he’d travelled back in time, to the first time his lips had pressed against hers, only this time he was not going to pull away. He was going to stay and he was going to enjoy it.

He lowered his head, coming closer to hers, drawing in her essence with every pounding heartbeat. He wanted to commit the minutest detail to memory, because he knew what they were about to do was wrong. Even though he knew the kiss would be earth shattering, it would no doubt be the last and final time he could hold her like this, could touch her like this, and he’d need something to keep him warm on the long, lonely nights which would stretch before him when she was gone.

The memories of her kisses, of the happier times they’d spent together, had helped him through the terrible sickness he’d suffered nearly seven years ago. Eden. The way she’d smiled. The way she’d felt in his arms. His mouth against hers. And now he was going to kiss her again.

When he was close enough, their lips parted, their breaths mingling…David closed his eyes, needing to concentrate completely on just what her mouth would feel like this time. Would it be different from all those years ago? Would the pleasure be as great now they’d both had so many life experiences? Would it be even better?

There was no time like the present to discover the answers. He touched his lips to hers.

The softness of her mouth captivated and enticed him, her scent winding itself around him, drugging him with its sweetness. This was real, this was now, and he wanted time to stand still so they could live in it for ever. It was as though she had been made for him, and deep down his heart begged him to acknowledge that truth.

Slowly, ever so slowly, he savoured the flavours of her, delighting in each one. The tart, the sweet, the seductive. She was everything he’d ever dreamed of, and he wanted to take his time exploring the lusciousness of Eden. His body taut with repressed desire, he gently slipped the tip of his tongue between her lips, knowing she would open to him—and she did.

She sighed into the kiss, loving the feel of his mouth on hers, and glad she finally had another memory to add to the ones which had managed to get her through some of the worst times in her life. Always when things were bad she would think of David and the happy times they’d spent together. Now…now she had more. She’d never been a greedy person, but she wanted him to kiss her again and again and again…for ever. She doubted she’d ever be able to get enough of the way he made her feel, the way her insides seemed to liquefy, her knees turning to a boneless mass at the slightest of touches from him.

He’d started the kiss in a slow and sensual way, and she’d been happy to go with that, but the raging torrent building inside her was threatening to rush forth and overflow if he kept up this pace. He was torturing her by so slowly and tenderly kissing her mouth, the tip of his tongue occasionally slipping between her lips, raising the overwhelming awareness which existed between them.

Inch by inch she brought her hands up his chest, her fingers splayed as she tried to memorise every contour of his amazing physique. He moaned at the contact and she captured the sound into her mouth, taking the opportunity to gently nibble on his lower lip.

Stretching her arms up and winding them about his neck, she inched forward, her body now pressed hard against his chest. This time his groan was deeper, and as though something had snapped he plunged his tongue into her mouth. She reciprocated, opening up to him, needing him as much as he needed her.

At the ripe old age of nineteen he’d thought himself capable of resisting Eden, and when she’d kissed him, although the contact had been brief, he’d fought the attraction, knowing nothing could come of it. Now, at the age of thirty-one, he’d presumed himself more than able to kiss her and still hold onto some semblance of control.

He’d been wrong.

Where on earth had he got the idea that he’d be able to remain in control of his senses when she responded to him so ardently, so completely, so perfectly?

She was like a drug, and he knew after only kissing her for a few seconds that he was definitely addicted. He’d wanted to know what it would be like to kiss her as the woman she’d grown into, not the teenager. Now he knew. And all he wanted to do was keep on kissing her again and again and again. For ever.

The hunger continued to rage between them, but there was also the need for oxygen, and in another moment he wrenched his mouth from hers, pressing small kisses to the corner of her delicious lips as he sucked air into his lungs. She did the same, and when she started to press kisses along his jawline and around his neck so she could nibble on his earlobe a shiver ran through him. He heard her deep chuckle in response.

‘We are perfect for each other,’ she murmured.

‘You said that years ago, too.’ David shook his head. ‘Can you now see why I had to leave Sydney?’ he muttered as he buried his face in her neck, breathing in deeply. ‘You were so young. We were so young. I knew it was getting serious between us. Too serious.’ His deep, whispered words washed over her as she continued to spread little kisses over his skin.

Eden eased back a little to look at him, her eyes now a dark green filled with desire. ‘So you gave in to your father because of me?’

‘Yes. At first I wasn’t at all happy with the idea of leaving. I wanted to be with you, and although I know I hurt you, in a way I meant what I said to you that night in the garden. We were young, Eden. Both of us. Filled with teenage ideals.’ David looked down at her, unable to let her go just yet. The way she felt in his arms was right. He had no idea why, it just was. She was Eden. His Eden.

‘You don’t think it would have worked between the two of us back then?’

‘We would have both gone to medical school. No doubt ostracised by our families and left without a penny to our names. It would have been difficult, and you might have grown to hate—’

Eden put a finger over his lips, effectively silencing him. ‘Shh. It was just a question, and we were young. Because you left, our lives have gone in completely different directions. We’ve had a lot of different experiences which we might not have had otherwise.’

‘Yet here we are.’ He rubbed his fingers gently up and down her back and Eden snuggled deeper against him. He wanted to kiss her again, to devour her luscious mouth, bring her body as close to his as he possibly could. He needed her…really needed her…and until that split second he hadn’t realised just how powerful that need was.

What had he done by kissing her? By ignoring the voice of reason? By giving in to his desires? He would hurt them both far more than he had in the past. She would be in town for a while. He couldn’t quit his job in order to put distance between them. He’d have to see her at the hospital, at Sasha’s house, but hopefully they’d be able to remain civil towards each other…at least until she returned overseas to her next PMA assignment.

‘I like being in your arms,’ she murmured against his chest. ‘I like breathing you in.’

‘I like holding you in my arms, your perfume winding around me.’ He kissed the top of her head.

‘Can it last?’

The question was quiet, but he felt the words against his chest, his heart constricting. David swallowed, unsure what to say, what to do.

Eden eased back and looked up at him. ‘David? What do we do now?’

‘I don’t know, Eden.’ He closed his eyes, wondering how he was ever going to tell her that he couldn’t have children. When he and his ex-wife had realised the truth of that it had been the straw which had broken the camel’s back. Would Eden understand where Jacqueline hadn’t? Was he willing to take that risk by laying himself open to her? Jacqueline had hurt him badly with her reaction. Would Eden react the same way?

Eden sighed, loving the feel of him, the way his scent wound itself around her, becoming part of her. He was stroking her hair now, and she loved that too. She closed her eyes, knowing that after such an amazing kiss they had to figure out whether the attraction between them was worth pursuing.

It would mean drastic changes for her, and although she had an underlying feeling of discontent she still loved her job, and wasn’t sure she could leave the employ of Pacific Medical Aid just yet. Would David wait for her? Join her for a brief stint in the field?

She opened her eyes. ‘You said earlier tonight that it wouldn’t work out between us.’

‘I know.’

‘You were adamant about it.’

‘I know.’ He looked down at her, down at that delicious mouth, and even though his mind was in turmoil his body knew exactly what it wanted. He pressed his mouth to hers, needing to live in the fantasy for a bit longer.

‘Why not? Is it because of the directions we’ve gone in our careers? Is it impossible for us to make room for each other in our lives?’ She leaned up and kissed him, savouring the taste and power. ‘I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long. Now that we’ve given in to that I want more. I want to kiss you again and again. I want to hold your hand. I want to…dance with you in the moonlight. I want to wake up in the morning, to open my eyes and for you to be the first person I see.’

Eden threaded her fingers through his hair, gazing up into his beautiful eyes. One hand still stayed spread out across his heart, as though she couldn’t bear to move it for fear that he’d let her go completely. Could she hold onto his heart just as he had a firm hold on hers?

‘I dream about you. All the time. Even when I’m working overseas. I think about you all the time. About the fun we used to have. Even this morning I was dreaming about you.’ Her cheeks coloured a little at the confession. ‘When you called I thought I was still dreaming.’

‘Ah.’ David thought back to some of the things she’d said. ‘I thought you were just trying to razz me up again.’

She smiled briefly, but her eyes were intent. ‘You’ve affected me, David. For so long, in so many ways—and all of them are good.’ She caressed his cheek, loving the way his five o’clock shadow felt against her smooth fingertips. ‘Why do you think it wouldn’t work between us?’

‘Eden.’ There was pain behind his eyes, and when he swallowed she reached up and placed a kiss on his neck, working her way up towards his mouth. He accepted her with the utmost pleasure, wanting to stay here, to live in this bubble where things couldn’t go wrong, where they could figure out how to have the happy ending both of them wanted so badly. He wanted to lose himself in her, not to look forward, not to look back—just to…be.

This time when they kissed it wasn’t like the other slow and exploratory episodes. This was hot, hungry and filled with the passion they felt for each other. His mouth was on hers with such pressure, such desire, such hedonistic pleasure.

‘David,’ she panted against his mouth when they finally drew apart. ‘I’m positive I’m in love with you. I know that probably makes things even worse, but—’

‘It does. It means it doesn’t matter what I do now—I’m going to hurt you.’ He kissed her. ‘I don’t want to hurt you.’

‘Talk to me,’ she pleaded. ‘Tell me what’s going on in that intelligent mind of yours.’

He’d have to. He’d have to tell her about the accident, about the radiation sickness and about its inevitable outcome. She would be shocked, appalled, and she would leave him.

Holding her close, one hand on her head where she listened to the pounding of his heart—a heart that reciprocated the love she was offering—David knew it was time. Time to hurt them both. He couldn’t do it here, though. Standing in a hotel corridor was not the right place.

‘Tomorrow night?’

‘We’re having dinner with Sasha and Robert tomorrow night. I’ve already spoken to the nursing staff about getting her released for a few hours.’

‘Good. She needs it. Hang on…we’re having dinner?’

Eden lifted her head and smiled at him. ‘You’re supposed to come, too. I just kept forgetting to ask you.’ She shrugged. ‘A lot has happened since I got back to town.’

‘You can say that again. So we’re having dinner out tomorrow night? What about the day after?’

‘So long as my temporary boss at the hospital doesn’t take up my time with too much work, I should be available.’

He smiled, knowing she was trying to lighten the atmosphere. ‘I’ll take that into account.’

‘Much appreciated, boss.’ She kissed him.

David accepted the tantalising brush of her delicious mouth across his. ‘You’re addictive,’ he murmured, and she laughed, the sound filling him with happiness. It had been so long since he’d had such happiness in his life, and now that it was back he didn’t want to lose it again.

‘Right back at ya, babe.’ Her smile was too delicious for words, and he found himself lowering his head again.

‘I don’t seem to be able to stop kissing you,’ he murmured against her mouth.

‘Then don’t.’

‘Well, unless we plan to live in the corridor of this hotel, I think it’s something we need to address.’ As he spoke, he reluctantly eased his hold on her, releasing her from his arms.

‘That doesn’t mean you need to stop kissing me.’ She pointed at the carpet, the place where they both stood. ‘This isn’t the only kissing Eden spot in all of Sydney, you know.’

‘Eden, I—’

She placed a finger across his lips. ‘Shh. Enough for tonight.’

David kissed the digit before taking both of her hands in his. ‘OK. Go inside, get some sleep.’

‘Sleep?’ she repeated as he let go of her hands. Feeling bereft of his touch, she quickly dug around in her bag for the plastic keycard to the room. She found it and tried it in the door. It didn’t work. ‘These things hate me,’ she muttered.

David merely smiled and took it from her, swiping it cleanly through. The door clicked open on the first go.

‘Unfair,’ Eden protested. She stood in the open doorway and turned to look at him, her gaze flicking from his lips to his eyes and back again. ‘One for the road?’

‘Hmm.’ He slowly shook his head but grinned. ‘You’re incorrigible.’

‘Only with you.’ Eden sighed, pleased she affected him as much as he affected her.

With her smooth and delicious mouth against his, David could feel himself capitulating once more, succumbing to her charms. He abruptly pulled away, his hands by his sides, knowing if he touched her it would take a lot longer for him to take his leave.

‘Drive carefully,’ she said softly.

‘Sweet dreams.’

‘I’ll dream of you,’ she promised, and laughed softly when he groaned.

‘You’re a tease, Eden Caplan.’

‘But you love it. Goodnight, David.’

With that, he stepped back and allowed her to shut the door. He stood there for a few seconds, unable to move, unwilling to move. He placed a hand on the solid wood of the door, knowing she was just on the other side. So close, yet so far.

Eden leaned against the door, putting her hand up to the wood, knowing he was just on the other side. She closed her eyes and prayed, promising God she’d be a very good girl for the rest of her life if only she and David could work things out so they could be together. They just had to—because she was one hundred percent, prime-time in love with him.

When Eden arrived at the hospital the next morning—on time—she headed straight to the paediatric ward. She knew after talking to Sasha earlier that her friend had a physio session, but was really looking forward to escaping the bonds of the hospital that evening.

‘I am too excited for words. It’s the best thing. The absolute best. I’ve promised Robert I’ll try extra hard in physio, and during my hydrotherapy session and everything, because today is going to be a good day,’ Sasha had said.

‘Sounds like an exhausting one, too. He’s still not too keen for you to leave tonight?’

‘He’s worried. Wants to wrap me up in cotton wool.’

‘I don’t blame him. He loves you so much. But going out tonight will be good for him as well.’

‘And, as I’ll be escorted by two doctors, my own surgeon is not only fine with the arrangement, he’s jealous he can’t come with us.’

‘Invite him along by all means. The more the merrier.’

‘He’s on call,’ Sasha had added, giggling in a way which had brought an instant smile to Eden’s face. Even now, as she walked onto the ward, she was smiling as she remembered how happy Sasha had sounded.

‘You’re looking bright and cheerful this morning,’ Francie greeted her.

David was sitting beside Francie, frowning at some scans he was holding up to the light. He glanced over at Eden, but didn’t say a word, his attention returning to the scans.

‘I have a lot to be bright and cheerful about,’ Eden said as she came around the desk, a small envelope in her hands. She placed it on the desk and picked up another scan which was loose on top of a radiograph packet. ‘Dart’s MRI?’ she asked.

‘Yes.’ The child had required sedation yesterday while they’d been performing the scans, because any movement whilst the machine whirled around him wouldn’t have been good.

‘Anything?’

‘What are these?’ Francie interjected as she picked up the envelope Eden had put down.

‘Pictures for Chelsea.’ Eden frowned at the scans in much the same way David was.

‘Ooh. May I have a look?’ Francie was definitely eager.

‘Sure.’ Eden’s attention was fixed on the scans before her. ‘David, there’s nothing out of place.’

‘I know.’ He swapped scans with her and both of them continued to look. ‘What are we missing? There’s got to be something.’ He threw the scan on the desk and raked both hands through his hair. ‘It’s so frustrating. Honestly, Eden. The other day he was running around like a little scamp, bouncing on his bed, telling me he didn’t want the “yucky meddy”, and in the next instant he was right back down again. Yet according to the scans and blood tests there’s nothing wrong.’

‘You’ve tested urine and faecal samples?’

‘Yes. Apart from an increase in sodium he’s fine, and the drip could account for that.’

‘No improvement with the increase in fluids?’

‘Mild. Not as much as I’d hoped.’

‘You’ve seen him this morning?’

‘Yes. No change. Still lethargic. Still not talking. His mother has suggested getting the surgeons in to perhaps do an exploratory.’

Eden concentrated on packing up the scans. ‘He’s still in Room 2, right?’

‘Yes.’

Eden turned to Francie, who was oohing and ahhing over some of the photographs she’d brought in to show Chelsea. ‘Francie, you mentioned that Rooms 2 and 3 have video cameras in them?’

‘Yes.’

‘How do you view the footage?’

‘The camera wasn’t turned on in Room 2 last night,’ David remarked.

‘Um…actually, it was.’ Francie shrugged apologetically. ‘When I got in this morning the night sister told me that one of the enrolled nurses had turned on the camera in Room 2 rather than Room 3—which should have been monitoring Chelsea—by accident.’

‘Chelsea wasn’t monitored throughout the night?’ Eden was a little concerned.

‘No. Well, not via the cameras at any rate. She had her usual half-hourly obs and everything was fine with them.’

Eden picked up Chelsea’s notes and read them. ‘Good. This is good.’

‘She’s kept the drip in, the bags have been changed over at proper intervals, and there were no signs of self-inflicted drip removal.’

‘Good. Well, in that case, if we have footage from Room 2, I’d like to see it.’

‘I’ll access it for you. Should take me about fifteen minutes to get organised.’ A buzzer sounded and Francie rolled her eyes. ‘Make that twenty.’

‘Right. I’ll go see Chelsea.’ Eden picked up the photographs.

Francie started walking away from the desk, but stopped and came back, pointing to one of the pictures.

‘And who is that gorgeous man?’ she asked, indicating the photo of Eden and a man outside an elaborate Ukrainian Orthodox church.

‘Hmm?’ Eden looked at the photograph, conscious of the fact that David was peering over her shoulder. The heat from his body was warming her through and through, and she found it hard to resist leaning back a little so they were touching. To her surprise David shifted so that he could take her weight, not seeming at all concerned that they were so close in front of the nursing staff.

Eden tried to focus on what Francie had asked her. ‘Ahh…the man? Er…that’s Jett.’ She sighed, letting David’s spicy scent wash over her. ‘That church is about two blocks away from where we live and work in the orphanage.’ She sighed as she looked at the picture. ‘It’s such a beautiful building.’

‘Stuff the building. I want the man. Is he single?’

Eden smiled. ‘Yes. He’s single.’

‘Excellent.’ Francie walked off.

‘So that’s Jett?’ David’s words brushed over her neck and down her spine before they burst into a flame of tingles which flooded her body. ‘That’s the man who called you last night?’

‘Yes.’

‘You look…friendly.’

Eden tried not to smile. ‘That’s because we’re friends.’ She turned her head to look up at him, knowing if she angled her shoulder just a touch she’d almost be in his arms again. ‘Platonic friends, David.’ He harumphed, and her smile increased. ‘You’re not…jealous, are you?’

‘Huh.’ He placed a hand at her waist, urging her forward. ‘Let’s go see Chelsea. I want to hear these stories, too.’

‘What sort of answer is “huh”?’

‘The only sort of answer you’re going to get. Now, move it, Dr Caplan.’ The warmth of his touch against her skin was starting to spread through her, and she knew if she didn’t take his suggestion and move she would soon be incapable of moving at all—given that her limbs would have turned to mush.

‘Yes, Dr Montgomery. Anything you say, Dr Montgomery. Your wish is my command, Dr Montgomery,’ she flirted, batting her eyelashes at him.

‘Eden.’ There was a warning tone in his voice, but she could feel through the way his thumb was rubbing small circles against her back that he was enjoying the flirting as much as she was.

‘Oh, all right, party-pooper. Let’s go.’

Together they went in to see Chelsea, who still had dark, sunken eyes, who still greeted them with monosyllabic tones, but who had the atlas opened out on the bedside table and was studying it intently. Above all, the drip was still in her arm, providing the much needed nutrients her body required.

An hour later, after much discussion and laughter, Eden and David exited Chelsea’s room, Eden leaving the photographs for Chelsea to pore over.

‘She’s kept the drip in.’ Eden was elated as David wrote in Chelsea’s notes. ‘You need to have a meeting with her parents, her siblings, anyone who has a positive influence on her or that she’s in regular contact with. No one is to ask her, “How are you doing?” No one is to talk to her about food or her illness or anything of the sort. Organise a meeting with the specialists she’s seen, and let them all know that this child has a passion to travel.’

‘Think it will make a difference?’ David looked up, marvelling at the brightness in Eden’s face. She really was stunning. Her eyes radiated brilliance, her hair was bouncing around her shoulders in perfectly formed curls, and her mouth was curved in such a way that he found it difficult to resist kissing it. However, resist he did.

He’d wanted to ask her if she’d dreamt about him last night, because his dreams had seemed to feature her all night long. He was losing his focus, forgetting the reasons why he couldn’t get involved with her, and being drawn in, held captive by this woman he knew he loved.

‘The drip is still in her arm. Small steps, David. Now, where’s the footage from Dart’s room? Maybe his sleeping patterns might be able to tell us something.’

‘Or at least give us a clue.’

‘Exactly.’

David collected the tape from where Francie had left it on

the desk, and took Eden to a small room where a TV and video-player were set up. The room was no bigger than a broom closet, but it wasn’t until they were sitting down side by side that he realised just how small the room was.

‘We’re in the process of going digital,’ he remarked as they waited for the machinery to warm up and for the tape to rewind.

‘Hey—this is state-of-the-art compared to what I’m used to working with.’

He smiled at that, trying not to be so aware of her. ‘I guess it is.’

‘If we want to monitor a patient at night we just sit there watching them all night long, trying not to fall asleep,’ she half joked as they continued to wait for the tape to rewind. The sensual awareness between them was heightening with each passing moment.

‘Small room,’ he grumbled softly.

‘Sorry? What was that?’

‘This room.’

‘What about it?’

‘It’s too small.’

‘Maybe you could upgrade that, too.’

‘It’s you.’

She looked at him askance. ‘You want to upgrade me as well?’

‘This room is too small for the two of us to be in it together.’ David said the words slowly and clearly, and Eden’s smile widened as he did so. ‘Stop looking at me like that.’

‘Like what?’ She fluttered her eyelashes at him again.

‘You know exactly what I’m talking about.’

‘Fancy a quick kiss and cuddle? No one will know. They think we’re working.’ Eden reached out a hand and touched his arm, sliding her fingers down his crisp cotton shirt until her fingers laced with his. ‘I dreamt about you last night and this morning. In fact, I think I’m dreaming right now.’

David swallowed. ‘Eden.’ Her name was a breathless whisper, and she could feel him beginning to capitulate as his gaze fixated on her mouth. She parted her lips and slipped her tongue out, running it along her upper lip, hoping to make him crack.

He leaned in closer, about to give in completely, ready to give her the kiss he’d been longing to give her from the instant she’d walked onto the ward this morning, when the tape machine clicked noisily, making them jerk back.

‘Right. Here we go.’ He sat up straighter in his chair, but was sort of pleased when Eden didn’t let go of his hand. ‘Hopefully we’ll discover some answers.’

The tape started playing, the picture coming up on the screen showing the inside of Room 2. Dart’s bed was well in focus, and Mrs Wilman’s camp bed set up beside it. Nothing much happened, and David flicked a switch, putting the tape into fast-forward mode.

‘It’s easier to watch like this, otherwise we’ll be here all day.’

Eden nodded, looking intently at the pictures playing out before them. Nurses came in, doing observations, ensuring Dart was settled. Everything looked fine. Normal. She frowned, trying to see if they were missing anything, and then it happened.

‘Stop the—’ She didn’t have to say anything more.

David had already pressed the button to slow the tape down to normal speed. Both of them stared open-mouthed at what they saw, Eden’s heart breaking for the four-year-old.

The screen showed Mrs Wilman fiddling with Dart’s drip. It looked as though she was slowing it down, or stopping it completely. Then she handed him his drinking cup, urging him to drink. Without complaint, without emotion, the child took the cup and drank. His eyes were bleak and lifeless, as though he knew it was pointless to refuse.

‘What’s in that cup?’ Eden was out of her chair in an instant, David not far behind her. ‘You distract her. I’ll get the cup.’

‘What? Eden! Wait.’

‘Just call her out of the room. Show her Dart’s MRI scans. I want that cup and I want it now.’

Eden marched into Room 2, pasting an over-bright smile on her face. ‘Good morning. I’ve just come to check on Dart.’

‘The nurse has just been round,’ Mrs Wilman ventured.

There it was. The drinking cup was beside the bed, in full view of all and sundry. It was innocuous, normal, didn’t look at all out of place. Eden was seething inside as she looked at the sick little boy. Sodium. David had said his sodium levels were up. Too much sodium could cause dehydration, stomach pains, elevated blood pressure and a lot of the other symptoms Dart had been admitted with.

She had to get that cup!

CHAPTER EIGHT

‘SALT water.’ Eden had the cup in the small kitchenette. She’d tipped some of the contents out onto a spoon and tasted it as David walked in. ‘It’s salt. That’s why he has excess sodium.’

‘You shouldn’t taste it!’ David removed the cup. ‘Anything could be in there. It could be a poisonous substance. We need to wait for Pathology. It’ll only take an hour or so.’

‘Where I come from pathology takes weeks on end to come back. I knew the contents couldn’t be too bad, and besides, Dart’s been drinking it non-stop. One tiny teaspoonful wasn’t going to hurt me. And now we know. It’s salt water.’

‘But why? Why would any mother do this to her child?’

‘Munchausen’s Syndrome by proxy.’

‘Attention? Mrs Wilman wants attention?’

‘Usually it’s a parent who is alone who needs attention—likes the company of the nursing staff, the hospital environment. They’ll go to extreme lengths—even allowing their child to have unnecessary surgery—in order to get the attention they crave, for people to listen to them, to respect them.’

‘Her husband does work abroad a lot. He’s rarely home.’

‘Didn’t you or someone else mention that she’d only spent one night away from Dart?’

David’s eyes widened as everything seemed to fall into place. ‘That was the night he picked up.’

‘And what happened when she returned?’

‘I told her Dart was doing so well we’d be able to discharge him.’

‘That meant taking her son home to an empty house where she’d have sole responsibility for him.’

‘And then he went downhill again.’ David rubbed his fingers across his brow. ‘She’s a sick woman.’

‘She needs help, David.’

He slowly shook his head. ‘Not the day I had planned, but…’ He straightened his shoulders. ‘Duty calls, and that little boy needs rescuing.’

‘Let’s go save our little musketeer.’

Quite a few hours had passed before Eden was able to get time to see Sasha, and when she walked into her friend’s room she was met with a beaming smile.

‘I stood!’

‘What?’ Eden was by Sasha’s side in an instant.

‘I stood. All by myself. Well, I was holding onto the parallel bars for dear life, but I still stood.’

‘Parallel bars, eh? Practising for the Olympics?’

Sasha laughed with glee. ‘Who knows?’ They both laughed. ‘I stood.’

‘Does Robert know?’

‘He was there. He said he was going out to buy me a new outfit to wear tonight.’

‘And so he should. Good man. Wow! This is just the good news I needed.’

‘Tough day?’

‘And then some. I won’t bore you with the details.’

‘I’ve tried calling David, but I’ve only been able to leave messages for him to call me back.’

‘He’s still in meetings.’

‘It does sound like a tough day.’

‘But when you do tell him it’ll bring the smile back to his face. We both knew you had it in you to kick those statistics which said you’d never walk again right out of the park. Literally.’ Tears of happiness pricked behind Eden’s eyes. ‘It’s fantastic. I’m so proud of you.’ The two friends hugged.

‘And what about you? David told me this morning when he stopped by that you went to see your family yesterday.’

‘Yes.’ Eden sighed. ‘Not as exciting as what you’ve accomplished.’

‘It’s still a big deal, Ede. David said it went well?’

She shrugged. ‘Todd’s still mad, but for the most part it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. David was incredibly supportive. I wouldn’t have managed without him there to hold my hand.’

‘Literally?’

Sasha raised her eyebrows and Eden decided not to answer that question…just yet. Although she was excited about the kisses she and David had shared, for some reason, she wasn’t ready to blurt it all out to Sasha. Her friend had enough to deal with, and at this stage Eden wasn’t even sure what was happening between herself and David. She didn’t want to give Sasha false hope.

‘I’m just so sorry I couldn’t have been there for you.’

‘Well, you had a good excuse.’

‘So…did anything else happen?’

‘With my family? Not really.’

‘No, with David, you ninny.’

‘Why do you ask?’ Eden perched herself on a chair next to the bed and tried to look nonchalant.

‘Because David looked happy and exhausted and confused this morning, and the last time I saw him look that way was the morning after you two first got together.’

‘Oh? So you think because he looked like that this morning we might have…kissed?’

‘Yes.’ Sasha was immediately on edge, and when Eden didn’t say anything straight away, her impatience won out. ‘Well? Did you?’

Eden couldn’t contain her repressed excitement any longer, and a grin split her face as she sighed romantically. ‘Yes.’

‘Yay!’ Sasha clapped her hands. ‘This is good. This is brilliant. My brother and my best friend! Ooh, you can finally marry him and we’ll be sisters for real.’

‘Whoa. Slow down there, Tex. We just kissed. There are still hurdles to jump.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me this morning when we spoke? You’ve had a crush on him, like, for ever, so why the tight lips?’

Eden grimaced. ‘I don’t know. You’ve got your whole rehab thing going on, and he’s your brother, and—’

‘And you didn’t want me getting my hopes up and getting all excited and saying that we could finally be real sisters and stuff like that? Right?’

Eden smiled at her friend and squeezed her hand. ‘Something like that. Gee, I’ve missed you.’

‘Then stay. You don’t have to miss me. You can work things out with David and live the happily-ever-after life I know you’ve always wanted. You can still travel, still work with PMA. But live here in Sydney. Spend time mending fences with your family.’ Sasha nodded enthusiastically. ‘You can do this, Eden. It would be great. Our kids can be friends and go to the same schools, create absolute havoc the way we used to.’

‘You make a convincing argument.’ Eden eased back into the chair as Sasha leaned back on her pillows and sighed again. ‘But how about we just focus on getting you rested up so we can celebrate your accomplishments this evening?’

‘There is much to celebrate.’

‘Yes, there is—which means it’s time for you to zip your lip and have a rest.’

‘I’m not that tired,’ sasha protested, trying to smother a yawn.

‘Like I’m really going to believe you. Shh, and do as the doctor says.’

‘You’re not my doctor.’

‘Then do as your best friend says.’

‘Oh. All right then, bossy britches.’

Eden picked up the book which was by the bed and started reading out loud from the novel. By the time she’d finished the end of the first page Sasha was asleep. She read on silently to herself, getting so drawn into the story she didn’t hear the door open.

‘Excuse me?’ a soft female voice said from the doorway.

Eden looked up to see a pretty blonde with blue eyes standing there. She was pregnant, and by Eden’s expert guess had about eight weeks to go. ‘Can I help you?’

The woman pointed to the bed, and Eden noticed the large wedding and engagement rings on her left hand. ‘I’ve come to see Sasha, but she’s obviously sleeping. I don’t want to wake her.’

Eden looked at her friend. ‘She’ll sleep for another half an hour at least.’

‘Oh.’ The blonde looked disappointed. ‘I knew I should have called first, but I thought visiting hours were all day on the spinal ward.’

‘They are, but patients sleep when they need to. I’m Eden, by the way,’ she said, standing up and putting the book down. ‘Come and have a seat.’

‘The Eden?’

‘Um…’ She was a little stunned at such a question. ‘I guess so.’

‘I’ve heard so much about you over the years. Both David and Sasha speak so highly of you.’

Eden raised her eyebrows at this news. So who was this woman?

‘I’m Jacquie.’ Jacquie held out her hand, but as she did so she grimaced and immediately felt her stomach. ‘I’m sorry. Alyce has decided to do aerobics all day long, it seems.’

So this was Jacqueline. The woman who had married David and later divorced him. Eden kept her smile in place, feeling a little awkward. After all, last night she’d realised she was in love with this woman’s ex-husband. Surely that was a good enough reason to feel uncomfortable?

‘Alyce?’

‘My daughter.’ Jacquie rubbed her stomach with pride and joy.

‘Come and sit down.’ Eden helped Jacquie over to the chair.

‘That’s right—you’re a doctor, too, aren’t you? I remember David telling me that. It was a shame you didn’t make it back for Sasha’s wedding. He was really looking forward to seeing you.’

‘I didn’t realise I’d be so badly missed,’ Eden replied, watching the woman closely, her professional instincts kicking in. ‘How long has Alyce been doing her aerobic routine?’

Jacquie shifted uncomfortably. ‘For at least the last five hours. I woke up to her doing this, and as I couldn’t sleep I thought I’d get up and make my way in here. Everything takes so long. To shower, to dress, and now I’ve had back pain to top it all off.’

‘Have you eaten anything?’

Jacquie laughed. ‘You doctors. You simply can’t resist. Yes, I’ve had some dry crackers and a cup of peppermint tea. Alyce likes it.’

‘And the back pain?’

‘It’s fine. I’m fine. Worry about Sasha. I’m not due for another eight weeks.’

‘Babies come when they’re ready, Jacquie, regardless of the schedules we like to impose on them. We only do that so we feel like we have some control over the situation—because if we admit that we don’t, we don’t usually cope very well.’

Jacquie tilted her head to the side. ‘What sort of doctor are you?’

Eden smiled. ‘I’m a paediatrician, like David, but I’ve delivered my fair share of babies.’ And something told her all was not well with Jacquie. ‘When did you last see your obstetrician?’

‘Last week. He said I was fine. He said Alyce was fine.’

‘And you’re due to see him again when?’

‘Not until the end of next week.’

‘This is your first pregnancy, right?’

Jacquie’s gaze dropped, but she answered softly, with a hint of pride. ‘Yes. She’s been a long time coming, has my beautiful baby.’

‘Well, in that case, and for my peace of mind, would you mind seeing your doctor today? Please?’

‘You’re making a mountain out of molehill.’

Jacquie was starting to get agitated, and Eden didn’t blame her. However, Eden’s intuition—both as a woman and as a medical professional—was telling her there was something wrong with this situation. Alyce’s ‘aerobics’ might be a symptom of something else…something else like the onset of early labour.

‘Stay there. I’ll just get you a glass of water.’ Eden walked out of the room and quickly went to the staff kitchenette. One of the nurses was sitting in there, eating her lunch. ‘Sorry to disturb. Sasha has a pregnant visitor who looks a little hot to me.’ She poured a glass of iced water from the water-cooler and then glanced across at the nurse. ‘You don’t mind if I borrow a sphygmomanometer and possibly a thermometer?’

‘Is Sasha all right?’

‘She’s fine. It’s her visitor. Just being an over-protective doctor, that’s all.’

‘OK. The equipment you need will be at the nurses’ station. It’ll give you her vitals. Let me know if you need any help.’

‘Thanks.’ Eden returned to Sasha’s room, wheeling in the electronic sphygmo machine. It was one of the new ones, with all the bells and whistles. ‘Here you are,’ she said, and handed the glass to Jacquie. ‘Sip it slowly.’

‘What’s that for?’ Jacquie asked. ‘Does Sasha need some tests?’

‘It’s not for Sasha. I’m sorry if I’m being forward and pushy, Jacquie, especially as we’ve only just met, but do you mind if I take your blood pressure? Just to check it. You look rather flushed to me.’

Jacquie dabbed at her forehead with a handkerchief. ‘I’ll be fine. The water is doing the trick.’

Eden shrugged. ‘Humour me.’

‘You are a real doctor, aren’t you? You’re not just making it up?’

‘I’m a trained doctor.’ Eden held out the blood pressure cuff. ‘Please?’

‘Oh, all right, then,’ she reluctantly agreed, and allowed Eden to wind the cuff around her arm. The machine did its job and Eden frowned.

‘Your blood pressure is definitely elevated, Jacquie.’ Before there was any room for protest, she clipped the oximeter onto Jacquie’s index finger. When that reading came back, Eden’s frown intensified. ‘Who’s your obstetrician? You should call him or her straight away.’

‘Why? There’s nothing wrong with me.’

‘I beg to differ. Do you have the name and number? I’ll call.’

Jacquie frowned. ‘He’s probably busy. He and his family are highly respected, I’ll have you know. His father delivered me, and so it’s only right that I have his son deliver my child.’

‘That’s just fine and dandy, but it’s his job to be interrupted when one of his patients needs him. His name?’

Jacquie reluctantly told Eden the information. Eden crossed to the phone by Sasha’s bedside and asked the ladies on the switchboard to have the obstetrician call her immediately. Once that was done, she called the paediatric ward and spoke to Francie.

‘I know David’s busy, but hopefully by now he can leave Mrs Wilman with the social workers,’ she stated to the nurse. ‘I need him up here in Sasha’s room.’

‘Yes,’ Jacquie interjected haughtily. ‘Ask David to come here. He’ll sort this out. You’re being highly unreasonable, Eden—especially as we’ve just met.’

Eden ignored the pregnant woman and focused on what Francie was saying.

‘Is Sasha all right?’ There was concern in the nurse’s tone.

‘Sash is fine. Either ask David to call me or to come if he can—’

‘Wait, Eden. He’s just come out of Room 2.’

Eden waited, and a second later David’s voice came down the line. She ignored the way his smooth tones affected her.

‘Eden?’

‘David. I’m in Sasha’s room. Would you mind coming here and bringing a foetal heart monitor with you?’

‘What? Why? Sasha’s not pregnant.’

‘I know that. Jacquie’s here.’

He was silent for a moment. ‘The baby.’ The words were a whisper. ‘You think there’s something wrong?’

‘I do.’

‘Right. I’m on my way.’

‘Is he coming?’ Jacquie asked, her chin still raised in a haughty manner.

‘Yes.’ Eden replaced the receiver as Sasha began to stir. ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ Eden said softly to her friend. ‘I didn’t mean to wake you—and you haven’t slept for all that long.’

Sasha yawned. ‘It’s all right. Plenty of time to rest. What’s going on?’

‘Jacquie’s come to visit.’ Eden pointed across to where Jacquie was sitting.

‘Is David coming?’ Jacquie asked again. There was no fear in her tone, but it held a lot of impatience.

‘Yes. Just sit there. I’ll be right back.’ Eden dashed out to the nurses’ station once more and found a tempanic thermometer.

‘What now?’ Jacquie asked when Eden returned.

‘Please?’ Eden put a gentle hand on the other woman’s shoulder. ‘Relax. It won’t take but a moment.’

‘I know how long it takes. I have had my temperature taken before.’

The thermometer beeped. ‘Thirty-eight. You’re not leaving this hospital.’

‘Are you completely out of your mind?’ Jacquie asked, and turned to Sasha. ‘I only wanted to come and visit you, but I see now that I was wrong to do so while this crazy woman is here.’

‘You think something is wrong?’ Sasha asked Eden.

‘Yes.’

Sasha turned to Jacquie, who was shifting forward in the chair as though she were about to stand up. ‘Please, Jacquie,’ she implored. ‘Listen to Eden. She knows about these things.’

‘Sasha is right,’ David said as he stalked into the room. ‘Eden has amazing instincts.’

She might have amazing instincts, but she could also turn to a boneless mass of jelly just from hearing his voice. She pulled herself together and looked at him with thanks.

He didn’t like it when she looked at him like that—as though she wanted to wind her body around his and never let go. The uncanny thing was, he wanted to do exactly the same thing to her. Instead, he forced himself to look away and focused his attention on his ex-wife. ‘Good afternoon, Jacqueline.’

He handed Eden the foetal heart monitor she’d requested, before crossing to Jacquie’s side and pressing a polite kiss to her cheek. It was the same greeting Eden had seen him giving his mother over the years, and she realised that the protocols of high society were still maintained as far as he was concerned. It was, however, interesting to note that he treated Jacquie with such polite indifference.

‘Report?’ He turned to look at Eden, and she snapped back into doctor mode.

‘BP and temperature elevated, swelling of the feet and hands.’ She unwound the heart monitor and plugged it in. ‘She’s thirty-three weeks. I’ve put in a call to her obstetrician.’

David knelt down. ‘I’m just going to check your feet,’ he said to Jacquie, and pressed carefully. ‘Is Gray your obstetrician?’ he asked.

‘Yes.’

‘I’ll make sure he’s here. Don’t you worry about it.’ A moment later, he said, ‘These shoes are coming off.’ He removed them and set them aside. ‘What’s your husband’s phone number?’ He pulled a piece of paper and a pen from his pocket.

‘What is going on?’ Jacquie demanded, looking at the three people in the room. ‘Have you all gone stark raving mad? I’m just a little hot. That’s normal when a woman is pregnant. The books say so.’

‘Yes,’ David said softly but firmly, ‘but not as hot as you are. It’s not good for the baby. What’s Paul’s number, Jacqueline?’

Jacquie looked at him for a moment, before rattling off her husband’s contact number.

David turned to Eden. ‘I’ll organise for her admission to Maternity.’

‘Thanks. Much appreciated.’

She smiled at him, her green eyes alive with appreciation and sincerity. David stood where he was for a whole five seconds, simply staring at her, unable to believe just how dynamic and beautiful she was. The sunbeams from the window were shining into the room, highlighting the glorious colours of Eden’s hair and giving her skin a golden tinge which only made her even more desirable. He could quite easily lose himself in this woman. She was so magnetic—especially when she looked at him as she was doing now.

‘David?’ It was Sasha who spoke, who broke the moment he and Eden were sharing.

‘Hmm? Right. Yes. I’ve got things to do.’

With that, he left the room, and Eden sucked in a deep breath to get herself back on track. Honestly, when he looked at her the way he just had, her body turned to mush and her brain could think of nothing but the way his arms felt around her. Strong, sure and steady.

After David had gone, Eden strapped the foetal heart monitor around Jacquie’s middle and positioned the instrument correctly. A moment later the readings started coming through. ‘You’re having minor contractions,’ Eden reported.

‘What? But I can’t feel anything.’ Jacquie stared at the monitor Eden was watching.

‘They’re very small, but things are happening.’

‘But I’m only thirty-three weeks! Alyce can’t come yet.’

‘I hate to break this to you again, Jacquie, but as I said, babies come when they’re ready. Unless we can stop your labour, Alyce is on her way.’

Jacquie clutched at Eden’s hand, her eyes wild. ‘But she’s not ready. It’s not time.’

Eden watched the desperate reaction of the mother-to-be, and although most women who went into premature labour were scared and frightened, she sensed there was something else going on. ‘This is your first pregnancy?’

‘I miscarried two last year, but they were both within the first six weeks.’

Eden nodded. ‘You’ve had trouble getting pregnant?’

‘Yes. For years. You have to do something.’

‘I am.’

‘Eden?’ David called, poking his head around the door. ‘Can I see you for a moment?’

She nodded and crossed to where he was standing, just outside Sasha’s room. ‘What’s the problem?’

‘I’ve managed to get hold of Gray and he’s on his way. He’s a good doctor, but as far as the baby’s care goes I’d like you to do it.’

‘Me?’ Eden wasn’t sure she wanted to be looking after a baby belonging to David’s ex-wife.

‘Well, I can’t do it. Although Jacquie and I are friends, it just doesn’t seem…right.’

She spread her arms wide. ‘You have other colleagues—and Jacquie has her own private obstetrician practically on retainer! Surely the son of the son of the man who looked after her when she was born is all set to look after her baby?’

David grinned at her words. ‘Doctors don’t work like that, and you know it,’ he remarked, even though he knew Eden had been joking. ‘She has chosen a paediatrician—’

‘Who is no doubt socially acceptable?’ Eden interjected.

‘But he is off on compassionate leave at the moment,’ David continued.

‘I just hate society and its socially acceptable forms of how things should be done,’ she grumbled.

‘You only hate it because you were so restricted by it,’ he soothed, rubbing a hand up and down her arm. ‘Other people need rules and regulations. They find it comforting.’

‘Only because it gives them strict guidelines on what’s expected of them in life. No one should have their life that meticulously planned. It’s just wrong—and it also means there are too many people in this world not reaching their full potential as human beings—’

David placed a finger over her lips and leaned closer. ‘I would have preferred to kiss you to shut you up,’ he murmured, his tone deep. ‘Your eyes flash with fire when you get into one of your rants, and you lift your chin in that defiant way I’ve seen you do so often. It’s very, very sexy, Eden. Lord knows I’d love you to continue—if for no other reason than I’d get to admire you—but time is of the essence, and right now I need you focused.’

