Chapter Nine

"I'm still not sure this is the right thing to do." Travis frowned as he watched the girls hurry down to the tree house, heads huddled together as Brooke told her friend her astounding news. "It somehow seems wrong involving someone else, especially another child."

"That's because you don't know Minnie." Darcy smiled at him. "Those two have known each other since they were babies. They grew up together and have shared every important event in each other's lives. They even started school on the same day."

"Yes, it will. Although it might not give us the result you're hoping for," Darcy warned. "Brooke can be quite stubborn at times. Once she's decided against something, she digs her heels in and refuses to budge."

Darcy busied herself making coffee for Travis and herself. She didn't bother with the girls, knowing from experience they wouldn't appreciate being disturbed while they were having one of their 'serious' discussions.

"Travis, you do realize that Brooke might not agree to the change in custody, don't you?"

"I don't think she properly understands what it means." Travis took a sip of his coffee. "Naturally she's frightened of the unknown, but she might agree without realizing exactly what she's saying yes to."

"Don't you believe it." Darcy shook her head, her short hair bouncing against her ears.

"Oh come on, Darcy." He looked at her in disbelief. "Are you trying to tell me that you sat down and had a meaningful discussion on exactly what custody means?"

"Funnily enough, I did. You remember she told you the kids at school were teasing her because she didn't have a mum?"

"Yes, but I don't see what that has to do with you telling her about custody agreements."

"It has everything to do with it." Darcy took a sip of her coffee to calm her nerves. Why does this man always stir up my emotions? "When my mother died, Brooke came home from school in tears. One of the nastier children had told Brooke that she wouldn't be allowed to stay with me any more now that Grams had died. He told her they didn't let unmarried women bring up children because it wasn't right."

"No doubt he heard an adult saying something similar, but Brooke refused to go to school the next day. She was afraid someone would whisk her away and stop her from coming home again. I had to sit down and explain to her that even though Grams had helped to bring her up, I had always been her guardian and the law said she was my little girl and no one had the right to take her away from me unless I agreed to the exchange of custody."

"Travis. This took place less than two years ago. Of course she remembers. That's why she's so frightened."

Through the window, Darcy saw the girls coming across the garden and she hurried to get drinks and cake ready for them. Brooke took her friend through to her room without saying a word to her father, but Minnie gave him a very curious look as she passed him.

"I think this means you're staying to dinner." Darcy smiled at him. "They'll be closeted in there for at least an hour, so you might as well make yourself comfortable."

By the time Minnie's mother rang to say she was on her way to pick her daughter up, Darcy had dinner almost ready and had just been thinking about running the girl home herself.

Dinner was awkward. Brooke concentrated on her plate and didn't look at either of them. Darcy kept up a light chatter, but Travis kept glancing at Brooke, and Darcy swore she saw a pleading look in his eyes every time he looked at the child.

"I've made a decision." Brooke stood in front of them after the table had been cleared.

"That's great, hon." Darcy glanced at Travis, the look in her eyes warning him to keep quiet. "Would you like to share it with us?"

"I will go to America as long as Darcy comes, too." Defiance was in her eyes as she stared at Travis. "But I want Darcy to stay as my guardian."

"Okay, Brooke. It's your bedtime now. We'll talk about this more in the morning after we've all had time to think about it. Off you go and get ready for bed."

"I won't change my mind." Brooke stated as she reached the door. "Darcy, will you read to me tonight please?"

"I knew I shouldn't have agreed to let her friend come over. She would have agreed if she hadn't had time to think about it."

"Is that really what you want, Travis?" Darcy stared at him. How could he be so unfeeling? "To make Brooke do something she doesn't want, just because it makes things easier for you?"

"Give it time, Travis. She has to get used to the fact that you're her father. The trip to America will help and by the end of it — well, who knows? She might want to stay with you."

"I think you'd better come and give her a kiss goodnight, and then perhaps you should go." Darcy led the way to Brooke's bedroom, but she didn't like the way the girl shrank from Travis.

