OLIVER let her go.
He stood there, totally stunned at her words and the pain he could not only see in her face but hear in her voice. Exactly how long he stood there he wasn’t sure, staring at the closed door to his office as though it would hopefully bring her back.
It didn’t.
‘She needs time,’ he mumbled as he finally sat back down in his chair. He picked up a piece of paper but threw it back on the desk a second later, shaking his head and rubbing his hand over his eyes. How had he let things get so out of hand?
Oliver sucked in a breath and exhaled slowly, trying to make sense of what had just happened. He’d never meant to hurt her. He cared about her. In such a short space of time she’d become more than a colleague, more than a friend…more than a girlfriend?
Was there any truth in what she’d said? Had he really behaved so badly? He’d been upfront about what he’d needed from her, especially regarding the staff and the changes here at the hospital. He hadn’t asked her to lie or be deceptive, not that she was capable of either. Stephanie was an honest woman and he’d realised that from their earliest acquaintance.
The phone on his desk shrilled to life and he snatched it up, thankful for the distraction. ‘Dr Bowan.’
‘Oliver. It’s Stephen.’
Oliver closed his eyes, trying to stifle a groan. How was he supposed to stop thinking about Stephanie now? ‘What can I do for you?’
‘I’d like to talk about Steph.’
Oliver shook his head and opened his eyes, looking unseeingly at the work on his desk. ‘Going to read me my rights?’
‘Pardon?’
‘You know, do the over-protective brother thing and bawl me out for treating your sister badly? If you are, then I have to say now is not a good time.’
Stephen was silent for a moment. ‘Have you?’
‘Treated her badly?’ Oliver raked his free hand through his hair. ‘Probably. I don’t know. I’m rather confused at the moment. I take it from the fact you’re calling me that you’ve felt her anguish and spoken to her.’
‘She wouldn’t talk. She just said she’d be around tonight to stay over. So I thought I’d get the scoop from you.’
‘What? You’re not going to tell her I’m all wrong for her? That I’m a divorced, single father who has more problems than her inexperienced heart can handle?’
‘You seem to be under the impression that I want you and Steph to stop seeing each other.’
‘Don’t you?’
‘You’ve told me you respect her and I believe you. Besides, since you arrived her emotions have been in a constant state of flux.’
‘Really? Is that a good thing?’
‘It’s good for Steph. With the few relationships she’s had, she’s always been in control. She would call the shots and she would walk away without getting too badly hurt. In fact, with the majority of the men she’s dated, she’s stayed friends with most of them. What happened was that she never really put herself out there, put her heart on the line. With you, she has. She’s in love with you.’
‘I know.’
Silence again from Stephen. ‘And do you love her?’
‘It’s a question I seem to be getting asked quite frequently of late.’
‘Do you have the guts to answer it?’
‘Do you?’
‘She’s told you about Nicolette and I,’ Stephen stated, then chuckled humourlessly. ‘Looks as though we’re both in the same boat.’
‘Stephanie’s positive you’ll end up together. She says Nicolette is perfect for you.’
‘So she’s told me.’
‘She’s not one to keep her cards close to her chest.’
‘Steph? You’d be surprised, Oliver. She only shares the positive things.’
‘Meaning?’
‘She may have told you she loves you but she’ll hide all the pain and heartbreak she’s feeling right now. She’ll lock herself up so tight even I’ll have trouble penetrating her emotions.’
‘She’s supposed to come to Sydney with Kaz and me tomorrow.’
‘She told me.’
‘But you said she’s staying at your house tonight.’
‘Yes. She’ll be there. She’ll go to Sydney with you because she doesn’t want to let Kaz down. She’s one amazing woman, Oliver.’
‘You don’t need to convince me.’
‘Obviously I do, otherwise you’d know whether or not you’re in love with her.’
‘Does this mean I have your approval?’
‘You have the power to give her either the greatest joy she’s ever felt or the greatest pain.’
‘Very prophetic words.’
‘Yes, and I’ve just realised they apply as much to me as they do to you. Looks as though we both have a lot of thinking to do.’
‘I appreciate your call, Stephen.’ Oliver hung up and sat there, staring at the telephone, letting Stephen’s words slowly sink in.