He left his finger in place for a fraction of a second longer…long enough for Eden to wet it with the tip of her tongue. He jerked it back and she smiled. ‘How do you expect me to focus when you say things like that?’

‘I expect you to focus because you’re a professional.’

‘Yes. Right. I am.’ She cleared her throat and he took a step back, giving them both a bit more air, a bit more room to move.

‘Now, as I was saying, I’d like you to be Jacquie’s paediatrician. Because even though she’s my ex-wife I know how important this child is to her, and there’s no one I trust as much as you.’

Eden watched his mouth as he spoke, trying not to be mesmerised by him. When she realised he’d finished, she looked at his eyes and saw that he was waiting for her to respond. ‘All right. I’ll do it. For you. But I’m sure Jacquie won’t like it. I don’t think I’m her favourite person at the moment.’

His smile was filled with gratitude. ‘She’ll come around to you. Everyone always does…in the end.’

Everyone except his parents, but she didn’t really care about them. ‘Gee, thanks.’

‘You know what I mean.’

‘I do.’

‘Thank you, Eden. It shouldn’t take too much to convince Jacquie. She always insists on the best, and that’s exactly what you are. The best.’ David met her gaze and held it for a moment, and she wondered whether he was talking about her medical skills or something else.

‘Flattery will get you everywhere, Dr Montgomery.’ She looked up and saw the orderlies getting out of the lift, pushing a vacant barouche.

‘This way,’ David instructed them, and headed into Sasha’s room—where they found that Sasha had been talking sense to Jacquie and the expectant mother was now more than willing to be whisked away to the maternity ward.

David and Eden stayed with Jacquie until Dr Gray arrived. Eden vaguely remembered him from the social set, but he remembered her completely.

‘Staged a protest against your own father’s company. How could anyone forget that?’ Dr Gray shook hands with Eden. ‘I always admired you for standing up for what you believed in.’

‘Really? Uh…well, thanks.’

‘In fact, I remembered your determination when my father wanted to push me into studying law instead of medicine. It helped me to take a stand and head in the direction I preferred.’ Dr Gray was busy checking the readings from the foetal heart monitor as he spoke.

‘Wow.’ Eden blinked and looked across at David, who was leaning against the cupboard, his arms folded across his chest. He nodded as though he, too, was impressed with what Dr Gray had shared. ‘I’m…uh…glad I was able to help—even if I didn’t realise I was.’

‘Excuse me,’ Jacquie remarked, that haughty tone at perfect pitch, ‘can we focus on me, please? I am apparently in labour.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Dr Gray turned his full attention to his patient, and wasn’t at all happy with the observation readings the nurse reported. ‘Your blood pressure is increasing, Jacquie, and that means the baby’s heart-rate is decelerating.’ He turned to the nurse. ‘IV line and oxygen, stat. Blood test, a.s.a.p. We need to rule out infection.’

Eden helped Dr Gray move Jacquie onto her side.

‘Wh-what’s going on?’ Jacquie asked, her voice quivering.

‘I’ll explain in a minute, Jacquie,’ Dr Gray soothed. A moment later the foetal monitor gave a better read-out and they all sighed. ‘Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to scare you.’

‘Well, you did—and why is Eden still here. David?’

‘Eden’s going to be your paediatrician,’ David explained walking to Jacquie’s side so she could see him more easily instead of having to crane her neck.

‘But I had it planned. It was all planned. This wasn’t supposed to happen today. Everything is wrong. This isn’t the way I had it planned.’

‘Shh,’ Dr Gray soothed her. ‘You need to calm down. Deep breaths, Jacquie.’

‘Dr Gray’s right,’ said David, calmly explaining why Jacquie’s appointed paediatrician couldn’t make it. ‘Eden will look after your baby because in my opinion she’s the best there is. You want the best for your baby, don’t you?’

‘Alyce. Her name is Alyce.’

David nodded, his voice gentle. ‘Alyce is important to you, and therefore you need the best care you can get. The best is Eden.’

‘What about Paul?’

‘He’s on his way,’ Dr Gray informed her.

‘We’ll leave you to get some rest,’ Eden said. They walked out of the room, Dr Gray not far behind them, leaving Jacquie in the care of two well-trained nurses.

‘Jacquie’s definitely displaying all the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia. Good pick-up, David.’ He gave his colleague a manly pat on the back.

‘It was Eden.’

‘Ah. In that case, well done, Eden. I take it you’re staying in Sydney?’

‘For a while.’ Eden smiled up at David. ‘I’ve only been here a few days, and David already has me working.’

‘I didn’t want you to be bored.’

‘More like you needed my help.’

‘And I know how much you love to help.’

‘Whatever the reason,’ Dr Gray said, feeling as though he was watching a tennis match—a tennis match with a lot of sensual undercurrents, ‘I’m glad he’s persuaded you. I’ve read a few of your papers. Incredible stuff.’

‘Thank you. Anyway, we’ll leave you to it. If you need me, I think it’ll be best if you page David. If I’m not with him, he’ll know where to find me.’

‘OK.’ Dr Gray headed back to Jacquie’s room and Eden looked at David.

‘Time for a cuppa, methinks.’ They headed towards the hospital cafeteria. ‘What a day!’

‘You’re not wrong.’

‘How did things go with Mrs Wilman?’

David gave her a rundown on what had happened with social services and the psychiatric consult he’d called in. ‘Dart, thankfully, is now responding to treatment.’

‘That is good news.’ They got their drinks and sat at a table. ‘Oh, and Sash has good news, too. She forgot to tell you, what with all the extra goings-on.’

‘What is it?’

‘Ah…I’m not ruining it for her. Just make sure you stop in and see her on your way back to the ward.’

‘Will do.’

Eden took a sip of her coffee, regarding him closely. ‘David, can I ask you something?’

He laughed ironically. ‘Have you ever been stopped before?’

‘Well, it’s personal. It’s about you and Jacquie, but I don’t want you to think I’m prying.’

‘Oh. Right.’ He braced himself. ‘What’s the question?’

‘When you were married, did she have any miscarriages?’

‘No.’ His answer was immediate.

‘You’re sure?’

‘Yes.’ He clenched his jaw for a moment, then swallowed. ‘Why do you ask?’

‘She said she had two last year, and I was just wondering whether there’s something else wrong. Is there a virus attacking her babies? Are the blood types of mother and foetus different? That sort of thing.’

‘I don’t know anything about her miscarriages.’

‘And you two didn’t try to have any children? Didn’t plan any?’

David clenched his jaws together. ‘Bringing children into a marriage that should never have happened in the first place didn’t seem like the wisest of ideas.’

Eden was a little surprised at his reaction, and also a little confused. She would have sworn that Jacquie had said she’d been trying to have a child for a very long time. But David obviously didn’t want to talk to her about his marriage, and she could understand that. ‘OK. Well, I’m sure Dr Gray knows what’s going on and has everything under control. I’m just trying to play through a few different scenarios in my mind. You know—be prepared for when the baby arrives.’

‘Is that all?’ He pushed his half-empty cup away and stood.

‘Yes.’

‘I need to go.’

He was gone so fast Eden didn’t have time to blink or even to call out his name. She’d obviously been treading on some very thin ice, but she wasn’t sure what on earth she’d said to offend him.

CHAPTER NINE

AN HOUR later Eden was in Sasha’s room when a call came through from David to say that Dr Gray needed her.

‘Apparently, a second urine sample has come back showing traces of uric-acid and protein,’ David informed her.

‘He’s going to induce the labour?’ she stated.

‘I would presume so.’

‘OK. Thanks. I’ll head to Maternity now to check on things.’ She was about to ask him if he was all right, but found that he’d already hung up the phone and she was listening to the dial tone. Something was wrong, and while she wanted to go and find him and get him to tell her exactly what was bothering him, she decided to give him some space.

When she arrived in Jacquie’s room she realised that Paul, Jacquie’s husband, had arrived and was busy pacing up and down, not bothering to keep out of the staff’s way. Dr Gray had already set up a magnesium drip, which would help reduce the swelling in Jacquie’s limbs, and a catheter bag hung beside the bottom of the bed.

He was intent on trying all the options, as Jacquie wanted to have a natural birth, but three hours later things had become steadily worse.

Eden had spent those hours forcing herself to keep away from David, yet all the while trying to figure out what had made him so touchy towards her. What had she done wrong? Was she not supposed to discuss his past marriage with him? She hadn’t meant anything by her questions—it had been purely for medical reasons she’d asked them.

Now, though, she needed to concentrate, and she reluctantly pushed thoughts of her delicious David to the back of her mind.

‘We’ve tried the Cytotec and it hasn’t worked,’ Dr Gray was explaining. ‘We’ve tried the Foley bulb, and still you’re only three centimetres dilated. Your waters have broken, and although that’s brought you a bit of relief it’s made things worse for Alyce.’

‘Dr Gray’s right,’ Eden confirmed. ‘Alyce is compressing her cord because there’s no fluid to keep the pressure off. This means her heart-rate is decelerating faster and she’s not recovering as well as she was before. To top it all off, you’re exhausted. Even if you dilated the full ten centimetres in the next hour, there’s no way you would have the energy to push a baby out. It’s not your fault,’ Eden added, seeing the tears trickle down her patient’s cheeks. ‘It’s just the way things are. What’s important now is to get Alyce out, and quickly.’

‘My wife wants to have her child naturally,’ Paul stated firmly, glaring at Eden with total distrust, as though she was responsible for what was happening to his wife.

‘Paul, be reasonable,’ Dr Gray said. He was a sweet, passive man, not at all comfortable with the confrontation Paul seemed intent on starting.

David walked into the room at that point and came to stand by Eden. ‘Problem?’ He nodded to Jacquie’s husband. ‘Paul.’

‘What Jacquie wants, she gets,’ Paul said. ‘If she wants to have this baby naturally, that’s exactly what’s going to happen—or I’ll be suing not only the three of you, but the hospital as well. My family and my company make very important donations to this institution, and as such I demand my wife receives not only the treatment she desires, but that everything goes smoothly.’

David could see Dr Gray looked ready to pass out at being spoken to in such a way. But Eden, it seemed, was on the other end of the scale, and about to bubble over with anger. It would be up to him to keep the situation calm and under control.

‘I understand, Paul.’ His voice was smooth but firm, brooking no argument. ‘However, as a successful businessman, you may want to weigh up your options a bit more. If it is deemed necessary to administer an epidural, for either pain relief or surgical needs, then that’s what will happen, regardless of Jacqueline’s wishes, and I’ll tell you why.’

Paul glared at David, and Eden realised that although Jacquie and David may have divorced amicably that same polite friendship didn’t apply to Jacquie’s present husband. ‘I’m waiting.’

‘Because you want your wife and daughter to live.’ David’s words were spoken clearly and calmly, laced heavily with sincerity.

Paul scoffed. ‘You’re over-dramatising things.’

‘No. We’re informing you of the risks. Pre-eclampsia is a very real risk—not only to your daughter’s health, but to your wife’s as well. As doctors we take our patient’s health seriously, and we do whatever it takes to save lives. If that means urging Jacqueline to have a Caesarean section, then so be it. You can’t always get what you want, and it’s time both of you started to think of your baby rather than yourselves. You’re going to become parents, which means there will be a little girl who will need you to consider her needs before any personal or society wants.’ He glanced at Eden briefly. ‘That’s just the way things are now, and I strongly urge you to listen to Dr Gray’s and Eden’s recommendations.’

‘You’re just trying to scare her,’ Paul retaliated, although it was clear that the wind had definitely been taken out of his sails. ‘All of you.’

‘Believe me,’ Eden said, more calm now thanks to David stepping in when he had. ‘It’s not my practice either to lie to my patients or to scare them into treatment. You’re being given honest medical recommendations, taking into consideration Jacquie’s and Alyce’s well-being. The ultimate decision is yours, but the longer you wait the less chance Alyce will have of fighting once she’s born. She’s eight weeks early and she needs all the strength she can get.’

‘We’ll give you a few minutes to talk it over,’ Dr Gray remarked, and the three doctors headed out of the room.

‘Thanks.’ Dr Gray held out his hand to David. ‘I was so shocked by what he was saying, I was just…’ He shrugged.

‘Flabbergasted?’ Eden provided.

‘Exactly.’

‘I was livid.’ She smiled at David, unsure of the reception she’d receive from him. ‘Just as well Mr Cool, Calm and Collected stepped in.’

David merely nodded at her words, but didn’t return her smile. That wasn’t good. It meant something was really wrong—but what?

‘I need to get back to the ward. Call me if I’m needed.’ He couldn’t stand there looking at Eden’s bewildered eyes any longer. He knew he should explain, tell her why he was acting the way he was, but it was hardly the time and place to let her know the truth. Her questions about his marriage had thrown him completely. He could understand why she’d asked them, knew it was for medical reasons alone, but in that instant he’d been swamped not only with the failure of his marriage but with the fact that he’d never have the children he’d wished for.

He headed off, feeling her gaze upon him. He turned at the top of the corridor to look back at her. ‘By the way—you do have good malpractice insurance, right?’

She smiled at his words, the pressure on her heart lifting a little at his question. ‘Why? Are you offering to share?’

He returned her smile before walking off, and it was a much happier Eden who returned to her work of helping Dr Gray.

Twenty minutes later Jacquie was being wheeled round to Theatre, and after having an epidural block administered, Dr Gray began the C-section. David was in the room, near Eden. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel him. Her body seemed to know exactly where he was at all times during the short but successful operation.

Once Paul had cut the cord, and Alyce had been shown to Jacquie, Eden took over. She performed the baby’s observations, shaking her head at the poor APGAR score. She put an oximetry probe on the small foot, which would check the baby was receiving the correct amount of oxygen. Next she put in an umbilical venous catheter, as well as an arterial catheter, and finally a nasogastric tube so the little girl could be fed.

They transferred Alyce to the NICU, and although Eden was the doctor treating the little girl, she was pleased David was nearby if for no other reason than to give her strength. He had become a very important lifeline to her, and it was one she never wanted to let go.

‘Give her a bolus dose of ten percent dextrose,’ Eden ordered the nurses. ‘And check her sugar levels again. Her lungs are stiff, so administer surfactant via syringe before turning on the ventilator.’

‘What are you doing?’ Paul demanded, coming up behind Eden and almost scaring her. David turned to face him, and Eden saw the mask of the professional in place. Any arguments Paul had were about to be overruled.

‘We’re making sure your daughter can breathe properly. Even though Dr Gray was able to get quite a few doses of steroids into Jacquie to assist in increasing Alyce’s lung function, it still wasn’t enough,’ David said.

‘Alyce’s lungs are stiff,’ Eden continued. ‘We need to keep the moisture up around her so she’s able to breathe in the necessary amount of oxygen. At the moment her lungs can’t expand and contract properly, which isn’t a good thing.’

Eden decided she’d had enough of his blustering and bullying. Niceness was something he might not be used to, and catching him off guard might be just what they needed to keep him quiet.

‘Come with me,’ she said softly, holding out a hand to him. Paul looked at her hand and backed away as though she were insane.

‘What do you want?’

Eden continued to keep her voice as calm as possible. No doubt Paul hadn’t had the best of days either. She didn’t know what was going on in his life, what had made him the blustering pain that he was, but right now, she could do one thing for him. ‘Over here. To the sink. If you wash your hands you can touch her.’

‘Touch?’

Eden’s smile was warm and genuine, her words soft. ‘Alyce. You do want to touch her, don’t you? I know what she means to you, Paul. How special this little girl is. Your daughter has arrived. Your daughter. You’re a daddy.’ She smiled as she said the last words, watching the way Paul gaped at her in astonishment. ‘Now, wash your hands and go and make first contact. She needs you. Alyce really needs you.’

David watched as Eden calmed the savage beast, and in the next instant Paul had his hand in the humidicrib, rubbing his finger on Alyce’s cheek. ‘She’s so…tiny.’

Eden smiled. ‘Enjoy it while you can. Before you know it she’ll be running up your credit card bills and borrowing your BMW.’

Paul smiled, and it completely changed his face.

‘We’ll give you some privacy, but let me know if you need anything.’ Eden took David’s hand in hers, nodding to the nurse as they walked by.

‘And she does it again.’

‘Pardon?’ Eden looked up at him as they headed out of the NICU.

‘I have never seen that man smile before.’

‘He’s never been a father before,’ Eden returned softly.

David stiffened at her words, and after a moment let go of her hand. His tone, however, was controlled and even. ‘You truly have a gift, Eden. You’re able to see to the heart of a person and provide them with exactly what they need. Take Chelsea, for example. She’s kept the drip in for the past two days and is actually engaging the staff in conversation. Of course, she’s asking them all about the travel experiences they’ve had, but it’s better than being the confused child she was when she came in.’

‘She’s an intelligent girl,’ Eden agreed. ‘If she’d been older it would have been more difficult to get through to her.’

‘But you knew exactly what she needed.’

‘No. I saw a spark. I tried something. It worked. That’s all, David. Listen, I’m going to go check on Jacquie, and then see Sasha before heading off to get ready for our date tonight.’ She stopped at a junction in the corridor.

‘Date?’

David’s face registered his bewilderment, and she couldn’t resist reaching up to stroke his cheek. The poor man had so much on his mind. She wished he’d let her in, trust her enough to tell her what was really bothering him, but she couldn’t force him.

‘Sasha and Robert? We’re having dinner with them tonight.’

‘Yes. Yes, I remember now.’ He tried not to lean into her hand, but couldn’t help himself. Her touch was so comforting, so supportive, and exactly what he needed. Could she read him as well as she could read everyone else? That thought made him step back. ‘I’m going to the ward.’

‘Right.’ She dropped her hand, telling herself she had to be content with the fact that he’d at least accepted the compassion she’d been offering. ‘Seven o’clock. Sasha’s room.’

He nodded before turning and heading off in the opposite direction. She watched him walk away and wondered if she’d be able to get through to him or whether she would lose him for a second time.

Robert met Eden at the entrance to the hospital. ‘Sorry,’ she said, getting out of her taxi. ‘I’m running late.’

‘Fine by me,’ Robert said, coming forward to kiss her cheek, a bag in his hand. ‘You look fantastic, Eden. David’s going to pop a gasket when he sees you.’

She was dressed in a pair of black boots, black trousers, and an emerald-green top which highlighted her vibrant eyes. She carried a black fitted coat over her arm, and funky earrings twirled near her neck. She’d scooped her hair back and up into a simple ponytail, which revealed a decent expanse of skin from her neck to her cleavage.

‘Here’s hoping,’ she laughed. ‘So…ready for some fun?’

‘Exactly where are we going?’ Robert asked when they were in the lift.

‘Ahh, a surprise for you as well, I think. You’ve both been through so much, it’s about time you broke free of this institution for a few hours and let loose.’

Robert laughed. ‘Sash has told me about some of the crazy things you’ve done, but I never thought I’d witness any of them, let alone be a part of one.’

The lift doors opened and Eden smiled. ‘I’m not planning anything crazy for tonight—sorry to disappoint—but I guarantee you’ll have fun.’

‘Same thing in my book.’

‘What? Fun and crazy? Oh, Robert, dear Robert, you’ve got a lot to learn. Now, you go to your wife, help her finish getting ready, and I’ll be there in a moment. I just have to make a few quick phone calls.’

Eden went to the nurses’ desk and called the maternity ward first to check on Jacquie. After receiving a good report, she called through to the NICU.

‘How’s Alyce doing?’ she asked the nurse.

‘I was just about to call you, Dr Caplan.’

‘Problem?’

‘I’d like you to review her. She tried to stop breathing about two minutes ago, but she’s a stubborn one. Fighting for her life.’

‘I’ll be right there.’ Eden left a message for the nurse to pass on to Sasha and headed towards the NICU. She opened the door to the stairwell and ran slap-bang into David. His arms came about her, holding both of them steady.

‘This is getting to be a habit.’

‘One I’d love to continue,’ she returned, loving the way he could make her tingle all over. ‘Right now, however, I need to see Alyce.’

David’s concern was instant. ‘Problems?’

Eden explained as the two of them headed to the stairs. When they arrived at the NICU, it was to find all of Alyce’s vitals were back in the normal range. Eden checked and rechecked all the tubes and wires, then checked and rechecked the machines—even though she knew the nursing staff would have done their own thorough checks.

Once she was satisfied that Alyce was doing as well as could be expected, they headed back out—but not until she’d made sure the nurses had her cellphone number.

‘I don’t have your cellphone number,’ David said as they headed back to Sasha’s room.

‘That’s because you’ve never asked for it,’ she retorted. She could feel his gaze on her as they climbed the stairs and it warmed her through.

‘You look lovely,’ he ventured when they came to the top of the stairs.

Eden angled her head. ‘Lovely? A book can be described as lovely.’

‘Pretty.’

‘Now I’m a little girl with blonde pigtails in a floral dress. Come on. Dig a little deeper.’

‘Eden. Now is not the time to tease.’

‘Why? Why don’t you want me to tease?’ She eased closer, using the confined area to her advantage. ‘Is that what you really want, David? For me to stop?’

He closed his eyes and groaned, placing his hands at her waist and hauling her against him. He looked down into her upturned face. ‘You are driving me insane, lady.’

‘Getting better,’ she murmured, and leaned in to press a feather-light kiss to his lips.

‘You’re wild and fun and sexy and intoxicating,’ he ground out.

‘Now you’ve got the hang of it.’ She kissed him again, revelling in the feel of his body against hers.

‘Sasha’s waiting,’ he whispered against her lips.

‘She’ll understand,’ Eden returned, but knew he had a point. After a few more teasing kisses she shifted back and opened the stairwell door, pleased when he didn’t immediately let go of her.

When they walked in to Sasha’s room, it was to find her friend tucked warmly into a wheelchair, impatiently waiting.

‘There you two are. Right, now, let’s get out of here before any emergencies happen or before someone comes and tells me I can’t go.’

‘You have permission to go,’ Eden said as Robert wheeled Sasha’s chair out to the lifts.

‘I know, yet I still feel as though I’m escaping. Honestly, Ede, being stuck in this place for the past few weeks has started to feel worse than that time we ended up in gaol.’

Robert raised his eyebrows. ‘You were in gaol?’

Sasha laughed and started to recount the story, and that set the tone for the rest of the night. The four of them enjoyed a lovely meal at a glitzy restaurant. The food was good. The company was better, and they laughed for most of the time.

‘How are you feeling?’ Eden asked later, as she pressed her fingers to Sasha’s wrist to take her pulse. Both she and David had kept close tabs on Sasha’s health throughout the night.

‘Getting tired.’

‘Not surprising,’ David dropped a kiss to his sister’s head. ‘You’ve done well to make it this far—especially after such an eventful day.’ When Sasha had told him that she’d stood up on her own tears had welled in his eyes. In those few words he knew that with hard work and determination his sister would one day walk again. His sister wasn’t the sort of person to back down from a challenge. Besides, she’d have himself and Robert to support her throughout the entire ordeal. Would Eden stay for that long? It could take months—even a whole year. Would she stay?

After they’d returned Sasha to the hospital, David took Eden back to her hotel. ‘Coffee?’ she asked.

David pointed to the hotel lounge area in the lobby. ‘Down here? Sure.’

She smiled. ‘Not in my room?’ She fluttered her eyelashes at him. ‘Ooh, David. Why ever not? Is it because you find me wild and fun and sexy?’

‘You forgot intoxicating,’ he added as he led her to a comfortable lounge chair, making sure he sat opposite her rather than next to her. To be too close to Eden only meant torturing himself even further. ‘And that’s precisely the reason.’

They ordered drinks and discussed their patients and the exhausting day they’d both had. When David had checked on Dart before coming out this evening, the boy had had colour in his cheeks and was beginning to complain about ‘yucky meddy’ again.

‘And Mrs Wilman?’

David shook his head. ‘She’s in the psychiatric ward under strict observation tonight. Dart’s father has cancelled his business trip and will be here tomorrow morning. He’s as astounded about what has happened as everybody else.’

‘I hope she gets better. Her condition can be helped, so long as she’s willing to help herself.’

‘Just like Chelsea?’

‘Just like any patient. People in general have the ability to work through situations and problems, taking things one step at a time, getting help from counsellors or psychologists or even just talking to a friend. Life is far too short to be wrapped up in the what-ifs and maybes of the world.’

‘Is that why you let me pressure you to see your family?’

‘You didn’t pressure me, David. You supported me. And that’s why I knew I needed to see them.’ She smiled. ‘Sometimes knowing and doing are very difficult things to combine, but with will-power and support it can be achieved.’

Their drinks were delivered, and David eased back in his chair, looking at her for a moment.

‘Why do I get the strange feeling you’re talking about me here?’

‘I guess I’m not so subtle, eh? There’s a cloud hanging over you, David. I’m not saying I know what it is, but it’s there, and it’s stopping you from moving on with your life.’

‘Is this because I’ve said that things wouldn’t ever work out between us?’

‘Sort of. You say cryptic things, you don’t give me explanations for them, and then you kiss me as though you just can’t help yourself.’

‘I can’t.’ He rubbed a hand across his brow, massaging his temple for a moment. ‘It’s true, though, Eden. It can’t work out between us.’

‘You need to give me a solid reason why not, David. I am in love with you. I know it for a fact. And although you may not believe me, I am not the sort of girl to fall in love with just anyone.’

‘Not Tony or Jett or the plethora of other men you’ve mentioned?’

‘All of them friends. Most of them colleagues. Despite that, it’s beside the point—because none of them make me feel the way you do.’

‘Eden, we can’t. Don’t love me. Don’t want to be with me.’

‘Why not? You told me that I didn’t know who I was, that I spent my time helping everyone else and never spent enough time just being myself. Well, I listened to you and I’ve realised you’re right. I didn’t know who I was, what I wanted out of life. Of course I’m happy with my job, with helping people, but I do want more.’

‘You want marriage and a family.’

‘I want you.’

‘You want what every other woman wants. I can’t provide it.’ His voice had taken on a coolness she’d never heard before, and for a moment she actually believed he believed the words he was saying.

‘Just for me, or for any woman?’ she asked, determined to keep her voice calm and controlled. This could turn out to be the most important conversation of her life, and she needed to make sure she didn’t blow it. She tried to mask the confusion and hurt she was experiencing.

She thought she’d dealt with the pain of his first rejection, but it was surging back tenfold and she felt as though she was a teenager again, having him tell her to keep her distance and not to pursue him.

‘Any woman.’

Eden sighed and felt a weight lift from her. It wasn’t just her. She could work with this. ‘I’ve done a lot of soul-searching these past few days—deep soul-searching. I’ve listened to what you’ve had to say, I’ve processed it. And I’ve made peace with my family and myself with regards to the past.’ She pulled her hair from the band and flicked the locks over her shoulder, massaging her scalp a little.

David was mesmerised for a second, just watching her as she pulled her fingers through her gorgeous curls. His mind went blank and he completely lost track of what they’d been discussing. He loosened his tie and undid the top button of his shirt. It was always like that around Eden. He would try to talk sensibly with her, but then she’d distract him and he would become mesmerised by the way her eyes darkened to a deeper shade of green whenever she became passionate about something. Now was no exception, and although she wasn’t getting riled up, the emotions were still there…She was just better at controlling it now that she was older.

She was so amazingly attractive he was having a difficult time keeping his breathing even, not to mention his train of thought. He needed to be harsh, to let her see that this time he wasn’t going to give in, wasn’t going to let her talk him around. It was for her own good.

‘I know exactly what I want to do with my life, David, and that in itself is very freeing. It’s something I couldn’t have done without your help.’ She was having difficulty forming the words, especially when he was looking at her as though he was about to toss aside the coffee table which separated them, not caring if drinks got spilt or if he wrecked the lobby. His eyes told her he wanted her, wanted her so badly he was willing to throw all sense and reason out of the window. So how could his mouth say that he didn’t want to be with her, that she was better off without him?

‘Because you’ve helped me, because I’ve taken those boxes out…the ones I’d hidden for so long…because I’ve looked inside them and really tried to figure things out, I think it’s only fair that I return the favour. That I help you figure out what it is that you want out of life.’

‘I know what I want, Eden.’

‘And what’s that?’

‘Peace.’

She waggled her eyebrows up and down suggestively. ‘I can give you peace.’

He laughed without humour. ‘You give me anything but peace, Eden. You’re the one who ties me up in knots, who makes me forget where I am, what I’m doing. Who makes me wild with jealousy if I hear you talk about another man—friend, colleague or otherwise.’

‘And why aren’t these good things?’

‘Because I want peace.’

‘Peace is boring. Well…not all the time, but you know what I mean. There needs to be a balance, David, and you’re never going to get that until you talk to me—until you can trust me enough to tell me what it is that has you one hundred percent certain that we can never be together.’

‘Maybe I just don’t love you.’

Eden heard the words, felt them pierce her heart, and then instantly rejected them. ‘That’s not the case.’

‘Are you saying that I am in love with you?’

‘You must be—otherwise your actions would be far more rational than they are. You love me. I love you. But we also need to trust each other, David. Please.’

Her tone was imploring, and before he realised she’d even moved, she’d reached forward and taken his hands in hers. The touch filled him instantly with desire and need. This woman was everything he’d ever wanted and more. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her, he did, with every fibre of his being, but he’d known this conversation had to happen at some point.

Why not now? Why not confess the truth? She would be mortified, hurt, and then she’d leave him alone. It would mean the rest of the time she spent in Sydney they’d just carefully avoid one another until she finally went back overseas to work with PMA.

‘OK.’ The word was spoken very quietly, and Eden’s eyes widened. She didn’t say anything, instead waiting for him to gather his thoughts, to tell her what it was that had been keeping them apart ever since she’d returned to town.

‘When I was an intern—’ He broke off, looking into her eyes, seeing the reassurance there, feeling it in her touch. This was it. He was going to do this. He took another breath and slowly let it out. ‘When I was an intern, there was an accident—a radiation leak.’ His voice was strong, matter-of-fact, as though removing all the emotion from what he was saying helped him to deal with it.

‘David!’ Eden was astounded, and couldn’t help voicing her concerns. ‘Were you sick? Poisoned? How bad was it?’

‘I suffered radiation sickness, but after a few months I made a complete recovery.’

‘Does Sash know?’

‘No. I was living in Melbourne and I didn’t want to worry her. She’d just started her first job as a teacher and was having the time of her life. She didn’t need to be worried about me.’

‘So you recovered, then?’ Even as she said the words Eden started piecing together all the information she’d inadvertently gathered during the past few days. Such as the number of times David had raised the fact that she would want children. Such as Jacquie saying she’d had trouble conceiving for years. Such as David saying there were other reasons for his marriage failure.

‘None of us who were affected suffered permanent damage—or so we thought.’ David paused, looking down at their entwined fingers. This was it, and he wanted to savour this last moment—her hands against his, the love he saw in her eyes, the way she cared too much. He was going to hurt her and he was sorry for that.

‘When Jacquie and I wanted to start a family, we had difficulties conceiving.’ He swallowed, forcing himself to go on.

‘The radiation had made you sterile.’ Eden spoke before he could get the words out.

‘Yes.’

She waited, wondering if there was more. When he didn’t say anything else, she pressed. ‘And?’

‘And that’s it. I can’t father a child, Eden.’ He was a little exasperated, and annoyed with her for playing dumb. ‘Ever.’ He withdrew his hand from hers and clenched his jaw, trying to summon the strength to say the next words. ‘So you see, there’s no future for us. There never can be. It’s over.’

CHAPTER TEN

EDEN frowned, watching him closely. ‘What’s over?’

‘Haven’t you heard a single word I’ve just said?’ His exasperation with her increased. ‘I can’t be with you, Eden. I can’t give you the happily-ever-after fairytale you’ve wanted all your life. I can’t father a child. The sterilisation is permanent.’

‘So?’

‘So! How can you just sit there and say “So”?’

‘Simple. Listen and I’ll say it again. So?’

David was dumbfounded by her reaction. This hadn’t been what he’d expected at all. ‘Don’t you want to have children? Children of your own?’

‘Of course I do.’

‘Then you’re better off without me.’

Eden sat back in her chair for a moment, her drink, the hotel lobby, other guests—everything forgotten as she focused on the man opposite her. ‘Are you honestly sitting there and telling me that even though I don’t care that you can’t father a child we should still not be together?’

Her eyes were starting to flash the way they did when she became really mad. David swallowed. He was so attracted to the way she looked, but at the same time wary of her simmering temper. ‘Now, Eden. You have to see sense. You’re obviously in shock.’

‘Don’t tell me what I am. I know my own mind, David.’

‘Then you’ll know that while everything might be fine at the moment, and you might think you can accept this revelation of mine, say it doesn’t matter to you, at some point in the future it won’t be all right. I’ve been down this road before. I’ve heard my ex-wife cry herself to sleep because she couldn’t have a child. I’ve signed divorce papers and I’ve vowed that as far as I was concerned I would never have a family. There is no treatment for this. It’s absolute.’

He shifted in his chair, leaning forward, determined to get through to her. ‘I know how deeply you feel, Eden. I know how badly things affect you. And even though you say now that you don’t mind not having children of your own, one day you will, and one day you will look at me with hatred in your eyes.’ And then you’ll leave me. He didn’t say the last words out loud. He couldn’t bear to.

It was better all round if they ended things here. Tonight. They’d be able to move on, to find what came next in their lives—because being together would never be an option.

‘You’re scared.’ Eden nodded, as though she’d finally hit the nail on the head. The final piece of the puzzle.

‘I’m trying to be rational here, Eden.’

‘You are so scared that if you even try something new, if you take a chance, you’ll end up being hurt again. I can understand that. Honestly I can. I took a chance when I was seventeen and dated you. I loved being with you, spending time together. The hectic times, the fun times, the quiet times. In the beginning I was desperate for you to see me as something more than just a friend. After you’d accepted that things were great. And then…you left. But when you left, what you didn’t know was that I was in love with you. Real honest-to-goodness love.’

That stopped his thoughts in their tracks, but he quickly dismissed her words. ‘You were seventeen, Eden. Too young to know what love really is.’

‘Perhaps. But I know the pain I felt. I know it took me a very long time to get over you—long after I’d left Sydney. Helping other people, being there for others, was a way I could hide myself, could lock my heart away whilst still doing some good in the world. If I helped other people, then I didn’t have to look inwards at myself, didn’t have to face the fear that I might be all alone for the rest of my life because the only man I’d ever loved didn’t love me back. There was no way I could ever settle for second best. That’s just not me.

‘I told you that I cried myself to sleep the night I heard of your marriage. I wasn’t teasing. You were gone. You’d been taken from me—by some other older, more sophisticated woman. I’d lost you—lost what was never really mine in the first place. I’d lost you. It was then I fully realised my feelings for you were far more than that of a teenage crush or puppy love. They were serious—because to be lusting after another woman’s husband was definitely wrong. Yet I couldn’t stop myself. You were in me, a part of me, and I’d just locked it all away. If I ignored it, then the pain wasn’t as bad.

‘I wanted more than anything to get home for Sasha’s wedding, because I knew you were divorced. You were free again. I thought that perhaps now…now that I was older, you would finally see me as the woman I’d become. I hoped that you would flirt with me, that you’d take me out into the moonlight, dance with me, kiss me.’

David nodded. ‘It wasn’t to be.’

‘No.’ Eden sighed. ‘And then Sasha had her accident. My poor, darling Sasha, whom I love like a sister. I came home, unsure of how it would be to see you for the very first time in twelve years, and I have to say it’s been the roller-coaster I’d always imagined it would be.’ She smiled at him then, and David wasn’t sure whether he should relax or stay on alert. ‘You are the only man who can make me go weak at the knees with one simple look. You make me smoulder when you touch me. You fill me with fire when you hold me close, when you kiss me, when you look at me with love in your eyes.’

She leaned forward, placing her hands on the table in front of her. ‘Only you, David. Only you have ever affected me like this, and only you will continue to affect me like this.’ She shook her head. ‘If we can’t be together then you’re sentencing us both to a life alone, a life of living with regrets, when it doesn’t need to be that way at all. I don’t care if you can’t have children, and I don’t know how to make you believe that.’ Her words were spoken in earnest.

‘You say that now, but it won’t last, Eden. One day you will care, and if I can prevent you from experiencing that pain then I will.’

Eden snorted with derision, her eyes flashing fire. ‘Oh, how magnanimous of you. Protecting me? How sweet!’

David glanced around them, aware of other patrons. ‘You might want to lower your voice.’

‘Might I? I might want you to believe me when I say it doesn’t matter, but that isn’t going to happen either.’

‘But you want children.’ His words were ground out from between his teeth, and she realised that he too was trying to control his temper.

‘Yes. Don’t you?’

‘It doesn’t matter what I want. I can’t—’

‘Be honest, David. It’s obvious you do want a family of your own, so at least admit it. If not to me, then at least to yourself.’

He shook his head and looked away, wishing they’d risked going up to her room to have this discussion. But he’d thought himself more able to control his undeniable attraction to her in a public place. Besides, he hadn’t expected her to react in this manner at all. Then again, this was Eden, and he should have known to expect the unexpected.

‘Why do you think I became a paediatrician?’

‘Probably the same reasons I did. You love children and you want to help them, to protect them, to guide them. That said, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re too scared to take the step before you. You’re not willing to enter into a relationship with me because one day I might hurt you. You’re not willing to believe that the two of us can be happy together—the two of us, David. Let’s just focus on that for now. I love you, and I know you love me.’ Her words had become more insistent and a little louder. ‘So why can’t we move forward? Why can’t we take that to the next level?’

‘You’re starting to disturb the other guests.’

‘I’m hardly yelling, David, and besides, when you’re in love with someone it should make you feel so free, so uninhibited, that you can shout from the rooftops—not knowing who hears, not caring who knows.’

His eyes widened for a moment, and he wondered if she was about to stand up and declare to all and sundry just how she felt about him.

Eden stood, and he held his breath. She walked around to stand beside him before leaning down to kiss him. It was a kiss of desire, of hope and of promise. Then she turned, picked up her coat and bag, and walked calmly to the lifts. He watched as she disappeared from view, the lift taking her away from him.

He wasn’t sure how long he sat there, ignoring the people around him as he pondered her words. Did she really not care about his secret? Could he believe that she accepted him as he was? That she truly loved him? That she wouldn’t leave him in years to come? Could he take a chance on love? True love? Was Eden worth it?

‘Yes.’

Two days later, David walked into his sister’s hospital room and glanced around. ‘Where is she?’

Sasha put down the book she was reading. ‘Who?’

‘Eden. Who else?’

‘I haven’t seen her.’

‘Sasha,’ he warned.

‘What? She came to my physio session earlier this morning, but I haven’t seen her since. Why? Is there something wrong with a patient?’

‘You know darn well what’s going on.’

‘Ah. Personal, not business. Yes, I do. Eden is more than my best friend, David. She’s like a sister to me.’

‘Well, if you want to have any hope of making her your real sister, then you’ll tell me where she is.’ He stalked around the room, agitated and tired. ‘I’ve been trying to call her for the past two days. First of all the hotel took my messages, saying she didn’t want to be disturbed. And now I’ve just called and they’ve informed me that Dr Caplan isn’t staying there any more.’

Sasha nodded. ‘Have you tried her cellphone?’

‘It just goes through to voicemail. Where is she?’ He felt so dejected, and slumped into a chair. ‘I’ve stuffed up, Sash. She won’t talk to me. She’s avoiding me.’

‘Haven’t you seen her on the ward? I thought she was a visiting medical officer.’

‘She is, but whilst she’s been in to see the patients she does it when she knows I won’t be on the ward. She knows my schedule inside out—when I have clinic, when I have meetings—and she uses it to her advantage. This morning Dart was jumping around, all happy and cheery because Dr Eden had just done a magic trick and pulled some money from his ear. Then I go to see Chelsea and she tells me that she and Eden shared a hot chocolate this morning as they talked about Paris.’

‘Isn’t she the young girl who wasn’t eating?’

‘Yes.’ David raked a hand through his hair and stood to start pacing again. ‘Yesterday I spent a lot of time trying to track her down, narrowly missing her. “She was just here.” “Oh, David, you just missed her.” Everyone likes her. Everyone thinks the world of her—’

‘It’s you that she loves,’ Sasha pointed out.

‘She has a funny way of showing it.’

‘How do you feel about her, David? Eden’s sure you love her, but that you’re too scared to do anything about it.’

‘I am. I was.’

‘In love with her or scared?’

‘I am in love with her and I was scared.’ He’d been such a fool—a fool in love. And love could be blind, couldn’t it? He just hadn’t known what he was doing, fumbling around like a…well, like a fool.

‘So what are you going to do about it?’

‘A lot. But first I need to find her.’ He came and gently sat on the bed next to his sister. ‘Help me, Sash.’

‘I’ll call her.’ Sasha picked up the phone by her bed and dialled an outside line before entering Eden’s number. ‘Hi, there,’ she said a moment later. ‘Where are you?’ A pause. David looked hopefully at his sister. ‘Uh-huh.’ Sasha’s gaze met his. ‘Oh? Really?’Another pause. ‘Eden, I’m sorry. No. No. I quite understand. Yes, yes, he is here with me. Do you want to—’

David eagerly held his hand out for the receiver, but Sasha didn’t relinquish it.

‘No?’ she continued. ‘All right, then. Yes. OK. Call me if you want to talk.’ Sasha hung up the phone and glared at her brother. ‘You had better fix that.’

‘What? What just happened?’

‘She doesn’t want to talk to you.’

‘What? Why not?’ Panic gripped him and he found it difficult to swallow. ‘Where is she, Sasha?’

‘I promised her I wouldn’t tell you.’

‘What? This isn’t primary school. We aren’t playing kid games. This is my life.’

‘Eden’s too.’

David began to pace around the room. What was Eden doing? Playing hard to get?

‘She just needs to sort herself out, that’s all.’

‘And what if she leaves? What if she runs away again?’

‘What if she does?’ Sasha countered. ‘What would you do, David?’

‘Go after her.’ He didn’t even need to think of his answer. He needed Eden, was desperate for Eden, and now that he’d realised that he wanted to go to her, apologise and beg her to take him back. ‘Come on, Sash. Tell me where she is. We need to talk. We need to sort this out. She doesn’t understand how much I need her in my life. I have to tell her.’

‘Well, you’re going to have to wait a few more days, at least. Unless…’ Sasha smiled widely at her brother, wanting the two people she’d loved for most of her life to get their act together.

‘Unless?’

‘Unless you’re smart and you figure out where she might have gone. Let’s see if I can’t help you narrow down the parameters. Who does Eden know in Sydney? You. Me. Well, she isn’t staying with either of us. Hmm…Who else does she know here? Who else would she go and visit with to reconcile the past?’

David hit his forehead and shook his head, before kissing his sister’s cheek.

‘You’d better tell her you love her, David,’ Sasha called as he bolted for the door.

‘I’ll shout it from the rooftops,’ he returned with a bright grin.

David knocked on his tennis partner’s front door with complete impatience. He hadn’t bothered waiting for someone to open the large front gates, instead had quickly scaled the front brick wall. Hal answered, surprised to see a dishevelled David standing there.

‘Is Eden here?’ he asked eagerly.

‘I’m sorry. You’ve just missed her. She’s gone shopping with her mother.’

He couldn’t believe he’d just missed her! Again!

‘Come in, son.’ Hal invited him, and they went into the living room. ‘You’ve obviously heard that Eden’s staying with us?’

‘I’ve not long realised that.’

‘She came round late last night and asked if she could come home.’ Hal shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. ‘It’s as though everything really is in the past—that it has all been forgiven and forgotten. I feel as though I have my family back.’ He clapped David on the back. ‘And we owe it all to you.’