"See you in the morning, Brooke." Travis kissed her forehead and with a nod to Darcy, he left the room. A few seconds later, they heard the front door close behind him.

"There won't be anything for him to take you away from, hon, if you don't stop squeezing so hard. I can hardly breathe." Brooke eased off and lay back on her pillow, staring intently at her aunt.

"Brooke, I need you to give Travis a chance." She held up her hand as the girl started to object. "He is your father and you should take the opportunity to get to know him. What have I always said about making decisions?"

"To get to know as much as you can before making up your mind," Brooke responded thoughtfully. "You mean I shouldn't make up my mind about Travis until I get to know him better?"

"Exactly. While we're in America, talk to him, see how he lives. Maybe we can sort out some sort of agreement that suits us all. I don't really know, Brooke, but at least give the man a chance."

"Not without your consent, hon. Now snuggle down and I'll read you a few pages before you go to sleep."

"Of course you can, Brooke. Would you like Darcy to sit beside you?" Travis had been treating his daughter with great courtesy ever since they'd told her he was her father.

"Oh, you can sit there if you want, Travis." Darcy hid as smile at Brooke's offhanded reply. "Darcy will be able to sit beside me on the way home."

The last few days had been hectic and frustrating for both Travis and Darcy. Brooke had continued to be cool towards Travis and the interview with the judge had been cancelled when they decided to give her time to adjust.

Once the pressure had been lifted from her, Brooke had been in a perpetual state of excitement, eager to experience her first plane ride and visit to Disneyland, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. Darcy and Travis had heard her bragging to Minnie about her American father and they had grinned at each other. As they no longer had a reason to wait for the custody proceedings, they brought their flight forward to Tuesday.

Darcy felt almost as nervous and excited as Brooke when the wheels left the ground. She had never been out of New Zealand before and had no idea what to expect. Travis had not mentioned his fiancée since that casual remark several weeks ago and Darcy wondered if the woman would meet them at the San Diego airport.

The flight was long but Brooke enjoyed herself as she watched the in flight movie on the individual screen in front of her, listened to the music and generally enjoyed flying. Travis even managed to get them invited to the flight deck and Darcy had to admit she enjoyed the visit as much as her niece.

They had to change planes at Los Angeles as, although San Diego had an international airport, unfortunately, there were no direct flights from New Zealand.

"Where's Travis going?" Brooke asked when they reached immigration. "Isn't he coming with us?"

"He has an American passport, hon, so he has to go to that desk over there. We have New Zealand ones, so we go over here. We'll meet up with Travis on the other side."

"Just the bags and customs now." Travis had joined him. "Then a short flight to San Diego and home. Shouldn't take too long."

They landed in San Diego and collected their bags then went through to the arrivals hall. Darcy's stomach lurched nervously. This was it. The fiancée would appear and fling herself at Travis. She envisaged him engulfed by a cloud of loveliness within the next few minutes, but Travis didn't hesitate. He pushed the luggage trolley towards the exit and headed for the taxi stand. Relief flooded through Darcy. Obviously the girlfriend had to wait a little longer to see her beloved. Or maybe Travis had asked her to wait until he'd got Brooke settled in his home.

The taxi wound through the San Diego traffic and Travis pointed out things of interest to Brooke.

"It isn't on the signs yet." Brooke gazed intently at the overhead road directions.

"Yes it is, see." Travis pointed to the top line of writing. "Of course, how stupid of me. It's spelt L-A J-O-L-L-A but pronounced La HOY-ya. It's Spanish and means the jewel. Here we go."

The cab turned off the highway and a few streets later, stopped in front of the glass doors of a small but elegant looking apartment block. While they waited for Travis to pay the cab driver, Darcy glanced at the surrounding buildings. They were mainly apartment blocks, all of which looked quietly expensive.