The next morning, Oliver dragged himself out of bed and went to have breakfast. He’d stayed up until two o’clock, hoping Stephanie might have changed her mind and come home. Home? The old saying about home being where the heart was flashed through his mind, and he groaned.
‘Something wrong, dear?’ Mrs Dixon asked as he sat down at the kitchen bench.
‘When isn’t something wrong, Mrs D.? Any coffee?’
‘You look exhausted. I think this trip to Sydney will do you all the world of good. Clear away some cobwebs.’
‘You’re not coming?’
‘Oh, no. The thought of having today and tomorrow all to myself, to sit and read a book uninterrupted, is too good to pass up. Besides, I don’t want to get in the way.’
‘Very tactful of you,’ Oliver muttered as Kasey walked in, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. ‘Good morning, Kaz.’
‘Morning, Dad. Is Steph not up yet?’
Oliver looked from his daughter to Mrs Dixon and back again. Kasey was going to have a fit when she realised Stephanie wasn’t here and, more to the point, that he was the reason Stephanie wasn’t here. ‘Well…’
‘She called last night,’ Mrs Dixon interrupted him, ‘when you were in bed, Kasey. She spent the night at her brother’s house. It seems she needed to discuss some things with him.’
‘Oh.’ Kasey frowned then looked at her father. ‘Did you know about it?’
‘It was mentioned to me.’ Oliver and Mrs Dixon shared another look.
‘OK,’ Kasey demanded. ‘What’s going on? You two are acting really strange.’ When neither adult spoke, she continued, ‘Look, I may only be eight years old but I’m not stupid. I can tell when there’s something wrong. Dad, were you a jerk to Steph?’
‘What?’
‘Is that why she stayed at her brother’s?’
‘Uh…’
‘Kasey, show a little respect for your father.’
‘No. She’s right, Mrs Dixon, and she has every right to question me. Stephanie and I had a…discussion yesterday and, yes, she was mad at me. But rest assured, I intend to put things right because even being in this house without her doesn’t seem right.’
He’d felt guilty about making her leave. She felt hurt and humiliated and it was all because of him. Well, he’d always been a man who took responsibility for his actions and this was no exception.
‘What do you mean?’ Kasey asked sceptically.
A smile touched Oliver’s lips as he felt his mood begin to lift. ‘I have a plan. Want to help me?’
‘Will it make Stephanie happy?’
‘I hope it will make all of us happy.’
Kasey jumped up and down and clapped her hands. ‘Goody.’
Stephanie pulled up outside the house just before ten. Oliver hadn’t called Stephen’s house to hurry her up, so she presumed he was waiting for her. Either that or he’d just gone and left her behind.
She closed her eyes as she switched off the engine, not wanting to think about it. If he wasn’t inside, if he had left, that would be the final nail in their relationship. The unmistakable sign that it was over. She opened her sore eyes and took a deep breath, deciding she couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer.
No sooner had she taken a few steps towards the house than Kasey came hurtling outside, almost throwing herself into Stephanie’s arms.
‘You’re here.’
Stephanie hugged the girl back, fresh tears filling her eyes as the relief that they were still there swamped her.
‘Why are you crying?’ Kasey asked when she pulled back. She slipped her hand into Stephanie’s and tugged her inside. ‘Are you all right?’
Stephanie sniffed with happiness. ‘I’m good. Just a little fragile.’
‘Yeah. Dad told me he was a jerk to you yesterday.’
Stephanie raised her eyebrows at this information and the hope inside her grew a little more.
‘Come on, Dad said we’re leaving in half an hour. I’m not sure what to wear. What do you wear to go shopping?’
‘Comfortable shoes,’ Stephanie replied automatically, and both of them giggled as they reached the house.
‘Is that all? Just comfortable shoes?’ Oliver was standing by the door, dressed in denim jeans and a royal blue polo shirt, which highlighted the magnificent colour of his eyes. He looked gorgeous and undeniably sexy. The small smile that touched his lips was one she’d been aching all night long to see. The scent of him teased her and her eyelids fluttered closed for a moment before she tried desperately to pull herself together. Why was it that thirty seconds in his presence turned her to mush? His eyebrows were raised in question and she realised he was waiting for an answer.