‘To me?’

‘Yes. You brought her over, got her to talk to us.’

‘I didn’t do anything, Hal. It was all Eden. I merely provided moral support.’

Hal nudged him and winked. ‘Looked like more than moral support to me. So, what’s the deal? You in love with my Eden?’

‘As a matter of fact, yes.’ David’s answer momentarily stunned Hal.

‘Really? I was only trying to tease you.’ Hal gulped and quickly processed the information. ‘Well, that’s beaut, then.’ He offered his hand to David and pumped it proudly. ‘If you can tame my daughter, get her to settle down, we’d be forever grateful.’

David’s smile was one of slight relief. He’d found out where Eden was staying. She was all right. She hadn’t left town. She hadn’t given up on him. ‘I doubt anyone can tame Eden. Besides, I think she’s perfect just the way she is.’

Hal beamed. ‘Welcome to the family, son.’

David needed to prove to Eden that he was worth taking a risk with. Sasha wanted them to be together, and so did Hal, but it was Eden who mattered and David had to keep reminding himself that he hadn’t won her over…yet. He needed to convince her that he was serious, that he believed in her, believed in them, and that despite what the future might hold he wanted it to be the two of them together—for ever.

But how? How could he? After a moment David stood. ‘Listen, Hal, do you have a ladder I could borrow?’

‘I’m so glad the hospital let you come,’ Eden said to Sasha as she gathered the dinner plates.

‘You and me both. Sister thought as I’d managed to survive the other night at a restaurant, I could manage a sedate family dinner.’

‘It’s like old times,’ Gretchen said, helping her daughter. ‘Only David’s missing. Where did David say he was tonight, Hal?’

Hal thought for a moment, then shrugged. ‘He said he had some business to take care of.’

‘It was a wonderful meal, Mrs Caplan,’ Sasha commented, wanting to change the subject. Her brother had called her to let her know what he had planned, which was why Sasha had insisted on wangling an invitation to dinner. She wasn’t going to miss this moment for anything.

‘Thank you, dear. Todd, take those plates from Eden—you too, Hal. The two of you can be on dish duty tonight.’

‘Well, if it’s the men’s turn,’ Robert said, ‘I’d better help, too.’

‘They only have to stack the dishwasher,’ Eden said. ‘How hard is that?’

‘For your father and brother?’ Gretchen said. ‘It could take quite a while. They both have their own system, and they argue over which one is the most effective. Now, why don’t you get the things you bought today, Eden, while I wheel Sasha into the living room? Then we can have a bit of a girly time looking at clothes and shoes.’

‘Mum bought me way too much. I don’t know what I’m going to do with it all.’ Eden started towards the stairs, but stopped when she heard a strange noise. ‘What on earth is that?’ she asked, heading over to the window. Gretchen followed, and both of them peered out.

Dogs up and down the street were beginning to bark, but the noise continued and it sounded very close. Eden went to the front door and walked outside, down the steps onto the grass, searching for the sound. She turned and glanced up at the roof, her heart catching in her throat.

‘David! What are you doing up there?’

‘Serenading you,’ he called back, and began to sing once more. He was standing on the roof of her father’s house, balancing very carefully. He was wearing a tuxedo and held one single long stemmed rose in his hands.

The rest of her family came out, with Todd and Robert carrying Sasha’s wheelchair down the steps.

‘You’re supposed to be on the ground and I’m supposed to be up high if you’re going to serenade correctly,’ she called, but he continued to sing. Badly.

It was awful, and he was fumbling a lot of the words, which only made him sound worse, but she loved every wrong note he sang. Eden laughed at the total ridiculousness of the man, clapping her hands in delight, unable to believe he was doing what he was doing. When David broke out of his shell he broke out!

‘At least we have a doctor around if he falls,’ Hal commented.

‘Come down!’ she called, but he continued singing—if you could call it that. ‘You’re scaring the animals in the neighbourhood,’ she tried, and finally he finished.

Then he looked down at her and smiled.

‘I love you, Eden,’ he said, and then lifted his head and yelled to the entire neighbourhood, ‘I love Eden Caplan.’

She laughed, unable to believe he was actually shouting from the rooftops that he loved her.

‘Why is he up there?’ Gretchen asked. ‘What’s wrong with the ground?’

‘It’s romantic.’ Sasha sighed, and clasped her hands to her chest.

‘Oh,’ was all Gretchen said.

Eden saw the ladder, and knew if he wasn’t going to come down then she was going to go up—and that was exactly what she did, climbing carefully onto the roof. She stood and headed over to him, watching where she was putting her feet.

‘Be careful,’ he said when he spotted her, and reached out a hand, grasping hers and steadying her when she missed her step. When they were next to each other, he looked down into her eyes. ‘I’ve missed you,’ he whispered.

‘I’ve missed you, too,’ she said. ‘It’s just like you to be so literal.’

‘Hey, you wanted me to shout it from the rooftops and I have. The serenading was something I came up with all by myself.’ The smile on his face began to fade. ‘You’ve said a few times that Sasha is the only person who’s ever really cared about you, and I want you to know that’s not entirely true. She’s not the only person, Eden. I’ve cared about you for far longer than I’ve been willing to admit to myself. I’m sorry, Eden. Sorry for hurting you, for rejecting you, for not listening to you. Can you please forgive me?’

‘Why?’

‘Because I love you. I love her!’ he shouted again, and she laughed.

‘You’re crazy.’

‘You’ve taught me everything I know in that department.’ He waited a beat, then said seriously, ‘I’m sorry about the other day. I was just so overwhelmed that you weren’t put off by my revelation that I didn’t want to believe what I was hearing.’

‘I love you, David. You. If we can’t have our own children, that’s fine.’ She shrugged one elegant shoulder. ‘We’ll adopt.’

He widened his eyes. ‘Just like that? Adopt?’

Eden’s smile continued to grow as she pushed her fingers lovingly through his hair. ‘Have you forgotten where I’ve been working? Many of my assignments have been at orphanages. There are so many children out there with no one to love them. You and I both know that love is what matters, not bloodlines.’

He nodded. ‘Every child needs love.’

‘And we’ll give it. Look at your friends Chloe and Michael. They’ve adopted a little Tarparniian boy, and he probably won’t be their last.’ She laced her hands behind his head. ‘We can do this, David. We really can. I believe it with all my heart. We can be parents—parents who will shower their children with love.’

David couldn’t believe how incredible this woman was. She gave and she gave and she just kept on giving. He vowed right then and there to always give back to her. He would support her, help her to remain strong and support the gift she had. Together they could do so much, share so much of themselves, so much of their love.

‘Eden, I need you in my life. I’ve loved you for so long, but I was just too preoccupied with my own sadness to notice. I let it eat away at my life, and because of that I almost missed my chance at true happiness.’

She smiled at him. ‘You didn’t miss it, sexy boy. I’m still here.’

‘Marry me? Be my wild-child wife?’

‘Wife, eh?’

‘I want you to marry me. No.’ He stopped, and her heart caught in her throat. ‘I need you to be my wife.’

She looked into his eyes, seeing the commitment, and the love, as well as the passion and the desire. ‘Really?’ she whispered.

‘Yes.’ He laughed. ‘Please, yes.’

‘Why?’

‘Because you’re the other half of me,’ he replied. ‘Where we live, how many children we adopt, where we work—that’s all semantics. I realise that now. I need to know you’ll be with me, Eden. Side by side. Together. For ever.’

‘I love you,’ she said. ‘So very, very much, David.’

‘Is that a yes?’

‘You bet it is. Besides, after your public display of affection, how could I refuse?’

At that, his mouth met hers.

This was the very beginning of their life as Mr and Mrs Perfectly Happy—which was what Eden had been striving for her whole life.

‘Are you two ever coming down?’ Sasha called with excited impatience, making Eden laugh.

Eden didn’t rush to end the kiss, but when he lifted his mouth from hers she allowed David to help her towards the ladder. He kissed her lips once more.

‘After you, my wild-child.’

‘Thank you, my tone-deaf serenader.’

When they were on the ground, and after they’d been congratulated and hugged by their family, David took her in his arms once more.

‘We are so perfect for each other.’

‘Mmm,’ Eden said, pressing her mouth to his. ‘Told you so.’

MARRIAGE
REUNITED:
BABY ON THE WAY

BY
SHARON ARCHER

Born in New Zealand, Sharon Archer now lives in county Victoria, Australia, with her husband Glenn, one lame horse and five pensionable hens. Always an avid reader, she discovered Mills & Boon as a teenager through Lucy Walker’s fabulous Outback Australia stories. Now, she lives in a gorgeous bush setting and loves the native fauna that visits regularly…Well, maybe not the possum which coughs outside the bedroom window in the middle of the night.

The move to acreage brought a keen interest in bushfire management (she runs the fireguard group in her area) as well as free time to dabble in woodwork, genealogy (her advice is…don’t get her started!), horse-riding and motorcycling—as a pillion or in charge of the handlebars.

Free time turned into words on paper! And the dream to be a writer gathered momentum. With a background in a medical laboratory, what better line to write for than Mills & Boon® Medical™ Romance?

Recent titles by the same author:

SINGLE FATHER: WIFE AND MOTHER WANTED

I’d like to especially thank my editor, Lucy Gilmour,
for her suggestions, encouragement and belief
in my manuscripts.

Thank you always to Anna Campbell,
Rachel Bailey and Marion Lennox.
You are the best!

Thank you, too, to Judy Griffiths and Serena Tatti
for your input on this book.

And especially thanks to my husband, Glenn,
for his unstinting support with everything!

CHAPTER ONE

JACK CAMPBELL slipped into the hospital room and closed the door. Muted sounds of the emergency department filtered through to him, the jingle of an instrument trolley, the squeak of a rubber-soled shoe.

The pungent smell of antiseptic. A decades-old aversion leaped across the years to roll nausea through his stomach. For a split second, he was thirteen years old again—wretched, angry, useless—listening to nurses discuss the rapidly failing infant that had just come in. His sister, his family.

He blew out a breath, made a conscious effort to push down the unwelcome, unhelpful recollection.

He was here to see Liz.

Dr Elizabeth Campbell…his wife…He clenched his jaw. Soon-to-be ex-wife if she had anything to do with it.

She lay on a gurney, her back towards him. A grey blanket skimmed the curves of her shoulder and hip. Dark curls tumbled across a small, flat pillow. His fingers curled involuntarily with the memory of the silky strands slipping across his skin. They had a lot of talking, a lot of healing to do before he could look forward to that intimacy.

A louder clatter came from outside the door. So used to the background noise of the hospital, Liz still didn’t wake, didn’t even stir. She always slept serenely, such a contrast to the snapping vitality she radiated when she was awake.

The duty nurse said Liz had been up for most of the night treating the victims of a nasty car accident.

He suddenly realised the nurse’s welcome had been much warmer than he deserved. Hadn’t Liz told her colleagues that her marriage—their marriage—was on shaky ground? His spirits lifted briefly, then plunged as he wondered if the state of their relationship was simply an insignificant detail to her, not worth mentioning.

He leaned back against the door and ran a tired hand over his face. Whiskers scraped his palm, reminding him that he should have showered and shaved at the airport after the long flight from the States. Instead, he’d hired a car and driven more hours to be here.

To see the woman who slept so soundly just a few steps away.

So why was he delaying the moment of confrontation?

Dread spasmed in his gut. Because he didn’t know how she was going to handle his return. Now that he was here, his five months away with minimal communication felt unreasonable—even given their mutual separation. Stilted phone calls, always with the unspoken knowledge that once their marriage was dissolved, they had no claim on each other.

How would she take the decisions he’d made without consulting her? Accepting the position of captain in Dustin’s fire brigade.

Not giving her the easy divorce he’d promised before he’d left.

Somewhere in the last few months of battling fires in California, he’d realised how important Liz was to him. What a fool he’d been to think it would be easy to move on.

He’d even come to the conclusion he could handle discussing parenthood. He tried to imagine Liz heavy with pregnancy—and failed. Tried to picture himself holding a baby—and an icy chill speared out of his heart. He swallowed hard. All he had to do was overcome that instinctive rejection. That was all.

He wanted to fight for his marriage, to tackle their problems. And when they were done, if she still wanted him out of her life, then he’d go.

He touched the pocket that held two open airline tickets to New Zealand. Tickets to the place they’d begun their marriage. Tickets to paradise. An inspiration…or a crazy idea born of desperation.

Squaring his shoulders, he pushed away from the door. Long strides took him to the gurney.

He reached out to touch Liz, his hand hovering over her shoulder before slowly dropping to his side. His eyes lingered on her profile, the curve of her cheek, eyelashes curled in smudgy purple shadows that spoke of tiredness. She took on so much responsibility, worked too hard. But there was no telling her to slow down. A bitter-sweet longing pierced his heart to see her looking so young and vulnerable.

On impulse, he leaned down and pressed his lips to her cheek just in front of her ear. Her skin was warm and soft. She sighed. He inhaled the heady fragrance of the woman he loved, intended to love for the rest of his life. If he could find a way to turn things around, if he could find a way to overcome his fear. He had to believe it was possible.

She rolled slightly, reaching up to hook a hand around his neck. Her fingers threaded through his hair, tugging his head closer as she offered him her mouth.

He wrestled with his conscience. Her invitation was hard to resist. But she still seemed half-asleep, which was unusual since she was used to waking instantly. ‘Liz?’

‘Jack,’ she murmured, her hand stroking across the nape of his neck.

His heart swelled. She knew who he was. He stopped questioning, touched his mouth to hers, sinking into the welcome taste and texture. He was home.

Lips moved on hers. The wonderful, clever, knowing lips of her husband, her lover. At once familiar and unbelievably exciting, flooding her body with sensual need. Kissing her, nibbling and rubbing sensitive nerve endings to life. The familiar feel, a haven conjured up by a dream.

She parted her lips in invitation, wanting more and after a moment the light kiss became more demanding, firm and masterful. The taste of him, the feel of him, so infinitely beloved. Something she never wanted to lose. The thought brought a lump of emotion to her throat. Hot tears pushed at her eyelids before seeping out to trickle down her temple into her ears.

The lips drifted away to work their magic along her jaw.

‘Jack.’

Arching slightly, she gave him access to her throat and the delicious caress was instantly there to please her. Bliss. She ached for his touch everywhere.

Stubble rasped across her chin as he moved back to her mouth, a mixture of pleasure and discomfort. Why couldn’t she have dreamed him up after he’d shaved? She tried to push the fretful thought away, not wanting to spoil the precious moment.

‘Liz,’ groaned her dream lover. Her eyes flew open as the word smashed away the last vestiges of sleep.

‘What the—? Jack!’ The rhythm of her heart bounded, painful and erratic with panic. She sat up abruptly, her head connecting with something hard.

‘Hell, Liz!’ The muffled protest behind her registered as she swung her feet to the floor and stood up. She put a hand on the gurney’s metal frame and gulped down the slide of queasiness crawling up her throat.

Steadier, she took a deep breath and folded her arms protectively across her body. She turned slowly to stare at the man on the other side of the narrow mattress.

‘Just what do you think you’re doing?’ She’d meant the words to come out strong, determined. Outraged. Instead, she sounded almost husky, breathless.

Jack’s hand stopped moving his lower jaw and fell to his side. The room seemed to lurch again as he gave her a lopsided smile.

‘Kissing my wife?’ The sexy voice stroked along her auditory nerves. So much more potent when he was in the room with her than on the other end of a phone line.

She scowled as his answer drew her attention to his mouth. The gorgeous shape with its full bottom lip still tilted up at one corner. In her semi-conscious state, her lips had recognised him, welcomed his much-loved caress, responded to him. And if she was honest, she’d known on some level that her dream was too good, too real. But in the ultimate selfbetrayal, she’d resisted the push to full awareness.

‘I’m not your wife.’ Her lips felt swollen, tremulous. Her traitorous body still hummed with the need his kiss had created.

‘Yeah, you are.’

Muscles tightened around her chest. She wasn’t prepared for this scene. ‘Technically, yes. In reality, no.’

‘Technically is what we’ve got, babe.’ He watched her through narrowed eyes as though trying to gauge the emotion underlying her negative response. ‘And what we have to talk about.’

‘We did all our talking before you left.’ She frowned at him. ‘And don’t call me babe.’

Why did he have to look so damned good? Big and rugged and fit. Tussled spikes of dark hair above a lean, angular face. She had to remember that underneath the stunning exterior he was cold, contained.

Untouchable. Her vulnerable heart squeezed. Common sense hadn’t stopped her from falling for a man just like her distant, unresponsive father.

She and Jack were separated. Had agreed on it before he’d gone on secondment to the States. His months away fighting summer wildfires had given her a chance to get used to him not being around. There was no going back. She couldn’t. Too much was at stake now.

She wasn’t going to settle for a half-life, the way her mother had. Two years was more than enough time to invest in a mistake.

Of course, the marriage wasn’t their only mistake.

She buttoned her lab coat, carefully holding the fabric away from her body. Thank goodness for the large, shapeless garment. And the light in here was fairly subdued. If she could just get out of the room…

‘You can’t just walk away from me, Liz. I’m not going anywhere until we’ve worked this through.’

‘Please yourself.’ With shaking fingers, she looped the stethoscope around her neck then stuffed her fists into the large coat pockets. ‘Unlike you, I have work to do.’

She wasn’t being fair to him. He’d been away, risking his life. But fair didn’t matter right now.

Escape! That was all that mattered. Making a show of checking her watch, she went to walk past him.

At the last moment, he moved to stop her. Dumb luck had his hand land on the one thing she didn’t want to discuss with him right now. She froze as an energetic thud bounced out of her abdomen to greet his touch.

His mouth dropped open as he snatched his hand away and looked down at her distended belly. She could still feel the imprint of his fingers through the heavy fabric of the coat.

‘You’re…’ His eyes, dark blue and stunned, blinked back up to meet hers. He was so close that, despite the dimness, she could see the shock in the sudden pallor of his face. ‘You’re pregnant.’

‘Yes.’ She watched creases form at the edges of his eyes, could almost see the cogs turning over in his mind.

Was he doing the arithmetic? Their last attempt at talking about reconciliation had been a doozey. And she’d been incubating the results of their discussion for nearly six months now.

‘Is it mine?’

Pain washed over her, snatching the breath from her lungs. Such cruelty from the mouth that had just kissed her so sweetly, so lovingly.

‘Charming, Jack,’ she said, squaring her shoulders and refusing to let him see how much he’d hurt her. ‘Are you judging me by your own behaviour?’

She pushed past him and walked towards the door on rubbery knees. She hated scenes, but for five months she’d known this one was unavoidable.

‘Liz!’

She blinked blurriness out of her vision and kept walking. Whatever he had to say could wait. But Jack was too quick for her. His hand on her arm stopped her before she could reach the door.

‘I’m sorry.’

Her jaw dropped at the gruff words. An apology. That was new. She looked up at him.

‘Yes, well…I am sorry. That was out of line.’ He released her to run his hand through his hair, leaving tufts standing in its wake. His eyes, when they met hers, were wary. She could see his mouth working as though he was having trouble speaking, forming words. ‘That last time we…?’ The partial sentence was little more than a croak.

‘I would think so, yes.’

‘So you’re about five months along?’

‘Closer to six, actually.’ She stroked a protective hand over her stomach. Given the bizarre gymnastics the rest of her system was doing at the moment, she was vaguely surprised that her womb wasn’t being used for somersault practice. Couldn’t the baby sense her mother’s distress? Or perhaps that’s why she was so still.

Jack’s eyes followed the movement of her hand, a dazed look on his face. ‘We’re going to be parents in, what, three months?’ His throat moved in a convulsive swallow. ‘Twelve weeks?’

Her heart swooped, a dozen answers trembling on her tongue. But the last thing she wanted right now was to prolong this discussion. Liz settled for a simple, ‘Close enough.’ They could argue the semantics of parenthood another time.

‘We’ve got more to talk about than I’d realised.’ His eyes held a solemn appeal when they met hers.

‘Perhaps, but not now.’ She hardened her heart against the treacherous impulse to believe he could change. He’d just been caught off guard, his apology was evidence of how much. ‘I really do have work to do. Are you…? Where are you…?’ The words dried up on her tongue.

‘Staying?’ An eyebrow quirked as his dark eyes watched her quizzically. ‘At home. Unless there’s a reason why I shouldn’t.’

‘No. I…suppose it’ll be okay…for a while…It’s just that…’ She trailed off again. She couldn’t go back to the peculiar segregated life they’d been living before. Sharing a house, but not themselves. A half-life masquerading as a marriage. She’d used long hours at work to escape the house before Jack had gone overseas. That wasn’t an option these days because she was too tired.

‘Damn, Liz…What do you think I’m going to do?’ He grimaced, his eyes shuttered. She was left with the fleeting impression that she’d hurt him. ‘I’m still house-trained.’ His lopsided smile was meant to disarm. ‘And I haven’t jumped on an unwilling woman for at least a month. Let alone one who’s pregnant and unwilling.’

Did that mean he had jumped on a willing woman while he was away? She lifted her chin in rejection of the picture his words conjured up. What did it matter to her if he had been with someone? Once they were divorced, he could be with any damned woman he fancied.

She wanted a divorce…didn’t she?

Suddenly, hot moisture burned beneath her eyelids, threatened to spill over. Bending her head for a few moments, she pulled at the wrinkled front of her coat as though straightening it was the most important thing in her life.

She heard him take a deep breath.

‘Look, Liz, I’m tired. Can we have this discussion later, too? I’ll use the spare bed if it’ll make you happier.’

‘I’m using it.’ Her voice sounded hoarse with the ache in her throat.

‘I see.’ He looked away and she could see a muscle twitching along his jaw.

‘It’s the only bed made up so use it. I haven’t been home to sleep in it since I changed the sheets yesterday.’ As soon as the words were out she wished she could take them back. His eyes held hers for a long moment. She tensed, waiting for a derisive comment.

‘Thanks,’ he said.

She nodded briefly. On muscles wobbly with relief, she turned towards the door.

‘Liz?’

She looked back at him.

‘Could I borrow your keys, please?’

‘My keys? Haven’t you got yours?’

‘The airline lost my luggage in California. I didn’t want to risk missing my connecting flight home while someone tracked it down.’

He sounded exhausted, almost defeated, and she realised for the first time that there were dark circles under his eyes. Her heart ached with sympathy she didn’t want to feel.

‘Mine are in my locker, but there’s a front-door key in the old pot-belly on the veranda.’ She shrugged slightly at the patent surprise on his face. ‘Pregnancy seems to have scrambled the thought processes that keep track of my keys. After I locked myself out of the house a couple of times, I put a spare set outside.’

He regarded her in silence. ‘Have you…been okay otherwise?’

‘Mostly.’ His question touched her to the core. He sounded like he cared. Foolish, foolish woman to let herself be affected by a few kind words. She forced her lips into a smile. No way was she going to tell him about the weeks of morning sickness when she’d wanted to curl up in a ball and have someone care for her. The days when she’d had to drag herself out of bed to come to work. Or the times she’d desperately needed a hug—his hug. ‘Can you make sure you put the key back, please?’

‘Sure.’

‘Well…I’ll see you later, then.’

Jack pulled into the driveway, a mantle of lethargy settling on his shoulders as he switched off the ignition of the rental car. He sat for a minute or two, noting the overgrown garden, the bush-covered hills of the Victorian high country that formed a familiar backdrop.

A mower droned soporifically in the distance. The sound of a dog barking in the neighbour’s yard snapped him out of a daze. If he didn’t move soon, he’d fall asleep right here.

Coming back had been the right thing. More right than he’d realised when he’d made the decision. Living in Dustin was the closest he’d come to having roots. The town was large enough to provide great services, small enough to be a real community. A great place to raise a family.

A lead weight dropped through his gut.

A family. Oh, God. He wasn’t ready, he’d never be ready. A thin film of perspiration popped out of his pores, chilling his forehead and upper lip. He recognised his body’s fight-or-flight response. Pointless trying to deal with this when he was punchy with jet-lag.

Grabbing his carry-on bag, he forced his tired legs up the veranda steps. He scrupulously returned the key to the old potbelly stove after he’d used it. Inside the house, he tapped the door with his heel, listening to the latch snick behind him as he let the familiar smells soak in. Delicate, delicious scents with tones of lavender and fresh pine cones. And a trace of Liz’s favourite soap.

This house and Liz were home, where he belonged, where he wanted to stay. He rubbed his sternum as he took inventory of the wide central hallway and the living areas off to each side. His heart felt too big for his chest. The months away had given him a poignant appreciation of things he’d taken for granted. The colours, soft, welcoming terracotta and greens, had been Liz’s choice. He’d provided the brawn for the preparation and painting. And they’d both chosen the eclectic collection of new and second-hand furniture. Everything had been picked for comfort and appeal, not because it matched another item.

Liz had joked that she was exorcising the polished, regimented perfection of her childhood. If only all demons could be so easily disposed of. Not that he had a problem with his past. He’d simply used it as a blueprint of what to avoid. Growing up as the son of a drug addict had left him utterly clear about one aspect of his life. No dabbling, no social indulging. No chemical crutches needed to get him through each day. Not for any reason.

Not ever.

He tossed his car keys on the small hall desk and walked slowly through the house, pausing again in the doorway of the main bedroom. A vivid vision of Liz tumbled across the queen-sized mattress beneath his weight had heat scorching to his groin. He blinked the memory away.

Now the luxurious brocade spread hid the fact that the bed it covered was stripped and unused. A façade.

Like their marriage? His heart kicked painfully.

Not if he could help it.

He strode through to the spare room and dumped his carryon bag onto the bed’s pristine quilt cover. His mouth tightened.

Fresh sheets. The small domestic detail epitomised their estrangement. That and the question about where he was staying. Realistically, he hadn’t expected to leap back into bed with her. But since when did they need fresh sheets between them?

Perhaps this was Liz’s way of distancing herself from him even further. Things had been bad when he’d left, but at least they’d shared a bed right up until the final few weeks.

Or had they? Both their jobs meant nights away. He’d volunteered to do more than his fair share at the fire station. With a sinking feeling, he realised that Liz had probably been doing the same thing at the hospital.

He smiled grimly as he stripped off his shirt. The crackle of the airline tickets seemed to mock him. A second honeymoon to rekindle their relationship seemed laughably simplistic in the face of Liz’s pregnancy. He threw his clothes on the chair in the corner before padding naked across the hall to the bathroom.

Leaning on the vanity unit, he stared at his reflection critically, rubbing a hand over his stubbled jaw. The hours of travelling had left him tired, dishevelled and desperately in need of a shave.

It was not the face of a father.

But he was going to be one, whether his marriage survived or not. A cold thrill swept over him, part dread, part some other emotion he didn’t recognise.

Poor Liz. They’d been discussing separation, divorce before he’d left. Not parenthood. How had she felt when she discovered she was pregnant? Shocked? Or secretly pleased? She’d been off the Pill, but they’d used protection…though obviously not enough. He grinned wryly.

His smile faded as he remembered the spasm of hurt, quickly hidden, that had flashed across her face when he’d asked if the child was his. The question had risen from some deep, fortressed corner of his soul and emerged before he could think better of it.

‘You really are a prize bastard, Campbell.’ His voice sounded croaky, unnaturally loud in the silent house. He blew out a long breath. Liz didn’t deserve to be measured by the women in his past. She wasn’t the sort to betray him with another man. Cerebrally, he knew that…but how did he turn that into a gut-level, instinctive trust? One thing was for sure—if he couldn’t, he would lose her.

Lose them.

He looked down at his hand, curled his fingers over the palm as he remembered the solid push he’d felt from Liz’s stomach…from the baby. His baby.

He was going to be a father. His stomach swooped in another quick dive.

Hell, what did he know about family?

CHAPTER TWO

SIX hours later, rested and showered, Jack stood at the ward desk. On the other side, Liz leaned forward, her hands braced on either side of a stack of patient records.

‘I’m working. I can’t just leave.’ Each word was enunciated with a frigid clarity that should have blistered his ears.

‘Yes, you can.’ For the first time he began to appreciate just how difficult the task he’d set himself was going to be. He took a slow deep breath. ‘I’ve spoken to Tony Costello—’

‘What? You’ve spoken to my boss?’ Her voice was still pitched low in deference to the patients in the ward, but her intensity rammed into him. ‘How dare you?’

‘Easily.’ He’d come too far to back down now. ‘You’re not to darken the hospital doors before tomorrow.’

If she had any idea of the scope of the discussions with Tony she’d be even angrier. He’d cross that bridge when he had to. Leaning on the counter, he willed his body to relax. The smile he forced to his mouth felt stiff with tension.

‘I’ve got things to do.’ Liz wore a hunted look as her eyes slid away from him to a pile of neatly stacked patient notes.

‘Yes, you sure do. You have to come home with me.’

Her gaze, dark and revealing, darted back to his. She was afraid. Of him? The notion punched his breath away. His Liz was fearless. Surely, he was mistaken.

‘Do I have to throw you over my shoulder, darlin’?’ He was relieved there was no trace of his turmoil in his voice.

‘In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t bend that way any more,’ she grated out. Any hint of fear was burned away as her eyes glowed gold with anger.

He allowed his gaze to drift down to the mound of her abdomen. His chest tightened in an unexpected rush of possessiveness. His woman. His baby. ‘No, I guess not. Okay, fireman’s lift is out. How about I sweep you up and carry you out in my arms? Should cause quite a stir.’

‘You wouldn’t.’ She scowled, pulling the edges of her white coat over her stomach and folding her arms.

‘Try me.’

He held her gaze for a long moment before she huffed out a breath and looked down at the desk, her lips clamped in a firm line. A pang of sympathy tweaked at his conscience. She was no match for him now that he’d had a solid five hours sleep.

Since he’d been up, he’d returned the rental car to the depot and shopped for groceries. On the back seat of Liz’s car sat half a dozen bags of necessities to stock the woefully depleted refrigerator he’d found at the house, at their home. He straightened, flexing his shoulders. Pregnant women needed to look after themselves. Or be looked after.

‘Very well.’ She straightened a pile of forms. ‘But I need to check on one of the patients before I go. So you’ll just have to wait.’

‘Don’t be long, sweetheart, or I’ll come and find you,’ he said softly as she rounded the desk to move past him.

The look she flashed him should have fried him on the spot. ‘I’ll be as long as I need to be.’

As he watched her moving down the corridor, her steps slower than normal, he knew he was doing the right thing whether she liked it or not. A peculiar mixture of emotions—exasperation, love, and maybe just a touch of anger?—churned in his gut as she disappeared into one of the rooms.

He expelled a long sigh. They’d had so many arguments about starting a family in the six months before he’d gone overseas. He’d finally faced the fact that he didn’t want to be a father. That the remnants of his paternal instinct had died more than a decade ago.

With Kylie’s betrayal. Kylie. He hadn’t thought about his teenage crush for years. The girl who’d told him he was going to be a father—only to dump him when she miscarried. And dump him hard, trashing his love and his fervent promises of marriage, support, fidelity. Even stripping him of his right to grieve for the lost baby with her confession that it wasn’t his.

Perhaps his past wasn’t as buried as he believed.

He rubbed a hand over his face and thought back to his last confrontation with Liz, on the day before he’d left. It’d been very cold, very civilised after the preceding months of hot words and hotter, hope-filled reconciliations.

But regardless of the physical passion that flared between them, he hadn’t been able to overcome the obstacle of Liz’s desire to have a family. His argument, that they had something special and didn’t need children to complete their relationship, hadn’t swayed her at all. He’d agreed to give Liz a divorce. He smiled grimly. Looking at it from Liz’s perspective, though, she’d been unable to overcome his entrenched resistance to becoming a father.

Stalemate.

Not that it mattered now. A moment’s careless pleasure and they were going to be parents. Though, in fairness to both of them, they hadn’t been careless, just unlucky. Their usual contraceptive regimen had failed.

Or had Liz been deliberately careless? The muscles of his scalp contracted, pulling at his already tense forehead. He shifted, paced a few steps, trying to shake the unwelcome thought away.

It was irrelevant. He preferred to deal with reality, with the present. And the pregnancy, deliberate or accidental, was a fact that had to be faced squarely. Besides, she wouldn’t have gone to such lengths…would she?

Liz ignored the faint tremor in her fingers as she studied Bob Smyth’s chart. His temperature had stabilised during the day. The new antibiotics were obviously doing the job, clearing his lungs, easing his breathing. Microbiology results on the sputum still weren’t back, but there was no sign now of the respiratory distress he’d been admitted with the day before yesterday.

She looked at the patient propped up on the pillows, his face relaxed in sleep, and toyed briefly with the thought of disturbing him. Hard plastic dug into her flesh as she pressed her palms on either side of the chart board. Why couldn’t Bob have been awake? She could have asked him a question, chatted for a few minutes about something, anything. Then she might have felt as though she was here for some purpose.

Instead, she had to admit to herself that she was avoiding the moment when she had to face Jack. Her husband…the father of her baby. Her heart squeezed painfully as she smoothed a hand over her stomach.

The unwilling father of her baby.

She hooked the chart on the end of the bed, her fingers fiddling with the clip for a moment longer. She was hiding, trying to delay the inevitable. Stupid because there was nothing she’d like more than to be able to go home and put her feet up, or perhaps wallow in a bath. If it weren’t for Jack being at the house, she’d probably have left the hospital hours ago.

With a small sigh of defeat, she turned to leave the room. Back at the front desk, she wrote up a request for physiotherapy for Bob and slipped it into a wire basket at the end of the desk.

She felt Jack’s gaze follow her as she went through to hang up her white coat and retrieve her bag from the locker.

‘I need to go to the supermarket on the way home,’ she said when she returned.

Jack fell into step with her. ‘What for?’

His hand came to rest in the curve of her back as he guided her down the corridor. The small, almost protective gesture sent her pulse into overdrive, scattering her thoughts. ‘I’m sorry?’

‘What do you need to go to the supermarket for?’

‘Oh. Um, yes.’ With an effort she pulled her mind back to the conversation. ‘You didn’t let me know you were coming home so I haven’t done any shopping.’

‘Hmm.’

The noncommittal response, coupled with her reaction to his touch, irritated her. ‘I’m assuming you do want to eat?’

‘Yeah, I do. I’ve got it under control.’

A short time later and they were on the road. Going home…together. Liz’s heart thumped with an upsurge of poignant emotion.

‘Congratulations, by the way.’ She clasped her palms together in her lap, interlaced fingers pressing hard into her knuckles. With her peripheral vision, she saw Jack give her a quick glance before returning his eyes to the road.

‘For?’ He sounded wary.

‘Being appointed brigade captain.’ She caught her breath in the short, tense silence. ‘Why? Is there something else you haven’t you bothered to tell me?’

‘Liz—’

‘Of course, I’d heard rumours. But nobody thought to tell me because they naturally assumed I already knew.’ She stared at his profile, hating the bitterness she could hear in her voice. ‘How do you think that made me feel, Jack?’

He sighed. ‘I thought I’d be home to tell you before the details got out. I should have known better. I’m sorry.’

A muscle jumped along the line of his now clean-shaven jaw. He looked disgustingly fresh and well rested.

And utterly desirable.

While she felt frumpy and unattractive. She wrenched her gaze away, sealing her lips to stop herself from saying anything more.

As soon as the car stopped in the driveway, she scrambled out and opened the back door of the car.

‘Leave those,’ Jack said from the driver’s side as she reached for one of the grocery bags on the back seat.

‘I’m here so I might as well carry something.’ She leaned in and grasped a calico handle.

Moments later, hands clamped around her hips and she was gently but firmly tugged out of the vehicle. The bag she held was removed. Off balance from his touch, she looked up to find hard blue eyes boring into hers. ‘I said leave them. Just…go inside and put your feet up. Do whatever you like, but let someone else be in charge for a while.’

‘Fine, carry them all yourself, then.’ With Jack’s arms spread, one hand on the car door, the other on the roof, his solidly muscled body effectively corralled her. Her heart ricocheted around in her chest cavity. He’d touched her through layers of clothing, but the imprint of his strong hands still lingered on her flesh. Even worse was her body’s wicked yearning to press against him. She curled her fingers around her handbag to stop any possibility of reaching out.

Her eyes fixed on the navy rib of his neckband, she forced her mind to form a coherent sentence. ‘If you’ll get out of my way, I’ll leave you to it.’

Letting go of the car door, he shifted enough for her to brush past.

Not trusting her voice while he was still so close, she shot a tight smile in his direction. Then, mustering all the dignity she could, she walked towards the house.

‘I put the key back in the pot-belly if you need it.’ His voice followed her up the path.

A few moments later he joined her on the veranda, shopping bags in hand. ‘Dinner will be in an hour or so. I’ll call you.’

‘Fine,’ she mumbled, fumbling through the contents of her bag for her keys. She should have just retrieved the spare from the wretched stove. That way she’d have been inside already and out of his disturbing radius.

He shifted his weight, hefting the bags. Out of the corner of her eye she could see his biceps bulging slightly, filling the short sleeve of his T-shirt. ‘Do you want me to get the spare?’

She started at the sound of his voice as her fingers closed around her keyring.

‘No.’ Picking one, she stabbed it into the lock, relieved when it turned smoothly.

‘After you.’ She pushed the door open and stood back to hold the screen. The tang of his aftershave stayed with her as she stood on the doorstep, staring after him.

The thin cotton knit shirt moulded to his long back. She’d always loved his broad shoulders, loved the strength in them. With snug jeans clinging to narrow hips, he was heart-throb material. A hot spear of lust twisted in her abdomen. Her shoulders slumped and she closed her eyes on a wave of despair. Even after their years together, even after the bitter arguments that had punctuated their relationship before he’d gone away, she wasn’t immune to his masculine appeal. In fact, she wondered if she’d become even more sensitised to him in his absence. For the sake of her sanity she hoped familiarity would breed its contempt—and quickly.

‘Are you all right?’ Jack’s voice jolted her out of her miserable reverie. ‘Do you need a hand?’

‘Yes. No.’ She drew herself up. The last thing she needed right now was for him to touch her again. ‘I’m fine, thank you. It’s…I’ll go and, um, have a bath. Now. In the en suite.’

She fled, feeling his gaze follow her into the house, only releasing her when she turned into the main bedroom.

An hour later, more pampered than she’d felt in a long time, she wandered through to the kitchen.

‘Good timing.’ He looked up from the bench where he was putting the finishing touches on a colourful tossed salad. She fidgeted beneath his scrutiny. ‘You look better. Less exhausted.’

She grimaced wryly. ‘Thanks, I guess.’

‘You always look beautiful, Liz.’ A small smile curled the edges of his lips. She dragged her eyes away to focus on the chunks of tomato dotted over the lettuce.

‘I wasn’t fishing for a compliment.’ But in her heart she wondered if she was telling the entire truth. Some small, stubborn core lapped up the words, wanting more. Really dumb. They’d soon be going their separate ways…They had to. The marriage was over. She couldn’t use the pregnancy to hold him. Wanting more of anything from him was pointless.

He shrugged. ‘I’ve set the table on the deck and poured you a drink.’ He nodded at a wineglass filled with golden liquid. ‘Why don’t you take that outside and sit down while I put the salmon on?’

‘I can’t drink alcohol.’

‘I know.’ He opened the sliding door with his elbow while balancing the salad in one hand and plates in the other. ‘It’s apple cider. Non-alcoholic.’

‘Oh. Then…thanks.’ She picked up the chilled glass and stood awkwardly.

‘Coming out?’ He was waiting at the door.

‘Can I do anything?’

‘Yep. Grab the salad.’ He held out the bowl. As soon as she’d taken it, he turned away to the barbecue. ‘Sit. Relax.’

The smell of salmon sizzling on the hot barbecue plate made Liz acutely aware of how hungry she was. She rearranged the table to make room for the things she carried then slid onto the seat. A jaw-cracking yawn caught her by surprise. She hastily smothered the last of it when she realised Jack was watching.

‘Excuse me.’

‘Early night for you tonight.’

‘Yes.’ She sighed, lounging back on her chair and stretching out her legs. ‘I must. I’m on call.’

‘No. You’re not.’

His response didn’t make sense. She frowned. ‘I’m rostered on.’

‘Tony changed it.’

‘Tony changed it?’ Perplexed, she sat for a long moment until the implications sank in. She bolted upright, her hands fisted. ‘Tony changed it! After you talked to him?’

‘Mmm. But all I—’

‘I can’t believe you would do that. What made you think you have the right? If you think you can come back here after all that time away and pull this heavy-handed husband rubbish then you can think again. I won’t tolerate it. You…you…’ She threw her hands up. ‘Words fail me.’

‘Not noticeably, darlin’,’ he drawled, his expression shuttered as he walked past her back into the house.

She marched after him. ‘You’ve never been the nannying sort, Jack, and I don’t appreciate you starting now.’

Heat wafted over her as Jack opened the oven and used mitts to retrieve two baked potatoes.

‘Don’t you?’ A muscle flexed in his jaw. ‘If you’re not going to be more sensible with your health, you’ll have to get used to it.’

She gaped at his profile for long seconds. ‘That’s a stupid thing to say. I am sensible with my health. I’m a doctor, for goodness’ sake.’

‘The two things don’t necessarily go hand in hand, sweetheart.’ He swiped off the mitts and dropped them on the bench. With his hands on his hips, he slanted a dark, brooding look at her. ‘I’ve been back in the country for half a day and I know that you’ve worked hours that would stop a normal person in their tracks. And the contents of our fridge would only have kept a dieting rabbit happy for a couple of hours.’

He picked up the plate with the potatoes and she was left with a view of his back as he walked away from her again. Even with frustration stampeding through her, she couldn’t help an involuntary scan down his lean length. Abruptly, the anger turned to a visceral tug of desire. How she used to delight in running her hands over his body, the swimmer’s shoulders, the narrow waist, hard, muscular buttocks.

She took a deep breath, desperately channelling her energy to a more appropriate avenue. They were arguing about food. She followed him out to the barbecue where he turned the salmon.

‘Like I said before, if you’d seen fit to let me know you were coming, I might have had a chance to lay in supplies for a whole bloody warren.’ She sounded inadequate and defensive while he looked so big and gorgeous and in control. It wasn’t fair. He was the interloper here.

The corners of his mouth twitched. If he laughed at her she was going to dump the salad over his head.

‘I know. The point is there wasn’t enough in our fridge to feed one overworked doctor. Which confirms that you’ve been working long hours as you haven’t had time to restock.’ He flipped the browned fillets onto the serving plate. ‘Dinner’s ready.’

‘It’s not that. I’ve been tired.’ Aware she sounded more like a petulant child than an adult, she slipped into her seat. She knew if she’d been home alone there was a good chance she’d have opened a tin of baked beans and then gone to bed.

‘I rest my case.’ He picked up the bottle of red wine and topped up his glass before giving her an old-fashioned look over the rim.

She fumed silently for a long moment. ‘Anyway, that’s beside the point. You have no right to interfere in my professional life. I’ve a good mind to ring Tony and insist he reinstate the roster.’

Jack sighed. ‘I didn’t ask him to change it, Liz. It was his call. His professional decision. And one I happen to agree with.’

‘Why would he do it without telling me?’

‘I was there when he made the decision and I said I’d let you know. We were talking about last night’s accident, as new fire chief to hospital superintendent. It prompted him to remember you’d been on duty. There are four other doctors at the hospital.’

‘Two. Barbara’s on holiday and Tim’s just broken his leg,’ she muttered.

‘Nevertheless, someone else is doing tonight’s shift.’ He pushed the salad bowl towards her before reaching across to add a piece of fish and baked potato to her plate. ‘Now, can we eat?’