"This way." Travis slid a key card through the electronic lock and once Darcy and Brooke had passed through, he picked up the cases and carried them into the lobby. He then led the way to the back of the building until he reached a door with his name discreetly displayed beside the bell.

Brooke stayed close to Darcy as they entered the apartment, her small hand clinging tightly to her aunt's. Darcy felt equally apprehensive, positive the unknown fiancée would appear at any moment.

"This way." Travis led them down a short hallway to an open doorway through which brilliant sunlight flooded. "This is your room, Brooke."

Brooke stared speechlessly round the room. It looked like it had been recently decorated and had been furnished with everything an eight-year-old needed. Two beds followed the corner of the room, both on the upper level with a study area under one and a comfortable sofa under the other. Stuffed animals were scattered around the room and hanging from the ceiling in the corner opposite the bed was a television. The study area boasted its own computer and printer, complete with a scanner Darcy would love for her own office.

"It's all yours and you can choose whichever bed you want. Why don't you explore while I show Darcy to her room, then we can meet back in the living room," Travis suggested.

"Thank you." She watched as he placed her case on the bed. "Travis, do you mind if I say something?"

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't buy her those things, just not all at once. It looks like you're trying to buy her love, and she won't fall for it. Oh, she'll think it's great for a little while, but it will soon wear off. What she needs is your time and attention, not material things." She looked intently at him, hoping he would understand what she was trying to say.

"I know you're right, Darcy, but I couldn't help myself. Honestly, I only went to get the beds and the computer, but I found myself buying anything I thought she might like. I promise I won't do it again." He grinned at her, and she thought he looked like a little boy caught doing something wrong.

"Here, hon. Come see my room," Darcy called back and was nearly bowled over as Brooke charged into the room.

"I didn't know where you were." Brooke flung her arms round Darcy's waist and hugged her.

"Silly, you don't think I'd come all the way to America just to turn around and go straight home again, did you? There's too much to see and do before I'll be ready to leave."

"Come look at the swimming pool." Brooke caught hold of Darcy's hand and dragged her laughing from the room. Glancing over her shoulder, Darcy saw a thoughtful look cross Travis' face as he followed them.

"COME ON, LET'S GO DOWN to the front." Brooke charged ahead of them down the steps and commandeered three seats right at the front of the auditorium.

"I'm not too sure about this." Darcy looked nervous as she sat beside her niece. "I've seen the Sea World show on television and sitting here means we're going to get soaked."

"We'll soon dry off." Brooke jumped up and down with excitement as the seats behind them filled up and the music gave way to a welcome speech.

Darcy thoroughly enjoyed the dolphin display. The animals seemed to understand every word and gesture from their trainers. When the orcas appeared, she began to get nervous. They were so huge, and sitting this close to the tank made it seem more dangerous.

Then the orcas did their grand finale and for a moment, Darcy thought they were going to get away with a few droplets as the mammals swam past. She'd forgotten they raced around the pool, then lifted into the air and came down with a wallop. A sheet of water rose over the side of the tank and soaked the first six rows of spectators. Darcy ended up looking through a fringe of dripping hair at her equally wet companions.

Darcy also looked and saw how his tee-shirt had become transparent and now clung to his chest, revealing all the dark curling hair beneath. She shivered, and became aware that her own clothes were clinging to her body.

"Here, let me." Travis reached over and pushed the hair from her eyes with his hand. He smiled at her in a wistful way, before turning his attention to Brooke as she tugged at his hand.

"Home, young lady. We've had enough excitement for one day, besides we need to get changed. We can go for a walk along the Coastal Walkway and have a picnic tea in Scripps Park. Is that okay with you, Brooke?" He grinned at Brooke, but the warmth of his smile also included Darcy.

"LOOK AT ME, TRAVIS." Brooke splashed the water in the pool to grab their attention, then swam from one end to the other.