‘Well, perhaps some clothes, but definitely comfortable ones.’ She forced her gaze away from his. ‘Although, if you go shopping in uncomfortable clothes, it means you definitely have to buy new ones and wear them immediately.’
Kasey laughed. ‘Yes, yes. Let’s do that.’
Oliver groaned. ‘This trip is going to be more expensive than I thought.’
‘Daddy!’ Kasey groaned, and glared at him as though he was giving away some secret.
‘What? I was just making a comment. Come on, you two. Get packed because we’re out of here in thirty minutes and no later.’
Kasey tugged Stephanie into her room. ‘Do you have a bag? We need a bag. I’m already packed. In fact, I was packed last night. I did it by myself but then, I’m kind of used to it. But it was good, packing clothes that weren’t school uniform.’ She squealed excitedly. ‘I can’t believe I don’t need to go back to that school. That I’m going to stay with my dad for ever.’
Stephanie laughed at Kasey’s animation. ‘I’m really happy for you.’
‘Come on, Steph. Will you pack already?’
‘Sorry.’ Stephanie did as she was told and it wasn’t until they were ready to get into the car that she realised she hadn’t booked accommodation in Sydney. Before she could voice her thoughts, another problem arose. Mrs Dixon was hugging both Kasey and Oliver goodbye! ‘You’re not coming, Mrs D.?’
‘Oh, no, dear. I’ve done enough travelling in the last few weeks to last me quite a while. You all go and have a good time, and I’ll look after the house.’
There was nothing Stephanie could do because Oliver had climbed behind the wheel of his hire car and was starting the engine.
‘Come on, Steph. Put your seat belt on,’ Kasey demanded.
Feeling highly self-conscious, she climbed in, shut the door and buckled up. She wasn’t sure whether or not to say something to Oliver. If he’d told her Mrs Dixon wasn’t coming, she wouldn’t have come…And then it hit her. Oliver wanted her to come.
She glanced surreptitiously at him, wondering if she dared let her hope increase yet again. He had his sunglasses on and was concentrating on the road as he reversed, tooting the horn and waving goodbye to Mrs D.
‘So, Kaz. You get first pick of the music. Which CDs did you pack?’
Kasey named her favourite artist—the one whose picture Stephanie had printed out for her. ‘He’s s-o-o nice.’
‘Excellent,’ Stephanie said, and took the CD Kasey passed over. She inserted it and soon they were both singing along to the songs while Oliver listened, a bemused smile on his face.
‘Both of you have such sweet voices,’ he said.
Stephanie laughed, enjoying herself. ‘I know Kaz’s voice is unbelievable, but I think even “sweet” is going a little too far in my case. I’m not completely tone deaf but close to it.’
The time seemed to pass more quickly than usual and before Stephanie knew it they were down from the mountains, heading for the motorway to Sydney’s centre. It was then she remembered about the accommodation.
‘Uh…where are you two staying?’
‘The same place as you.’ Oliver glanced over, smiling at her. He named the hotel and her eyebrows rose.
‘Pretty expensive.’
‘This is Sydney. Everywhere is expensive. This weekend is a special occasion.’ He glanced in the rear-view mirror. ‘Isn’t that right, Kaz?’
‘Yep. I’m gonna tell that lawyer that I’m staying with my dad.’
Oliver winked at his daughter and she winked right back. Stephanie felt as though she’d just missed something, but as some idiot driver pulled out from nowhere, causing Oliver to swerve and slam on the brakes, she didn’t say anything.
‘You both all right? I’d forgotten what it’s like, driving in Sydney. I think I’d better concentrate more,’ he muttered, shaking his head.
Stephanie switched off the music so Oliver could concentrate, and they made it to the hotel without further mishap. ‘I’d forgotten how stressful Sydney traffic is.’ He handed the keys to the valet after they’d taken out their overnight bags. ‘Let’s get checked in.’
‘What time’s your appointment with the solicitor?’
‘He’s a friend from school so he told me to give him a call once we were settled.’
‘Oh. You mean the snooty boarding school you went to?’
Oliver smiled at her and she felt her heart flutter with happiness. ‘One and the same. You’re welcome to come with us.’