The meal looked perfect. Perfect. She’d had the workday from hell. All her personal relationships were a disaster. Her brother, Mark, was angry because she’d tried to talk him out of his latest hare-brained stunt. Her mother was disappointed in her because she hadn’t succeeded with her brother. She was pregnant, married to a man who didn’t want to be a father. And now the man wanted to play happy families as though nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

The perfection in front of her seemed to underline the wretched state of everything else.

She stared at tiny brown granules of pepper showering over the food on Jack’s plate as he twisted the top of the grinder.

His eyes met hers as he slowly placed the unit back on the table. ‘Is there a problem? I never thought to ask you if there’s anything you can’t eat.’

‘The salmon’s fine. It’s not that…it’s you.’ She swallowed, trying to subdue the undulation in her stomach. ‘It’s this whole weird thing. We agreed to a divorce. Why are you behaving as though you’re trying out for husband of the year when we both know our marriage is in the ditch?’

‘I know what we agreed on. But we’re not divorced yet and maybe we don’t have to be.’ He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table, his eyes guarded as they held hers. ‘But if we’re going to fix our marriage, someone has to start somewhere.’

‘And you think you’re that someone?’ A year, even six months ago, his stand would have been the sweetest offer he could have made. But the fact remained he’d been adamant about their marriage remaining child-free back then. All that had changed was her pregnancy. If he stayed now, it smacked of selfsacrifice. She didn’t want that for her baby. Or herself. ‘What if I don’t believe it can be fixed? What if…I don’t want you back?’ she finished in a rush so the words wouldn’t choke her.

If she hadn’t been looking at him, she’d have missed any sign her words had registered. As it was, there was just the suggestion of stillness in his face, a tightening around the eyes, his throat moving in a quick swallow. She had an urge to push harder, see what it took to make him feel the turmoil she was feeling.

‘But you’re not sure.’ He picked up his napkin and laid it on his lap.

‘W-why do you say that?’

He gave her a bland look. ‘You haven’t told anyone we’re separated.’

‘How do you know?’

‘Among other things, I ran into your mother at the supermarket this afternoon. If she knew my days were numbered I don’t think she’d have been able to resist some small barb to let me know.’

She stared at him, unable to refute the claim. Her mother’s antipathy towards Jack had caused difficulty from the beginning of their marriage. Any sign that the union was over and her mother wouldn’t hesitate to voice her pleasure.

‘So why haven’t you?’ Jack interrupted her thoughts.

‘Because…Because…’ She searched for a reason that would set him back on his heels. Instead, her shoulders slumped as the anger seeped out of her. ‘Because an opportunity never seemed to present itself. And then I found out I was pregnant and it seemed even less appropriate.’

She reached for the base of her glass, the liquid sloshing slightly as she pushed it to and fro.

‘It’s hardly the sort of thing I could share without making some sort of explanation, is it? What was I supposed to say? Hey, everyone! Guess what? Jack and I have decided to get a divorce. Oh, and by the way, in case you hadn’t noticed, I’m pregnant. Isn’t it just peachy?’ She grimaced. ‘Hell, Jack, I’m a doctor. If I can’t get birth control right, what sort of example am I to my patients?’

‘Must have been tough for you.’ Jack gave her an understanding smile, which slowly faded when she frowned at him.

He reached for her hand, stopping the restless movement of the glass. His thumb caressed her wedding ring, rubbing her skin lightly on either side. The warmth of his touch felt good, made her realise how chilled her fingers were.

‘Liz, let’s leave this for another time.’

‘I won’t change my mind.’ Her voice sounded wobbly, hoarse. She had to be strong. Hers wasn’t the only life affected by her decisions any more.

‘I know.’

She sucked her lips between her teeth to quell their trembling. ‘Then what’s the point?’

‘The point is you’re tired, I’m still jet-lagged.’ He smiled in appeal. ‘I promise we can resume hostilities after a good night’s sleep. Scalpels at dawn. Cross my heart.’

A snorting half-laugh escaped before she could stop it. ‘I hate that you can make me see the absurdity of this when I’m still mad as hell with you.’

‘I know.’ He grinned.

‘There’re a lot of things that need to be said.’ Still reluctant to be charmed by him, she said, ‘Serious things that you can’t smooth over with a bit of a joke, Jack.’

‘Yes, but there’s no rule that says we have to say all those things tonight, is there?’ He stroked her knuckles, his blue eyes held an engaging appeal. ‘Truce?’

She contemplated him in silence, common sense and exhaustion waging a short war with her need to settle her future—their future—one way or the other. ‘All right. Until tomorrow.’

‘I’ll consider myself on notice.’ He gave her hand a quick squeeze before releasing it and lifting his glass to chink it lightly on the edge of hers. ‘Until tomorrow.’

The uneasy peace held until the end of the meal. Jack seemed to put himself out to enchant her in a way that he hadn’t since the very early days of their whirlwind courtship and spur-of-the-moment marriage.

She pushed her plate away and sat back. The spring evening was chilling slightly, but she felt too lethargic to bother getting a cardigan. Moving might somehow break the spell that kept them in this civilised cocoon. And she was enjoying this reminder of her romance with Jack, a brief interlude before reality intruded again. She smiled slightly as the baby kicked against the hand she’d just rested in her lap. Not all reality was content to be ignored.

‘I spoke to Danny McIntyre,’ said Jack, breaking the companionable silence.

‘Did you?’ The lovely warm glow from her thoughts winked out abruptly. She met his eyes as she rubbed her stomach gently, trying to soothe the little being within.

‘The accident this morning sounded bad.’

‘Yes. I thought you didn’t want to argue,’ she said in a vain effort to stop the discussion. Might as well ask her unborn babe to stop using her bladder for football practice.

‘I don’t. We’re not.’

She wasn’t fooled by his conversational tone. ‘So you get to choose a topic but I don’t? Maybe I don’t want to discuss this topic.’

‘Is that because you broke the first rule of first aid at the accident scene?’

‘Did Danny say that?’

‘No.’ He smiled slightly. ‘What Danny did was give me a glowing description of your courage as the car teetered on the bridge.’

‘Hardly teetering. By the time I got there they had the car stabilised. They were just waiting for the jaws-of-life.’ She frowned. ‘You didn’t give Danny a hard time about this, did you?’

He ignored her question. ‘But it was still on the edge of the bridge. You shouldn’t have put yourself at risk.’

‘I made a judgement call. The woman was making her injuries worse by moving around,’ said Liz, her heart pounding. She’d been so afraid for the young victim. No force on earth could have prevented her from getting into that car. ‘What was I supposed to do? Leave her alone there until she severed something vital on a jagged edge? She was pregnant and afraid she was losing her baby, Jack.’

‘Is that why you did it?’ he asked softly after a moment. His eyes were dark, hard to read. ‘Because she was pregnant? Because you were viewing the situation as a fellow mother-to-be rather than a doctor?’

‘Yes. Is that so bad?’ But she already knew the rational answer. A responder putting themselves at risk at an accident could very well end up becoming another victim, making more work for others at the scene.

‘It could have been if something had gone wrong.’

‘Nothing did.’ His criticism of her actions hurt more than she’d thought possible. That he was right didn’t help. ‘You always say there’s no point dealing in could-have-beens.’

‘I also believe in reviewing ops afterwards and seeing where we could have been more effective.’

‘I was effective and I didn’t get hurt.’ Unable to sit any longer, she stood, picking up her plate and reaching for his, only to find both of them whisked out of her hands.

‘I’ll look after the dishes.’

‘I’m capable of carrying a few plates.’ She loitered beside her chair, heaviness dragging at her limbs.

‘Sure, but you don’t need to tonight. Go and sit down.’ He stacked the plates and scooped up the empty glasses before glancing up to find her standing in the same spot. ‘Are you still here?’

‘I—I think I’ll go to bed.’

‘Good idea. Take the master bedroom. I’ve put fresh sheets on the bed.’

Quick heat burned her cheeks as she remembered their exchange of words earlier. ‘Thanks.’

‘Hell, Liz. I didn’t mean that the way it must have sounded.’

‘It doesn’t matter.’ She waved a hand in dismissal and forced her leaden legs to move. ‘Goodnight.’

It did matter.

Jack blew out a breath of frustration and guilt after she’d gone. He’d seen her face fall, a tell-tale blush briefly hiding the pallor of fatigue. The quip about the sheets had been unintentional. Sure, he’d had some harsh thoughts while he’d been making the bed up. But common sense told him, as much as he burned to sleep with his wife, it wasn’t going to happen while they had so much unresolved. Though he’d have been happy to put forward an argument on how it might help them resolve their problems…But then, that was how Liz had ended up pregnant in the first place, so perhaps not. Sharing a bed with Liz was probably a long way down the track.

He dropped the dishes in the sink and looked out at the gathering twilight. His sanity might be in question before this was over. The thought of her in bed on the other side of the house made him ache.

He’d come home to save his marriage, prepared to talk about having a family if that’s what it took. There should have been discussions, reconciliations—he’d especially been looking forward to those. But they were supposed to ease into it, approach the problem like mature adults, set a timetable that they could both be happy with. There should have been a decision to stop using contraception, the fun of trying to conceive and, eventually—maybe—Liz falling pregnant. Not this headlong pitch into impending parenthood.

He wasn’t ready.

Which made him realise that the problem with his imaginary future was that he’d never truly envisaged a pregnant Liz, the birth of a child.

Himself as a father.

And yet once his younger self had wanted that role fervently until grief and betrayal had crushed the naive joy in his heart.

Suds filled the sink as he squirted detergent under the running tap. Could he resurrect an echo of that anticipation for Liz, for the child they were going to have together? If anyone deserved his best efforts, it was his wife. But contemplating their future as parents left him cold and empty.

He sighed and began methodically washing the plates. After his experiences with his manipulative mother and then with his unfaithful fiancée’s pregnancy, he’d vowed to squash every nurturing instinct he possessed. For the first time he understood how thoroughly successful he’d been. Poor Liz. She’d never agree to take him back if she realised what an appalling candidate for fatherhood he really was. He’d have to work hard to make sure she never found out.

CHAPTER THREE

IN THE bedroom, Liz shut the door and closed her eyes as she leaned her forehead against the wood. The faint clinking of china carried to her. Jack working in the kitchen.

Jack.

Rolling her head, she twisted until her back was pressed to the door. She opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the bed.

One area they’d never had trouble in…until now.

Blinking hard, she sniffed back the tears that pressed for release. Not that she wanted to sleep with Jack.

She grimaced. Who was she kidding? She wanted him like crazy with her heart, mind and body.

But everything was too messy. Sleeping with him wouldn’t solve anything.

She walked over to turn down the spread and touch the crisp linen pillowcase on her side. Jack making up the bed showed unexpected sensitivity. She should just appreciate it, not feel this tearing pressure in her heart.

He said that he wanted to save their marriage. Something completely out of character. Especially as she was pregnant. She had expected him to run a mile as soon as he saw her condition.

So why wasn’t he running? A quick pummelling from inside her abdomen reminded her of the shock on his face in the hospital room. A small, watery chuckle escaped before she quickly sobered. Judging by his reaction, he certainly hadn’t had a change of heart about having children.

And after their increasingly acrimonious arguments on the matter before he’d gone away, she’d changed her mind about starting a family with him. Discovering her pregnancy soon after his departure had come as a shock to her too. All that hard thinking she’d done about what sort of man she wanted to be the father of her children was suddenly irrelevant. The bottom line was, Jack was the father and he fell far short of what she wanted for her baby.

A fine situation she’d got herself and her poor unborn child into. Could Jack change? No, it wasn’t that simple. His attitude was too entrenched. She had to stop torturing herself with such imaginings. Apart from those few fraught moments in the hospital room right after he’d discovered her pregnancy, he hadn’t mentioned their impending parenthood. Just their marriage.

Nothing had changed. Her baby’s future was her responsibility and hers alone. A child needed a warm and secure environment. No father at all would surely be better than one who was completely uninterested.

Liz would never subject her baby to a cold, formal childhood like she’d endured.

Now, with her medical training, she understood the psychology behind her drive for perfection and her brother’s addiction to extreme sports. In her secret heart, she’d hoped her father might find some value in her. Mark, her brother, must have felt lacking as well, using his dangerous behaviour as a method of seeking their distant parents’ attention.

Why hadn’t their father loved or valued them? Perhaps he hadn’t wanted children at all.

She’d known since high school that her mother must have been pregnant before the marriage. But in her teenage naivety she’d fantasised it had happened because they’d been in love and engaged. Now she wondered if her parents had talked about having a family. Or had they rushed headlong into matrimony without considering the weighty issues? Perhaps she had more in common with her mother than she’d ever have believed possible. Unfortunately, asking was out of the question. Her mother never, ever discussed personal or emotionally untidy things.

Liz frowned. Marrying, almost eloping with Jack, had been fabulously romantic at the time. They’d seemed so attuned to each other, especially in bed. She’d been smug about finding a partner prepared to give her the space to practise her career. In hindsight, she could see they hadn’t known nearly enough about each other. Hadn’t truly discussed the issue of having children. She realised Jack had made vague comments, let her do the talking whenever she’d brought up the subject. Fool that she was, she’d read the meaning she wanted into his responses.

What were Jack’s reasons for not wanting children? In all their arguments he’d skirted the issue every time. If he was serious about saving their marriage, fatherhood was part of the deal.

She stripped off the oversized T-shirt and track pants and studied her reflection in the mirror for a long moment. She looked pregnant, but nowhere near as enormous as she felt. When she was in her white coat at work, the nurses assured her that her pregnancy was barely noticeable. And yet in the last couple of weeks she felt like she’d ballooned. She ran her hand over the mound. Fourteen more weeks. The skin felt ready to split now. How much more could it stretch? She reached for the moisturiser and massaged more cream into the tight skin, smiling when the pummelling seemed to follow the movement of her hand. A baby. She was growing a baby, a little girl. Almost certainly a little brunette since she and Jack both had dark hair. But would she have Jack’s blue eyes or her hazel ones? Not that it was important. What mattered was this little girl had a mother who loved her to distraction, sight unseen.

His muscles pleasantly tired after a long run, Jack scooped up the morning newspaper off the veranda and let himself into the house quietly in case Liz was still asleep. He needn’t have worried. The door of the main bedroom was open and the bed already neatly made up. No sign of Liz. He found her at the kitchen bench, eating a bowl of cereal. When she turned towards him, sunlight from the side window gilded her profile.

‘God, it’s true.’ Fresh shock rippled through him as he took in her swollen abdomen. The thin fabric of her red top was stretched so tightly across the bulge that he could see her belly button protruding like some sort of tiny stem. ‘You really are pregnant.’

‘Brilliant observation.’

His gaze shifted upwards when the quick breath she sighed out moved her breasts gently. He realised for the first time how much larger they were. Pregnancy had made his wife, who’d always been on the small side, positively voluptuous. Were they tender? He wanted to touch, to caress. To sink his lips onto the soft, creamy flesh. His heart skipped a beat then set an uncomfortable rhythm of hard, fast thuds.

‘Didn’t it sink in yesterday, Jack? Maybe you hoped you’d dreamed it.’

‘Dreamed what?’ He blinked, trying to clear the direction of his thoughts as he dragged his gaze from her cleavage back to her face.

Liz gave him a strange look. ‘The pregnancy.’

‘Oh, that. No. No, I just…’ He could feel heat gathering across his cheekbones. ‘It did sink in. It just didn’t really…sink in.’ God, he sounded so lame. ‘It takes some getting used to.’

‘I suppose so,’ she said, her voice flat as she turned away from him. She rinsed her plate and left it on the sink to be washed.

‘Do you want me to cook you some breakfast?’

‘No. Thanks. I—I want to get to the hospital early.’ Drying her hands, she moved away from the sink.

Jack kept his eyes fixed firmly on her face, relieved when his pulse began to level off with his mind on less provocative subjects. ‘It’s only half past seven. Aren’t you supposed to be eating for two?’

‘Only if you want me to be the size of a barn instead of a small house.’

‘Are you larger than you should be?’ His pulse jumped again this time on a surge of fear. According to his mother, he’d been a very large baby and giving birth to him had nearly killed her. Could having his baby put Liz at risk? She was such a dynamo he tended to forget she was tiny. He frowned. ‘Isn’t that dangerous? Have you been to the doctor? What did he say?’

‘Yes, I have been to the doctor. No, it isn’t dangerous. And I’m the right size, thank you for asking.’ She was very nearly pouting.

‘I’ve upset you.’ He wanted to take her in his arms, comfort her, promise her he’d fix everything. But as he was part of the problem here, she wouldn’t be impressed by words. He needed to prove he’d go the distance with her. Time was his best ally.

‘Not really.’ She huffed out a breath. ‘It’s one thing for me to feel enormous, it’s another thing for you to tell me that I look it. Especially since…’

‘Especially since I got you in that condition in the first place?’ he finished for her. But at the time he’d been looking for the simple pleasure that came with their tentative reconciliation. Nothing more. ‘I didn’t do it deliberately, Liz, and I seem to remember the occasion as mutually pleasurable.’

‘Well, I certainly didn’t. Get pregnant deliberately, I mean.’ She moved closer and poked him in the sternum to emphasise her point. ‘That’s what you think, isn’t it? That I messed up the precautions.’

With her so close, keeping his eyes away from her cleavage took a conscious effort. ‘Not deliberately, perhaps.’

‘Oh, you think I did it subconsciously? That’s so much better. How magnanimous of you.’ Her eyes narrowed as she tilted her head to glare up at him. ‘I would never bring a child into a household where one parent doesn’t want it. But if I had decided to go behind your back on this, don’t you think I’d have accidentally fallen pregnant while there was still a chance for our marriage? How dumb to wait until we’re teetering on the verge of divorce and you’re about to fly off to the other side of the world.’

‘Did you know before I went away?’

‘No, I didn’t.’ Her breasts rose and fell with her sigh. ‘Though I can see that there were some signs, but I put them down to other things.’

‘But you must have known soon after I left. When were you going to tell me about…it?’

‘About…it?’ she said, arching a brow at him. ‘You mean about the baby?’

‘Yes.’ Tightness gathered in his chest as he waited for her answer.

Finally, she gave him a helpless look and slowly shook her head. ‘I don’t know. I think I hoped you’d just…stay away, go on fighting other people’s fires indefinitely. It was stupid.’

‘Didn’t you think I had a right to know?’ He should stop pushing. Sooner or later, she would say something he didn’t want to hear. But he could help himself.

‘Did you?’ She crossed her arms defensively. The action pushed the disturbing cleavage into even more prominence. ‘You’d made your position abundantly clear before you left. There didn’t seem to be any room for negotiation.’

‘But this…’ he waved a hand towards her stomach ‘…changes things.’

‘It does for me, yes.’ She tilted her chin at him defiantly. ‘I wanted a baby and now I’m having one.’

The band around his heart squeezed harder. ‘It changes things for me, too, Liz.’

She pounced as soon as the words were out of his mouth. ‘Are you saying you want this baby?’

His brain refused to co-operate. He opened his mouth, hoping the right words would be uttered magically. ‘I…I’m—’

‘Don’t bother straining yourself for a reply to placate me.’ She held up her hand, disgust patent on her face. ‘I can see the answer for myself.’

‘No, dammit, you can’t.’ He reached out to stop her as she stalked past him. With his hand circling her upper arm loosely, the backs of his fingers were nestled against the soft, warm flesh of her right breast.

She gasped, raising startled hazel eyes to his. Her pupils flared dark and deep, betraying her involuntary reaction, giving him the unexpected knowledge that she wasn’t as contained as she was trying to appear. Hope and exultation surged through him, a palpable force loosening the pain in his chest.

‘Give me a chance,’ he said, softening his voice persuasively. ‘I need time to get used to the idea. You’ve known for months. I’ve known for a bare twenty-four hours.’

‘And what if you can’t get used to the idea, Jack?’ She wrested her arm out of his grip, rubbing the skin as though trying to scrub away the evidence of his touch. ‘This is a baby. Not a ten-day trial where you get a refund if you change your mind.’

‘I know that.’ He ground his teeth. God, he probably knew it almost better than she did. ‘I’m prepared to do the right thing.’

‘That’s big of you, isn’t it? Forgive me if I don’t fall down on my knees to offer up prayers of gratitude.’ She looked at him stonily. ‘I don’t want my child to have a duty father.’

‘And I don’t want it to have an endless parade of uncles through its life when it has a perfectly good father around.’ The irony of his words blasted into the silence and he couldn’t suppress a wry grin. ‘Well, perhaps an imperfectly good father.’

Liz stared at him for a long moment. Then her lips twitched, only to immediately thin. She was obviously not prepared to let a smile escape. ‘It depends on the imperfection, doesn’t it?’

He felt his smile slip as the cold vice around his heart clenched again. ‘Yeah, I guess it does.’

‘Look, this isn’t getting us anywhere, and I really do have to go to work now. Can we pick it up later?’

‘Sure.’ He watched her walk out the door before rubbing a hand over his face in defeat. She was right. He wasn’t good enough. Even without knowing his history, she could sense that lack in him.

‘Grace Burns?’ Liz scanned the room for her first patient, a four-year-old according to the notes.

A mountain of a man stood up, his muscular, tattooed arms cradling a small blonde urchin.

‘Come through, Mr Burns.’ She led the way into the cubicle and shut the door. ‘I’m Liz Campbell. Have a seat.’

Liz slid onto a second chair and smiled at the child. ‘Hello, Grace. Tell me why you’ve come to see me today.’

‘I got somefing in my ear.’ Solemn blue eyes were wide with caution.

‘Have you? How did it get there?’

‘I put it dere.’ Golden ringlets bobbed as she tilted her head to look up at her father. ‘Didn’t I, Daddy?’

Liz suppressed a smile. Grace was adorable.

‘I found her in my wife’s studio with the bead box, Doc. She must have got in while I was getting the other kids off to school.’ The man spoke quickly, obviously nervous. ‘I managed to get one of the beads out, but I couldn’t reach the red one. And Gracie said it was hurting.’

‘Let’s have a look, then, shall we, Grace?’

The girl watched with saucer-like eyes as Liz picked up the otoscope and attached a speculum. ‘I’m going to shine this light and look inside your ear through this magnifying glass. See?’

Grace squinted at the instrument doubtfully.

‘I need you to keep very still for me. Can you do that, Grace?’

‘Will it hurt?’

‘It shouldn’t, but I want you to tell me if it does, okay?’

Grace checked with her father for reassurance. His smile must have given it because the big blue eyes swivelled back to Liz and the blonde head nodded.

Using a pair of forceps, Liz extracted the red bead easily and dropped it into a waiting kidney dish.

‘Hmm, you’ve got something else in here, Grace,’ she said, examining the ear canal again before carefully probing with the forceps.

‘Ow. It hurts now.’

‘Okay.’ Liz straightened up, addressing the girl’s father. ‘It’s very deep and the skin around it is quite red so whatever it is has probably been there a while. I think we’ll use light sedation to make it easier for Grace. Are you happy to hold the anaesthetic mask? I can call the nurse in if you’d prefer.’

After a tiny hesitation, he said, ‘No, I can do it.’

‘Sure?’

‘Yes.’

Liz smiled reassuringly then looked back at the urchin. ‘We’re going to put this mask on you, Grace. You’ll feel sleepy for a few minutes and when you wake up again your ear will feel much better.’

A hand that looked as though it’d be more at home with a spanner or a plough held the mask over Grace’s nose and mouth. The man’s gravelly voice murmured words of reassurance and his free hand stroked the girl’s hair gently as she lay on the bed.

‘That’s got it,’ said Liz moments later as she pulled the suction tube out of the ear. A small grey lump dropped into the dish as the vacuum was switched off. ‘You can take the mask away now.’

‘What is it?’

‘It looks like a seed of some sort. Maybe from an apple. I’ll check her other ear and nostrils just in case she’s been busy there too.’

When she’d finished, Liz stripped off her gloves and reached for a prescription pad. ‘I’ll give you a script for antibiotic drops to put in her ear three times a day for a week to settle down that inflammation. And I’d like you to bring her back early next week so we can check to make sure it’s resolved.’

‘Okay.’

Liz smiled at the waking child. ‘And I want you to leave the beads for Mummy, okay, Grace?’

Another solemn nod, this one a little sleepy.

‘She will. We’ll be putting a higher bolt on the door as soon as we get home, won’t we, Gracie?’ The unlikely-looking father scooped the girl up and she immediately buried her face in the crook of his shoulder. ‘Thanks, Doc.’

Liz sat for a few moments after the pair had gone, thinking about this morning’s scene with Jack, remembering his wry smile as he’d joked about the sort of father he’d make. For a moment, a bare split second, after she’d rejected his banter, he’d looked so…raw, so vulnerable.

Her fingers massaged circles at her temples, trying to dissipate the headache she could feel forming.

Was she wrong to dictate the sort of parent she wanted him to be?

Was an imperfect father better than none at all?

Better than a parade of uncles was what Jack had said. Was that what he’d had in his childhood? It looked like neither of them had had a good father figure. She frowned, trying to remember what she knew about his family. He hadn’t talked much about it, but she knew he’d lived with his grandmother for most of his life. At least, that was the impression he’d given her. She realised just how little he’d really told her. They needed to talk, about lots of things, not just the baby.

She huffed out a sharp breath. Nothing was turning out the way she expected. Jack had been back a day and suddenly she was questioning everything she’d resolved in her mind while he’d been away. And the enormity of her neediness was alarming. She had to pull herself together, be strong, be prepared in case their marriage couldn’t be saved.

He’d asked her to give him a chance. Did she dare? Her heart would break all over again if he failed and decided fatherhood wasn’t for him.

But how could she not take the risk? Didn’t her baby deserve a father?

CHAPTER FOUR

THE place looked deserted when Liz arrived home, but evidence of Jack’s presence was everywhere outside. In the freshly cut lawn, a pile of tree trimmings and garden rubbish ready to burn. Things she hadn’t been able to keep up with because of work and tiredness from the pregnancy.

And inside the house the delicious smell of tomatoes, herbs and garlic wafted from the kitchen. She dropped her handbag on the sideboard and crossed to the stove to lift the lid off the cast-iron pot. Rich Bolognese sauce simmered gently.

She’d forgotten how wonderful it was to come home to prepared meals. At the beginning of their marriage Jack had done the lion’s share of the cooking. And he was better at it than she was.

The poignant memory of those honeymoon months brought a tearing lump to her throat. He’d been so caring and considerate. More than that. Nurturing, in a subtle, masculine way. It was one of the things she’d loved about him. Probably one of the reasons she’d gone along with the crazy idea to marry on the spur of the moment while they were on holiday.

She’d travelled to New Zealand as Dr Elizabeth Dustin and flown home as Mrs Jack Campbell. The trouble had started when she’d become broody just over a year later. On some deep, deep biological level, she must have pegged him as great father material, which made his adamant refusal to consider having children such a shock. Had she missed clues to the way he felt? She didn’t think so, but in hindsight she could see how precious little he’d told her in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. He was good at hiding himself in plain view.

Even when they’d started arguing about starting a family, she’d been convinced that if she could just come up with the right approach, the magical combination of words, he’d capitulate. No wonder he thought she’d got pregnant on purpose.

She sniffed deeply, wiping her cheeks dry. Pregnancy was turning her into a regular leaking faucet. Instead of standing here weeping over a saucepan, she needed to find Jack and ask him about the uncles.

She turned to walk away from the stove and immediately faltered to a standstill as she saw the dining table for the first time. Pressure in her chest made it hard to breathe. Two long cream candles waited for a match to touch their elegant tapered tips. And, in the space between them, a cluster of rich red rosebuds.

The setting screamed Jack Campbell bent on romance…seduction. Her knees wobbled. Part of her yearned to surrender. Yearned to be held by him, to ignore the things that stood between them. But she couldn’t…wouldn’t. Her future and the future of her baby depended on it.

She had a feeling she was on the verge of discovering crucial information about her husband, that there was a real clue in his unguarded words from this morning. If she probed carefully, she might learn why he was so against having children.

On the way through the hall she checked her reflection in the mirror. Eyes not too red, just a little glassy. Cheeks pale. She scrubbed them lightly before walking purposefully down to the back door.

The fire service four-wheel drive was standing outside the shed, which meant Jack was probably working inside. She hesitated, debating whether to leave her questions until he came back to the house. But his comment had been niggling at her on and off all day, and they had to start talking some time. Why not now?

She found him at the bench bent over their portable firefighting pump. The threadbare material of faded jeans strained over his buttocks. An oily rag hanging from the patch pocket draped over the masculine curve. Grease and dirt liberally smeared his skin and clothes and a dark V of sweat stained the tattered singlet where it stretched beneath his armpit. Still unshaven, the stubble on his profile gave him a tough, edgy look. Even dressed as he was, he oozed sex appeal and Liz couldn’t suppress the tide of warmth that raced through her system in response.

He lifted the hem of his top to wipe his forehead. The side view of his long, lean stomach above the low-slung jeans had her greeting stuttering to a halt.

‘Jack.’ The constriction in her throat made her voice sound strangled.

His hands lowered the fabric of the singlet over the disturbing torso as he turned to face her.

‘Liz.’ A slow smile lit his face and her heart lurched. God, she’d forgotten how special he could make her feel with just a look. ‘I didn’t hear you come home.’

She swallowed, tried to gather her thoughts. ‘You weren’t in the house.’

‘The fire pump’s overdue for a service.’ He focussed intently on her face. ‘Have you been crying?’

‘Not…really. It’s just hormones.’ The choking lump started to swell again in her throat. ‘I saw the way you’d set the table.’

He tilted his head, eyes twinkling at her. ‘Cutlery wasn’t laid out right, huh?’

She chuckled, relieved to feel the need to cry recede. ‘Ah, should I have checked that?’ Her smile slipped and she looked at him seriously for a moment. ‘The table looks gorgeous…romantic.’

‘Thanks.’

‘Jack…we need to talk.’ She tried hard to make it sound non-threatening, persuasive. But the wary look glazing his eyes told her she hadn’t succeeded. Liz’s spirits plummeted again with the sudden loss of connection between them.

‘About?’ He picked up a ratchet and selected a socket. After studying it briefly, he put it back and chose another.

She suppressed a sigh. ‘Please tell me about your uncles.’

‘Uncle Ron?’ Dark blue eyes glanced her way then away again. ‘Haven’t seen him yet. How is he?’ Tool in hand, he slotted his arms into the machine.

‘He’s doing well. So is Aunty Peg. I saw them last week.’ She stepped closer, noticing the sheen of perspiration on his shoulder. ‘But I don’t mean Uncle Ron, Jack. And you know it.’

There was a short pause before his head swivelled back towards her. ‘So they know you’re pregnant.’

Heat swept up her throat into her cheeks. ‘They’ve only just found out. And I—I asked them not to tell you.’

‘Did you?’ A tinny scrape punctuated the sentence. Despite his flat, uninformative tone, she had the feeling he was upset.

Guilt stabbed at her. ‘I’m sorry, but it seemed like the most sensible thing to do at the time. It wasn’t something I wanted to discuss with you on the telephone.’ She studied his grim profile. ‘Anyway, stop changing the subject. We were talking about your uncles.’

‘My parents were only children.’ He was being deliberately obtuse.

‘This morning you said you didn’t want your child brought up by a parade of uncles. I wondered what you meant.’

The ratchet’s clackety-clack as he levered the handle energetically backwards and forwards effectively stopped communication. Though maybe it was Jack’s way of saying he wasn’t going to answer.

Liz stood her ground, unable to help herself from watching his perfectly toned biceps muscles flex and release with each pull. She didn’t need to notice things like that about him, damn it. Her teeth ground together as she waited until the noise stopped. ‘Well, Jack?’

‘Well, Liz?’ he mimicked, pulling an odd-shaped nut out of the machine’s innards.

Tension banded around her chest. She was fighting for her marriage and all her husband could do was parody her.

‘What are you afraid of? What’s so terrible about your past and your family that you can’t tell me?’ She kept her voice steady, calm, refusing to give in to her pain. ‘Don’t you trust me?’

‘That’s a bloody stupid conclusion to come to.’ He glared at her as he yanked the oily rag out of his back pocket. ‘I’d trust you with my life, you know that.’

‘But not with your secrets?’ she pressed.

He turned his attention back to the gadget in his hand and rubbed the cloth briskly across the metal. ‘I just don’t see the point of dredging up the past to try to excuse my behaviour in the present. It’s crap.’

Liz wanted to seize the rag and nut and toss them out the door. To grab Jack by his sexy singlet and shake him until he told her who he was, where he’d come from, what he was hiding. ‘Don’t you think it’s shaped the person you’ve become?’

He jammed the oily rag back into his pocket. ‘Getting all Freudian on me, babe?’

Liz realised he hadn’t called her that since she’d asked him not to. Perhaps he thought he could distract her by using the annoying endearment now.

‘No. Babe.’ She had the satisfaction of seeing him react, the tiniest flinch, quickly suppressed. ‘I’m trying to understand you.’

‘What’s to understand?’ He held the nut up to the light and squinted at it before blowing on it sharply. His face was hard when he looked at her again. ‘What you see is what you get.’

‘But that’s not true, is it? On the surface you seem like a patient, drop-dead gorgeous man with a responsible, demanding job. Someone with integrity, who can be relied on in a tight spot.’ She watched as he bent to place the nut back into the machine and used the ratchet in quick jerky motions. Again, she waited for the noise to cease. ‘Someone who would make a wonderful father. But you’re afraid and I think your past has made you that way. I can’t help you if you won’t tell me. We need to discuss things if we’re going to be parents, Jack.’

He snorted out a breath. ‘It seems to me we’ve had the most important discussion.’ His gaze slid down to her belly then back to fasten on her eyes. ‘You’re pregnant and I’m staying around. Ergo, we’re going to be parents.’ His mouth twisted derisively.

‘Yes, but what sort of parents are we going to be? That’s the point here.’

He swung to face her, hands on his hips. Six feet of irritated male wanting her out of his domain. ‘Look around you, Liz. Now’s not a great time for this discussion.’

‘No time is a good time for you, is it?’ Anger pulsed through tired muscles, giving Liz a much-needed energy boost. ‘And I’m sick of it, Jack. Do you realise that you’ve never really talked to me?’

He thrust his fingers though his hair, leaving spikes standing in their wake. ‘We talk.’

‘Never about the important stuff. Never. All I’ve had from you are edited snippets of your life. Carefully censored titbits so I don’t learn too much. So I can’t get too close to the real Jack Campbell.’

His face twisted as though he was in pain. Liz could feel her features screwing up in sympathy. ‘Not true. Hell, Liz. You are close to me. I love you.’ His voice was heart-breakingly hoarse. ‘You know that.’

She shook her head in sorrow, exhaustion suddenly swamping her. ‘Then that’s sad, Jack. Because you keep me at such a distance, it doesn’t say much for the other relationships in your life.’

He turned aside, braced his hands on the bench. Skin stretched taut and white across his knuckles, contrasting with his tan. She lifted her eyes to his profile. A muscle in his cheek flexed and then stilled.

‘Please talk to me. You said you wanted to save our marriage. Bottom line, Jack. Opening up, and I mean really opening up, is what it’s going to take.’ She could hear the desperation, the begging note in her voice. ‘Please.’

The silence lengthened.

‘Oh, God. You’re not going to, are you?’ Liz swallowed the bile that rose in her throat. Tears were perilously close and her heart splintered with the agony of them. ‘You can’t do it. Not even with our marriage on the line.’

His face might have been carved from ash-coloured marble, cold and grey and frozen, for all the effect her words were having on him. She’d never felt so lonely, so empty. As though she’d made a desperate gamble and was learning the full calamity of her loss.

‘I’m going inside.’ The words rasped out, past the painful tightness in her throat. He didn’t move.

Her body quivered with spent emotion, but somehow she managed to turn and walk back towards the house. One foot in front of the other, mind carefully blank. She couldn’t break down in front of Jack. Not now.

CHAPTER FIVE

LIZ had gone. Taking her demands with her. Leaving blessed silence in her wake. Jack picked up a screwdriver and waited to feel the relief.

But it didn’t come. Instead, he felt…shame.

He’d hurt Liz. Pain had been raw in her voice. She’d begged. Begged. And, coward that he was, he still hadn’t found the courage to speak.

He threw the tool back on the bench in disgust. Frustration sent him pacing across the concrete towards the house. What the hell was he going to do? He halted, spun around and took the half a dozen steps back to the fire pump. Then stopped again.

He had to find the gumption to talk to Liz. Because of his silence their marriage was combusting, a conflagration that threatened to destroy everything that was good in his life. The only tools he had to save it were words, facts about the past. He took a deep breath.

He had to lay them out for Liz. Ugly as they were. Just give them to her. Trust that she would know what to do with them, with him, after they’d been spoken.

He didn’t know what he’d do if she found him less worthy once she knew the whole sordid story. The other important women in his life, his mother and his fiancée, hadn’t found anything about him worth staying around for.

But he had to take the chance. If he didn’t, he was going to lose her anyway.

Before he could change his mind, he strode out of the garage and crossed to the house. His romantic table setting mocked him as he walked through to the hallway.

The door to the main bedroom was closed. He lifted his hand to knock and saw the smears of grease and dirt on his skin. His fingers curling into his palm, he stepped back and huffed out a breath. Now that he’d made the decision, he was almost impatient to get on with the talking—half-afraid his courage would desert him. Still, he couldn’t go to Liz like this.

A few minutes later he’d stripped and stepped into the shower. The water jet played directly on the tense muscles of his neck, sluicing down over his shoulders to rinse away the suds as he soaped. If only he could wash away the grime in his past as efficiently as he rinsed the dirt off his body.

He’d always thought of himself as a straightforward sort of a person, someone who had put the past behind, moved on, not dwelled on old pain.

But now he had to face the fact that coping with his mother’s vagaries had left its mark, a deeply buried anger about the way she’d treated him and her negligence with her own daughter, his little sister.

Emma.

He squeezed his eyes shut as he remembered the way the two-year old used to toddle towards him, her chubby arms out wide, asking to be picked up. She’d always turned to him rather than Janet if he was around. It hadn’t taken her long to learn he was the one most likely to soothe her hurts, clean her up, feed her. That little life had depended on him and he hadn’t been there when it had really counted.

She’d been sick when he’d gone to school, but Janet had promised to take her to the doctor. She’d promised. By the time he’d got home his little sister had been gravely ill and their mother had been as high as a kite. He’d called an ambulance. The paramedics had given Janet an injection to reverse the effects of the drugs, much to her disgust. Jack had sat in the casualty department of the hospital. Breathing the sickly smell of antiseptic. Listening to his mother’s muttered curses behind the cubicle curtain. He’d prayed that the doctors could help his sister. But nothing had pulled little Emma back from the brink of death.

And then there was Kylie. Another memory he hadn’t dredged up for years. Teenage lover, mother-to-be, fiancée. She’d been right, or rather her mother had. They’d been way too young to marry and start a family.

Kylie’s angry words echoed down the years. She’d thrown her infidelity at him, taunted him with the fact that the baby she’d just miscarried hadn’t been his.

But he’d wanted that baby so much, been utterly stricken by its loss. And then he’d had to struggle with grief that didn’t go away just because he’d found out that his best friend was the father. One minute he’d nearly been a husband and father and the next…nothing.

For the first time he wondered if he’d been so determined to look after his pregnant fiancée as a way of atoning for not saving Emma.

Once Kylie had dumped him, he’d put it out of his mind, determined to move on.

No looking back.

Ever.

But now that was exactly what Liz wanted him to do. What he had to do to save his marriage.

God knew why people thought it helped to talk about the past. He was only contemplating talking to Liz and he felt sick to his stomach. If thinking about it made him feel this bad, how would actually speaking make him feel?

Facing a large going fire with nothing but his bare hands seemed an easier option. He turned off the water and reached for the towel.

Dressed and back at Liz’s door, Jack rapped lightly on the wood.

No answer. He hesitated a moment, then reached for the handle, pushed the door open. She was curled up on the bed, her back to him. The gentle curves of her body’s profile reminded him how he used to love running his hand over her smooth skin, across her ribs, down into the valley at her waist and up onto the bone of her hip.

He walked quietly around the bed, savouring the sight of his sleeping wife for a few precious moments.

The bump of her pregnant belly was only slightly less astounding than it had been that morning. Almost as though she’d been taken over and shaped by something alien. He smiled slightly, thinking that Liz might not appreciate the analogy. In a way, her body had been taken over…by his baby. His baby. He moved his tongue in a suddenly dry mouth.

Maybe if he’d been here from the beginning, it wouldn’t seem so strange. The changes, the growing, would have been gradual. Pregnancy obviously made her more tired. Napping like this, so easily and particularly when she was upset, was completely out of character.

He frowned. Was it just the pregnancy or should she be taking vitamins or something? Had she had all the proper prenatal checks? Did she have backache? Headaches? Swelling feet? Had she suffered with morning sickness? He didn’t like to think of her here alone struggling with the symptoms while he was away.

Not that he’d have been able to do anything useful. Janet had taught him that he wasn’t much good in a sickroom. His mother had turned into a semi-invalid during her pregnancy with Emma and his bumbling efforts to help her hadn’t been appreciated. Though he wasn’t completely useless because he’d often looked after his baby sister. But the toddler had been easy to please, a joy to care for.

His heart squeezed uncomfortably. The urge to cherish Liz, wrap her in cotton wool, protect her, was incredibly strong. But maybe the protection she needed most was from him, from his past and his latent anger about those distant events.

Moving closer, he could see she’d been crying. Lashes clumped in spikes by moisture. A couple of wadded tissues sat on the bedside table.

The coward in him was tempted to tiptoe out, leave her to sleep longer. Quashing the impulse, he crouched beside her, his gaze following the delicate line of her jaw. With the back of his knuckle, he stroked the soft skin of her cheek gently until her eyes opened.

She rolled her head to look at him.

‘Hey.’ His voice was husky.

‘Hey.’ She regarded him solemnly.

‘I’m sorry, Liz.’ He took her hand, ran his thumb over the back of her long, slender fingers. ‘I don’t mean to hurt you.’

She sighed softly. ‘I know.’

Her uncomplicated acceptance of his apology was a boon. She seemed sad, but she wasn’t judging him. It was more than he deserved and her generosity freed him in an odd way. He traced the gold band of her wedding ring. ‘No one’s ever wanted to know about me, really know about me or my feelings, the way you do.’

‘What about your grandmother?’

‘Yeah, well, she did. In her way.’ He squeezed her hand then released it as he stood up. Preparing to talk like this made him want to move, to pace, but there was nowhere to go. Holding himself still was an effort. He ran his hand around the back of his neck. ‘Nanna was from a different generation. She was in her late seventies by the time I went to live with her permanently. By then I was thirteen with chips on both shoulders.’

‘Thirteen? But…I thought your grandmother brought you up.’ Her eyes were full of questions.

‘I let you.’ He rolled one shoulder, tilted his head, felt the tightness in his muscles. ‘Nanna did her best for me when she could. When Janet and I lived with her on and off.’

‘Janet?’

No wonder she sounded confused. He was making such a hash of this.

‘My mother.’ He turned, took a couple of steps to the window seat, subsided onto the cushion and pressed his fingers into the padded edge as he eyed Liz warily.

‘You called your mother Janet?’

‘She preferred it. I don’t think she thought of herself as a mother.’ He leaned forward, put his elbows on his thighs and clasped his hands. ‘Maybe being called by her name made her feel less responsible.’ He clenched his jaw then continued, ‘I went to live with my grandmother after Janet died.’