Travis applauded and Darcy marvelled at how close he and Brooke had become in the week since they'd arrived in San Diego. Although the child still called him Travis, she often turned to him rather than her aunt for approval. At first Darcy had felt a twinge of jealousy, but common sense told her it was all for the best. Only when Brooke accepted Travis as a friend would she even consider him as her father.

The fiancée had remained invisible and Darcy was tempted to ask Travis about her, but thought he might consider this an intrusion. A little voice in her brain told her she had a right to meet the woman who would be Brooke's stepmother, but she felt too nervous to open the subject.

"Hello." Darcy heard him say as he rose and moved away from her. "Yes, I'm back. How are you?"

Maybe it's the fiancée. Darcy tried hard not to appear as if she was eavesdropping. Perhaps she's been away and that's why we haven't seen her.

"Yes, I've missed..." Travis moved further away and Darcy didn't hear the rest of the conversation, until his casual pacing brought him back towards her. "She's great. Full of fun and I'm enjoying showing her San Diego."

He moved away again and Darcy felt extremely frustrated. He had obviously been talking about Brooke and she'd wanted to hear what else he had to say.

"Fine, I'll catch up with you later." Travis finished his call and flopped down in the chair beside Darcy.

"So when do we get to meet this fiancée of yours?" Darcy knew she sounded spiteful, but she longed to know more about the woman. Her curiosity needed to be satisfied.

"Yes, fiancée. Remember you said you'd started making enquiries about Kelly when you wanted to get married again?"

"Yes, I did, didn't I. Fortunately, I never got around to actually popping the question. When I found out about Brooke, the lady cooled off rather rapidly. She didn't take to the idea of becoming an instant mother."

"You thought I was talking to my fiancée?" A smile twinkled in his eyes and tugged at the corners of his mouth. "No, that was an old friend who knew Kelly. I told him about Brooke and he wanted to know how things were going."

"I can assure you that I'm completely free of entanglements and I can give all my attention to you and Brooke."

He didn't look in the least bit upset about his lady love's fickleness. Darcy couldn't resist a further probe into his past.

"You didn't. I'm glad I found out what she was really like before I introduced her to my daughter. Well done, Brooke," he called as the child did another lap of the pool. "I think that's enough for now though, don't you?"

Darcy took this to mean that the conversation was over and she thought maybe he had been badly hurt, even though he wasn't willing to admit it. Brooke raced up and Travis enveloped her in a big fluffy towel and dried her young body. As the child chattered to her father, Darcy drifted off into her own thoughts.

She was glad Brooke wouldn't have a rival for her father's affections at this critical time when she had to get used to him being the only adult in her life. Nevertheless, the lack of romantic attachments didn't mean he had any feelings for Darcy. Sure, they'd kissed a few times, but both times had been in the heat of the moment, driven by emotions which had nothing to do with romance. Travis wanted a clean handover of Brooke with no last minute dramatics, and he was obviously willing to go to any lengths to get this.

"I suggested we go to Disneyland for a few days," Travis repeated. "We'd stay at the Disneyland Hotel. If you remember, I promised Brooke I'd take her there when she came to America. What do you think?"

"I think I'm a bit old for that type of thing." Darcy would have loved to join them, but she felt it might be time to start weaning Brooke away from her. "Why don't you two go together? I'd rather stay here and lounge around doing nothing. It's not very often I get the chance and I'm exhausted after all the sightseeing we've done this week."

"Please, Darcy." Brooke opened her eyes wide to add weight to her request. "I don't want to go without you."

"Neither do I," Travis surprised her by saying. "It won't be as much fun with just the two of us, will it, Brooke?"

"See!" Brooke threw off the towel and plonked herself down beside her aunt. "We want you to come."

"Okay! Okay! I give in." Darcy laughed and a happy Brooke ran off to have another swim.

"I thought it might be an opportunity for the two of you to be on your own. It's got to happen sometime and I'd rather it wasn't when Brooke realizes I'm returning to New Zealand on my own."

"Seems a bit too soon to me. You still have several weeks before you fly back. Let's wait for a better opportunity."