There was a small silence. ‘And she died when you were thirteen?’

He nodded once then looked down at his hands. A faint oil stain was still trapped in the crease of one thumb knuckle. He rubbed hard at it with the other thumb. ‘From a drug overdose.’

‘Jack—’

‘I found her after school. But it was too late. That time.’

‘That time?’ Liz’s voice wobbled but he couldn’t look at her. ‘It—it happened more than once?’

‘Yes. Janet was an addict. She lived in the moment. If it felt good, she tried it.’

‘Oh, Jack.’ In his peripheral vision he saw Liz sit up and swing her feet off the bed. For a moment he was afraid she was going to come to him. If she touched him now, he’d disintegrate.

‘Where was your father while all this was happening to you?’ She sounded like she would cheerfully go into battle for him. His heart swelled, leaving his chest agonisingly full.

‘I don’t remember him. He was killed. Car accident. I was three.’ His voice rasped out the short, stark sentences. But for the life of him he couldn’t seem to form a nice flowing prose to soften the bald facts.

‘Oh, Jack,’ she said again. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Yeah. Well.’ He shrugged. This time he glanced at her in time to see a tear slip down her cheek. He tried for a reassuring smile, but his face was stiff and uncooperative. ‘I didn’t lack male roll models if that’s what you’re worried about. I had uncles.’

‘U-uncles?’ She swiped the moisture off her cheek.

‘Whichever man Janet was involved with at the time. She thought having me call them uncle made us more like a family.’ Now that he’d told her the worst, the words were coming more easily. But he’d still be glad when this was over. ‘She never found anyone who was prepared to take on someone else’s kid long-term.’

‘That’s what you meant this morning with that comment about uncles?’

‘Yeah,’ he said flatly. He glanced at her belly then met her eyes. ‘I don’t want that for any child of mine.’

‘No. No, I can see that you wouldn’t.’ Her voice was little more than a whisper. She licked pale lips. ‘Is this the reason why you don’t want to have children? Because of the way your mother treated you? Because of the way the uncles treated you both?’

He nodded. ‘Part of it.’

‘But not all of it?’ She looked at him shrewdly. ‘You must see you would never be the sort of parent that your mother was, Jack. You have choices. You hate drugs. You never lose control. You are honourable and trustworthy and you never take the easy way out. That’s not going to change.’

Her staunch support made him uncomfortable, almost claustrophobic.

‘Perhaps I can come to you for a reference,’ he quipped, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.

‘Any time, any time at all.’ She sounded as though she meant it. Her eyes were warm and expressive as they clung to his. ‘Thank you for telling me this, Jack. I know how hard it was for you.’

‘Yeah…well…’ He fought the urge to squirm. She was thanking him and he’d only told her part of the story. Just like she’d said—he filtered the facts about his life, fed her titbits. He didn’t want to keep her at a distance, but it was too much to expect him to be able to bare every single thing tonight.

He’d tell her…but for now it had to be enough that he’d made a start.

CHAPTER SIX

‘DINNER will be ready.’ Jack stood, feeling the relief flow through his body at the movement. He was strangely exhausted. Talking was damned hard work.

‘Yes. It smells delicious.’ Liz shifted, bracing herself to rise.

‘Here.’ He stepped to the edge of the bed, held out his hands and pulled her easily to her feet.

‘Jack?’ She stopped him from turning away with a hand on his forearm. The muscles that had eased with the end of their conversation suddenly tightened again as he waited. ‘I’m sorry about some of the things I said last night.’ She reached up with her other hand and cupped his jaw. The warmth seeped through to his heart. He missed her touch when her fingers dropped to her side after softly stroking down his cheek. ‘You’ve always done more than your fair share of the cooking and I want you to know I appreciate it.’ Her smile turned cheeky. ‘Especially as you’re so much better at it than I am.’

Relieved and embarrassed in equal parts, he gave a small grin. ‘It’s no hardship. I’ve always enjoyed it.’

‘How did…?’ The words trailed off as though she’d thought better of her question. Perhaps she sensed his reluctance to be drawn back into more revelations.

‘How did I learn?’ He could tell her that much. Turning his arm, he captured her hand in his. ‘One of the uncles was Italian. Used to cook enormous feasts. Nick was the only uncle I was sorry to see go. He was the one that lasted the longest.’

‘What happened to him?’

He moved restlessly. ‘He got tired of Janet’s promises to stop the drugs so he left.’

‘Leaving you with your…with Janet? On your own?’

‘More or less.’ Nick had been Emma’s father and, for the three years he’d been around, the closest thing to a father that Jack had ever had. He could remember hoping the baby would mean that Nick would stay around. The exuberant Italian had been suing for the custody of his daughter when she’d died of meningitis. Too bad he hadn’t been quicker. At least that would have been one less burden for Jack’s conscience.

‘Are you okay?’

He blinked, pulling himself out of his thoughts. Liz’s eyes were searching his face, concern in the soft gold depths. Her beauty took his breath away.

‘Jack?’ A tiny frown formed on her face when he didn’t answer. With her face tilted up to his, her mouth was in a perfect position for kissing. All he had to do was bend slightly, dip his head—

‘Yes.’ His voice was little more than a murmur. Her tongue flicked out to moisten her lips.

‘Oh.’ Liz’s grip tightened with her sudden gasp, her strength almost vice-like. Alarmed, Jack reared back as she puffed small gasps of air, her eyes suddenly wide.

‘What?’ he demanded. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘A contraction.’ Puff. Puff.

‘What?’ Icy fingers clutched at his heart. ‘You’re delivering? I thought you weren’t due for months.’

Liz’s hold kept him still even though every instinct yelled for him to act, take charge. Do something immediately.

Except he had no idea what to do.

‘No. No.’ Puff, puff. ‘It’s a Braxton-Hicks. I—I didn’t realise they could be so strong.’

‘What the hell does it matter what it’s called?’ He took a deep breath. Yelling wasn’t going to help. ‘I’m taking you to hospital right now.’

‘No. Wait a minute.’

An eternity later, she smiled at him. ‘You can let go now.’

He looked down to where their hands were still linked, her fingers wriggling slightly in protest at his tight grasp. He chafed her hands, trying to rub away the red and white marks he’d left. ‘Sorry. I’m sorry. I still think I should take you to the hospital for a check-up.’

‘I’m fine now.’ She retrieved one hand to rub her lower abdomen. ‘And I’ve no intention of missing out on dinner.’

He frowned down at her. She was smiling as though nothing was wrong, as though she hadn’t just given him the biggest bloody fright of his life.

‘You’re so damned small,’ he said abruptly. ‘How the hell are you going to give birth to a baby?’

‘The way women have since the beginning of time.’ She sounded so happy, so complacent about her ability that he wanted to shake her. ‘I’m not giving birth in the middle of nowhere. The hospital’s birthing unit has the best care in the world.’

‘The best care in the world can’t save you if the baby’s too big. You should ask for a Caesarean.’

‘I will not.’ She looked up, her eyes dark with outrage. What was wrong with her? His suggestion was perfectly reasonable. ‘I want to have a natural birth.’

‘No.’

‘Yes. Jack, this isn’t all baby.’ She patted the mound affectionately. ‘There’s a lot of amniotic fluid in here, too.’

‘But you’re only two-thirds through the pregnancy. Look at the size of you already. And there’s still how many more months to go? Three? The baby’s going to be growing all that time.’ He glared at her. ‘Have you had tests?’

Her hands settled over her belly. ‘Yes, I’ve had all the necessary tests. I told you this morning everything is proceeding just as it should be. There’s no need to worry, Jack.’

‘It’s easy for you to say,’ he muttered. ‘You’re a doctor. You’ve been through this before.’

‘Not from this side I haven’t.’

‘Yeah, but you know what’s going on.’

‘Why are you so worried about this? There’s no sign that there’s going to be a problem.’

‘But—’ He stopped, swallowing the rest of his words. He couldn’t dump his fears onto Liz when she seemed so full of confidence in her body, in her ability to do this enormous job. He’d never send a probie out into the field to fight a fire with a head filled with horror stories. How could he undermine Liz about this?

‘But what? Jack?’

‘Nothing.’ He couldn’t tell her about Janet’s experiences with pregnancy. Or Kylie’s. Besides, they were topics he wasn’t ready to broach. ‘Nothing. Just don’t take any risks, okay?’

‘I won’t. I’m not.’

‘No, of course not.’ He ran a hand over his face, wishing he could wipe away his doubts.

‘Why do I get the feeling I’m not really reaching you?’ she said softly.

‘You are. You are, Liz. Just…if the doctor tells you that you need a Caesarean, don’t fight it. Promise me that much. Please.’

‘I will, if it’s necessary. But it won’t be.’

‘But I’ve got your promise?’

‘Yes.’

‘Good.’ He nodded. ‘Let’s eat.’

The following week, Liz said goodbye to the last patient for the Saturday-morning clinic. Juggling a bundle of records on her hip, she turned to lock the office door.

‘Should you be carrying those, Dr Campbell?’

‘Jack!’ She brought the folders around and clutched them to her chest, mortified to feel the rush of heat in her face. Her husband had caught her unawares and she was blushing? What was wrong with her?

‘Hand them over.’

‘What?’ Her scattered wits fumbled to understand. ‘Oh, the files? They’re not heavy.’

‘All the same.’ He scooped them out of her arms. The sensation of his skin skimming across hers and then the briefest contact of his arm on her breast sent a swirl of excitement through her stomach. She suppressed a yelp and hoped he couldn’t see how flummoxed she was.

‘Where are you taking them?’ he asked.

She looked at him blankly.

‘The files.’ With the stack balanced easily under his arm, he took her elbow. His fingers were warm on her bare flesh.

‘B-back down to the main desk.’

‘Lead on.’

She set off towards the lift, immediately missing his touch when his hand dropped from her arm. But at least her brain started functioning again.

‘What are you doing here?’ she asked.

‘I’ve come to whisk you away from all this.’

‘Have you?’ Her footsteps slowed as she looked up into his eyes. Merriment twinkled in the blue depths. She couldn’t help but be charmed by him. ‘I’ll come with you on the condition you’re whisking me away to somewhere I won’t have to move a muscle for twenty-four hours.’

‘Tired?’ His face creased in concern. ‘Are you working too hard?’

‘Yes, I am tired. And, no, I’m not working too hard.’ Surreptitiously rubbing a twinge along her side, she turned into the lift corridor. ‘You know, our maternal ancestors probably gathered berries all day and only stepped out of the briars to give birth.’

Jack pressed the down arrow then turned to look at her, his head cocked to one side. ‘I hope that doesn’t mean you intend to step out of the operating theatre to drop our baby in the hospital corridor.’

Amusement bubbled up at the picture his words painted. At the same time his easy use of our baby made her breath hitch. Did that mean he was coming to accept the thought of being a parent? Surely that was elation she was feeling…wasn’t it? The odd brew of contrary emotion caught her by surprise. She pushed it aside to think about later.

‘No, of course not.’ She stepped into the lift and pressed the button for the lower floor. ‘My point is that pregnancy is a normal function of the female body. I’m tired, not ill.’ And she’d be a darned sight less tired if she could sleep properly. Insomnia plagued her with Jack sleeping in the spare room. But she wasn’t going to tell him that. ‘So where are you whisking me to?’

‘Not far. I’ve got something to show you.’

‘What is it?’

‘Uh-uh, not telling. It’s a surprise.’ He ushered her out when the doors slid open. ‘You’ll like it. I promise.’

‘I am tempted.’ She sighed. ‘But there’s a mountain of washing waiting for me at home.’

‘All done.’ He grinned when she blinked at him. ‘And don’t worry, I colour coordinated. The whites are still white. It’s drying as we speak. It’ll be ready to bring in while you have a rest.’

‘Mmm. A domesticated man. Every woman’s favourite fantasy. You’ll have my head filling with all sorts of ideas,’ she teased.

‘Really? What sort?’ His voice lowered to a husky rumble and the world seemed to rock in response.

Her heart lurched into an alarming rhythm as she cast around for a safe response. ‘How about you with a broom in one hand and a feather duster in the other?’

‘Not quite what I’d envisaged,’ he drawled.

She forced the muscles of her throat to swallow. For a fleeting moment she was tempted to say something that would deepen the unexpected intimacy. But she felt strangely shy, unable to take the step. They had so much still to work through.

And then there was the pregnancy. Her hand lifted of its own accord to smooth her baby bump. She loved her growing body, all the changes that were happening. But it was dramatically different from her trim pre-pregnancy self. The changes that so delighted her might turn him off. She wasn’t ready to risk that level of exposure.

Liz walked the remaining distance to the main desk in tongue-tied silence.

‘Hi, Hilda,’ she said to the nurse on duty. ‘We’re returning this morning’s clinic files.’

She stood aside so Jack could put them on the bench.

‘Thanks, Liz. You’re a dear.’ Hilda winked at Jack. ‘Enjoy the rest of your day.’

‘We will. See you Monday.’ Liz felt Jack’s fingers stroke across the sensitive skin of her upper arm to close around her elbow again. ‘S-so…where is this surprise of yours?’

‘You’ll see. Let’s go.’

A few minutes later she was seated beside Jack in the fourwheel drive. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him turn to her. His hand rested on the edge of her seat. If she moved those few inches, she could lay her cheek on his fingers, invite his touch.

Suggest that he take her home…

And not to rest.

‘Are you feeling up to this? Just say the word and I’ll take you home.’ His words dovetailed straight into her thoughts.

‘I’m fine. Fine.’ Liz straightened, grabbing the seat belt and pulling it across her body. If she got it shut fast enough, maybe it could somehow contain the treacherous images in her head. Her fingers fumbled on the catch then finally snicked it into place. ‘Besides, I want to see this surprise you’ve promised.’

A short time later he turned into a nearly full car park. They were at Lake Dustin.

Liz bit her lip to stop herself from groaning aloud. Of all the places he could bring her while she was in danger of ambushing herself with unfulfillable lust…

Did he remember their first real kiss had been here? He’d spun her into his arms, his mouth capturing hers in an exquisite caress. She’d been as malleable as freshly wetted plaster of Paris in his hands. And just as hot. By the time he’d finished she hadn’t needed to walk the rest of the lakeside track—she’d floated beside him in a daze. He could have seduced her that day—if he’d tried. But he’d been more subtle than that.

‘I’ll never make the walk around the lake,’ she said as he opened the passenger door so she could climb out.

‘I know.’ The slow, wicked curve of his lips suggested that he remembered that kiss as well as she did. ‘We’re going to be very sedate, very…restrained today.’

She gulped in a breath and turned to pick up her handbag.

‘Come on.’ He dropped his arm around her waist and propelled her gently towards the gravel path. A small grey fantail darted and swooped in the shrubs to the side, completely unconcerned by their presence. ‘I’ve booked for lunch.’

In the cosy little restaurant they were greeted by the waiter. He took them out to the lakeshore seating and left them with menus to peruse, promising to return soon for their order.

‘Ah, perfect timing,’ said Jack, when they were alone. ‘Hear that?’

Liz became aware of a series of musical notes from across the water.

‘It’s our floor show. Look.’ Jack pointed out to the island near the edge of the lake.

An elegant black swan stood at the waterline with three downy grey chicks.

‘Oh, how gorgeous.’

‘See Mama farther up the bank? That’s her we can hear calling. She’s chivvying junior to hurry up and join the rest of the family.’

Liz searched and soon spotted the second swan. Another grey fluff ball was struggling to navigate tangled growth. The slender black neck dipped and stretched as the adult swan continued her scolding.

‘Tsk,’ she said, smiling. ‘There’s always someone who needs that last-minute bathroom stop when everyone else is ready to go.’

With the group finally all together, the adults escorted their offspring ponderously to the lake. Once on the water, they glided regally across the surface.

Liz looked back at Jack to find him watching her, a small smile playing at the edges of his mouth.

‘They mate for life. Swans.’

‘Do they?’ She could drown in the warm blue eyes that held hers. ‘It’s been a long time since you’ve shared any of these quirky little nature facts.’

‘Yes, I guess it has.’ He reached across to link his fingers with hers.

‘I’ve missed it.’

‘Have you?’

‘Yes. Very much.’

‘So have I.’ He was silent for a moment, his finger rubbing across the sensitive webbing at the base of her thumb. ‘Liz, I—’ He stopped, his gaze sliding past her. A muscle in his cheek twitched briefly.

‘Hello, you two,’ boomed a voice from close by. ‘Fancy seeing you here.’

‘Hello, Tony.’ Jack’s smile was friendly. Liz envied him his equanimity. She liked her boss, but his timing, in this instance, was dreadful.

Tony introduced his new girlfriend, then looked around at the now full tables. ‘You were obviously sensible enough to book ahead.’

‘Yes.’ Jack managed to sound gently discouraging. Liz suppressed a sigh—if she knew Tony, the subtlety would be wasted.

‘Mind if we join you?’

There was an expectant pause.

‘Um, no, of…course not.’ She looked at Jack helplessly.

‘Great. Lucky we bumped into you. I’ve been wanting to try this place since it opened. It’s had a terrific write-up in the local press.’

Liz smiled weakly as Jack signalled the waiter to arrange for the extra chairs.

She seesawed between irritation with herself and the urge to laugh. She desperately wanted to know what Jack had been going to say before the interruption. Whatever it had been, however small, it was important. Even if only because her close-mouthed husband was volunteering it.

CHAPTER SEVEN

THEY’D had three lovely weeks since Jack had told her about his parents, thought Liz as she watched open-day activity at the fire station. Two weeks since the lunch at the lake. Jack was still extraordinarily watchful of her. The days had fallen into a pattern. Almost like old times. Almost better than old times.

Except for two big things.

Their sleeping arrangements, for one. They were still in separate rooms. Trying to decide what to do about that caused her disproportionate angst so she resolutely refused to let her mind linger on the subject.

The other big thing was her. She blew out a small breath. How could two weeks make such a difference to the way she felt physically? She was waddling, slip-on shoes were a must. And thank goodness for the warmer days because she didn’t need to wear pantyhose for work. The only problem was she really needed to make an appointment to have her legs waxed.

Not that Jack seemed inclined to look at them. The only thing he looked at was what she was doing and whether she was resting enough. She grimaced, aware her thoughts made her seem like a petulant child.

She didn’t dare complain about how she was feeling. With Jack already worried about the delivery, he’d have her locked up in an operating theatre with an obstetrician stationed outside the door if she voiced even the smallest doubt. He put a good face on his concerns, but she could still sense them. Someone or something had affected him very deeply. His mother? Janet seemed the most likely source of his irrational fear.

Liz rubbed her back absent-mindedly. Had she done the right thing by not asking him to the prenatal classes? She’d wrestled with her conscience, but had convinced herself the classes would only give him more to worry about. A little bit of knowledge was dangerous.

But the trite saying wasn’t giving her the comfort she’d managed to wring from it for the last fortnight. The truth was, knowledge was usually the best way to combat fear.

So now she had to squarely face the reason she didn’t want him at the classes. Fear of her own vulnerability. Part of her longed to get closer to her husband, desperately wanted him to hold her, to tell her she was still desirable to him.

The other part wanted to keep some distance between them, to protect herself in case things didn’t work out. Jack was making all the right sounds and he had broken down walls between them by opening up about his past. But there was still no guarantee he’d be able to take that next step to being an involved father.

Then there were the classes themselves. The intimacy between the couples was beautiful…but unnerving. Just the thought of sharing those moments with Jack was nearly enough to have her ready to spontaneously combust. Having him touch her hand or arm or back sent thrills racing up her spine these days. Imagine him at the classes with his hands on her belly, helping her do the exercises. Or rubbing her lower back, or her thighs.

She shut her eyes as a wave of heat engulfed her.

‘Shouldn’t you be sitting down?’

‘Jack!’ The heat flowed straight up to her face, threatening to scorch the skin with its intensity. ‘You gave me a fright.’

‘I’ll give you more than that if you don’t start being more sensible,’ he growled, examining her closely. ‘You’re flushed. Have you been overdoing it?’

‘No. Yes. Um, maybe I’ve had a little too much sun,’ she said latching onto the idea, thankful that it would explain any redness in her face. Her lustful thoughts were nobody’s business but her own.

‘Hmm. I’ve got a talk to give the kids before lunch. Come and help me.’ He reached for her hand. The action of his fingers slipping between hers focussed her feverish attention on the sensitive skin there. She couldn’t have mustered an argument. ‘That way I can keep an eye on you.’

She allowed herself to be towed into the fire station where thick matting on the concrete floor served as makeshift seating for a group of children. Parents sat in fold-up chairs at the back.

‘Hi, kids,’ said Jack, commanding their attention. ‘Who’s here for a fire safety talk?’

A chorus of enthusiastic replies greeted him.

‘Fantastic. I’m Jack and this is my helper, Dr Liz. She’s going to sit here.’ He winked at her as he escorted her to a seat at the front. ‘Right by the uniforms so she can help with buttons and things for those who want to dress up a bit later.’

For the next half an hour, Liz watched in amazement as Jack taught the children about fire safety and put them through their paces with practical exercises. He was so comfortable in the role that it couldn’t be an act. She’d known in theory that part of his job before he’d gone overseas had been visiting local schools, talking to students. His lessons were given at their level of understanding. He wasn’t talking down to them. And they were responding to him with obvious enjoyment.

She should be ecstatic about this unexpected side to him. So why wasn’t she? What was wrong with her? Far from being reassured, she felt oddly bothered by it. If he was like this with his own child then he’d be a fantastic parent. Probably a better one than she would be. She frowned. She couldn’t be competitive about this, could she? Her ambivalence was frightening.

At the end of the session the children were given the opportunity to dress up in firemen’s uniforms and sit in the big pumper parked on the station’s apron. Liz watched as Jack helped a girl of about six into a bright orange overall, chatting to her as he rolled up the excess material of the sleeves. He looked gorgeous in his dark blue uniform pants with the braces hooked over his shoulders. Liz’s breath caught as he lifted the yellow helmet off his head. He set it at a jaunty angle on the girl’s blonde curls before he hoisted the grinning child into the cabin with the other children. Liz found her lips curving spontaneously. Jack’s smile, as he caught her eye, was brilliant.

She swallowed, blinking away the sudden tears that threatened. Hormones. It must be the pregnancy making her feel so strange. She turned her attention to a tot dragging a heavy jacket across the mat.

‘You’re very good with the kids,’ she said a short time later when the crowd had dispersed. Even to her own ears it sounded more like an accusation than a commendation. She cleared her throat and tried to soften her tone. ‘They like you.’

‘Do you think so? Thanks. Ready for lunch, Dr Liz?’ He grabbed her hand in a warm clasp. ‘That barbecue is smelling pretty good to me.’

‘Sure.’ She let him lead her across to the shaded lawn, but food was the furthest thing from her mind. ‘I didn’t realise you’d spent much time around them.’

‘Hmm?’

‘Kids. I didn’t realise you’d spent much time around children.’

‘I took Monster Management 101 with Danny.’ He slanted her a grin as they neared the barbecue. ‘We go out to the schools quite often. You know that. How about I find you somewhere to sit and get lunch for both of us?’

‘You never told me how much you enjoyed it.’ His dismissal of this side of himself, as though it was nothing out of character, irritated her.

He stopped to look down at her, his forehead creasing into a frown. ‘Are you mad with me, Liz?’

‘No, of course not.’ But she was for some reason, she realised as she fidgeted under his gaze.

‘Jack! Liz!’ a cheery voice hailed them. Liz looked past Jack to see Danny’s wife, Sarah, waving at them from her spot under a sturdy old oak tree. ‘Bring your lunch over here and sit with us. There’s plenty of room.’

The odd moment of tension eased and Liz was glad to have an excuse to move away. Glad, too, that she didn’t have to try to explain her attitude. How could she when she couldn’t understand it herself?

Forcing her lips to smile, she waved back with her free hand. She started to move towards them, but Jack didn’t release her immediately. She stopped, turning slightly to meet his eyes. His wry expression told her he knew she was running away from him rather than eager to socialise with their friends.

One corner of his mouth quirked. ‘What a good idea,’ he murmured. ‘Why don’t you join them? I’ll get us something to eat. Do you want salad?’

‘Yes. Please. Thanks.’

Sarah handed her a spare cushion as she reached the edge of the rug. Liz lowered herself and rested her back on the tree trunk beside Sarah and watched while Danny chased after his two-year-old daughter, Suzy.

‘I’m going to have my work cut out for me once Suzy’s brother arrives.’ Sarah patted her stomach. ‘She’s a handful on her own.’

Liz smiled as she watched the child charging in the opposite direction to her father. ‘Don’t you talk about my favourite toddler like that.’

‘I should rent her out to you for a while so you can see what you’re letting yourself in for.’ Sarah sighed. ‘She’s running me ragged at the moment.’

Liz looked at her friend sharply, noting the circles under her eyes, the puffy hands and the way her sandal straps cut into her feet.

‘How have you been feeling?’

‘Are you asking as my friend or my doctor?’

‘Both. But if you’ll feel happier I’ll put aside my Dr Liz hat for a few minutes.’ Jack’s nickname made her serious statement sound friendlier and not too intrusive.

‘Dr Liz, huh?’ Sarah smiled in appreciation.

‘Jack’s idea.’

‘I like it. You must be pleased to have him back home.’

‘Hmm.’ Liz watched as her husband approached, balancing two laden plates and carrying the esky they’d dropped off earlier. ‘Dr Liz wants to see you in her office early next week, okay?’

‘All right.’

‘Thank you.’ She took the proffered meal from Jack. He dropped down beside her on the rug, propping himself on his elbow as he munched on a bread-covered sausage and onions.

‘Will we see you at the antenatal class this week, Jack?’ asked Sarah. ‘It’s a shame you couldn’t get to the earlier ones. Understandable, though. With work. And jet-lag can leave you feeling like a limp rag for ages, can’t it?’

Liz winced, chewing doggedly on a piece of meat that had suddenly turned to indigestible leather. So much for the benefits of lunching with friends.

‘It sure can.’ Jack gave her a bland look.

Encouraged, Sarah went on, ‘I hope you’ll be coming now you’ve recovered.’

Danny joined them a few minutes later with Suzy balanced on his shoulders. Liz hoped that might be enough to distract Sarah.

‘I felt quite sorry for Liz, being the only one there on her own. You’re not one of those men that thinks it’s sissy to come to the classes, are you?’

‘I—’

‘Danny’s coming even though it’s our second, aren’t you, darling?’ Sarah patted his arm. ‘It’s good to have a refresher. Even Liz is there and she’s a doctor—but as I explained to her when I talked her into coming to the classes, it helps to know what to expect afterwards as well. And you could do with the classes. You don’t know anything about changing a nappy, do you?’

Liz stared as a strange spasm crossed Jack’s face. Did he know about changing nappies? But how could he?

Luckily, Sarah didn’t need any input from either of them as she swept on. ‘Well, you don’t want to be one of those men who doesn’t have a clue, do you?’

‘I certainly don’t, do I?’ he said benignly, raising an eyebrow at Liz. ‘What night are these classes, Sarah?’

‘Thursday.’

‘Ah, Thursday. Silly me. I thought Liz had worked late that night.’ His smile made Liz feel like a hapless mouse being toyed with by a particularly ferocious tomcat.

‘I did. Work late.’ She cleared her throat, the words seeming to stick on the way out. ‘And, um, I went straight to the class because I knew you were tired.’

‘Ah. Considerate of you. I’m glad you explained. It’s good to have everything out in the open between us, isn’t it, sweetheart? Especially at a time like this. Honesty is so important.’

‘You know, you are so right, Jack,’ gushed Sarah, missing the undercurrents and saving Liz from the necessity of answering him. ‘I suppose you’ve done the basic delivery course, have you? Like Danny has through the emergency services? Still, when it’s your own it’s all a bit different.’

‘Absolutely,’ Jack purred. ‘I’ll definitely be there on Thursday. Liz will make sure. Won’t you, darling?’

CHAPTER EIGHT

‘WELL! Go on! Say it,’ Liz said, as the silence in the vehicle stretched and took on a presence of its own.

‘Say what?’ Jack glanced at her briefly, then turned his attention to backing out of the parking space.

‘That I should have told you about the damned classes.’

He slotted the stick into gear. ‘I guess you had your reasons.’

‘That’s right. I did.’ She folded her arms and tried to ignore the gymnastics happening in her belly. ‘I’m not going to feel bad about this. I’m not. I made a decision. I weighed the evidence and I made a decision.’

‘Not to tell me?’

‘Yes.’

‘Okay, then.’

‘That’s it? Just okay?’ His easy acceptance stung. Didn’t he think it was worth fighting for his rights as a father-to-be?

He sighed. ‘What do you want me to say?’

‘That you care, damn it. But you don’t, do you?’ Shut up, shut up! She knew he was doing the best he could, better than she’d expected him to do. She knew he was…but somehow her combative words seemed to have developed a momentum of their own. ‘You don’t want to come to the bloody classes because you don’t care.’

‘I haven’t come to the bloody classes because I didn’t know about them.’

‘Well, now you do know about them.’ She closed her eyes, hearing the gloating note in her voice. Her behaviour was appalling. How could she take back the things she’d said now? She was going to look like such an idiot.

An apology was starting to form in her mind when she heard him chuckling softly. She glared at him.

‘What’s so funny?’

‘You know you’re in the wrong. This offence is the best defence strategy isn’t working.’

She sat rigidly mute, hating it that he’d reduced her righteous anger to little more than a tantrum. Never mind that she’d started to see her position as weak. That he had recognised the flaw was unbearable.

‘You can’t have this thing all ways, Liz.’

She wasn’t ready to be jollied out of her mood. ‘What do you mean?’

‘You want me to be involved with the baby, you want me to bare my soul about my past. But you can’t even bring yourself to tell me about the prenatal classes. How does that work? It doesn’t sound fair to me.’

‘I didn’t want you to fuss more than you already are about the birth,’ she said, trying to retrieve the ground she’d lost. ‘And besides, I didn’t think you would want to come.’

‘How do you know if you don’t give me the chance?’

He was right. He was right. But… ‘But the bottom line is that you don’t want children so why would you want to come to the class?’

He shook his head slightly as he pulled into their driveway. ‘Low blow, Liz. I’m here, aren’t I? The fact is I’m going to be a father. What I want or don’t want is irrelevant now.’

‘But it’s not irrelevant to me.’ The last thing she wanted to hear was this philosophical acceptance of his position. ‘I want my baby to have an involved father. Not some distant man who wafts in and out of the house.’

He switched off the ignition and the silence settled around them. Turning towards her, he laid his arm along the back of the seat. ‘I’ll be as involved as you’ll let me be, Liz.’

‘Oh, that’s right. Put it all back onto me,’ she cried. ‘If you’re so interested, how come you haven’t even asked whether we’re having a boy or a girl?’

‘Probably because I’m a man and the finer points of this sort of thing elude me.’ He sighed, rubbing his forehead as though trying to ease tension there. ‘So, what is it?’

‘What?’

‘The baby. Is it a boy or a girl?’

‘Yes.’ She released her seat belt and gathered up her bag, clutching it in front of her as she glared at him. ‘Yes. It is a boy or a girl.’

His narrowed eyes examined her face as though seeking a clue to her meaning. ‘Liz, sweetheart, you’re not making sense.’

‘I’m pregnant, Jack.’ She let herself out of the car and turned back to look at him. ‘I don’t have to make sense.’

The satisfaction of slamming the car door sustained her all the way onto the veranda where she realised she didn’t have a house key. By the time she thought of the one in the potbelly, Jack had joined her. She maintained a dignified silence while he unlocked the door and opened it for her.

‘Thank you.’

‘No problem.’

‘I—I’m going to lie down.’

‘Good idea.’

In the bedroom, she subsided onto the edge of the bed and

let her bag slip to the floor. She felt lonely and guilty and miserable. Weak tears seeped out as she lay down, curling around her now quiet belly. Not even the baby wanted to communicate with her.

If she kept pushing Jack, their marriage would have no chance. He’d leave and her baby would be deprived of a fulltime father. Is that what she wanted? She’d psyched herself into going it alone while he’d been away. But it was different now, a little voice whispered. She’d started to hope things might work out. With hope came the possibility of being let down. If she kept behaving like she had today, that disappointment was a certainty.

She woke with a start to the raucous notes of a kookaburra’s laugh. A quick glance at the clock told her she’d only slept for about half an hour, but she felt refreshed.

Jack. The memory of their argument flooded back, a faithful replay of every irrational moment driving her out of her relaxed state. She needed to talk to him, apologise and hopefully explain her position. Which might be tricky since she didn’t understand it herself. But the important thing was the apology.

She splashed water on her face and tidied her hair, dragging it back into the band. She studied herself in the mirror. The nap had wiped away most traces of her tears, but her eyes still had puffy circles beneath them.

Did Jack really mean he’d come to the classes or had he just said that to get Sarah off his back? No, that wasn’t fair. He wasn’t in the habit of saying things for expedience.

Oh, God. If he came to the class, how was she going to cope? He’d have to touch her. As things were, she was aware of him, his body, all the time. Sleeping on her own while he’d been away was a completely different proposition to sleeping alone when he was in the house…just down the hallway. Did he toss and turn at night, rumple the sheets?

She brought her thoughts back to the class. Would it be the catalyst that ripped away the fragile peace that they’d established these last few weeks?

She grimaced at her reflection. Perhaps she’d find out firsthand if spontaneous combustion really happened. Putting off the moment wasn’t going to make it any easier.

It took a few minutes before she realised he wasn’t around. In the kitchen, she found a short note. Blast. He’d gone back to the station. Her apology was practically burning on her lips—the least he could do was be around so she could deliver it. She touched the strong, flowing script, her mind churning.

Did this mean he was going to start using the station as a means of escaping difficulties between them again? She didn’t want them to drift back to that. And she was the one in the wrong over this so she was the one who needed to make the first move.

Before she could change her mind, she scooped her keys off the bench and went to get her bag.

Jack threw the last of the empty bottles into the recycling bin and wheeled it out to the kerb for the next day’s council collection.

He walked slowly back to the four-wheel drive, pulled a twig out of the grill, kicked the front tyre. Perhaps he should check the tyre pressures while he was here…or perhaps he should just stop putting off the inevitable. He had to go home some time.

But he didn’t want to while things were so tense with Liz. Why hadn’t she told him about the prenatal classes? Her secretiveness confused him, hurt him more than he’d have believed possible. On one hand she demanded he be involved, on the other she seemed to be blocking him out. He couldn’t understand what was going on. What more could he do? He was here, wasn’t he?

Jiggling the keys in his pocket, he wandered along to the back tyre to stare at it moodily.

He was trying, wasn’t he? Hadn’t he bared his soul about his past? Some of the important things anyway. Why couldn’t Liz appreciate that it wasn’t easy for him? A bit of trust would be nice. He thought whipping up his aggrieved feelings might help him suppress the inconvenient memory of the things he hadn’t told her. It was too much to expect him to have blurted out everything at once. It wasn’t that he wouldn’t tell her about Emma and Kylie, it was just that he hadn’t…yet.

As he reached for the vehicle’s door handle, a yell from the house across the road brought him up short. A moment later came a clattering bang. Danny? Jack began to run, his heart in his mouth. He knew his friend had gone home to clean out the roof guttering.

He was halfway across the bitumen when Liz’s car turned into the road. Without breaking stride, he signalled to her, hoping she’d realise something was amiss.

He met Sarah running back along the side path towards the fire station.

‘Jack! Thank God you’re still here. Danny…’ She gulped. ‘Oh, God! The ladder. I can’t move it. He’s—he’s—’

‘Sarah!’ He held her by the shoulders, speaking sharply. ‘I’ll help Danny. Liz is just pulling up in the car. Go out and tell her to bring her bag in. Okay?’

She focussed on him after a moment then nodded.

‘Go on now. I’ll look after Danny.’ He left at a run, dreading what he would find. It was almost comic relief to find his friend conscious and swearing a blue streak.

‘Jack. Can you get this bloody thing off me?’ A metal ladder pinned him to the collapsed remains of a plastic table.

‘Hold still, mate.’ Jack lifted the heavy appliance aside. ‘Don’t try to move. Liz is on her way.’

‘I’m fine. Fine,’ he gasped. ‘Winded. That’s all. Give us a hand up, will you?’

‘Better to get you checked over.’ Jack put out a restraining hand. ‘Liz will be here in a sec.’

And then she was dropping to her knees on the other side of Danny.

‘Hey, Danny. Jack’s right. We need you to keep still while we check you over.’ Her lips curved in a reassuring smile, her voice having just the right note of caring and command to have the lanky fireman’s grumbles tailing off. ‘Sarah tells me you fell off the ladder.’

‘Yeah. She’d just told me to move the bloody thing, too.’ He grimaced. ‘Suppose she’ll be saying she told me so.’

‘Guaranteed, hotshot,’ Sarah’s voice piped up, the jaunty words betrayed by the wobble of fear in her voice. ‘As soon as you’re back on your feet.’

‘Have you got any pain?’

‘More of an all-over bruised feeling. Like I’ve fallen off a ladder and had the damned thing land on me,’ he joked.

‘Did you hit your head?’

‘Yeah. But I don’t think that’ll cause me any problems.’ He smiled. ‘Don’t you have to have a brain for that? Seriously, I don’t think I’ve hurt myself at all, Liz. I’m bloody lucky.’

‘Looks like it. But since I’m here I may as well give you the once-over.’

‘Gimme a break.’

‘Good practice for me.’ She smiled, obviously not about to be deflected as she reached for his wrist.

Jack grinned inwardly. Danny might as well lie back and let himself be cared for—his feeble protests weren’t going to sway Liz once she’d made up her mind.

‘I want you to tell me if you have any pain where I touch you.’

Danny produced a strained chuckle. ‘Should you be doing this while my wife’s watching?’

‘You’re safe. I’m a professional, tough guy,’ Liz said, grinning.

Jack watched her long clever fingers work her patient over thoroughly from top to toe. After attaching a cervical collar, she organised him and Sarah to help turn Danny so she could check his back.

‘This is embarrassing,’ grumbled Danny.

‘Never mind. Embarrassment never killed anyone,’ Liz said in a matter-of-fact tone. ‘Blood pressure, and then we’ll think about letting you up.’

‘Sarah, love. I’m sorry for being such an idiot.’

‘You make sure you listen to me in future,’ Danny’s wife scolded.

‘I promise I—’ Danny stopped on a groan.

‘Danny. What’s happening?’

‘Stabbing pain. Chest.’

‘Just started?’ Liz reached for his wrist, felt the rapid pulse, noted the short, gasping breaths. ‘Pain anywhere else, Danny?’

‘Right. Arm.’

‘Oh, God. Liz?’ gasped Sarah. ‘Is he having a heart attack?’

‘No, it’s his lung. Sarah, sweetie, have you called the ambulance? Could you go and do that for me now?’ Liz said, keeping her voice level, reassuring. ‘Jack, can you get me a chest kit from the car? In the boot, left-hand side, clearly marked.’

A slight bluish tinge was already starting to form around Danny’s lips.

Using the scissors from her bag, she snipped up the seam of his T-shirt then grabbed her stethoscope. She closed her eyes and listened intently. Breath sounds were markedly decreased on the right side. A quick tap on his ribs gave the resonance she was expecting.

‘Danny, your lung has collapsed. I need to put a tube in to help it reinflate.’ She prepared a large-gauge needle and syringe in case she had to resort to emergency measures. He hadn’t deteriorated to a tension pneumothorax, but she wanted to be prepared to act quickly if it did. Much better if she could take the extra minutes to insert a chest tube, though.

‘Whatever. You need. To do,’ he gasped.

‘Okay, I’m giving you a local anaesthetic. You’ll feel a sting.’ She injected him over the lower rib then swabbed the area liberally with iodine solution.

Jack knelt beside her the kit in his hands. ‘What can I do?’

She opened a pack of green sterile drapes.

‘I’ll need one tube and a haemostat. That’s the blunt-nosed clamp with scissor handles. I’ll need that first.’ She snapped on a pair of surgical gloves and positioned the drapes over Danny’s ribs. ‘See at the top there’s the two layers? Can you hold it and peel open the covering when I tell you?’

‘Okay.’ In her peripheral vision she could see him getting the packages ready.

‘Can you feel this, Danny?’ She touched the scalpel to his skin.

‘Just. Pressure.’

‘Great. Hold still for me now.’ She made a small incision along the rib.

‘Jack, I need the haemostat. Yep, that’s it. It’s sterile so be careful not to touch it.’ She slotted her fingers in the handles. ‘Can you get the tube ready to open, please?’

She pushed the blunt nose into the cut, up and over the rib, through the cartilage, felt the small give as it entered the chest cavity.

‘Okay, Jack. Ready for you to open, please. Thanks,’ she said as she grasped the end of the tube with the blood-stained clamp. Pushing gently but firmly, she threaded it through the incision into the lung space.

‘Okay, Danny. You should start to notice a difference in a minute.’ She checked the one-way valve on the tube before taping a dressing into place over the wound.

The sphygmomanometer cuff was still in place around Danny’s arm. She reinflated it and took another reading. There’d been a drop in his blood pressure, but it wasn’t dangerously low. She’d check again in a minute, make sure it was coming back up.

Danny blew out a breath as she picked up his wrist. ‘Thanks, Liz.’

‘My pleasure, Danny.’ She smiled at him. His pulse was stabilising and his breathing had definitely eased. ‘I think you’d better stay off ladders for a while, though.’

‘He will be,’ said Sarah, coming back to kneel at his side, sniffling back her sobs when she saw he was all right. ‘The ambulance is on its way, Liz.’

‘Well done, Sarah.’ With her fingers still on Danny’s radial pulse, Liz studied the younger woman’s pale, puffy face. ‘Is Suzy asleep?’

‘No. I’d not long put her down. The noise must have woken her. She’s playing in her cot.’ A look of dismay crossed Sarah’s face as she put a hand on her stomach. ‘Oh, dear. I wanted to go to the hospital with Danny.’

‘There’s no reason why you can’t.’

‘But I can’t think who to ask to mind Suzy. Normally I’d ask Debbie, but she’s away.’ Her voice tailed off as her face began to crumple.

‘I’ve got a better idea.’ Liz squeezed Sarah’s shoulder. ‘Why don’t you pack a bag for you and Suzy? And both of you can come into the hospital with Danny. We’ll fix you up a family room for the night. I know the management so I can pull some strings for you,’ she teased. ‘Not quite five-star accommodation, but the staff are very nice.’

Sarah gave a small hiccuping laugh, some of the tension easing from her face. ‘Oh, Liz. Could you?’

‘I’d prefer you weren’t out here on your own. Besides, I have an ulterior motive. This way I can check your blood pressure and be sure you’re getting some rest.’ Liz’s lips twitched. Jack’s words coming out of her own mouth. She lifted her gaze to find him looking straight at her. Her pulse spiked. Phew, perhaps she should check obs on herself.

‘It’ll be through the roof at the moment,’ Sarah said.

Liz took a moment to make the connection. ‘Oh, yes. Your blood pressure. After Danny’s acrobatics.’

‘Sorry, love.’ Danny sounded sheepish as he reached out for Sarah’s hand.

Liz felt like a voyeur, witnessing the loving glance that passed between them.

A siren wailed in the distance. ‘There’s the ambulance, Sarah. How about getting that bag organised?’

‘I’ll let the ambos know where we are,’ said Jack, leaving her alone with her patient.

‘Thanks for looking out for Sarah, Liz,’ Danny said when his wife had gone.

‘My pleasure.’ Liz began measuring his vital signs again. ‘You’ll both rest easier if you don’t have to worry about each other.’