Darcy smiled in agreement, but her mind refused to accept the 'too soon' aspect. The quicker Brooke became used to depending on Travis, the better. Hopefully, it would become a habit long before she needed to leave the child.

AS THEY SPED NORTH to Anaheim, Darcy revelled in the luxury Travis' lifestyle provided. Despite his avowal that his business needed him, he hadn't spent any time at his office and Darcy wondered if he really needed to work. Every time she felt she was getting to know him, something would make her realize most of her knowledge came from Travis himself, and how did she know he was telling the truth?

At present, they were driving along in his beautiful convertible and Brooke had pronounced it just like the ones on the television. Darcy wasn't sure, but she had doubts that a respectable businessman would drive such a car. Surely a sedan would give a better image, or perhaps a station wagon to carry the tools of his trade around with him. Darcy had no idea what sort of equipment a civil engineer needed, but he must have to visit building sites and do something.

"Darcy, look!" Brooke's excited voice interrupted her thoughts. "There's the Disneyland Hotel. Where's the monorail, Travis?"

After settling into their rooms, Brooke insisted on visiting Disneyland immediately. Although tired by the journey, Darcy and Travis knew they'd get no peace if they didn't let the child have at least one look around before settling down for the night so they gave in gracefully and all boarded the monorail.

They walked down Main Street and Travis pointed out many of the sights which they'd only seen on television before. Brooke's excitement overflowed when she saw Mickey Mouse and after waiting their turn, Travis took a photo of her cuddling up to the oversized cartoon character.

"Minnie would never believe me if I just tell her, but the photo will prove I met Mickey." She yawned and the adults looked at one another.

"I think it's time we went back to the hotel," Travis stated firmly, but Brooke tried one last plea.

"Yes, you do. It's late and Disneyland will be here tomorrow. You'll like it better if you're not so tired." She smiled at her niece. "Come on, let's do as your dad says and go back to the hotel."

Over the last few days, Darcy had tried to let Travis make the decisions regarding Brooke, and it seemed to be working. Very rarely did Brooke argue or try to get her aunt to countermand her father. The child was beginning to realize they stood together where she was concerned. Surprisingly Brooke seemed happy with this situation and usually asked Travis if she wanted to do something, or had a query.

"She's sound asleep." Travis joined Darcy by the open balcony windows of their suite. "Didn't even want a book read to her tonight."

"Just think what a livewire she'll be tomorrow though." Darcy groaned. "We'll be dragged from one end of Disneyland to the other."

"We'll survive." Travis smiled at her. "Are you hungry? I can order something from room service if you are."

"No, that snack we had earlier will see me through till breakfast. Travis, I'd like to say that I think you're doing a really good job getting to know Brooke, and learning how to be a father. It can't be easy for you trying to become a dad to an eight-year-old."

"I couldn't do it without your help." Travis leaned forward and took her hand in his. "Without you, or if you had decided to make things difficult, I would still be regarded by Brooke as an outsider."

"Nonsense." Darcy tried to pull her hand from his, uncomfortable with the close contact which made her insides tremble. "You'd have managed."

Instead of releasing her, Travis rose and pulled her up to stand with him. One of his hands moved to her face and his finger traced the line of her cheek, down over her jaw and caressed her lips. Wide eyed Darcy stared at him, her heart pounding in her breast, and hot, turbulent feelings stirring in the pit of her stomach. She felt powerless to stop him. She wanted him to go on and rouse her emotions to a fever pitch. Her lips parted soundlessly as his face moved closer to hers. Gently he kissed her cheek, her eyes and then her lips. His kiss became bolder as she responded by moving into the circle of his arms.

"Darcy." His mouth breathed her name before he kissed her ear, his hands now pulling her against his body, so close she felt his excitement was as great as her own.

Slowly he lowered her to the sofa where he pushed the hair from her face and looked intently at her. She looked back at him, and felt the love well up inside of her. He groaned.