‘Yeah. So am I going to live, Doc?’ Danny smiled tiredly.

‘I think you will if Sarah takes your ladder away.’ Liz deflated the cuff, pleased with his progress.

He chuckled. ‘Thanks. I thought I was done for. How soon do you reckon I’ll be back at work?’

‘We need to see how your lung stabilises over the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.’ Out of the corner of her eye Liz could see Jack returning. His booted feet stopped beside her.

‘And speaking as your new boss, you won’t be back at work until your doctor gives you the all-clear. However long that takes.’

Two paramedics rolled a gurney along the patio towards them.

After the four of them had transferred Danny, Liz tried to get up. Her legs were powerless, the joints locked into position. She felt awkward, ungainly. How embarrassing. She began to rock slightly to see if that would help to get one of her feet under her.

‘I’ve got you.’ Jack’s voice, soft and close behind her as the trolley moved away.

A moment later he grasped her under her arms and pulled to her feet. She expected him to release her immediately. Instead, his hands slid down to her hips. Her knees trembled, threatened to give way. He must have felt her unsteadiness because one hand slid between her belly and her breasts and his arm braced her. Suddenly his torso was pressed against her back. She could feel the solid heat of him through her flimsy top. Her heart hammered against her sternum and she wondered if he could feel the frantic beat.

‘Are you all right?’ His voice was low and gravelly.

‘Yes. Thanks,’ she said breathlessly.

But still he didn’t release her. His fingers splayed across her ribs beneath her arm, his grip sure and strong. Her skin quivered, wanting, needing.

If she moved his hand to her breast, would his fingers mould to her curves? Oh, God. The thought made her weak with desperation for more of his touch.

She turned slightly to look up into his face. His blue eyes were dark and brooding. His mouth hovered above hers. If he bent his head just a little, his lips would mesh with hers. She felt herself sag back into him, her eyelids half closing as a tiny helpless whimper escaped.

‘Am I hurting you?’ His other hand curled around the nape of her neck, sending a thrill across sensitive nerves to shiver through her body.

‘No,’ she whispered, her eyes glued to his, willing him to turn her, to hold her. To kiss her.

Seconds stretched. Abruptly she realised she could hear the clatter of the gurney being loaded into the ambulance. Disconnected thoughts rushed in. The ambulance! Danny! Sarah!

She leapt away from Jack. The action nearly unbalanced her again. His hand shot out to steady her.

Thank goodness the noise had bought her to her senses. In another few moments she’d have taken matters into her own hands and tugged Jack’s mouth down to hers.

‘You coming, Liz?’ One of the paramedics stuck his head around the end of the house.

‘Yes, I’ll be right there.’ Liz bent to pick up her bag, but Jack was there before her. She felt the heat rush to her face as she tightened her fingers around the proffered handle. His expression was inscrutable when she met his eyes. He obviously hadn’t been as affected by that brief, intense contact as she had been. She swallowed hard, struggling to collect her thoughts. ‘Will you bring Sarah and Suzy up to the hospital, please?’

He nodded.

‘Thanks. I’ll see you there, then.’ She turned and walked away on trembling legs.

CHAPTER NINE

BY THE time Liz had Danny taken along to the X-ray department, Jack had arrived with Sarah and Suzy. He had the toddler balanced easily on one hip, her precious orange walrus dangling from his hand. The image he made with the child in his arms was gorgeous…and, in an odd way, threatening by the very naturalness of it. He didn’t look at all like a man who didn’t want children.

Liz dragged her eyes away and noticed Sarah’s bag swinging from his other hand. Glad to have something concrete to focus her attention on, she signalled an orderly and arranged for the suitcase to be taken through to Danny’s room.

She turned back to Jack. ‘You’ll be all right to look after Suzy while Sarah and I have a talk, won’t you?’

She heard the words coming out of her mouth, felt the sharp look Hilda, the duty nurse, gave her. What was she doing? Hadn’t she just gone to a great deal of trouble to wangle a sitter for Suzy?

‘Sure.’ Jack’s quizzical look made her wonder if he realised her abrupt change of plans.

‘There’s, um, a box of toys in the corner.’ Perhaps asking him to look after Suzy was inspired thinking. But Liz’s innate honesty wouldn’t allow her the comfort of dissembling. Was she setting him up, hoping he’d fail? Why would she do that? Shouldn’t she want him to have good experiences with children so he’d embrace his own? She shoved the thought aside for later. Right now she had things to do. ‘If you have any problems, um, Hilda’s on the front desk. She’ll help you out.’

Liz sent a pleading look Hilda’s way and was given a well-deserved disapproving one in return. Resigned to having to explain her behaviour later, Liz picked up Sarah’s chart and pinned a determined smile on her face.

‘Let’s go through to a cubicle, Sarah,’ she said, indicating the way. ‘Hop on the scales for me first and then we’ll get you up on the bed.’

‘Oh, no,’ Sarah protested good-naturedly. ‘I knew I shouldn’t have had that extra chop at the barbecue today.’

‘Have you noticed any sudden weight gain since I saw you last?’ Liz jotted the weight down, noting how it had jumped since Sarah’s last appointment six weeks ago.

‘Yes, I feel like an elephant. Much worse than I was with Suzy. But Mum said it was the same for her after her first pregnancy.’

‘You’ve got quite a bit of puffiness, too. Did that start about the same time, can you remember?’ Liz looked critically at her friend, taking stock of her rather swollen hands and face. A quick glance at her feet showed they were worse, with the sandal straps cutting into oedematous flesh.

‘Isn’t that just because I’m drinking so much water with these hot days we’ve been having? I’m always a bit like this in summer anyway. And Mum said it was normal in pregnancy.’

‘Your mum’s right, a little bit of oedema certainly can be normal. But it can also be a symptom of an underlying problem.’ Liz picked up a small yellow-topped specimen jar from the shelf. ‘Feel like giving me a urine sample?’

‘Always.’ Sarah pulled a face as she took the proffered container. ‘Don’t you have the same problem?’

‘Absolutely.’ Liz smiled sympathetically. ‘Some days, my bladder rules my life.’

When Sarah came back, Liz helped her up on the bed and chatted while she tested the fluid sample with a dipstick. She frowned as the pale green square turned darker. A two-plus reading for protein. Not a good sign. She discarded the stick in the biohazard bin.

‘Jack’s a dark horse, isn’t he, Liz? Suzy doesn’t usually like strangers. Not that Jack’s a stranger, but he’s never made a huge fuss over her or anything so she’s not all that familiar with him. But she was really happy for him to carry her and Wally. Which made things so much easier for me. He’s going to be a great dad.’

‘Hmm.’ Liz’s stomach gave an odd little swoop as she fumbled to secure the sphygmomanometer cuff on Sarah’s arm. Luckily her friend chatted on happily, not needing an answer.

Liz released the air valve and took the readings as the mercury fell on the gauge.

‘Had any headaches, Sarah? Nausea? Visual disturbances?’

‘Nothing out of the ordinary. I’ve seen stars a couple of times when I got up too quickly.’ Sarah frowned. ‘Why? Is something wrong?’

‘Your blood pressure is higher than it should be.’ Liz looped her stethoscope around her neck. ‘One hundred and fifty over ninety-two.’

‘But that’s only because of Danny, isn’t it? I mean, he gave me an awful fright.’

‘The stress of his accident might be a contributing factor, but you also have protein in your urine, which tells me that your kidneys aren’t functioning as well as they should be. I want to run some more tests, but for now I want you on pretty strict bed rest to see how your blood pressure settles. I’d like to keep you in hospital for observation for a day or two.’

‘A day off my feet would be bliss.’

‘It might be longer than that, Sarah. I’m concerned that you’re showing symptoms of pre-eclampsia. We should take extra precautions immediately rather than wait for the tests to confirm it.’

‘I feel fine, though. Wouldn’t I feel sick if there was something really wrong?’

‘Not always. It can be insidious.’

‘Surely it’s not that bad. What if I promised to take it easy?’

‘You’re not going to be able to get the rest you need if you’re running around after an active two-year-old.’

Sarah stared, her dismay obvious. ‘But what will I do about Suzy? And Danny, now that he’s hurt himself? Mum’s not coming for another fortnight.’

‘Do you think she’d be able to come sooner?’

‘Liz! You’re really scaring me.’

‘Sarah, pre-eclampsia is a serious condition if it’s not treated properly. We’ll run some more tests. But if you do have it, and I think it’s highly likely, we’ve caught you early. With care we should be able to stop it from progressing.’ Liz laid a hand on her friend’s shoulder. ‘It’s important that we get control of this. For your sake and for the sake of the baby.’

‘The baby? I’m not going to lose the baby, am I?’

‘No, not if we take steps now.’ Liz knew she shouldn’t give such a definitive answer, but with Sarah’s eyes pleading with hers, with her own pregnancy nearing the same stage, she was powerless to resist giving the reassurance. ‘You’re thirty-four weeks. Even if we had to deliver you right this minute your baby would have a great chance. But it will be even better if we can keep him where he is for another three weeks. So, how about it? Will you do the bed rest?’

‘Yes. Absolutely. Just try to get me off it.’

‘Good girl.’ Liz chuckled. ‘We will let you do a bit of gentle exercise, but mostly bed rest until I’ve done a consult with one of the Melbourne Women’s OB specialists. I’ll find out what monitoring we can do for the baby to make sure everything’s the best it can be. Now, let’s get you along to Dustin Base Hospital’s brand-new family room. We’ll discuss with Danny how we’re going to manage this before we settle Suzy in with you.’ She checked her watch. ‘His chest X-ray should be back by now as well.’

‘I’ll get Jack to bring Suzy through now,’ said Liz after she’d finished talking to Sarah and Danny. ‘I want you to ring for assistance if she needs anything. Anything at all. The nurses will pop in to feed her and to check on her through the evening. I don’t want either of you out of bed except to visit the bathroom for twenty-four hours. Got it?’

‘Yes, ma’am,’ they chorused in unison.

‘That’s what I like, well-behaved patients.’ Liz grinned, hooking Sarah’s chart onto the foot of the bed. ‘I’ll come and say goodnight before I leave.’

Her mind on the phone call she needed to make to the obstetrics specialist, Liz strode purposefully along the corridor. When she turned into the waiting room, her steps faltered. Jack was slouched comfortably in a chair, his feet resting on the low table, his long legs bent to form a saddle for Suzy who sprawled on his stomach, fast asleep. One hand rested across the toddler’s back, fingers splayed to hold her securely in position.

The poignant picture pierced straight to Liz’s heart, bringing a painful lump to her throat and quick moisture to her eyes. Fortunately, Jack hadn’t noticed her arrival with his attention focussed on the magazine he held in his other hand. She took two careful steps in reverse and leaned her trembling frame back against the wall outside the room.

Today had presented such astounding revelations about her husband. She struggled to balance them against the reality that she’d thought she knew. Who was he really? The man who didn’t want a family but was prepared to do his duty by his pregnant wife? Or the man who handled groups of children with consummate ease all day then stepped up in an emergency to gently cradle the slumbering toddler of friends?

Intellectually, she knew which she wanted him to be. But why was her spirit so disturbed when he slotted so perfectly into that role?

She bent her head to massage her temple with stiff fingers, feeling the tension there begin to ease slightly. If only she could massage the turmoil out of her beleaguered mind as simply.

‘Liz? Everything all right?’

She jolted out of her reverie to see Hilda looking at her with concern.

‘Oh, yes.’ Liz could hear the husky wobble in her voice. ‘Just, um, reviewing, um, some treatment to make sure I hadn’t missed something.’ She straightened away from the wall and continued brightly, ‘Well, I’d better get on.’

She could feel Hilda’s eyes lingering on her as she took a few seconds to compose herself before facing Jack. She fiddled with her white coat, checking the lapels, adjusting her stethoscope while she took a deep breath. In. And out. Fixing a smile onto her face, she walked back into the room to find Jack sitting up, watching the door expectantly.

She stopped, her fragile poise fracturing as her eyes met his.

‘Problems?’ He arched one brow.

‘No. No. Um.’ She swallowed and tried to gather her thoughts. ‘Would you be able to take Suzy along to the room now? I’ll get someone to come down in a few minutes to give her dinner. And, um, I need to make a phone call before we can go home.’

‘Sure.’

Before he could say more Liz was gone, leaving only the memory of her stricken face. Jack sighed, feeling suddenly tired. She was confusing him. One minute she was open and approachable, the next so prickly and cold that he didn’t know whether to advance or retreat. With the way her eyes darted away every time he caught her gaze, he was beginning to get the feeling that she couldn’t bear the sight of him.

And she’d looked so ill at ease just now. A far cry from the calm, competent professional who’d acted without hesitation to save Danny’s life a couple of hours ago.

When he’d helped her up after the paramedics had taken Danny to the ambulance, she’d been so soft and warm as he’d held her against his chest to steady her. Her dark hazel eyes had clung to his, almost seeming to invite his kiss for those precious seconds before they’d been interrupted. The timing had been appalling and a moment later she was moving away, the opportunity lost. Too late now to wish he’d gone with his first crazy impulse to swoop on her slightly parted lips. Her response, or lack of it, might have answered at least one of the questions swirling in his mind.

He tossed the magazine back onto the table and shifted Suzy’s weight in his arms. The toddler murmured a sleepy protest as he got to his feet. His lips curved as he looked down at her. She was so relaxed she seemed boneless. Just the way Emma used to lie in his arms all those years ago, so innocent, so trusting. His heart swelled with the memory.

In just under three months it would be his own child he’d be holding in his arms. He never wanted his child to feel the destructive fear and uncertainty he’d felt while he was growing up.

Safety and security. That’s what children needed. They needed to know the adults in their life would do the right thing, or make a damned good attempt to.

Whatever happened between him and Liz, they had to make sure they did the right thing as parents.

He looked down into Suzy’s untroubled face and suddenly realised how fiercely he wanted to be there for his child. Not just a part-time father at weekends. He wanted it all. And he wanted Liz in his life, in his bed. In his heart. He firmed his resolve. He was prepared to wait, but he wasn’t prepared to let go.

He smiled grimly. Look out, darlin’, he warned his wife silently. Things are going to change around here.

Later, Jack walked through to the lounge at home with two cups of freshly-brewed green tea.

‘You—’

‘I—’ Liz accepted one of the drinks. ‘Sorry, Jack, what were you going to say?’

He grinned at her, appreciating the picture she made with her glossy dark hair now loosely curling over her shoulders. She seemed to be glowing with good health. Pregnancy obviously suited her. ‘Always the way, isn’t it? Nothing to say since we left the hospital and now we both want to talk at the same time.’

‘Hmm.’ She looked into her drink as though she might see the answers to the world’s mysteries there.

Refusing to be put off by her lukewarm response, he sat on the two-seater couch beside her, resting his arm along the back and curving his body towards her. He smiled mentally at the brief, wary glance she shot him from the corner of her eye. ‘I was going to say that I thought you were fantastic today.’

That got her attention. Her head came round and troubled hazel eyes met his.

‘What do you mean?’

‘With Danny.’ He reached out to tuck behind her ear a strand of hair that had curled across her cheek. Her eyes darkened briefly before she looked away.

‘Oh, that.’

‘You saved his life today,’ he said softly.

She shrugged. ‘It’s my job.’

‘Yes, it is. All the same, I enjoyed watching you work. I saw how quickly he went down. One minute he was great and the next…’ He grimaced. ‘If we’d had to call the ambulance and wait for them to arrive, I don’t think he’d have made it. Because you were there he got the treatment he needed when he needed it.’

After a small pause he said, ‘Which reminds, why were you there?’

Because his eyes were still on her, he saw her almost imperceptible start.

‘Oh. Um, I—I wanted to talk to you. And—and I wasn’t sure how long you were going to be at the station.’

‘It must have been important,’ he said, keeping his voice gentle, undemanding.

She bit her lip then took a quick sip from her cup. ‘It seemed important at the time.’

Whatever she’d wanted to discuss, she obviously wanted to avoid it now.

‘So, talk to me,’ he invited, resisting the temptation to touch her again in case it distracted her.

Her breasts rose as she took a deep breath.

‘I owe you an apology.’ The words seemed to rush out. ‘For not telling you about the prenatal class. It wasn’t fair for you to find out that way from Sarah. And…and I’m sorry for the other stuff.’

‘Other stuff?’

‘Leaving you with Suzy at the hospital, for a start. Not that you didn’t cope brilliantly. And, um, I’m sorry for the other things that I said to you earlier.’

‘That’s okay.’

‘No, Jack.’ She looked at him fiercely. Now that she’d made the commitment to speak she seemed determined to see it through. ‘It’s not okay.’

He shrugged, struggling to maintain a passive exterior while inside he was rejoicing. ‘You must have had your reasons.’

‘Maybe I did. But they’re not reasons I’m proud of. And I’ve realised that you’re right, I can’t have it both ways.’ She took another quick drink. ‘Do you want to come to the classes?’

‘Do you want me to?’

‘I don’t know,’ she said after a few moments, turning to him with an anguished expression. ‘Yes. And no. I feel so contrary. Oh, God. I don’t know what I want.’

His heart went out to her. He didn’t understand why the classes were a problem, but his instinct was to try to make it easier for her. ‘Would you prefer me not to come to the classes?’

‘It’s not that. It’s just the classes are so…’ She looked away again. He watched her throat move as she swallowed. ‘So, um, hands on.’

‘Hands on?’ The implication dropped into his mind, sent his mood into a dive. Where were they going to go from here if she couldn’t bear him near her? ‘As in actually hands on?’

‘Yes.’ She stared at her cup, picking at the design on the front with her thumbnail.

‘I see.’ He digested her words, absorbed the hurt. ‘And you don’t want me touching you.’

‘Oh, no!’ Her head came up and she looked at him. ‘It’s not that.’ The spontaneous denial lifted his suffocating gloom.

She shrugged. ‘I mean, I’d like you to come to the class, um, you know, if you want to, that is. I just want you to know you don’t have to. If you don’t want to.’

‘Good,’ he said. His mood swung even higher, but he ruthlessly subdued his exultation. He didn’t want to spook her now. ‘That’s settled. I’m coming.’

‘I’ll understand if you can’t make it, though. If you’ve got to work or something.’

‘I’ll be there.’

‘Okay.’ She sipped her tea, a small frown pleating her forehead.

‘These classes are to learn about the baby?’

‘Yes. And to learn exercises to make the delivery easier, techniques to manage the pain.’

‘Surely they give you drugs for that. Don’t they do epidurals or something these days?’

‘Not necessarily. I told you I want a natural birth.’

He opened his mouth to argue, but managed to swallow the words before they emerged. He had plenty of time before the due date, surely he could talk her out of doing it tough before then. The last thing he wanted right now was to spoil their truce.

‘The other thing the classes teach us is what to expect at the delivery. I mean, I know what’s going to happen, of course, but I’ve never been on this side of the process before. Obviously. But it’s for the husbands who are going to attend the delivery as well so they know what will happen.’ She looked at him expectantly.

‘Right.’ He could see instantly that wasn’t the response she was after.

The corners of her mouth crimped briefly.

‘Well, are you going to come to the delivery?’

‘Yes.’

‘Because if—’ She stopped, a startled look on her face. Her mouth opened and closed as though she was having trouble finding a response. ‘Oh. Well. All right, then.’

‘So are we having a boy or a girl?’

He looked down to where her hand curled over her stomach in a protective gesture. ‘A girl.’

The rush of primitive emotion that surged through him was a shock. Knowing the sex made the baby even more real. He was going to have a daughter. A daughter.

‘Jack?’

He glanced up to find her eyes searching his face.

‘Are you disappointed?’

‘No. Never.’ He managed a smile as he reached out to link his fingers with hers where her hand rested on their baby. ‘I’ll be rapt as long as both of you are happy and healthy.’

And he’d do a much better job of protecting his daughter than he’d managed with his sister.

CHAPTER TEN

LIZ blinked at the rapidly blurring sight of Jack’s fingers intertwined with hers. How stupid to ask if he was disappointed. The man didn’t want to be a father—why would he care if they had a boy or a girl? Though most men had a gut reaction about wanting a son. Someone to carry on the family name.

Would Jack have been happier if she’d been carrying his son? Not that it’d made any difference with her own father—he’d ignored both her and her brother with cold impartiality.

Jack’s answer was the very best she could hope for. He’d been more accepting of his position as a father-to-be than she’d expected. She shouldn’t want more. And yet part of her wanted much, much more.

Jack’s thumb began to rub slowly along her index finger. The tiny caress was mesmerising, almost unbearably sensual. She’d always loved his hands. So strong and intrinsically masculine. She sealed her lips against an avalanche of silly, need-filled questions that pushed to be spoken.

Did he still love her? He hadn’t said it since he’d been back. He’d never been a man who spoke of his feelings often. And she hadn’t found it necessary to hear it before. But now…Pregnancy stripped her emotions to a raw dependency, shaking her usual confidence. An unsolicited declaration of love would be a balm.

Did he want to hold her or was her rounded body repulsive to him? She longed for a hug, for some physical contact from him with a desperation that frightened her. How could she ask for his touch? Asking would diminish the gift.

‘Liz?’

She turned her head slowly to find him watching her intently through brooding, half-closed eyes. Her heart turned over as his gaze slipped down to her mouth and lingered there. The urge to slide her tongue out to moisten her lips, to leave them parted provocatively, was overwhelming.

‘Yes?’ she managed, her voice rough. She swallowed, waited, hardly daring to breathe.

After a long, charged moment he leaned forward, his midnight-blue eyes still holding hers as he touched his lips to her mouth. So gentle, so undemanding that she could feel emotion welling in her chest again. His lips rubbed hers softly and her eyelids fluttered closed with the delicious sensations. She could feel his breath on her cheek and a faint rasp of his five-o’clock shadow. His teeth grazed her bottom lip lightly.

When he would have broken the contact, she leaned towards him, holding his mouth with hers. Would she have to beg for more of his kiss, for his touch? She sensed his hesitation. A reluctance. Fear and humiliation trickled into her stomach. Had she disgusted him with her hunger?

Just as she was about to pull away, his arm curved across her back, drawing her closer until her head was cradled on his shoulder. His other hand curled around her neck, tilting her chin, holding her as he deepened the kiss. His lips were firm and commanding on her mouth. She twisted towards him, running her hand across his nape, spearing her fingers into his hair.

He groaned softly, scooping her onto his lap, his arm resting on her belly as his hand splayed over her lower back. Her right breast was pressed to his chest and her body revelled in the contact as the kiss went on.

How had she ever thought she could live without this?

She murmured a protest as a frantic flurry of kicks erupted in her belly.

‘Uh-oh.’ Jack broke off the kiss slowly and rested his forehead on hers. She could hear his uneven breathing and delight blossomed in her chest. He wasn’t immune to her. ‘Someone’s not impressed.’

His hand moved from her spine and began rubbing her stomach in soothing circles, spreading warmth across her tight skin.

Liz sighed. ‘She’s the only one, though.’

‘Yeah. I’ve been wanting to do that since I got home,’ he murmured. ‘You’re a mean kisser, Mrs Campbell.’

She swallowed hard. His words had her teetering on the verge of weeping again.

He chuckled. ‘Our daughter has very bad timing.’

Her answering laugh was more of a small hiccup. But her urge to cry evaporated and she was grateful to him for dispelling the tension.

‘Yes, she does, doesn’t she?’ She drew back and looked into his face.

His slow smile made her heart lurch.

A muffled beep sounded impatiently from her bag where it hung over the back of a dining chair. She sighed. ‘I’d better get that.’

‘You’re not on call, are you?’ he said as he helped her to her feet, his hands warm on her hips as he steadied her.

She straightened her clothing self-consciously, her skin hyper-sensitive to the movement of the fabric.

‘No. I’m hoping it’ll be the OB in Melbourne returning my call about Sarah.’ Aware of Jack just a pace behind her, Liz walked across to the table and rummaged in her bag for the beeper. ‘He wasn’t available when I called earlier.’

‘I’ll get dinner started while you make the call.’

‘Thanks.’ She shivered as he brushed her hair aside to press a small kiss on the nape of her neck. It took a moment to focus her mind on the workings of the little device in her hands so she could retrieve the number she needed to ring.

Jack listened to the murmur of Liz’s voice on the telephone. Felt the tension built by their embrace begin to ease out of his body. His wife was one very sexy woman. He had to remind himself she was nearly seven months pregnant and wouldn’t be interested in fooling around.

Just as well she had her own on-board sentry to keep him in line. He grinned as he looked down at his arm, remembering the fluttery feeling of the baby’s objection to having her mother manhandled.

The baby. His baby. A girl. He was going to be the father of a little girl. The magnitude of it hit him again. A daughter who was going to depend on him to make wise decisions, to provide guidance, a good example.

A peculiar uncertainty held him motionless at the sink for a long minute.

Had his mother felt this dilemma, this almost paralysing doubt about her ability to make the right decisions? Her usual approach to life had seemed to be to make no decision rather than take charge. But, thinking about it now, he realised that was a decision of sorts. He’d been filled with impotent rage after his sister had died. His mother had done nothing to care for the toddler that fateful day. Back then, he’d been certain he’d have done better.

And again at eighteen, when Kylie told him she was pregnant, he’d been so sure of his ability to handle things.

Now, sixteen years later, instead of feeling wiser and even more sure of himself he felt…terrified.

But he wasn’t going to falter. Not when Liz and his daughter needed him. He was going to take charge and if his decisions weren’t always right, at least he’d know he’d done the best he could.

He ran a hand around the base of his neck. Oh, God. One day his daughter was going to be a teenager—full of righteousness and confidence and attitude.

Knowing everything.

Knowing nothing.

Just like he had.

And the world was a different place now, so much faster, so many more reasons to be cautious. Today’s pitfalls had potentially catastrophic consequences. Drugs, mobile phones that doubled as spy cameras, creeps on the Internet. And what would be around in another eighteen years when his daughter was ready to date?

She wasn’t setting foot outside the house until he had to let her out to vote. He smiled wryly at his first decision—a knee-jerk, unrealistic pledge that didn’t have a hope.

But somebody had to protect her from testosterone-ridden youths. Like he’d been. Lord, why on earth had Kylie’s mother let him anywhere near her daughter?

Not that he’d done anything sleazy. Not like some of the males around these days with the party drugs that seemed to be a part of the kids’ social scene. And date-rape drugs. What sort of pervert resorted to those measures to get laid?

If anyone did that to his daughter they’d have him to answer to.

Liz was home early again. The thought gave Jack a quiet sense of satisfaction as he pulled into the garage and parked beside her car. Good. She’d been more relaxed the last couple of days. Even resting until he got home without him having to nag. Since Sunday. Since their embrace, in fact. As though something had shifted mentally for her and she accepted that he was in this family for the long haul.

He ran a hand over his face, feeling the grit on his skin. He wrinkled his nose at the acrid smell embedded in the material of his overalls. Smoke and ash. House fire, the type he least enjoyed fighting. The elderly owner must have collected every newspaper since the Dustin Courier had started printing a century earlier and stored them in the hallway and near exits. The woman was now safely tucked into hospital suffering from mild smoke inhalation. She’d been lucky. They’d all been lucky. It could have ended very differently. None of the crew liked going to fires that involved a fatality.

Jack decided he’d have a shower and then wake Liz.

He crossed the patio, frowning when he realised the sliding security door was unlocked. In the dining room two large rubbish bags sat bulging on the floor and kitchen paraphernalia bristled from a box on the table. What was going on?

Muffled sounds came from down the hall. He walked through the house and realised that each room was getting the same treatment. Overflowing bags and boxes were scattered about on the floor.

For a weird, suspended moment he wondered if Liz had decided he had to go after all. He peered into one of the bags standing in the main bedroom door and was relieved to see some of her old clothes packed in there.

‘Liz?’

‘I’m in here. In the nursery.’

He strode down the hall to the room and stopped, stock still, in the doorway, his mouth hanging open.

‘Bloody hell!’

She looked around and gave him a brief, tight smile before turning her attention back to the flippers and goggles in her hands. ‘Thank goodness you’re here. Look, do you think you’re going to want this diving gear again? If you do, it’s really going to have to go out in the shed.’

‘What are you doing?’

‘Organising things for when the baby arrives.’ She tossed the gear into an open box at her feet and looked back into the wardrobe.

‘Does it have to be done tonight?’

‘Yes.’ She sounded determined, hearty, but he noticed her hand was shaking when she lifted it to her brow. ‘We haven’t done anything. Nothing at all. Our little girl hasn’t got anywhere to live, has she?’

‘Liz…’

He watched her reach into the cupboard to tug on the straps of a leather bag. He recognised his ten-pin bowling ball carrier. He stepped forward and took it out of her hands. ‘Stop it, sweetheart. You shouldn’t be lifting all this stuff in your condition. What’s got into you?’

‘Someone has to do something. I have to do something. I got a lovely carry-cot for the baby from the nurses at the hospital today and the nursery’s a mess. Look at it.’ Her voice rose a notch and wobbled slightly as she waved her hand around in an expansive arc. ‘It’s just a giant junk room.’

‘Yes, but why does it have to be done right this minute, darlin’?’ he said, using his most soothing tones. ‘Can’t it wait until we’ve had dinner? At least until I’ve had a shower?’

She focussed on him properly then and he saw her expression change to horror. ‘Oh, God. Look at you. You’re filthy, Jack. Get out of the nursery. Get out.’ She made shooing motions with her hands. ‘You’re probably dropping all sorts of horrid dust and debris and you smell like an old fireplace.’

He sighed and retreated to the door. ‘I’ll have a quick shower. In the meantime, try not to throw out all my old stuff, will you?’

She smiled weakly.

‘Why don’t you sit down until I come back?’ He sighed when she gave him the expected negative response. ‘Just promise me you won’t lift anything heavy, okay? I haven’t been to any of those prenatal classes yet so I don’t know what to do if you decide to give birth right here on the floor.’ He’d meant the words to lighten the moment, but the look she sent him was stark with horror. ‘Hey, I’m joking, darling.’

In the bathroom, he stripped off his overalls and turned on the water. What had changed? Something must have for Liz’s behaviour to have done such an about-face. They’d made great strides, but now everything seemed to have gone sour. He stepped under the stream of water, racking his brain to no avail for something he might have done to upset her. This morning they’d had a very friendly breakfast together before going their separate ways.

He soaped himself quickly, his mind on the expression on her face. Liz was afraid. His heart stumbled. Was there something wrong with her? She didn’t look ill. She looked gorgeous, radiant and…worried.

He finished his shower in record time and dragged on a pair of comfortable old jeans and a T-shirt.

Back at the nursery, he found Liz staring into a half-filled box on the rocking chair, her arms wrapped tightly around her body.

‘Liz?’

She started at the sound of his voice, her hands jerking into action as though someone was pulling an invisible string. She grabbed something out of the box and held it up. One of his old shirts. ‘What about this? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wearing it.’

‘Stop for a minute.’ He reached for her, turning her so he could tug the shirt from her grasp. He tossed it back in the box and held her hands until her reluctant gaze came up to meet his. ‘Speak to me, sweetheart. What’s the urgency here? What’s changed since this morning?’

Tears welled in her eyes and spilled onto her cheeks. She seemed to wilt before his eyes. ‘It’s the baby.’

Dread clutched his stomach with cold fingers.

‘What about the baby? Is there something wrong with her?’

‘No, she’s. Fine. But she’s…c-coming four w-weeks earlier.’ She spoke haltingly, the words struggling out, almost incoherent around huge sobs.

Jack swore softly and scooped her up into his arms, feeling the quiver running through her slight frame. Her arms came up to cling to him and she pressed her face into his neck. He hugged her to him for a moment then looked around for somewhere to sit. The clearest surface was an old blanket chest beneath the window so he carefully picked a course to that and settled her on his lap.

He held her while she cried, rocking slightly, waiting until the worst was over. ‘Any gentleman worth his salt would offer you a snowy white handkerchief about now.’ He shifted slightly, groping under his thigh and pulling out the lump that he’d been half sitting on. A peanut-shaped cushion. ‘I don’t suppose this will do?’

He was rewarded with a watery chuckle. ‘Thanks, but I’ve got my own.’ She blew her nose then settled back against his shoulder.

He laid his cheek against the top of her head and waited for her to speak.

‘Tony sent me for another scan and it confirmed that I was a month out.’ Her voice was low and steady.

‘Oh.’ He took in the words, turned them over. ‘But wouldn’t you know? I mean, what about…? Doesn’t your period stop when you’re pregnant?’

‘Usually, yes. And the due date is calculated by using the date of the last menstruation.’ She sighed. ‘But Tony thinks that I must have been pregnant even though I was still bleeding. He did query my dates after the first scan, but I didn’t really think it was possible.’

‘I see. Bit of a shock, huh?’

He felt her nod, her hair brushing under his chin.

‘But the baby’s okay, isn’t she?’

‘Yes.’ Her agitated fingers pleated and twisted one corner of the handkerchief.

‘Okay, then. We can deal with this.’ He did some mental calculations. ‘The baby’s still not due for…what? Six weeks?’

She nodded again.

‘Right. So this weekend, we can go shopping on Saturday morning. Splurge on all the things we need for her. You make the list.’ He looked around the room. ‘It doesn’t need painting in here. And I can organise the gear. Easy, darlin’. The job’s as good as done. We just have to wait for her ladyship to make her appearance.’

He felt her begin to shake, listened as another huge sob escaped.

‘Hey? What did I say wrong?’

‘Nothing.’ She sniffled and squeezed out words in small bursts. ‘You’re. Being. So good about this.’

‘And that’s why you’re crying?’ He stroked her back in circles, hoping to soothe her.

‘It’s not that.’ She gulped and blew her nose again. ‘It’s me. I’m ruining everything.’

‘Tell me how you’re ruining everything?’

‘You don’t want children and I’ve trapped you into staying because I’m pregnant. And I don’t know how to make it work.’ Her words tumbled out, running into each other in her hurry to get them said. ‘And I’m going to be a terrible mother.’

‘You’re going to be a fabulous mother,’ he said, latching onto the last thing she’d said while he tried to sort out the others.

‘And we haven’t got a name for her. We haven’t even discussed it.’

‘Emma.’ The name popped out, catching him by surprise. Had his subconscious been working on the idea since he’d found out their baby was going to be a girl? Now he’d said it aloud, there was a sense of rightness about it.

‘Emma?’

‘Hmm.’ He touched her stomach, stroked the taut fabric, feeling the hard warmth of the baby mound. ‘If you like it.’ This was the perfect opportunity to broach the subject of the toddler’s death, but the words felt as though they needed to be wrenched from some deep emotional well. ‘My sister’s name.’

‘You have a sister? You never told me.’

‘Had.’ His hand stilled and he meet her gaze. ‘She died when I was thirteen. Meningitis.’

‘Oh, Jack.’ Her green-gold eyes were filled with tenderness. ‘How awful.’

‘Yeah.’ He reached up to wipe the residue of teardrops from her cheeks with his thumb. ‘I felt responsible for a long time.’

‘But how could you? You were a child, too.’

‘I was thirteen. I knew Em was sick. She was vomiting and cranky when I tried to pick her up to comfort her. I could feel how feverish she was.’ He sighed. ‘And I left her with Janet.’

‘But you were a child yourself, darling. What choice did you have?’ He could hear her anger on his behalf.

‘I made Janet promise to take her to the hospital or I wouldn’t go to school. She promised because the school had been on her back about my truancy.’ He shrugged. ‘Maybe she meant it when she made the promise, but after I left she must have got into her stash instead.’

Liz’s arm came around his shoulder and she held him. Her support gave him the encouragement he needed to tell her the rest of it.

‘I went home at lunchtime and found them both unconscious. Em was covered in spots. The ambulance came and took them both to hospital. Janet lived. Em died later that day.’ His mouth twisted, the taste of bitter grief as fresh as though it were yesterday. ‘And I wished it had been the other way around.’

‘Oh, darling. You must have been so angry.’

‘Yeah. And I made sure Janet knew how much. Not long after that she overdosed.’

‘You still feel guilty for what happened to them, don’t you?’ Tears welled in her eyes and he knew they were for him.

‘Don’t, sweetheart.’

‘Why not? Someone should weep for you and Emma. You were a little boy carrying an adult’s responsibility. And it wasn’t fair.’ She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. Her pregnant stomach pressed against him quietly as though even the baby appreciated the gravity of the moment. ‘It was Janet’s job to look after both of you. Not yours to look after everyone.’

He held her as tightly as she held him. And after a while he realised his pain wasn’t quite as sharp, wasn’t quite as poisonous.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

EMMA CAMPBELL.

The name had a nice ring to it.

Liz found her thoughts on Jack’s revelations again after Tony relieved her for a late break the next morning. She decided to go across to the cafeteria for a cappuccino.

‘Nasty wind today,’ said the woman behind the counter as she heated the milk for the coffee.

‘Yes. Days like this are a real worry.’ Liz glanced out the window where the smaller branches of the gnarled old oak were dipping and waving in a wild dance. ‘Hopefully the cool change will arrive earlier and give us a good soaking.’

‘Yes. I heard there’s already been a couple of callouts for spot fires. People using tractors in long grass. Never seem to learn that a hot exhaust will start a fire quick as look at you.’

‘Thanks,’ said Liz, accepting the aromatic frothy drink. ‘I suppose Bill’s on call, is he?’

‘Yes. He’s glad your Jack took the captain’s job. All the boys are.’ The woman rang up the till then turned to Liz with a grin. ‘Though not as pleased as you are to see him back, I suppose. How long to go now?’

Liz rested her free hand on her stomach. ‘Six weeks.’

‘That soon. It seems to have passed so quickly.’

‘That’s easy for you to say.’ Liz grinned, opting not to go into the details of her much closer due date.

The woman laughed. ‘True. How are you coping with the heat?’

‘Not too bad. I’m a bit tired.’

‘Of course you are, dear, and here’s me keeping you standing and talking. Off you go and take the chance to put your feet up while you can now.’

‘I’ll do that. Thanks.’

Not tempted to take advantage of the chairs outside because of the weather, Liz sat by the window, watching the trees as they bent and swayed with powerful wind gusts. She hoped the fire season wasn’t going to be bad this year. Jack was good at his job, but it still worried her when he was out fighting fires on the total fire ban days like today. Even the most experienced firemen got it wrong sometimes.

While he’d been in the US, she’d felt isolated somehow from the daily risks he took. He’d been so far away and so out of touch that it’d all seemed faintly unreal. And she’d been struggling to come to terms with the discovery that she was pregnant.

But now he was back and he was talking to her more than he ever had before. He’d been amazing. So much more understanding than she would ever have expected her macho husband to be. While she still yearned for a declaration of love, she did have to applaud him for the sensitivity with which he’d handled her tears last night.

Her heart skipped when she replayed the words of reassurance he’d spoken as she’d got up to go to bed last night. Liz, I’m not trapped in this marriage. I want to be here. That was almost as good as an I love you. Almost.

Poor Jack.

She would never have guessed the things he’d been through, the things that had shaped the man he’d become. He didn’t want her pity, but her heart went out to him, for the child he’d been, for what he’d suffered. His struggle to look after his little sister, and probably his mother as well, was typical of a child in his situation. He’d had responsibilities far beyond his tender years loaded onto his shoulders. Drug addicts and alcoholics were usually selfish parents.

She blew the foam away from the edge of her mug and took a sip.

No wonder he didn’t want children of his own. He’d done his nurturing so young, under dreadful conditions and with such a tragic outcome. Jack had obviously loved little Emma deeply, been happy to be her knight in shining armour all those years ago. He’d been the one the toddler had turned to when she’d needed something. Losing her that way had left a burden of guilt that couldn’t be lifted by a few sympathetic words. No matter how well chosen or well meant they were.

She needed to be practical about supporting him. Let go of her expectation for him to be an involved father. Help him succeed with whatever connection he was prepared to make with their daughter. Make sure having a child didn’t become a burden for him, something to bring back awful memories from his childhood.

She’d been prepared to be a single parent anyway so doing the lion’s share of the parenting wouldn’t be a big deal. Any help he could give her would be a bonus. If he continued to do most of the cooking she would be content with that.

She expected to feel good for making such a commendable resolution. And she did. But at the same time she felt faintly uncomfortable—as though her altruism was somehow flawed.

And more doubts crowded in as she remembered her own advice to new mothers exhausted and suffering from sleep deprivation. She always gently chided them to ask for the help they needed from their partners, pointing out that the midwife ran an excellent set of pre- and post-natal classes. Looking back on her superior attitude made her wince slightly. How easy to say what someone else should do. How much better she appreciated the difficulties now that it looked like she might be in the same situation.

But she was used to working effectively despite lack of sleep. Being a new mother shouldn’t be any worse, should it?

She arched her spine and rubbed the muscles of her lower back absent-mindedly. Being on her feet in the clinic was making her particularly tender today. Perhaps she should do a mid-stream urine and make sure she wasn’t incubating a urinary tract infection. Not something she wanted to leave untreated at this late stage.

Lord, six weeks to go and she’d be a mother. She felt much more relaxed about the news today. And she knew that was largely due to Jack’s reaction last night. He’d been marvellous. No wonder she loved him.

They had the prenatal class tonight. Her eyes moved to the window again. If the change didn’t arrive with rain, Jack wouldn’t be able to come. She didn’t know if she felt glad or sorry.

The air in the car was thick with tension.

Jack glanced at Liz’s profile. Her eyes were fixed on the road ahead as though a great truth would be revealed there and if she blinked she’d miss it. Her forehead was furrowed in a ferocious frown and the full, cushiony pout of her bottom lip was drawn in. She was obviously gnawing at the tender flesh.

He wondered what was going through her mind. Was it something that had happened at work today? Or was it tonight’s class that was bothering her? She’d said again and again that she’d understand if he couldn’t come. Almost as though she’d been hoping he’d have to work.

‘Hey, I fed you before we left home,’ he teased.

Her head jerked around and her eyes met his.

‘What?’ Her liberated lip was glossy with moisture. He nearly groaned. Perhaps he should have just left her to devour it. Or he could offer to help her. He’d like that. Although he wondered how many more of those incendiary kisses his system could cope with.

‘I thought you must still be hungry the way you’re hoeing into your bottom lip.’

‘Oh.’ Her tongue came out, ran across the ruby surface and disappeared. ‘I was just thinking about…the class.’

‘Yeah, I kind of guessed that. Will it help if I promise to behave myself?’

Her eyebrows arched expressively. ‘It’s a class full of heavily pregnant women, Jack. What did you think you might get up to?’

He grinned and reached out to squeeze her hands lying clenched together on her lap. ‘When you put it like that, gorgeous, not much.’

After a second her hands relaxed in his, one turning to link fingers. The intimate action filled him with contentment.

‘Speaking of pregnant women, I went in to see Danny and Sarah in hospital yesterday. You’ve put her on bed rest as well. Some problem with her pregnancy.’ He glanced at her to see her lips pursed.

‘Hmm.’

‘How is she?’

Her fingers twisted slightly in his clasp. He knew she wouldn’t discuss Sarah’s case specifically and he didn’t expect her to, but he wanted to know a bit more about the condition.

‘Didn’t they tell you?’

‘Sarah said something about clamps.’

‘Pre-eclampsia.’

‘What is it? Is it dangerous?’

‘Potentially. But as long as it’s caught early, the pregnancy can be monitored.’ She answered his last question first and was silent for so long that for a moment or two he wondered if she was going to continue. ‘Pre-eclampsia’s a complicated condition that can cause high blood pressure and kidney problems, among other things. It can be bad for the mother as well as the baby if it’s not treated. But usually it’s picked up at the prenatal check-ups.’