"Darcy, before we go further I need to ask you something." He sat up and put his head into his hands.

"Pardon?" Darcy suddenly felt cold and alone, far removed from the romantic warmth of a few moments ago.

"I'm Brooke's father — you're her aunt. You said that making love seemed wrong to you. I don't know how we can overcome that, unless you'd be willing to marry me." He looked at her with uncertainty. "Would you?"

Darcy's head was in a whirl. Travis wanting to marry her brought thrills and excitement to her breast, but a marriage such as he suggested would only be one of convenience. Convenient for him! Marriage would overcome any obstacles Brooke might raise about staying in America, because, as his wife, Darcy would also stay there. He would also destroy her fears about making love. In fact, he would gain everything, but what would she gain — nothing!

No, that wasn't entirely true. I'd be able to be with Brooke, but at what price? Presumably once the novelty wore off, Travis would feel free to see other women and she'd be left with a broken heart. He didn't love her. He only wanted to marry her because marriage would make his problems disappear.

"Darcy, what do you say? Shall we get married? It would solve a lot of our difficulties."

"No!" Darcy shouted the word as she pushed him away from her and struggled to her feet. "That's not the way to solve anything, Travis. People should marry because they love one another, not because it's convenient. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed."

TRAVIS SHOOK HIS HEAD in bewilderment. Not willing to go through the rebuttal he'd received last time he tried to make love to Darcy, he'd taken the only route he knew to her heart. An offer of marriage would ensure they'd all be together as a family, his beloved daughter and the woman he loved with a passion so great it scared him.

Scared! That's what was wrong. She was scared of committing herself. His poor Darcy had been alone so long, with only a child for company that she'd forgotten how to respond to genuine love. She'd told him how she'd vowed not to get involved with anyone until Brooke was able to stand on her own two feet, and although she no longer had this excuse, she obviously didn't feel able to allow her feelings true freedom.

Travis knew the main problem was lack of trust. She didn't trust him, but more to the point she didn't trust her feelings for him. He would have to show her that he really cared for her and wanted her in his life as much as he wanted Brooke.

A good beginning would be a romantic dinner. Disneyland held lots of fantasy, but romance wasn't one of them. He would wait until they returned to San Diego. A good day out to tire Brooke and a meal ordered in from a gourmet restaurant would set the scene beautifully.

Until they returned to his home he would back off. He'd show Darcy by his actions rather than words how much he loved her. He'd prove to her that he wanted to care for her as well as Brooke. Maybe when she believed the true depth of his feelings, she'd agree to marry him.

All night she'd tossed and turned, going over and over what had happened after Brooke went to bed. No matter how she looked at it, Travis was using her for his own ends. The sooner she left America, the better.

It was all very well saying that, but leaving California also meant leaving Brooke. She'd probably never see her niece again, at least not until the child reached an age to make decisions for herself. Hopefully, she'd decide to visit her aunt when she grew up, but that was in the future. Now Darcy had to get through the day with a man she loved to distraction, but who only wanted to use her as a convenience. Plus she had to keep from Brooke the feeling that anything was wrong. She had no idea how to achieve this, but she'd have to try for her niece's sake.

It wasn't as hard as she'd thought. Nobody remained unhappy or tense in the delights of Disneyland. Brooke insisted on going on every ride, and although Travis told her this wasn't possible in one day, she made a good try. They moved at amazing speed, queues permitting, from the Pirates of the Caribbean to Tom Sawyer Island and the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Other attractions lured them in different directions, but Brooke seemed tireless in her search for the rides and attractions she'd heard about for so long. Now she grasped at her chance to try them all.

At the end of the day, Travis and Darcy were too tired to say anything but goodnight to one another, and the next three days were repeats of the first.

Darcy and Brooke slept for the entire return journey to San Diego, in fact, Travis carried Brooke to her bed when they reached the apartment as she showed no inclination to wake up.