‘Sarah told me you had her baby wired for sound and that he’s doing well.’

‘Yes, he is.’

He could hear the relief in her voice and sympathised with her. Treating friends must be difficult.

‘How common is it?’

‘About ten per cent of pregnant women will get some degree of pre-eclampsia. Perhaps a bit less.’

‘One in ten. That still seems high. What about someone like you?’ he asked, getting to the issue that was really bothering him. ‘You have a high-pressure job, does that put you at greater risk?’

He could feel her eyes on him, but he concentrated on the road.

‘No.’

‘So you won’t get it?’

‘I can’t say that for sure, but there’s no reason why I should.’ Her fingers flexed around his, but she didn’t release her hold.

‘But you get checked regularly to make sure?’ He couldn’t stop himself from pressing.

‘Yes. As you know, I saw Tony yesterday. There was no problem with my blood pressure,’ she said dryly. ‘It was my dates that were the big problem.’

‘Yeah.’ He turned his head and caught her wry look. ‘But as problems go it’s not so bad. You’re not worried about that now, are you?’

She shrugged. ‘There just seems so much to do.’

‘And we’ll get it all done.’ He squeezed her hand lightly. ‘Trust me.’

He was pleased when that elicited a small, reluctant chuckle from Liz.

‘I know.’ He grinned. ‘Never trust a man who says trust me.’

There was a small, companionable silence.

‘Danny’s moaning about having to give up smoking or risk another lung collapse.’

‘Hmm.’

‘Mind you, he’s a considerate moaner. He’s only doing it while he’s not in the room with Sarah.’

Liz chuckled. ‘Yes. Poor Danny. Better for him if he can stop. It won’t be easy, though.’

‘No. I’m glad he’s in hospital instead of at work. He’s trying so hard to be cheerful and even-tempered for her sake, it’s a wonder he hasn’t ruptured something.’

He released her hand so he could make the turn into the car park. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her hands clench together again. At least he’d managed to take her mind off the class for a few minutes. Her tension was starting to get to him.

Surely the hands-on part that Liz had talked about couldn’t be all that bad. Besides, he was looking forward to getting his hands on more of his wife. He’d enjoyed their kisses and cuddles over the last few days while he’d been comforting her. And she hadn’t objected either. He just had to hold on to that thought for…another three months? Four? Suddenly his joking about Danny abstaining from cigarettes didn’t seem so funny.

Served himself right.

Liz smiled weakly at the other couples who greeted them as she entered the classroom with Jack. Most of them were already slouched back in the beanbags, the women sitting between their partners thighs, their backs supported on their partners’ chests. They looked so comfortable…so cosy…Oh, God. So much more intimate than they had in the previous sessions.

‘Pull up a beanbag,’ said one of the pregnant women. ‘Julie just had to duck out and grab the video.’

Liz’s pulse jumped wildly at the thought of sitting with Jack holding her that way. She didn’t dare meet his eyes lest he read her nervousness.

‘Okay, guys. It looks like everyone’s here.’ Julie, the young midwife, breezed into the class, followed by a couple of orderlies pushing the television and video trolley. While they manoeuvred it into position at the front of the class, she said, ‘I hope we’ve all been doing our exercises.’

‘Have we?’ Jack murmured in her ear as his hand caught hers and tugged her over to a spare beanbag.

‘Yes.’ Her voice came out as a croak.

‘Aren’t we good?’

She watched him plump the bag and sit down, his long legs spreading to form a niche for her. He held his hand out to her, a challenging look on his face. ‘Come on, darlin’. You’re making the place look untidy.’

She swallowed and sank awkwardly into position. Her breath came in short gasps as she tried to cope with having her body enveloped by his. She could feel his hard thighs alongside her hips, the warmth of him at her back, his breath on her neck. Her light clothes were no barrier against feeling his chest expand with each breath he took.

She closed her eyes, but that made the sensations even more dramatic.

‘Hmm. I could get to like this. We’re getting a beanbag.’ The rumble of his voice sent an internal shiver through her.

Relaxing music filled the classroom. ‘You can all do your Kegels while I organise the video player. Partners can do them, too. No reason why you should lounge in comfort.’

‘What on earth is a Kegel?’ Jack growled in her ear.

‘Pelvic-floor exercise,’ she said shortly.

‘These are great for helping with the delivery, and for your recovery afterwards,’ Julie said from the front. ‘And the added benefit is they’re great for your sex life.’

Liz felt a rush of need swamp her, settling as an ache low in her abdomen. The last thing she needed to think about was sex. Not while she was snugly surrounded by her husband. Not when they hadn’t made love for so, so long. Oh, God. What was Jack thinking?

‘Bonus,’ quipped one of the other fathers-to-be.

‘Amen,’ murmured Jack.

‘Anyone had any problems? No? Excellent. Okay, tonight I want to talk about pain relief. Then we’ll do our stretches and have a nice relaxation before watching the birth video.’

Relaxation? In this position? Liz suppressed the giggle that threatened to escape, half-afraid it would descend out of control into hysterical laughter.

With Jack so close to her, Liz could feel his intense focus on Julie’s talk about analgesia during delivery. She frowned as she remembered his suggestion about having a Caesarean. He’d dropped the issue after she’d reassured him but she’d been left with the nagging conviction that he hadn’t been happy.

‘Any questions?’ Julie wrapped up the segment and moved on. ‘Okay, since we’ve all got partners tonight I want to do some extended stretches.’

Liz worked carefully through the positions, keeping her concentration on her movements, trying to dampen her response to Jack’s touch. She thought she was doing well until Julie had them pretzelled into a twist.

‘Ladies, I want you to breathe into the stretch and relax.’

Just about impossible with Jack leaning over her, his warm hands on her knee and her thigh. The pressure of his fingers branded her gently.

‘Partners, you can help relax her by rubbing these points.’ Julie was obviously demonstrating the position because a moment later Jack’s hand smoothed up her thigh and across her buttock.

She almost whimpered with pleasure. His touch was wonderful. His touch was torture. She was consumed with the thought of him making love to her. Could she ask him to? Could she be that bold? But what if he thought her pregnant body was unattractive? He’d been so fantastic she didn’t want to upset the link they’d forged since he’d come home. She bit down on a sob of frustration.

She couldn’t ask.

‘Are you all right? Am I pressing too hard?’

‘No, no. S-something in my eye.’

‘Vary the pressure,’ instructed Julie. ‘Partners, massage is a tool for you to take into the birthing room. Practise it as often as you can. But don’t forget that when it comes to the actual delivery there might be times when she doesn’t want to be touched so try to tune into what she needs.’

Jack’s hands had touched her nearly everywhere. Rubbing her lower back while she knelt on her hands and knees, kneading her shoulders while she practised squatting, stroking her stomach while she was relaxing. She’d watched his face then, seen the smile that played around his mouth as the baby pushed back against his pressure. He looked…enthralled. Not at all like a man who didn’t want children. Could he be changing his mind? She looked away, blinking back the sudden urge to weep for him.

By the time Julie was ready to put on the video, every inch of Liz’s skin felt as though it had been caressed and kneaded. Exhausted from the roller-coaster of physical and emotional sensations that had racketed through her during the evening, she settled back in the beanbag with Jack.

His arms came around her, holding her, his hands on hers and his cheek beside her hair. The position was undeniably comfortable and just sitting, resting against his body as they waited for the programme to start, was bliss.

The video was a shock.

Sure, she’d delivered babies, knew all the technicalities, the correct terms, the potential problems and interventions that might be necessary for a birth. Perhaps if her path to getting pregnant had been smooth and planned, the idea of Jack being at the birth would have been a delight. Instead, the images flashing on the screen drove home the confronting intimacy of the experience they would share in six weeks.

With her mind in turmoil, she didn’t notice Jack’s tension until the video reached the delivery scene. His fingers tightened on hers as the woman moaned in pain. The minor discomfort made her aware of the stiffness in his frame surrounding her. She looked up to see his face carved in grim lines.

‘Jack?’

‘Hmm?’ A muscle in his jaw jumped, but he didn’t take his eyes off the screen.

Liz turned back to watch the rest of the straightforward delivery. She sighed in resignation. His push for a Caesarean was probably going to take on a whole new impetus after this.

Liz searched for the words to reassure him as he slid into the driver’s seat a little later. She looked at his profile, the set jaw, the tight mouth. His hands on the steering-wheel flexed as he sat staring moodily through the windscreen.

‘It won’t seem so graphic when you’re in the birthing suite, Jack.’

‘Why?’ He turned, focussing his brooding gaze on her. ‘Will you have a Caesarean?’

‘No. But—’

‘Or an epidural?’

‘Not if I don’t need one, no.’

‘Then I don’t see how you can give me that reassurance.’

Liz regarded him somberly for a moment. ‘What is it that’s worrying you about this?’

‘I was a big baby. My sister was a big baby.’ He grimaced. ‘We nearly ripped Janet apart when she gave birth to us. She was lucky to survive.’

‘Did she tell you that?’

‘Yes. Often.’

Was there no end to the guilt his mother had been prepared to burden him with? Liz looked down at her hands clasped in her lap. How was she going to fight the damage done to the man she loved?

‘Jack, your—Janet had an illness. Her drug addiction made her say things that no one should say to a child. You have to let those things go.’ She wasn’t reaching him at all. She touched his arm, feeling the tautness of his muscles. ‘Darling, you don’t have to come to the birth if you don’t want to.’

He shifted, reaching for the ignition, breaking the contact. Liz squeezed her eyes shut, trying not to let his action hurt. He’d come so far, she had to give him time. But their baby was due in six short weeks. So little time to heal all the scars his mother had left.

‘I’ll be there.’

CHAPTER TWELVE

LIZ wandered into the nursery, pausing for a moment in the doorway to enjoy the cheery feel of the room. Hard to believe this time last week it had been a glorified storage room. Everything was ready for little Emma’s arrival thanks to Jack’s mammoth effort on the weekend.

Everything was ready…except Emma’s father.

He’d withdrawn in some way that Liz found hard to define. She trailed her hand over the soft, embroidered blanket folded at the end of the cot. He wasn’t rude or difficult. He didn’t spend hours at the fire station. He looked after her, cooking meals and insisting she rest whenever possible.

But on odd occasions over the last week she’d caught him staring at her belly as though it was a problem that he needed to solve.

His unhappiness was palpable. She longed to reach out to him and had done so several times, hoping to soothe the tension that radiated from him. He tolerated her touch, but seemed relieved when she retreated.

Talking wasn’t working either. He simply wouldn’t discuss it and she was at a loss to know quite how to tackle the issue. Butting up against his strong, silent façade made her realise how much things had changed over the weeks since he’d returned. And she enjoyed those changes even while some small corner of her still struggled with her inexplicable ambivalence.

He was doing all the things he’d promised and more. She looked around the room, appreciating the butter-yellow walls and jolly cartoon figures cavorting across two surfaces. They’d spent hours shopping on Saturday, with Jack gently but firmly making sure she took breaks while he trundled gear out to the car.

Then, on Sunday, he’d sat her in the rocking chair to direct proceedings. Not that he’d really needed her there while he’d assembled furniture, hung the pictures, mobiles and curtains. Drawers had been packed exactly as she’d requested with the clothes and nappies and all the paraphernalia required by a newborn.

He’d made up the bassinette bedding, his large, tanned hands incongruous against the fluffy weave of the small blankets. Watching him work with such care had made her want to cry. Again.

She picked up a rainbow-coloured teddy that was sitting on the corner of the dresser, her fingers sinking into the plump, soft body. Its goofy grin drew a tremulous smile from her.

She longed to be able to find the words to help Jack through this patch, but each time she tried to broach the subject of the delivery he shut her out. She tried to explain that the labour process could be beneficial to mother and baby if it was allowed to progress naturally.

Her body was designed to give birth, she’d told him earnestly, and was preparing itself to do just that.

A tiny, watery chuckle escaped as she remembered the look of horror her comment had elicited. So much for the comfort she’d been hoping to give him. Had he wondered if she might give birth right then and there?

Even promising that she’d let Julie and Tony guide her at the birth if they thought painkillers or a Caesarean were absolutely necessary hadn’t eased his mind.

She wished she could get hold of the old maternity hospital notes for his mother. But the institution had closed and no one seemed to be able to tell her where the records were stored or if they’d been destroyed. Liz sighed, wondering if she’d done the right thing by deciding not to tell Jack about her enquiries. It seemed pointless since she couldn’t tell him the facts about his birth. Had it been the horror story Janet had related to her son or had she embellished it for dramatic value? Just the way he’d phrased it, words repeated from his past, smacked of histrionics.

She propped the teddy back on the dresser.

Blast the woman for using such an ill-chosen weapon to frighten an impressionable thirteen-year-old.

‘Everything all right?’

Liz turned at the sound of Jack’s voice. He was lounging in the doorway, arms folded with his shoulder against the jamb. She wondered if he’d been standing there long. ‘Yes, fine.’

‘Ready to go?’

The prenatal class. Liz sighed. What topics would they be covering tonight? Something else that might drive the wedge more firmly between them? If only she’d discouraged him from coming last week.

She managed a smile. ‘Yes, thanks.’

Fortunately, the class went much more smoothly, with Julie covering the stages of labour. It seemed as though the midwife had thrown all the curly issues into last week’s session and today she wanted to steer clear of confronting topics.

Even so, Jack’s attention was absolute. If Liz hadn’t understood the reasons behind his concentration, she might have been tempted to tease him that he’d be able to deliver their daughter himself.

He helped her through the stretches. Her body hummed with vitality as it soaked up his touch. His massage during the relaxation session was particularly exquisite torture.

To take her mind off his hands stroking her stomach, she studied him.

His face, with its strong, angular planes and lean cheeks was so dear to her. He was a good-looking man. Not in a flashy, pin-up way, but with a quiet, somehow reassuring masculinity. There was just a sprinkling of grey hair at his temple. He’d age well, look distinguished in another ten to twenty years. She smiled slightly as she acknowledged that he already looked distinguished.

Her eyes moved onto his mouth and traced the firm, well-shaped lips. The grooves in his cheeks that creased mischievously when he smiled were nearly invisible while his face was composed with concentration.

His eyes were downcast as he worked over every inch of her pregnant belly so she couldn’t see their piercing blue. The way his black lashes drooped slightly at the outer corners of his eyes gave him an air of sleepy sensuality. Deceptive because she knew there was nothing remotely slumberous about him, particularly not when he was bent on making love to her.

Oh, God. She mustn’t let her mind wander along that track, not while he was touching her. Hoping to ward off the sudden attack of breathlessness that threatened, she took a deep lungful of air.

His hands stilled on her as his eyes, sharp and questioning, sought hers. ‘Liz?’

She felt a small thrill of panic. He always saw too much.

‘Sorry. Just a bit of, um, reflux.’ She forced a smile, hoping he wouldn’t see through her quick fabrication. She didn’t want to even hint at her capricious thoughts with the way things stood between them. What would he think of her?

‘Oh, God.’ His blue eyes widened suddenly with astonishment before he let out a short laugh. ‘That was both feet. I think you’ve got the Karate Kid in there.’

Glad to be distracted from her thoughts, she relaxed and grinned up at him. ‘It feels like that sometimes.’

He looked back down at her stomach. ‘Do you think I can get her to do it again?’

‘You can try. You never know.’ And if it kept his hands on her, Liz realised, she wouldn’t be sorry. She was a sad case. Fairness made her add, ‘But I think your daughter has developed great timing for the last word so don’t be disappointed if she doesn’t cooperate.’

Later that evening, after a relaxing bath, Liz smoothed cream over the tight skin of her belly. Her lips curved as she replayed the magical moment she’d shared with Jack in the class. His delight in his daughter’s silent communication had been wonderful to witness. And even though the baby hadn’t been enticed to give a repeat performance, he hadn’t minded.

Good for you, Emma. If I can’t help your daddy, perhaps you can. Now, if we could just make him comfortable with your method of arrival, things would be—

‘Liz, have you seen—?’

She gasped and swung to face the door. Jack was standing in the middle of the bedroom, his mouth open, his gaze riveted on her nearly naked form. In a microsecond his air of irritated abstraction was gone.

Her hands automatically moved to cover herself while a small corner of her mind acknowledged it was a futile exercise. She watched his eyes slowly track down her body. When he raised them again to her face she saw the bright blue had darkened to something sensual and possessive.

He swallowed. Even with her eyes fixed on his she could see the convulsive slide of his throat. She felt herself swallow in unison.

‘You don’t need to cover yourself, Liz.’ His voice was low and husky. ‘You’re beautiful.’

‘I’m pregnant.’ She sounded desperately breathless.

‘Mmm.’ His gaze made the trek to her belly and back to her eyes. She couldn’t doubt the sincerity she saw there. ‘Pregnant and beautiful.’

He moved towards her, slowly, almost cautiously. As though he expected her to bolt. Didn’t he realise she was frozen to the spot? Her body quivered with each hard, pounding beat of her heart. Unable to endure the intensity of his stare, she slid her focus down, fixing it on the rapid pulse that throbbed in his throat. She moistened her lips as he came to a halt in front of her.

The suspense was unbearable. Why didn’t he touch her, put her out of her misery? She was almost ready to beg when his hands lifted to her shoulders. A sigh of pleasure escaped as his long, strong fingers curled around her upper arms, sliding slowly down. The backs of his thumbs brushed the sides of her full, aching breasts lightly, so lightly the touch was indescribably exciting.

Because he was taller than she was, he easily bent over the baby bump. His head angled into the crook of her neck, his lips nuzzling her nape before he grazed his teeth over the sensitive flesh. Her response exploded through her body, leaving her weak and shaky.

He moved to her side as his hand stroked her naked stomach. His palms were slightly rough, rasping her taut skin as he made small circles. She lifted her face, sliding her hand into his thick, dark hair to bring his mouth down to hers. The kiss was delicious, a teasing caress full of promise.

‘I need you, Liz.’ He tightened his arm around her shoulders, cuddling her even closer to his body.

‘Yes.’

‘Please.’ His lips trailed small kisses over her face. ‘Let me make love to you.’

Oh, yes, that was she wanted, too. So much. But they had to be careful. They had more than just themselves to consider, now. The baby. She had to think of the baby’s safety. She could hardly process the words to get them out, her body was one big shiver of sensation.

‘Have you got any protection?’ she gasped as he nibbled his way down the muscle of her throat and traced her clavicle with the tip of his tongue.

‘Why, sweetheart? You won’t get any more pregnant.’

She could feel the warm huff of his breath on her skin as he chuckled.

‘No…no, I meant…is it safe? F-for the baby? H-have you been with anyone else? While you were away?’ She pushed the questions out with an enormous effort.

Jack froze before his head jerked back as if she’d hit him.

‘Hell, Liz.’ His shocked eyes bored into hers and she could see his nostrils flare with a sharply inhaled breath. ‘What sort of question is that? If you don’t want me to touch you, all you have to do is say no.’

He stepped away and her body chilled instantly with the loss of his warmth. She stood mute, wanting to curl away from his disgust.

Wishing she could take the words back.

Needing an answer. Her heart felt as though it would shatter.

He spun on his heel and strode out of the room, shutting the door with a tiny, controlled snick. The sound snapped her out of her daze.

Pushing back tears, she thrust her arms into her shirt and struggled to fasten the buttons with trembling fingers.

How dare he hide behind injured male pride over this? She dragged on a pair of capri pants, fighting to get her feet through the clinging fabric. All she’d done was ask a perfectly reasonable question. Her timing might not have been ideal, but she was still entitled to an answer.

She flung open the door and stalked down to the kitchen. The door out to the patio was open. She stepped through and saw him at the railing, his hands braced as he stared moodily out into the night.

‘Well?’

He didn’t bother to turn. ‘Well, what?’

‘You haven’t answered my question, Jack.’

‘What does your female intuition tell you, Liz?’

‘I want to hear it from you.’ She leaned against the rail a couple of metres away from him, examining his grim profile, knowing the distance between them had never been greater.

‘You think I’ve been unfaithful.’ His voice was flat, full of hurt.

‘That’s not fair. I think I have a right to know. For my sake and for our baby’s sake.’

‘Yeah, I guess you do.’ He sighed, a sad, defeated sound that made her heart quail. ‘But I’d like to think you trust me.’

‘Like you trust me?’ She wrapped her arms tightly around her body. She wanted to be sensible about this. They’d parted on the brink of divorce. In theory, he’d have been free to play around. But she knew in her heart it would feel like betrayal. ‘You can ask me if the baby’s yours, but I can’t ask if you’ve slept with someone while you were away?’

‘I’ve wondered why you haven’t asked me about that.’ A muscle rippled in his jaw before he straightened and turned to look at her, his eyes shadowed but steady. ‘I haven’t slept with anyone else. I wanted to…I’m not proud of the fact that I was going to. But I didn’t.’

‘You—you didn’t?’ The words seemed hard to comprehend.

‘No.’ Unequivocal.

She felt herself sag in relief, was tempted to leave it at that. But she needed to know it all now. ‘But—but we’d agreed to a divorce before you went, so why didn’t you feel free to do what you wanted?’

He laughed, but the sound was hollow, unamused. ‘Oh, I tried to feel free, Liz. But it didn’t work.’ He shrugged. ‘Something stopped me. It felt…like I was being unfaithful.’

‘Oh.’

‘Yeah, oh.’ He gave her a wry smile. ‘I couldn’t put someone else…couldn’t put you through that pain.’

‘Someone else?’ Thoughts tumbled through her mind. Had Jack been unfaithful in a previous relationship? No, if he was too principled to sleep with another woman when his marriage seemed doomed then he wouldn’t have done that. Enlightenment struck. ‘Someone’s been unfaithful to you, haven’t they?’

He nodded. ‘Come and sit down inside, Liz. There are some things you should know.’

She didn’t resist, couldn’t resist, as he led her back inside. He pushed her gently down onto the sofa and, keeping hold of her hand, sat beside her.

‘When I was eighteen…’ He stopped and Liz looked up to find him watching her.

When he didn’t go on, she said softly, ‘Tell me, darling. Help me understand. Please.’

He sighed. ‘It’s not a very edifying tale. When I was eighteen, my girlfriend fell pregnant. We got engaged. I wanted to do the right thing.’

His thumb rubbed over her wedding ring as they sat in silence for a long moment. ‘Kylie lost the baby.’ His voice sounded almost dreamy, as though he was looking back down the years to see those distant events. ‘I was…devastated. I’m not really sure why it affected me so much. Kylie was relieved. Maybe I should have been, too. Or maybe I thought I could make up for failing Emma.’

‘You didn’t fail Emma, Jack. Your mother did.’ She squeezed his hand.

He made a noncommittal sound. ‘I wanted us to get married regardless of losing the baby. Kylie saw a chance to shake off her small-town roots. And a chance to shake off her small-town boyfriend. Unfortunately, I was a bit dim so she told me she didn’t know if I was her baby’s father. I suppose she thought quick cruelty would save a lingering break-up.’

‘You must have been terribly hurt.’ The women in his young life had treated him abominably. No wonder his gut reaction had been to think her baby was someone else’s. It still hurt, but at least now she understood.

‘Mmm. And angry. I made some rash vows to myself about how I’d behave in future relationships.’ He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the sensitive skin at her wrist. ‘I didn’t break any of them until I met you.’

‘Oh, Jack.’ She could feel her heart swell with love for him. She understood finally how much he’d overcome just to be able to commit to her.

‘I’m not interested in other women. I like what I’ve got right here, what we’ve got together.’ His free hand came up to stroke her temple.

‘So do I.’ She pressed her cheek to his palm.

‘While I was so far away I slowly realised how precious our relationship was.’ His lips quirked. ‘But everything had been so final between us when I left that I spent the trip home in a cold sweat in case you’d already started divorce proceedings. Perhaps even started a relationship with someone else.’

‘You’re not that easy to get over,’ she said dryly.

‘Good.’ He grinned, unrepentant. He lifted his arm and laid it along the back of the sofa.

‘Besides,’ she said, patting her stomach, ‘you seriously handicapped my chances on the singles scene by leaving behind your own personal advocate.’

‘Yeah, I did, didn’t I?’ He played with her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear. ‘I’m a very clever man.’

‘Sneaky. You’re a very sneaky man.’

The look in his eyes brought her breathlessness back with a vengeance.

‘Mmm-hmm. So where were we before we got sidetracked?’

‘We were in the bedroom.’ She hardly recognised her voice as the words croaked out. ‘Shall we go back there?’

‘I think we should.’

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CREATIVE abdominal acrobatics jolted Liz awake in the small hours the next morning. The room was awash with light from the full moon. She lay for a moment, half-asleep, looking at the familiar bedside scene.

Something was different.

She felt different. Smug. Whole.

A movement in the bed behind her brought memories of the evening flooding back.

Jack.

Her lips curved as she stretched lightly. He’d always been a considerate lover, wanting her enjoyment and satisfaction as much as his own. But last night he’d been so gentle, so tender with her that she’d felt infinitely precious. His care warmed her heart, filled her with love for him. And the memory of his hands, clever and compelling, on her skin sent her system buzzing all over again. He knew her, knew what worked for her, what made her body clamour for the magic of his touch.

Thank goodness for the prenatal class. To think she’d been afraid it would be a catalyst for dramatic change to their relationship. And the change had been dramatic, but it’d been the very best thing that could have happened to them.

Falling asleep with Jack’s arms around her had been the sweetest experience. He was a haven to her, safety and security. She felt ready to tackle anything with him at her side. Even if he couldn’t bring himself to lavish affection on their daughter, to bond with her, Liz knew she would be able to cope as a parent if she had his support. He was a man who could be relied on.

She rolled over to face him. A moonbeam cut a swathe through the open curtains, giving her a clear view of him. He lay on his back with his face turned towards her. His eyelashes fanned out in two dark crescents. Her gaze was drawn to his mouth, soft in repose, deliciously wicked when kissing hers. Stubble shadowed his cheeks and tussled spikes of hair framed his forehead.

He made her feel so special, cherished.

He made her feel safe.

But only months ago she’d been so close to losing him. She’d convinced herself she was ready to let him go, to let their love die. Her heart squeezed hard. If he hadn’t been so determined to stay and try to make their marriage work, how very different her life would be now.

How very different her future would be looking.

His strength and courage had saved something precious.

If his fiancée had allowed herself to be swayed by his determination all those years ago, he’d have been married to someone else. Liz shivered. She would never have experienced loving him.

He’d been nonchalant about the long-ago affair, but she could still hear the echo of his heartbreak for the baby. And maybe for his fiancée’s callous betrayal. Hadn’t Kylie understood what a treasure she’d caught?

But she must have. She’d instinctively turned to Jack—not her other lover—when she’d discovered her pregnancy. Choosing him as the best partner for her future, the best potential father for her baby.

Poor Jack. First his mother, then his first love had proved to be fickle creatures. With such a background, it was a wonder he’d leapt so precipitously into marriage. Though maybe the very spur-of-the-moment nature of his proposal while they’d been on holiday together in New Zealand was the only way he could have done it. If he’d given it more thought, would they be married?

‘Hey, gorgeous,’ said a husky voice. ‘What’s up?’

‘Your daughter’s early morning callisthenics.’

He rolled onto his side to face her, his hand finding her stomach to stroke it softly. He opened his eyes properly. ‘So she’s gone back to sleep and you can’t?’

‘Mmm. I was just thinking.’

‘I can see that.’ He smiled, the moonlight glinting off his teeth. His eyelids drifted down. ‘Should I be worried?’

‘Jack?’

‘Hmm?’

‘Why did you marry me?’

His eyes blinked open wide. ‘Bloody hell, Liz. What sort of question is that for…’ he raised his head and squinted at the clock ‘…three o’clock in the morning?’ His arms reached out and pulled her closer. ‘There are much better things to do.’

‘Really? Like what?’

‘Mmm.’ He nibbled on her ear. ‘Kiss and cuddle for a start.’

‘You’re trying to distract me,’ she said a few minutes later when his lips released hers.

‘Mmm-hmm. Guilty.’ He sighed. ‘But obviously not doing a very good job of it.’

‘Pretty good.’ She shivered as his fingers trailed over her sternum. ‘But I still want to know.’

He nuzzled her ear and his hand settled over her breast, fondling gently as though to punctuate his statement. ‘Marrying you seemed to be the best way to have my lustful way with you whenever I wanted to.’

‘You were anyway,’ she said breathlessly.

‘Oh, yeah. That’s right.’ He chuckled, a lovely rumbling sound vibrating in her ear. After a moment, he said, ‘Then it must have been because you swept me off my feet while we were on holiday.’

‘You always did have a convenient memory. The way I remember it, you did the sweeping.’

He drew back and looked at her seriously for a long moment. ‘Perhaps I recognised my destiny as soon as I laid eyes on you and didn’t see any reason to fight it.’

‘Love at first sight, you mean?’

His palm curved over her cheek, his thumb rubbing her bottom lip. ‘Yeah. That.’

Her heart skipped a beat. Yes, but what about now? Was it still love that held him to her? Or duty? She knew he had a strong sense of duty and she hated the thought that it might be his main reason for staying.

‘And you didn’t need me. That was a hell of a turn-on.’ He rolled onto his back and gathered her close to his side. ‘I wanted to look after you. And I hadn’t wanted to do that for anyone for years. Your independence was a challenge. And a relief.’

‘After Janet?’

‘Mmm. And Kylie. You were busy getting on with your life. You didn’t need a partner to make you whole.’ He slid his free hand under his head. ‘My relationships were short and shallow until I met you.’

‘Left a trail of broken hearts, did you?’ She ran her fingers across his chest, enjoying the texture against her palm.

‘Not fair. I was always up front at the start of my relationships.’

‘Big of you.’ She lightly tugged a few of the hairs. ‘So why didn’t you warn me?’

He grunted, capturing her playful fingers. ‘You weren’t the one who needed warning, I was. Why’d you agree to marry me?’

‘Um. Lots of reasons. I’ve always liked a man in uniform and you do fill yours out very nicely. And I was enjoying having my lustful way with you. And you proposed to me so romantically.’ She smiled, remembering the holiday madness. ‘It was crazy. Spontaneous. You were magic and you made me feel as though I could be fun.’

‘Hey, darlin’. Trust me, you are,’ he growled suggestively.

‘Then there was the fact that I loved you.’ She swallowed, gathering her courage and tilting her head on his shoulder so she could look him in the face. ‘I still do.’

‘Oh, Liz. I love you, too.’

‘Thank you,’ she whispered, blinking away the sudden rush of moisture in her eyes. ‘I’ve needed to hear that so much.’

‘Hey, all you had to do was ask. You’re everything a bloke could want in a sheila.’

She chuckled, feeling the urge to cry recede. ‘You’re such a romantic, Jack Campbell.’

‘I know.’

‘I mean it.’ Liz pushed herself up on her elbow and looked down at him. ‘I found the airline tickets. Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘We had more important things to work out.’ He looked uncomfortable.

‘I’d love to go back to New Zealand.’

‘We can.’ He rubbed his hand over her shoulder. Liz couldn’t suppress a small shiver at his touch. ‘When Emma’s old enough, we will.’

‘I’d like that. A second honeymoon.’

‘Mmm-hmm. Now, go back to sleep. Roll over so we can snuggle.’

He curved his body around hers. She could feel the roughness of his chest hair against her shoulder blades. His muscular legs bent against the backs of hers, his exhalations fanning the nape of her neck. She could hear his breathing slow as he drifted off. Sleep claimed her as she was thinking how delicious the sensations of having him close were.

A feather-light caress on her lips woke her the next morning and she opened her eyes to find Jack leaning over her.

‘Mmm. Prince Charming, I presume.’ She reached up, sinking her fingers into his hair, pulling his head down. His lips moved warmly over hers, knowing all the spots she liked to be touched. Varying the pressure, light and teasing one moment, firm and thorough the next. Powerful, skilful caresses that she’d missed in the months he’d been away. And missed even more poignantly in the weeks he’d been home, so near and yet so far. His touch felt right, perfect for her.

He drew her arms away from his neck and held her hands pinned to the bed above her head, finishing the kiss with a light nip of her bottom lip.

‘Stop it, Dr Campbell, or I’m going to have to come back to bed.’

‘What’s stopping you?’ She shifted, her fingers curling helplessly in his grip.

‘I’m being considerate.’ He leaned in to give her another quick peck before releasing her and standing up. ‘Now, I’m going for a run to work off some of this excess energy you’ve left me with.’

‘I can think of something else that might help.’

‘You’re a wicked woman, Liz, my love. But I’m not undoing all the rest you’ve had by wearing you out in bed the first chance I get. I do have some self-control.’

‘Too much.’ She tried a pout.

‘Sorry. Gorgeous though you look, pouting is not going to work.’

Liz watched him walk to the door, enjoying the sight of his broad shoulders and long, lean back. His Lycra running shorts showed off his taut backside and the flex of well-toned muscles.

‘Nice buns.’

‘Glad you think so.’ He flashed her a grin and was gone. His voice floated back to her. ‘I’ll fix you breakfast when I get home.’

Liz sighed and fell back on the pillows for a few extra lazy moments.

Everything was perfect.

Perfect.

Jack still loved her. Still wanted her physically even though she was enormously pregnant. He was talking to her more than he ever had before. Their marriage was back on track. He might not actively want to be a father, but he was going to be here to support her.

So why did she feel uneasy? Was it just her pregnancy mood swings making her feel this way? Surely she wasn’t turning into one of those difficult people who didn’t allow anything to please them. Maybe it was just that their reconciliation was so new she was a little uncertain about it? All she needed was time to adjust to this new reality. That was reasonable, wasn’t it?

But her uneasiness hadn’t abated over the following week, Liz acknowledged silently as they drove to the hospital for the next class.

She’d covered it up as best she could, not wanting to make Jack think he was failing her in any way at all. Because he wasn’t. He’d been brilliant.

She didn’t want him to think she was impossible to please. He’d spoken of her independence being one of the things he loved. Lord, if he knew how she was feeling right now he’d be terrified. She’d never been like this before. What was wrong with her?

She couldn’t talk to him about her nebulous anxiety. How could she say to him, I’m not happy, but I don’t know why? No, until she could pinpoint the problem, she couldn’t dump it on him.

But perhaps she could talk about other things. Maybe finding out how Jack felt would make her feel better.

‘It’s the last class tonight,’ she said as he parked the car at the hospital.

‘Mmm.’

‘Scary, isn’t it?’ She tried to sound casual, but perhaps she hadn’t succeeded because she could feel his gaze on her. ‘Just think, after this we’re supposed to know what we’re doing.’

‘Yeah. Worried?’

She sighed and turned her head to look at him. ‘Yes, I am. Not about the birth,’ she said quickly when he opened his mouth to speak. ‘About after. About actually being a parent. Aren’t you?’

‘Yes. And no.’ He smiled as he captured her hand. ‘I know you’re going to be a great mum so I figure if I take my cue from you, I can’t go wrong.’

She felt a lump forming in her throat. ‘You’re a very sweet man, Jack.’

‘Sweet?’ He sounded disgusted.

‘Mmm. It’s a side of you I haven’t seen before. Why is that?’

‘Perhaps you’ve never needed me to be sweet before.’ He squeezed her hand then opened his door. By the time she’d got herself organised to get out of the car he was waiting to help her.

She clambered out awkwardly, pausing for a moment to arch her lower back.

‘Sore?’

‘No worse than usual.’

‘I’ll give you a massage later.’

‘Sounds good.’ She loved his hands on her, couldn’t get enough of his touch. They hadn’t made love as often as she’d thought they might. He seemed concerned about the baby. She should appreciate his consideration.

And she did. Much as she craved his closeness, her advanced pregnancy was making her tired.

She waddled beside him, feeling slow and cumbersome. He shortened his long strides to accommodate her pace, making her even more aware of her lack of grace.

‘It’s when she thinks she’s ready to date that scares me,’ he murmured as they reached the classroom. ‘Will Julie be giving lessons on that?’

Liz chuckled, her tension unwinding a fraction. As long as they could keep their sense of humour, everything would be all right, wouldn’t it?

After they’d done the relaxation and exercises, Julie brought out her dummy babies and announced the next segment.

Nappies 101.

Liz’s unease returned in full force as she watched Jack. Through the general hilarity around the table, she could see his long fingers competently folding the square cloth in thirds, making the thick pad, pulling out the flaps to pin.

‘Don’t worry too much,’ said the midwife to reassure the struggling partners. ‘You’ll all get plenty of practice. Your baby will need about ten changes a day. That adds up to more than three thousand nappies in the first year.’

But Liz could see that Jack needed no practice. He wrapped the nappy around his dummy’s legs and pinned the flaps in place as the others fumbled their way through the exercise.

The line of men held their ‘babies’ up. The nappies of all the first-time fathers promptly dropped to the table.

Except Jack’s.

His was snug and tidy.

Perfect.

And unbelievably threatening.

‘Oh, dear. Look at Pete’s disaster,’ groaned one of the other mothers-to-be. ‘Perhaps Jack could come over and give him some lessons.’

Liz managed a smile, hoping it didn’t look as sickly as it felt.

Jack was better at this than she was. He must have done even more for his little sister than he’d led her to believe. Would she feel better if he was as ham-fisted as some of the other new fathers? Surely she couldn’t be that small-minded and competitive. Could she?

But why wasn’t she pleased? Intellectually, she could see that she should be ecstatic, but somewhere deep in her psyche it all felt wrong.

Wrong that he was so competent.

Wrong that she was so disturbed about it.

Was she worried he would watch her handling their newborn and find her wanting? After all, he’d judged his mother harshly.

Liz sighed. She wasn’t being fair. Janet had deserved to be judged and if anyone had a right to do it, that person was her own child. The son she’d ultimately deserted because her habit had been stronger than her love.

‘You’re very quiet,’ said Jack on the drive home.

‘Am I?’ She roused herself from her troubled thoughts and glanced at him briefly. ‘I’m tired.’

‘That’s all?’

‘Yes.’

‘We’re nearly home.’

‘You starred in the class tonight.’ She winced at the accusing tone. Trying to lighten the mood, she added, ‘Perhaps you need to give me some lessons. On nappies. And, um, babies.’

That sounded worse.

She shifted uncomfortably. ‘Um. So your, um, expertise, is that because of your little sister?’

‘Yeah. I was Emma’s live-in babysitter.’

‘Janet was lucky to have you, wasn’t she?’

Jack didn’t bother to answer her and in the lengthening silence Liz knew she’d been unreasonable.

‘I—I’m sorry, Jack. That wasn’t very nice,’ she said in a low voice. ‘I’m cranky and I don’t really understand why. But that’s no reason to take it out on you.’

‘Don’t worry about it, darlin’, I’ve got broad shoulders.’ His hand covered hers, the hard palm warm against her cold fingers.

‘Well, don’t be too nice to me or I’ll be crying all over them.’ Tears flooded her eyes. With the back of her hand, she wiped the droplets that spilled onto her cheeks.

‘You’re just tired. I know you haven’t been sleeping very well. Only four weeks to go now.’

‘Only? Twenty-eight whole days.’ It was a relief to let the words explode out of her, sweeping away the need to cry. ‘I don’t know how I’m going to do it, Jack. I feel ready to burst now.’

‘My poor darling.’

‘You’re being nice to me again.’ She sniffed. ‘I know most women say they feel the same way at this stage.’

‘But it’s different when it’s you?’

‘Yes, it is. Damn it.’ She chuckled softly. ‘I want to cringe when I think of all the words of wisdom I’ve imparted to my pregnant patients over the years. What did I know?’

Later that night, Jack lay listening to Liz’s soft, steady breathing. She’d dropped off to sleep quickly, but he knew the chances were she’d be awake again in a few hours.

Tonight’s antenatal class had been interesting. He was surprised and pleased how easily his old knowledge had come back to him. It’d been fun—though he’d had to endure the good-natured teasing of the other men.

What hadn’t been so good was Liz’s reaction to his expertise. He’d seen her face as he’d held up his diapered dummy and she’d looked…stricken was the best word he could think of. He’d expected her to be pleased, felt hurt that she wasn’t.

She’d managed to dredge up a smile when Pete McGill’s wife had leaned over to speak to her, but he could tell it had been an effort.

And he definitely hadn’t imagined it. Her snippy comments on the way home confirmed that. So what was wrong?

He’d thought their problems had been sorted out when he’d come round to the idea of fatherhood. But peeling away that issue seemed to have exposed something he was at a loss to explain. And Liz didn’t seem inclined to even try, passing her comments off as pregnancy crankiness. And this was the first time she’d really complained about the way she felt so perhaps that’s all it was.

He worried about her, the pace at which she drove herself. He loved her independence, but sometimes it would be nice if she would lean on him. Just a little.

She rolled towards him, her hand sliding across his stomach and hooking around his waist. He sucked in a breath sharply as he felt his body react to her touch. At least they seemed to have ironed out the problems in this area of their relationship. Even if he did have to set a much more restrained pace than his natural inclination. He was close to her, sleeping with her. Loving her. They could sort everything else out as they went along. For now, this was a start.

He caught her hand as it strayed lower and she murmured a protest in her sleep. Letting out a long, slow lungful of air, he held her hand flat to his chest and took firm rein on his lust.

She needed sleep. She needed sleep.

He grinned wryly.

And he deserved a damned medal.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

‘I THOUGHT you had the day off today.’ Jack stopped in the bedroom doorway, surprised to see Liz up and dressed.

‘I have, but I wanted to get around to visit a few people.’ She sounded distracted as she bent to pull up the bedspread. ‘Sort of tidy up loose ends.’

‘I’ve got this.’ He twitched the heavy cover out of her hands and flung it up the bed. ‘Like who? Can’t it wait?’

‘No, it can’t wait. Look, if you’re going to make the bed, you need to do it properly.’

‘Liz.’ He reached out and stopped her from straightening the bedclothes. ‘I’ll do that in a minute. I know you didn’t sleep well again last night. You should take the opportunity to rest today. Where are you going that’s so all fired important?’

‘Oh, I try not to disturb you when I get up.’ She looked at him guiltily. ‘I’m sorry.’

He shrugged. ‘I’ve heard you a couple of times, that’s all. Where are you going today?’

‘I want to see how Uncle Ron’s doing.’

‘Hell, Liz. The McLeods live miles out of town.’ He scowled down at her, seeing the bluish shadows beneath her eyes, the pale cheeks. The blooming good health she usually projected seemed to have faded overnight. ‘Why can’t I take you out there next weekend?’

‘I haven’t been out there for a couple of weeks. Besides, it’s not that far. And it’s not just them. I—I thought I might pop in and see Mum. If I have time.’ Her eyes slid away from his, making him wonder what she wasn’t telling him.

‘There’s no reason why I can’t take you there next weekend, too,’ he said, hard pressed to keep his tone neutral. Visiting Patrice…Not something he’d look forward to. Unfortunately, the only thing Liz’s mother and he agreed on was their mutual dislike for each other. Patrice believed her daughter had married beneath her station.

Liz’s face lit up with a cheeky grin, her hazel eyes twinkling at him. ‘Hmm, you must love me. Thank you, darling. I appreciate your offer, but I won’t do it to you.’ She sobered. ‘I—I haven’t arranged anything with Mum.’

‘You’re just going to drop in? On Patrice? Feeling masochistic, sweetheart?’

‘I didn’t want her making a big fuss.’ She braced her lower back and arched slightly. ‘I thought if I just called in that we could just have an informal chat about…some things.’

‘Why would you think that? It’s never worked in the past.’ He swallowed his frustration, not wanting to badger her.

‘I know. I thought…hoped today might be different.’ She looked so forlorn he couldn’t bring himself to say any more on the matter. But his instinct to protect was on high alert. If Patrice gave Liz a hard time, she’d answer to him.

‘Sure.’ He held out his arms. ‘Come here and let me do that for you.’

Liz came so willingly to him that his heart swelled with love.

He gripped her hips, digging his thumbs into the muscles at the top of her buttocks. She moaned softly.

‘Too hard?’

‘No. Too good.’ She sighed and rested her forehead on his shoulder.

He smiled and laid his cheek on her hair as he continued the rhythmic kneading. His petite wife was a real trouper, suffering the discomforts of her pregnancy with quiet dignity. Mostly her lack of complaint was because of the type of person she was. But he was sure part of it was because of his initial resistance to starting a family. She didn’t want to bother him. Although he’d done his best to reassure her since he’d come home from the States, he had the feeling she wasn’t entirely convinced he was going to stay.

How she could doubt him was a mystery. Didn’t she realise she was part of him? He’d be lost without her in his life. She’d rescued him from his superficial, love-’em-and-leave-’em roundabout, given him a richness he couldn’t begin to put a value on.

Hopefully, time would take care of her uncertainty. In the meantime, he would have to take care of her. As much as she’d let him.

Liz wasn’t absolutely sure why she hadn’t forewarned her mother of her intention to visit. She’d told Jack she wanted it to be informal, which was true. But as she drove through town, she wondered if she might be hoping the short notice would surprise a genuine response from her buttoned-up parent.

Twenty minutes later, Liz pulled up in her mother’s driveway and turned off the ignition. Doubts crowded in now that she was here. Was she really prepared for this confrontation? The problem with surprising people was that you didn’t always get the results you expected…or wanted.

She sat for long moments, examining the clean lines of her mother’s formal garden. Beautiful but untouchable. Tiny hedges perfectly trimmed into geometric patterns, plants chosen for size and colour. And tractability. They were yes plants.

Her mother had tried to trim and prune her offspring into shape with secateurs of carefully meted-out doses of affection and approval.

But children weren’t passive botanical specimens. She and her younger brother had burst out in unexpected directions. Mark, the heir destined to carry the Dustin name, refused to grow up, refused to marry, instead regularly throwing himself into the path of danger with his extreme sports.

Liz’s own rebellion had been more subtle, starting with her career and then her marriage to Jack with his working-class Scottish background. But choosing him hadn’t been a deliberate act of mutiny. She’d laid eyes on him and wanted him immediately. Still did. She was lucky—he’d wanted her right back.

But while that seemed to be a reasonable basis for a relationship, did it work for a marriage? Even more important, was it a good foundation to be parents?

They’d both had examples of what not to do, especially Jack with his drug-addicted mother. Janet’s behaviour had been patently flawed.

But Liz was beginning to wonder if her own family issues were more insidious. On the surface, she’d had a stable upbringing with both parents. But her father had provided the necessities—no more. Her mother, on the other hand, had done all the right things and had been seen to do them.

It dawned on her that her parents had never been a team. Never united through any of the domestic crises. Never made any spontaneous gestures of affection or support toward each other.

Perhaps that’s what she’d reacted to as a child, what she’d missed in her family. And why she’d craved acknowledgment from her parents, especially her father. He’d never said he loved her, that he was proud of her. She’d have done anything to wring some emotion from him other than indifference.

Was her drive to make Jack prove he’d be a caring father a result of the separateness she’d sensed in her parents’ marriage?

She needed to understand the emotional core of her family. But how did she find the right questions to ask? All she knew was some instinct had driven her here today to make the effort. If she didn’t, she might be doomed to repeating the patterns with her own children. And that was unacceptable.

Liz rubbed her hand over her stomach. She mustn’t make the same mistakes. Love had to be unconditional. Her own behaviour had to change. She’d begun to realise how conditional she’d made her love for Jack. First on having children, then by trying to dictate the type of father he’d be.

Gathering her bag, she pushed open the door. She had to deal with one thing at a time. Right now, she’d find out about her family.

She stood for a moment beside the car, rubbing her lower back. The beneficial effects of Jack’s massage had worn off and the muscles felt tired and achy.

‘Elizabeth.’

‘Hello, Mum.’ Liz turned to face the owner of the cool voice.

‘This is a surprise.’ A small, unsmiling silence that spoke volumes.

Liz could feel herself wanting to retreat, wishing she hadn’t come. Bracing herself, she kept her smile blandly pleasant. ‘I was passing so I thought I’d drop in.’

‘I saw you sitting in the car. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to come in.’

Liz wondered how long her mother had been watching. Had she been hoping her daughter would just drive away?

‘You’re lucky you caught me home.’ Patrice stripped off her gardening gloves, plucking each finger forcefully.

‘Are you on your way out, Mum?’

‘No. But I might have been and then you’d have had a wasted trip. You’d better come in.’

Her mother led the way through to the back of the house. Liz followed slowly, walking past the familiar rooms with an odd sense of detachment. Everything was formal, spotless, rigidly tidy and decorated in pale colours that showed every mark from tiny grubby fingers. Even the carpet had pile designed to show every scuff from small running feet. Nothing had been changed for years. Hard to believe two children had grown up in this house.

Liz realised her arm had curled protectively over her pregnant stomach.

‘Would you like something to drink?’

The discouraging tone nearly made Liz smile.

‘Don’t make anything especially.’ She propped herself on the stool by the bench to give her tired legs a quick rest. Today was obviously going to be a physically difficult one. ‘I’m on my way out to the McLeods’ place.’ Liz could have bitten her tongue.

‘I see.’ Her mother washed and dried her hands before asking, ‘And how are Ronald and Margaret?’

‘Aunty Peg’s a Trojan. And Uncle Ron’s as well as can be expected.’

‘I don’t know why you’re so familiar with them, Elizabeth,’ the older woman said with distaste. ‘It’s not as if they’re really your family.’

‘They’re Jack’s family, Mum, therefore they are mine. And they treat me as part of their family so that’s what counts.’ Standing firm felt good, right.

‘Hmph. Well, I suppose you’ll do as you see fit.’ She sniffed. ‘I can’t imagine what’s possessed Margaret to let Ronald stay at home at this stage of his illness. And it’s dragging on dreadfully.’

‘Being at home has perked Uncle Ron up. He’s decided he wants to stay around a bit longer. There was nothing more that we could do for him in the hospital,’ said Liz, feeling obliged to defend his decision.

‘Yes, but he could have stayed there with the nurses to look after him rather than expecting his wife to do it.’

‘But she wants to. And they have their daughter staying as well. She’s a qualified nurse. It’s what he wanted, Mum.’ Though she didn’t want to continue the discussion, Liz had a feeling of sick inevitability that it would lead to the questions she did want to ask. ‘That’s important, don’t you think?’

‘It hardly matters what I think, does it?’

‘You’d have done the same for Dad, wouldn’t you?’ Liz wondered if she really believed that. Or did she just want it to be true?

‘Heavens! The questions you ask, Elizabeth.’ With the kettle plugged in, the older woman set out two mugs before arranging biscuits in a perfect fan around the edge of a plate. ‘It’s a moot point since your father died the way he did.’

‘Yes.’ Her father had had the good sense to die quickly from a massive heart attack. Tidily, barely disrupting his wife’s garden club schedule. Liz pushed the treacherous thought away.

Her mother had never been a warm, affectionate woman. Liz wanted desperately to be different with her own children. But did she know how? All those years she’d studied to be a doctor, but could she learn how to nurture her daughter’s spirit? Teach her to be whole and happy and independent?

Put to the test, Liz wondered if she would prove to be just as cold as her parents.

‘Did Dad want children?’

‘Want them? What’s that got to do with anything? The Dustins were a very influential family in the area.’

‘Yes, I know.’ She fought to keep any hint of censure out of her voice. The family’s social position had been imprinted on her throughout her childhood. But bringing it into the conversation didn’t tell her what she wanted to know about her father. ‘I just wondered because I don’t remember him ever playing with us when we were kids. Not even with Mark.’

Or hugging us, or coming to school plays, or sports days, or even kissing us goodnight.

‘Your father was a busy man.’

The answer was unsatisfactory and yet maybe it was all there was to be gleaned here. In the silence that followed, Liz swallowed her disappointment.

‘I’m your mother, Elizabeth. I didn’t need him to be involved. Raising you was my job.’ The older woman looked surprised at the information she’d volunteered. She shook her head and adjusted the position of the teapot with small jerky movements.

In a moment of cold clarity, Liz suddenly understood her instinct to block Jack’s involvement with their baby. If she continued, she’d ruin a potentially beautiful and loving relationship between Jack and his daughter. She’d begun to suspect her own behaviour, but to have it presented to her like this was a shock.

‘No, Mum, I guess you didn’t.’

But what about me? She wanted to rail against the isolation she’d felt from her father. If things had been different, would he have wanted to be involved with his children?

‘Was your marriage to Dad a happy one?’ Liz knew how it had looked from her point of view, but now she wanted to know how it had been from her mother’s side. If her parents had believed they were happy then what did it matter how it seemed to someone else?

‘Happy?’ Her mother looked startled, as though the concept was completely alien.

The kettle screamed.

‘Yes. Did Dad make you happy?’ Even to her own ears there was a desperate quality to the question. ‘You must have been in love when you got married.’

The silence stretched as Patrice spooned tea leaves into the pot and added boiling water. She kept her eyes focussed on the cups on the bench then reached out to align the handles of the cups.

Was she hoping the question would go away? Liz wondered with grim amusement.

‘Mum?’

‘Oh, for heaven’s sake.’ Her mother gave an exasperated sigh. ‘Perhaps it’s time you knew. What I was when I got married, Elizabeth, was pregnant.’

‘Yes, I know, but—’

‘How do you know?’ Her mother’s face flushed and then went chalky white. ‘I never told you. Your father certainly wouldn’t have told you.’

‘Simple arithmetic. I worked it out in high school. But surely…that’s not why you got married?’

Her mother’s mouth pinched unattractively.

Liz’s heart lurched as she tried again. ‘Well, not the only reason. Mum?’

‘It’s really none of your business.’

‘Well, yes, I think it might be my business,’ said Liz slowly. ‘We were never a cosy, loving family and I need to understand why not. You see, that’s what I want for my child. A cosy, loving family.’

Her mother glared at her. ‘Children need discipline and stability, not wishy-washy sentiments.’

‘I think they need both.’ She thought again of Jack’s traumatic upbringing and what he’d had to conquer to become the man she’d married. ‘I think they especially need to know they’re loved and wanted for themselves.’

‘Are you telling me your father and I didn’t do a good job of bringing you up?’ Patrice’s voice was scratchy and high with tension.

‘No, I’m—’

‘You and your brother are both well-educated adults. And you have a useful career, don’t you? One that you wanted.’ Knuckles gleamed whitely in her mother’s clenched fists. ‘Who was it who put you through medical school and made that possible?’

‘You and Dad. But—’

‘You’re very lucky, aren’t you, Elizabeth? With your doting husband and your career and now your tidy little pregnancy and plans. It will be interesting to see how you juggle your precious career and marriage once you have a child.’

Liz took in a shaky breath, feeling the fine tremors in her muscles from the adrenalin charging around her system. She seemed to have pushed her mother into uncharacteristic candour. The brutal honesty of the words was exposing so many of her own fears that Liz quailed momentarily. But if she wanted to know anything, now was the time to ask.

She met her mother’s eyes across the bench. ‘You didn’t want children? You and Dad? Was Dad angry when you got pregnant?’

‘Don’t be naive, Elizabeth. Your father was a lot like you. He was fond of tidy little plans, too. I ruined them.’

‘But attitudes towards pregnancy weren’t so dogmatic then, were they?’ Liz forced the words out of her dry mouth. ‘Didn’t you both have other options?’

‘Your father was a Dustin in a country town named after his forebears, Elizabeth. His mother made sure he did the right thing. There was no other option.’

‘I see. I—I don’t think I’ll have time for that cup of tea after all, Mum.’ Liz managed a tight smile. ‘I’ll see myself out.’

She was running away. Her system felt battered by the confrontation. Emotional pain lanced through her with such strength that it manifested physically, leaving her so nauseous that her abdomen ached. She’d judged Jack unprepared for parenthood but suddenly her own inadequacy seemed insurmountable.

Her hand trembled as she slotted the key into the ignition. She wanted to go home, curl up on the bed and forget the morning.

More than anything she wanted Jack. But how could she turn to him right now? She’d trapped him as surely as her mother had trapped her father. The enormity of what she’d done would overwhelm any comfort she might derive from his reassurance. What hope did the future hold for them with these handicaps from the past?

She drove slowly, glad of the concentration demanded by the winding road through to the McLeods’ property. Aunty Peg’s undisciplined garden seemed to tumble across the ground to greet her as she pulled up in the driveway.

She sat for a moment, enjoying the sprawling friendliness before scrambling out of the car with her bag.

‘Liz!’ A large elderly woman in overalls hurried along the path towards her. A moment later Liz was enveloped in a huge hug from Jack’s great-aunt.

‘Aunty Peg.’ The warm welcome brought quick tears to her eyes.

‘It’s grand to see you.’ The woman stepped back and held her at arm’s length. ‘You’re looking bonnie as usual, lass. A little peaky mebbe. Is that grandnephew of mine looking after you now? He was up here last week, organising his boys to do some burning off for us. But what’re you doing way out here with this storm brewing? I’ve just had Jack on the phone, trying to find you.’

For the first time Liz became aware of the iron-grey clouds boiling across the sky. She suppressed a shiver. How had she not noticed the change earlier? Had it so matched her dark mood she’d been oblivious?

‘Och, and here’s me not taking a breath so you can answer me. Come through and see Ron. Have you time to have a brew with us, then?’

‘That would be lovely.’ Bag in hand, she walked up the path with the elderly woman.

‘How have you been feeling?’

‘I’m slowing down, Aunty Peg.’

‘Little wonder. It can’t be long now.’

‘Another three weeks.’

‘That long? I’d be surprised. The babe’s dropped. Och, but you don’t need me to tell you that.’

‘I think this will definitely be my last visit before the baby comes.’ She rested her hand on her stomach.

‘Aye. I think so, too.’ Aunty Peg ushered her into the small cluttered entrance. Delicious smells of fresh baking greeted them. ‘Go through to the lounge, Liz. I just need to wash up.’

Liz walked down the dark, narrow hallway and paused in the lounge doorway a moment to appreciate the view out the huge picture window that dominated the room. Stormclouds shrouded the hills, blocking the usual view of the distant mountains.

‘Ron!’ bellowed Aunty Peg from the other end of the hall. ‘Look who’s come to see you, then.’

A gnome-like face appeared around the edge of a recliner.

‘Lizzie! How’s my favourite doctor?’

‘I’m good, Uncle Ron. How’s my favourite patient?’

‘Top of the world, lass. I feel like an auld fraud with everyone’s fussing.’

‘Since I’m here I might as well check you over.’ Liz methodically ran through her examination. Focussing on the routine task restored her equilibrium and she was delighted to find Jack’s great-uncle much better than expected.

‘You’re getting plenty of rest?’ She packed up her gear as Aunty Peg pushed the tea trolley into the room.

‘Och, why would I want to be doing that, Lizzie, lass? Plenty of time for that.’ His lined face wrinkled into a puckish grin. ‘Got to enjoy life while I can, don’t I?’

‘You do.’ She popped a kiss on his forehead.

Liz sat, enjoying a cup of tea, listening to the gentle banter between the couple.

‘It’s our fifty-third wedding anniversary next month,’ said Ron.

‘Och, she knows that. Do you no’ remember she met our Jack at our fiftieth?’

‘So I did.’ Liz looked at the beaming faces of her unlikely cupids. Did she and Jack have the staying power to see such a milestone in their marriage?

Jack. Suddenly, she wanted the hug she’d felt so undeserving of after her visit with her mother.

‘I’d better go.’ She put her cup on the coffee table. Bracing her back, she stood carefully, huffing out a breath at the discomfort that caused her lower body.

‘Liz, are you sure you should be driving, lass? Can I no’ ring Jack and get him to come for you?’

‘No, thanks, Aunty Peg. It’ll only take me a bit over half an hour to get home.’

‘Och, closer to an hour. But I suppose there’s no arguing with you, is there? There’s a box on your passenger seat with eggs and fresh veggies. I’ve put a parcel of nappies there as well from my last grandchild. They’re all freshly laundered for you. And there’s a wee present for the bairn, lass,’ the elderly woman said as they walked out to the vehicle.

‘Oh, thank you, Aunty Peg. You’re very kind. I should open it before I go.’

‘No, you should not. Unless you’ll change your mind and let me get that bonnie man of yours up here to take care of you.’

Liz hesitated briefly, but some instinct was pushing her on. She had to get to Jack. She needed him. Waiting didn’t feel right. She had to keep moving.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

JACK paced to the open doors of the station. Banks of sullen, charcoal clouds pressed down over the hills. Wispy fingers of dingy grey trailed threateningly towards the earth. The atmosphere was oppressive and still.

Behind him the tankers were ready to go, crouched on the concrete floor of the shed. But it was unlikely they were going to be needed today with the high humidity.

He spun on his heel and strode back into the station.

‘Any calls?’

‘Nup.’ Danny looked up from the sports section of the newspaper. ‘Not since you asked five minutes ago. What’s the problem?’

‘Liz.’ Jack sighed, feeling his frustration grow as he ran a hand down his face. ‘She’s gone out to visit Aunty Peg and Uncle Ron. She wanted to do it before the baby arrives.’

He stalked over to the large wall map. His eyes traced the winding road around the terrain contours to the McLeods’ from Patrice’s place, picturing in his mind the lowest points. The road was almost a private one through to the McLeods’ and then not much more than a fire track after that. The only other dwelling was Ernie Thomas’s weekend shack about halfway between the two gullies. If the storm broke while Liz was out there…

Where the hell was she?

And how was she?

The last couple of weeks had been tough for her. She’d been grumpy and trying so hard not to show it. Didn’t she think he could take it? He smiled tightly. Compared to his mother in a savage mood, Liz was a honey.

He knew she was struggling physically, not sleeping properly. He’d been waking regularly to find her wandering the house. He knew she tried hard not to disturb him. And she didn’t. A sort of sixth sense alerted him when she wasn’t in bed. He’d offered to sleep in the spare room again if it’d make it easier for her to rest, but she’d been adamant that she didn’t want him to move. He’d been gratified to know she wanted him close. Because that’s exactly where he wanted to be.

‘Give her a ring,’ said Danny, interrupting his thoughts.

‘I’ve tried.’ Several times. He’d tried Aunty Peg as well, but the line had been engaged. He turned away from the map. ‘Her mobile’s out of range or turned off.’

He’d got through to her mother, spoken to the charming Patrice. He knew approximately what time Liz had left there. She should be well and truly at Aunty Peg’s by now. Maybe even on her way back.

But what sort of mood had she been in after visiting her mother? Patrice had been typically unhelpful. Though he had learned that Liz had been asking questions. Personal, impertinent ones that had definitely ruffled his usually cool, controlled mother-in-law.

So, how was Liz?

Jack hated the thought of her running around the countryside upset after a confrontation. He cursed himself for not taking more notice of her distraction that morning. She’d seemed uncertain, almost…guilty? Had she been planning then to tackle her mother about those personal questions? If so, he had the feeling that she’d already begun doubting the wisdom of her intentions.

He checked his watch again. Great. Another ten minutes had passed.

His adorable, dedicated, serious wife wasn’t the sort to take stupid chances. But perhaps the scene with her mother meant she hadn’t been thinking clearly. Add that to her advanced pregnancy and lack of sleep—she needed to be cared for, damn it, and he had the growing sense he was failing to do that.

He huffed out an impatient breath and glared at the map again as if that might help him see her location. The impotence of not knowing where she was, how she was, drove him crazy. If there was no problem, he was going to throttle her when he got hold of her for worrying him like this.

Enough. He wasn’t going to hang around wondering what the hell was happening. He’d try Aunty Peg’s number again and then he was going out to hunt for Liz. The phone in his office rang as he reached for it. He snatched it up.

‘Dustin Fire Station.’

‘Jack?’

‘Aunty Peg. Is Liz there?’ Jack was aware of the station radio crackling into life in the room behind him.

‘That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Jack.’ It was a measure of his great-aunt’s anxiety that she didn’t chip him about his abrupt greeting. His own sense of dread rocketed higher. ‘She left here a wee while ago and I’ve no’ been able to raise her at home. It’s been teeming down for the last half an hour. I’ve been trying to get our Ian, but he’s away up the hill. You know what those gullies on our road can be like in the wet. She’s no’ long to go now till the bairn and I’m worried about her. No’ that she was compleenin’, but I thought she seemed a bit poorly. She’s a stubborn wee thing, your darlin’ wife.’

‘She is,’ he said grimly. ‘I’m on my way.’

‘Och, that’d be a load off my mind. I’ll no’ keep you, then. Let us know when you’ve found her.’

‘I will, Aunty Peg. Thanks.’ He cut the connection and punched in the number for the station’s stand-by volunteer.

‘Jack?’ Danny appeared in the doorway, a sheaf of papers in hand, his face creased with concern. ‘Didn’t you say Liz has gone up to the McLeods’ place?’

‘Yes.’

‘A flash flood warning has just come through for that whole area.’ He glanced at the papers again. ‘Supercell activity has caused big dumps in the high country. And the system’s coming this way so we’re in for a hammering.’

‘Right, thanks.’

Danny hovered in the doorway as Jack outlined the situation and his plans to the volunteer.

‘Bill’s on his way in.’ Jack tried Liz’s mobile number one last time as he spoke. No reply. He crashed the receiver back into the cradle. His wife was going to be the death of him.

‘Yep, no problems. We can hold the fort.’ Still talking, Danny followed him out of the station house. ‘Don’t you worry about anything this end. Go and find your missus.’

‘Thanks.’ Jack slid behind the wheel of his vehicle.

‘Stay in touch and let us know if we can do anything.’ Danny shut the door, his fingers gripping the sill of the four-wheel drive’s open window for a moment as his face screwed into a grimace. With a quick hard nod, Danny released the door. ‘Good luck, mate. You just bring her home safe.’

‘I will,’ Jack vowed.

A malignant yellow glow tinged the early afternoon light as Jack drove through town. He was just passing Patrice’s place when rain started lashing the car. It got steadily worse as he travelled closer to the hills.

He’d feel like an idiot if he battled his way up to the McLeods’ and Liz was tucked up at home with a good book. But a deep, primal urge pushed him on to find her. His mate was in peril and he had to forge his way to her side.

Hunching forward, he drove with grim concentration, negotiating the winding road as quickly as he dared. The wipers worked hard to sweep away the water sluicing across the windscreen.

No sign of Liz. He’d been half expecting, half hoping to find her broken down at the side of the road.

At last, Green Gully. Murky brown water swirled sluggishly across the road. A huge gum tree, which had fallen into the gully downstream, slowed the current. He stopped at the edge, staring across the expanse as he reviewed what he knew of the road. As he watched, he was dismayed to see the level rise unmistakably. If he was going to cross, it had to be soon.

He swore softly. Where the hell was Liz? Had she already crossed? At least it appeared she hadn’t tried to get through here while the level was high. The hand he lifted to wipe his face shook slightly, making him realise just how afraid for her he was.

The rain stopped, suddenly giving him clearer view in the rapidly dimming light.

He had to go.

Now.

Slotting the vehicle into four-wheel drive, he took a deep breath and released the handbrake. The vehicle rolled slowly forward and began the painstaking crawl through the water. He could feel the tug on the steering as the pressure of the current pushed against the panels. Using all his self-discipline, he kept the engine revs constant. The temptation to hurry was nearly irresistible.

His heart lurched and his hands tightened on the wheel as the rear slewed slowly sideways. A split second later the front wheels gained traction and he began to climb the slope at the other side.

Once clear of the water, he stopped and exhaled the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding. Liz’s sedan wouldn’t have coped with this sort of treatment at all.

Where was she?

He was committed now. There’d be no way back for hours with the way the water level rose behind him. If she wasn’t on this road, he had to accept he’d be isolated for no good reason.

His vehicle was kept well supplied for emergency situations.

But his concern was for Liz. She needed him—he knew it.

The temperature dropped steadily and thunder rumbled, deep and threatening, in the distance. The slick road ahead was littered with leaves and debris picked out by his headlights as he wound steadily onwards.

He rounded a tight corner.

There was her car. Hazard lights flashing, rear wheel in the ditch.

His quick relief was short-lived. No one in the driver’s seat.

Surely, she hadn’t tried to walk for help in her condition. He grabbed the torch and ran across to her vehicle. The beam speared into the dark car.

She was there, kneeling on all fours on the back seat.

Thank God.

His knees were suddenly weak. He yanked open the door, heard her breathing coming in small puffing sounds. She wasn’t aware of him at all.

‘Liz?’ He touched her shoulder.

Her head shot up.

‘Jack? Oh, God. Jack!’ A few ragged sobs escaped before she grabbed control of her breathing again.

She reached out to latch onto his hand. He winced as her fingers gripped the tips of his. Even in the subdued light he could see her delicate knuckles standing out, white and bony.

His heart sank. She was in labour. Thoughts crowded in. How long had she been out here, alone and in pain? Wasn’t it too soon for her to have the baby? What had she said this morning? Three weeks to go? He did a quick calculation. Thirty-seven weeks. Hadn’t Julie said normal delivery could happen any time after that?

But out here, in the middle of nowhere…

He swallowed.

‘How long have you been in labour, darlin’?’ he asked when she sagged back against the seat.

‘I’m not sure. I’ve been feeling rotten all day.’ Tears rolled down her cheeks. ‘Backache and nausea. But I thought it was other things. I didn’t realise it was the baby. Oh, God, Jack. I’ve been so stupid.’

‘No, you haven’t, sweetheart.’ He kept his voice level, soothing. The last thing Liz needed was to see the panic surging through him. He slipped into the seat and put his arms around her. All the things he’d learned at the prenatal class about the stages of labour completely eluded him, but maybe Liz could tell him if he asked the questions calmly. ‘How long have you been having the contractions? How close are they?’

‘D-definite contractions for about an hour. But I think I’ve been in labour much longer.’ She sniffed, wiping her cheeks with her hands, before she laid her head on his shoulder. ‘They’re about th-three minutes apart, maybe a bit shorter.’

He kissed her forehead. ‘So what stage is that?’

‘Early labour.’

‘Okay. So the baby’s still a little way off making her grand appearance?’

‘Y-yes, I think so. And my waters haven’t broken.’

‘That’s a good sign, isn’t it?’

‘Mmm-hmm.’

‘I don’t think we’ll try to get up to Aunty Peg’s now.’ He pictured the control-room map in his head. Ernie Thomas’s weekender was going to be their best bet.

‘No. I had to turn back from both gullies. This is the highest point between them so I though it’d be safest here.’

‘Good thinking.’ He was proud of her resourcefulness.

‘Except I skidded and the wheel ended up in the ditch.’ She sounded tired, but then, ‘Oh, my God.’ She pushed away so she could look at him, her eyes fierce with accusation. ‘How did you get here? Jack! You’ve come through Green Gully. You could have been killed.’

‘Hey, I’m too ornery to let a little bit of water defeat me.’ He gave her a quick smile. ‘Come on. Let’s get you over to the four-wheel drive. I know where we can go for shelter.’

He helped her out of the car and then, despite her protest, carried her over to his vehicle. With her settled on the back seat, he grabbed his sleeping bag and shook it out.

‘What do we need from your car?’ He tucked the bag around her. ‘I’ll get your medical bag. Anything else?’

‘Aunty Peg’s present. It’s on the front seat. She’s given us some nappies. We can use them for—for…’ Her voice tailed off, her expression drawn.

‘Sure. They’ll come in handy.’ He cupped her cheek and leaned over to give her a kiss. ‘We can do this, Liz.’

‘Yes.’ The word was little more than a whisper.

‘Just think of the stories you’ll be able to tell your grandchildren.’

She gave him a wan smile. ‘About how their granddaddy galloped through storms and flooded rivers to deliver their mother?’

‘Yeah, those stories.’ He grinned at her. ‘Work on that image. I fancy being the hero of the hour. I’ll be back in a flash.’

He walked across to her car, taking the opportunity to give himself a pep talk. He had to push his own fear back. Providing encouragement and support for the birth were the only things he could do for his wife. He was going to do them bloody well.

Back at his vehicle, he found Liz in the grip of another contraction. He dumped the gift and the box of produce on the front passenger seat and slid into the back beside her to wait out the pain.

When her breathing steadied and she opened her eyes again, he said, ‘We’ll head to Ernie Thomas’s weekender. The turn-off is just around the corner.’

‘Okay.’

Back in the front seat, he lifted the handpiece of the CB and turned to Liz. ‘I’m going to call Danny and let him know what’s happening.’

The unit gave a static crackle.

‘Danny? I’ve found Liz. Over.’

‘Copy that. How is she?’

He reached over and took her hand, giving it a quick squeeze as he held her eyes with his. Projecting all the confidence he could into his voice, he said, ‘Next time you see us, we’ll be parents.’

Just saying the words had a fresh wave of panic crashing over him. He fought the instinct to look away from Liz. Hell, he couldn’t hide from her at this critical point. He had to do better. She had no choice but to have the baby now and his job was to help her. They were in this together.

Danny’s raw oath ripped through the air, summing up Jack’s feelings exactly. Then came a more moderate, ‘Good luck.’

‘Thanks.’ He swallowed. We’ll need it. But he didn’t let the words escape. ‘It’s too risky for us to try to come back into town. Green Gully’s getting pretty deep. Ernie’s shack is close so that’s where we’re headed now. Can you put Tony Costello on standby up at the hospital in case we have any problems? Over.’

‘Will do. I’ll let the McLeods know you’ve found Liz, too. Peg’s been on the phone.’

‘Thanks, Danny.’

‘Sarah sends her love. Me, too. Over and out.’

Jack signed off and hung up the handset. ‘Set, gorgeous?’

‘Yes.’

‘Good girl.’ He lifted her hand to his mouth, pressing his lips to her chilled fingers. ‘It’s not far.’

A few minutes later he turned into the concealed driveway and wound up a steep drive to brake in front of a ramshackle miner’s hut. A chimney flue poked out of the rusted iron roof, promising the possibility of warmth within.

‘Here we are, sweetheart. Home sweet home for the next few hours. I’ll go and open up.’

‘Won’t it be locked?’

‘Minor obstacle. I know where Ernie keeps a spare key.’

‘Under the mat?’ Liz murmured.

‘How’d you guess?’

She rewarded him with a small chuckle. ‘I know Ernie.’

Jack’s breath steamed in the frosty air as he crossed the short distance to the hut. Dry wood was stacked to the eaves under the verandah, despite his past advice that it was a fire hazard. Thank goodness Ernie was a stubborn old beggar who didn’t listen to well-meant advice from his local firebrigade chief.

The air inside was a little musty, but the single room was tidy and a box of kindling stood beside the pot-belly. And he knew the steel cabinet always held a good supply of securely stored tinned food. He lit the gas lamp and trimmed the wick to provide a comfortable light. Then he found a foam mattress rolled up in a sealed box and laid it out on the bed.

Liz had her eyes closed when he went back to the car. ‘Okay, darling, your palace awaits.’

She looped her arm around his neck as he scooped her off the seat, still bundled up warmly in the sleeping bag. She was so small and fragile. How on earth was she going to manage the task before her? He clenched his jaw, hugging her close as he carried her inside to put her on the bed.

Stepping back, he curled his hands into fists in an effort to dissipate his fear. ‘Sweetheart, I’m going to get the fire going.’

‘Okay.’

He could hear her breathing her way through another contraction as he brought in some wood and prepared a bed of kindling in the firebox. Soon the comforting crackle of burning logs filled the cabin.

‘That should do it.’ He dusted off his hands and turned to catch Liz watching him with dark, sombre eyes. He smiled with an assurance he was far from feeling. ‘Okay, what can I get you? A cuppa? Warm compress?’

‘Please. To both. With some sugar if Ernie has it.’

‘Ernie has everything.’ He set a billy full of water on the small portable gas stove. ‘God bless him and his comfortable weekends away from Mrs T. in the bush.’

‘Yes.’ She sounded subdued. ‘Jack, I’ll need a mirror so I can check progress later.’

‘Okay.’ He walked to the door.

‘Wh-where are you going? You’re not going to leave me? Are you?’ The panic-filled words tore his heart.

‘Hey, darlin’, no way.’ He crossed to the bed in two strides and gathered her into his arms. ‘I’m just going to be outside. All you need to do is yell if you need me. I want to get the rest of my kit while it’s not raining and I’ll check Ernie’s bathroom for a mirror. Okay?’

‘O-okay.’ But her arms came around him and she hung on tightly for a long moment. When she pulled back slightly she managed a small smile, her eyes clinging to his through a veil of moisture. ‘I guess there’s no chance now of that epidural I was s-so adamant about n-not having, is there? Or a Caesarean.’

‘Hey. You’re not going to need them. You can do this.’ He brushed her damp hair back from her face and kissed her forehead. ‘We’ve been to all the classes and we know what to do, don’t we? We’re just going to take all the time we need to get this right.’

‘But wh-what if I can’t do it?’

‘You can. You know you can, Liz.’ He swallowed.

Another contraction hit her. She slid to kneel on the floor as the pain demanded her concentration for long seconds. He moved with her, holding her hands. Her fingernails dug sharply into his palms as she puffed. The discomfort gave him a tiny, welcome respite from his own anxiety.

When her breathing eased, she looked at him again, worry etched sharply into her features. ‘What if you’re right? What if the baby’s too big? What if she’s breech? What if she gets stuck? What if—?’

‘Stop it, Liz. She won’t get stuck,’ said Jack decisively, as if willing it could make it so. Seeing her like this, so vulnerable, wrenched at him. She was always so in control, so capable. ‘Remember what you told me. Remember what Julie said? Nature works these things out.’

Her eyes were black holes of fear and he could feel her trembling. He swallowed hard, grabbing for control, desperately searching for something to say that might help her.

‘There’s been no indication there would be a problem on any of your scans, has there?’

He waited until she shook her head. ‘Your body’s ready for this.’

She was relying on him to stay calm, but the truth of the matter was, he was terrified. He couldn’t let it show. The birth was going to happen here and now. The only way he could help was by convincing Liz that they could do it. All of his misgivings about a natural delivery had to be put aside. He had no choice—they had no choice.

‘I shouldn’t have gone out today,’ she moaned, her voice thick with unshed tears. ‘Oh, God, what if I’ve put our daughter at risk by being so bloody-minded?’

‘You haven’t. Liz, you have to let go, let your body do the job. Trust yourself.’

Her eyes closed. Was she shutting him out?

God, if he couldn’t convince her that she could deliver their daughter, he’d have failed her. If she didn’t relax, she was in for an even more difficult time. What if she really couldn’t do this? What if he lost her, lost them both? He couldn’t let that happen. Wouldn’t let that happen. But he’d never felt so powerless in his life.

‘I trust you, darlin’.’ His voice was hoarse with suppressed emotion. ‘You can do this.’

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

IN THE subdued light of the cabin, moisture glistened along Liz’s eyelashes. A fat tear gathered to roll down her cheek to the edge of her jaw.

If he could have, Jack would willingly have suffered the pain for her. But all he could do was give her support and encouragement. This agony wasn’t his. It wasn’t his body struggling to give birth. He hadn’t fully understood how helpless he would feel.

How much longer could he be strong in the face of her fear? Even knowing how infectious someone else’s terror could be wasn’t helping him quash his own. But if he went under, he’d make her job that much harder.

He mustn’t succumb.

A snippet from the prenatal class came back with sudden clarity. ‘Remember what Julie said about the transition phase? How you’d feel as though everything was too much, too hard?’ He held his breath as he waited for her response. ‘Liz?’

Finally, she nodded.

‘She said it’ll pass. Remember?’ Soon. Let it be soon. He listened to the deep, shuddering breath she took, prayed she would find the serenity to go on.

‘Yes.’ She inhaled again, held the air a moment then exhaled. When she opened her eyes again to look at him she seemed steadier. ‘Yes. You’re right. I remember.’

‘I love you.’

She smiled tremulously. ‘I love you, too.’

‘You’re an amazing and brave and beautiful woman, Mrs Campbell.’ He lifted a hand to cup her cheek, ran his thumb across the soft skin. The changes that were taking place within her body even as he sat here with her had him in awe.

‘Thank you.’ She turned her lips to his palm. ‘I…I don’t know how I’d have coped if you weren’t here.’

‘You would have, sweetheart. But I’m glad I’m here, too.’ He grinned at her. ‘Besides, it’s the least I could do since I’m partly responsible for getting you in this state in the first place.’

She didn’t smile as he’d intended. Instead, her eyes filled and her chin wobbled.

‘Jack, I’m sorry.’ Her breath hitched as she looked down at her hands.

‘Hey, what for?’

‘F-for trapping you with this pregnancy.’

‘Hell, darling, where did that come from? I thought we’d been through this.’ He struggled to change gears to keep up with her.

‘I—I know. I’m just s-so afraid you’re going to end up hating me and our daughter.’

He lifted her chin so she looked at him directly. ‘This is because of your visit with Patrice, isn’t it?’

Her eyes clung to his, her anguish clear. ‘Dad was forced to marry Mum because she got pregnant with me. Th-they made each other so miserable and bitter. I don’t want that for us, for Emma.’

‘I’m not the man your father was and you’re not like your mother. I want you and I want our daughter.’

‘D-do you?’

‘Yes. How could I not, sweetheart? You’re everything I need.’

After a moment, her tired face moved into a tentative smile.

‘We’re not going to make a mess of our marriage the way your parents did.’ He gave her a quick kiss. ‘Got it?’

‘Got it.’

‘Good.’ He grinned. ‘No more of this nonsense. We’ve got important things to do, okay?’

‘O-okay.’

He looked over to where the billy was steaming. ‘How about I make you that warm compress and something to drink?’

With hot and cold water mixed to a reasonable temperature, he wet a towel and wrung it out. Liz was still kneeling beside the bed. He helped her adjust her clothing so he could tuck the warm, damp pad against her lower back.

‘That feels good.’ She sighed as the heat seeped into her tired muscles. ‘Thanks.’

Out of the corner of her eye she watched him walk back to the stove. A moment later he was back, pressing an enamel mug into her hand. He crouched beside her, his hand rubbing large circles across her back.

‘Okay for a few minutes while I go out and get my kit, sweetheart?’

‘Yes. I’m fine now.’ As she spoke, she realised it was true.

Jack had given her that. He’d pulled her back from the edge of the panic that had threatened to tear her apart. He was so strong. His confidence in her warmed her, lifted her spirits. Made her really believe she could get through this with his help.

She watched the door close behind him. What had happened to her? Any medical student worth their salt knew panic and tension made pain worse. And hadn’t she seen it time after time in the emergency department? Yet, in the grip of her own fright, she’d forgotten until Jack had reminded her of Julie’s words. She smiled wryly. The learning curve of pregnancy was far steeper than she’d expected.

Her smile slipped. If Jack hadn’t come to find her she’d have been alone with all her fears.

His love and determination had given her the reassurance she’d needed about their marriage, about their future. They weren’t going to make the same mistakes her parents had—they could choose to be happy.

And he was right about this birth, too—she had to trust her body to do what it needed to. This time she couldn’t use just her medical training, she had to use the unfamiliar tools of intuition and faith.

And right now her body was telling her she needed to move. She pushed herself to her feet as Jack came back into the cabin. A warm gush of liquid flowed down her thighs as she straightened up.

‘Oh, blast!’

At her yelp he came instantly to her side, his face sharp with concern. ‘What’s wrong? Should you be standing?’

‘My waters have just broken.’

She heard him swallow. ‘So the baby’s coming right now?’

‘Not this very minute, but soon, I think.’ She smiled at him, but he didn’t return it.

‘Let me help you sit. Should you lie down?’ He tried to turn her back towards the bed.

‘I’m fine, Jack.’ She reached up to touch his face. ‘Jack. Darling, I’m fine. I need to stand just now, maybe move around a bit.’

‘Oh. Okay.’ He ran a hand through his hair and suddenly looked a little lost. ‘What can I do?’

‘Help me change out of these wet clothes, please, darling.’

She looked down on his dark head as he bent to strip off her damp leggings then wipe the moisture from her legs with a towel. The tenderness of his intimate care melted her heart.

She reached out and touched the exposed nape of his neck.

He looked up, his eyes meeting hers for a long, silent moment.

‘Thank you for coming to find me.’

‘I had to, Liz,’ he said, rising to his feet and taking her in his arms, one hand resting on her belly. ‘I knew you needed me.’

‘I do need you. Always.’ She rested her head on his shoulder, rejoicing in the strength and comfort he gave her.

‘I’ve got a flannelette shirt in my kit that’ll keep you warm.’

After he’d helped her into the roomy garment, she rolled the sleeves up and tied the front ends together above her bulge.

‘The latest in delivery-suite fashion.’

‘You look stunning.’

‘Oh, sure.’

‘I’ve never meant anything more in my life, darling.’ He kissed her hard. ‘Okay, what’s next?’

An hour and a half later Liz watched as Emma Elizabeth Campbell made her entrance into the world straight into Jack’s strong, sure hands. He lifted the baby reverently to place her on Liz’s stomach.

‘She’s beautiful.’ His husky voice was filled with the same wonder that Liz felt.

‘Yes, she is, isn’t she?’ She stroked her daughter’s cheek, smiling when the baby turned her head, her little mouth making sucking motions. ‘I think she’s hungry.’

‘I guess being born is hard work,’ he said in hushed tones.

As she manoeuvred Emma’s mouth to her nipple, Liz heard him draw in a sharp breath. She looked up to see his eyes glistening with moisture, his throat working. ‘Darling? What’s wrong?’

‘I’m—I’m a dad.’ When he met her gaze his was dark and intense. ‘I want to be a good dad.’

She felt her throat close on a hot lump of emotion. After all Jack had done for her here today, the thought that he had any doubts about himself was intolerable. She could help him, that was her choice, her responsibility. To make sure he knew he was a welcome part of Emma’s life always.

‘You will be a good father, darling. You already are. The very best. Thanks to you, our daughter arrived safely.’

‘That was you, sweetheart. You did an awesome job.’

‘We did an awesome job here today. I couldn’t have done it without your support. You never faltered, never thought we couldn’t do it.’

His eyes slid away from hers guiltily.

She laughed softly, the urge to cry receding slightly. ‘Well, you never let me see your doubts. You were strong when I needed you to be and that takes courage. You gave me the confidence to believe I could do this. We’re a great team.’

‘We are, aren’t we?’ He gave her his gorgeous cocky grin. ‘I love you.’

‘And I love you, Jack Campbell. Emma’s very lucky to have you.’ She smiled at him through fresh tears in her eyes. ‘And so am I.’

Jack’s lips came down to claim hers in a tender caress.

All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.

All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II BV/S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the prior consent of the publisher in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

® and TM are trademarks owned and used by the trademark owner and/or its licensee. Trademarks marked with ® are registered with the United Kingdom Patent Office and/or the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market and in other countries.

First published in Great Britain 2009
Harlequin Mills & Boon Limited,
Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR

Bride on the Children’s Ward © Anne Clark and Peter Clark 2009
Marriage Reunited: Baby on the Way © Sharon Archer 2009

ISBN: 978-1-408-91216-4

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Excerpt

Title Page

Bride on the Children's Ward

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Marriage Reunited: Baby on the Way

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Copyright