Now they were back in La Jolla, the tension between Darcy and Travis returned. It started when Travis asked her if she'd had any more thoughts on his suggestion that they marry.

Darcy was tempted to tell him that the whole thing was ridiculous, but she decided to use the opportunity to find out more about him.

"Let's face it, Travis, I know next to nothing about you." Before she went any further he interrupted her.

"For a start, you say you're a civil engineer but I would have thought your car was totally impractical for work purposes." She looked at him to see how he was taking this. "And what about family? Do you have any brothers or sisters? Are your parents nearby?"

"Okay," Travis drawled. "Let's start with the family first. As far as I know, I'm an only child. I was adopted by a couple who were unable to have children. The only thing they knew about my natural mother was that she was a teenager who got pregnant and had to let the baby go for adoption. My parents died in a car crash about five years ago. They loved me and I adored them, but it does mean that I'm on my own now."

"And your work?" Darcy prompted when Travis paused and seemed reluctant to continue.

"You're right." He grinned. "My Mustang is not the right sort of car for my job. Put it down to a need to spoil myself once I got established. I bought it because I could, if you understand what I mean. I have an office downtown and keep a truck there for work purposes."

"There's also the matter of your almost fiancée." Darcy kept her voice emotionless. "You were so in love that you wanted to marry her, but don't seem a bit upset that she didn't care about you enough to take on Brooke. Then you ask me to marry you. It doesn't say much for your commitment to women, does it? Especially when Brooke is also the result of a failed marriage to my sister."

"No, it doesn't look good, does it?" Travis still had a hint of a smile on his lips and Darcy had to suppress the urge to hit him. How dare he think this was funny! "All I can say is that in the case of Kelly and my almost fiancée, I was mistaken. It wasn't love."

"Surely the second time around, you would have known that." Darcy heard the caustic note in her voice.

"Oh you're impossible." Darcy almost shouted the words at him. "I can't talk to you while you've got that silly grin on your face."

Travis reached for her, but she flung his hand off and hurried out to join Brooke sunbathing by the pool. This effectively stopped Travis from following her and continuing the conversation.

After this conversation, Darcy started to plan her return to New Zealand. Brooke had accepted Travis as her father, and she decided her continued presence posed a threat to the growing relationship between them.

Secretly Darcy made her flight reservations and tried to think of an opportunity to get away from Travis and Brooke on that day. She was at her wits' end when, the day before she was due to leave, Brooke solved the problem.

"Again? You've been three times already." Travis laughed, then not willing to disappoint his daughter, he gave in. "Okay, we'll go tomorrow, if that's all right with you, Darcy?"

"Why don't you two go on your own?" Darcy suggested, sending a silent prayer of thanks to whichever deity had provided this opportunity. "I think I've had enough of playing the tourist. I really need a rest, so I'll spend the day lounging by the pool."

Father and daughter accepted her excuse and early the next morning, they set off down the highway to Balboa Park.

As soon as they left, Darcy started slinging clothes into her bag. Then she sat and wrote to both Travis and Brooke, leaving the two notes and Brooke's passport on the coffee table in the lounge. After checking to make sure she'd left nothing behind, she rang for a cab to take her to the airport.

She managed to hold on to her emotions until the plane was over the Pacific Ocean, but then the tears eventually began to fall, and she spent most of the flight looking out of the window or pretending to be asleep in the hope that nobody would see how upset she was.

Brooke's voice rang through the apartment as she raced along the hall to Darcy's room. Travis frowned. The apartment had a strange, empty feeling and when he saw the notes and passport on the table, he immediately knew what had happened.

"Travis, she's not there and her suitcase has gone." Brooke looked worried as she re-entered the lounge.

"Brooke, come sit by me." Travis patted the cushion beside him as he sat on the sofa. "Look." He pointed to the table.

"She's gone home without me, hasn't she?" Tears welled in Brooke's eyes, but she made no attempt to pick up the letter from her aunt.

"Let's read the letters and see what she says, shall we?" Travis wished he was able to let go of his emotions like his daughter, but this was impossible. He had to remain strong for Brooke's sake. "Why don't you read yours out loud?"

Dear Brooke,

I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye, but I knew we'd both get very upset and I think it's better this way. Travis is your father and you should be with him. He needs you, Brooke.

I'll always feel proud that you were with me for those wonderful eight years at the beginning of your life, but now it's time for you to take your proper place, which is with your father. Travis has promised to let you call me on the telephone whenever you feel you need to talk to me. Please don't blame him for this as he didn't know I planned to leave today, so it's not his fault. Remember, Brooke, if ever you need me, I'll be here, but I doubt if you will with such a wonderful dad in your life.

Love you forever, hon.

Darcy.

XXXXXX"

Brooke burst into tears as she finished reading the letter and flung herself into her father's arms.

Travis was speechless. She called me Daddy! My little girl called me Daddy. Quickly he pulled himself together. Now he had to earn the title.

"Hush, my love." He hugged her to him and stroked her hair. Gently he rocked her to and fro until she calmed down. "Sweetheart, Darcy didn't do this to hurt you. She thought she was doing it for the best."

"She went back to New Zealand because she knows your home is now in California. She hasn't left you. She'll never leave you, sweetheart. Darcy's only as far as the end of the phone and in a few months, you and I can take a vacation and go see her in New Zealand."

"I promise. Now why don't we get ready for dinner? Why don't we go to that restaurant you like?"

"I'd rather stay home and eat here." Brooke ducked her head shyly. "Can we ring Darcy after dinner?"

"Do you remember how long it took us to fly to America?" Travis asked, gently drawing his daughter to stand between his knees. "Well that's how long it will take Darcy to get back. We'll have to wait until tomorrow or the day after before we can phone her."

Brooke accepted the explanation and wandered off to her room to get changed. Travis picked up the child's passport and the letter addressed to him, and took them into his own room.

Dear Travis,

I know this isn't very fair to you, leaving so suddenly, but I think it's the right thing to do. Leaving was never going to be easy for Brooke or myself, so I really believe it's best that I'm suddenly gone. That way she won't be able to pull the emotional strings of either of us, not that she means to, of course, but it's only natural she'd want us to stay the way we are, which is impossible. Take good care of her, Travis, and love her. She needs lots of love and attention to ensure she grows into a strong young woman. You know where to reach me if you need me.

Darcy

"No kisses for me," Travis murmured as he reread the letter, and then put it away in his desk drawer. "Oh, Darcy, why did you do this? You didn't give us a chance."

Over dinner, Brooke seemed quiet. Travis put it down to the upset of her aunt leaving, but apparently the child had been thinking.

"Why didn't you and Darcy get married?" Brooke asked as she helped to put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. "We'd have been a family then and Darcy would have stayed here with us, or we could have all gone to live in New Zealand."

"Yes, I do. I love her very much." Travis kept to the truth, surprised at the depth of his feelings. "Unfortunately, she doesn't love me."

"Not exactly," Travis said after a few moments of reflection. "She said she wouldn't marry me."

"You didn't tell her, did you?" Brooke hopped up and down with excitement. "You didn't tell her you loved her."

"She knows I love her, Brooke. I didn't have to tell her." Despite his words, hope sprang up in Travis. Darcy does know I love her, doesn't she?

"Don't be silly, Daddy. You have to tell Darcy things or she won't believe you. If you didn't say the words, then she'll think you don't love her."

Brooke stood hands on hips, lecturing him with all the seriousness of an adult and the phrase 'out of the mouths of babes' flew into Travis' mind. Fool. I've been a fool!

"Thank you, Brooke." He hugged his daughter, then picked her up and spun her round and round. "I love you, sweetheart. I love you very much and I love Darcy very much, too."

Brooke squealed with laughter as she spun round faster and faster in her father's arms.