‘Dad!’ Kasey glowered but Oliver waved her concerns away.
Stephanie once more looked from one to the other. ‘That’s all right. I was hoping to catch up with a few friends from med school. They’re at Royal North Shore so I’ll spend time there while you’re busy.’
‘And then we’re going shopping, right?’
Stephanie laughed. ‘Right, and then more shopping tomorrow.’
‘Yee-ha.’
‘Looks as though I’ll have time to myself as well. After all…’ he glanced down at his jeans ‘…I’m still not wearing a dress.’
Kasey giggled. ‘So you can’t come shopping. It’s just me and Steph.’
‘Steph and I,’ both adults corrected her, then laughed.
Once Oliver had checked them in, they were shown to two adjoining rooms. ‘You two can sleep in one and I get the other all to myself,’ Oliver teased.
‘Unfair.’ Kasey pouted. ‘I think you and Steph should share and I get one to myself.’
Oliver met Stephanie’s gaze and she could instantly feel her face becoming flushed. Nothing had been sorted out. From all the things she’d said to him yesterday afternoon, nothing had been sorted. They’d just called some weird truce—a truce she didn’t know the rules to—and she could feel herself beginning to panic deep inside.
Her mouth went dry and she swallowed, feeling swamped with shyness. She saw the flash of desire in his eyes and knew her own reciprocated the awareness, even though she wasn’t quite sure where she stood. She loved him, he wanted to date her. That’s where they’d left things. Was this weekend supposed to show her it would be enough…at least until Oliver decided he didn’t want her any more?
‘I think we’ll keep things the way they are,’ Oliver told his daughter, and Stephanie wondered whether the words were aimed at her and the status of their relationship.
Thankfully, she seemed to find her brain again and looked away, putting her bag onto the end of one of the beds.
‘Just think, we can have girl talk all night long. We can paint our toenails and put curlers in our hair.’ She paused as she spoke and Kasey giggled. ‘Hmm. Perhaps we’ll just put the curlers in your hair.’
‘Might be a bit hard in yours,’ Oliver agreed.
‘Which reminds me, I need to make some phone calls.’
‘Who are you calling?’ Oliver asked.
‘Ah, now, that’s important girl stuff and as you’ve already pointed out, Dr Bowan, you’re not wearing a dress so…out.’ She pointed to the connecting door.
‘Unfair,’ he grumbled, but left them alone.
‘Who are you calling?’ Kasey said once he’d left.
‘My hairdresser. It’s time to decide on a new colour.’
Stephanie was able to catch up with her friends while Oliver and Kasey went to see his solicitor. As she caught a taxi back to the hotel, late in the afternoon, she hoped everything had gone well for father and daughter. It was a strange situation and she wondered whether it bothered Oliver that his ex-wife might one day marry his brother? Kasey’s uncle would become her stepfather but, hopefully, she wouldn’t have to see them that often.
Back at the hotel, she found Kasey impatiently waiting for her. ‘We finished ages ago.’
‘Don’t exaggerate, Kaz.’ Oliver laughed and turned to face Stephanie. ‘We’ve only been back for half an hour—if that. Have fun visiting your friends?’
‘Yes. It’s always good to see them.’ Although this time she’d felt rather disjointed. It was as though her friends were from a different part of her life—her life before Oliver. Had she really changed that much in such a short time?
‘Are we going shopping or what?’ Kasey demanded. Stephanie checked her watch.
‘The shops are open for about another half an hour so we’d better hustle. Then we can finish tomorrow.’
They went to a few shops closest to them and Stephanie bought Kasey a bracelet with KAZ on it. ‘Something to remember me by.’
‘Are you going somewhere?’
Stephanie shrugged. ‘Things may not always be as they are now.’
‘You mean between you and my dad? No. I guess they won’t.’ Kasey’s smile was broad, her eyes sparkling. It puzzled Stephanie.
‘We’d better get back in time for dinner.’
Oliver was waiting downstairs for them in the hotel restaurant and Stephanie was thankful they weren’t going out again. She was exhausted. Too much thinking, trying to decipher expressions or little snippets of information. She was thankful when Oliver declared it time for bed.
‘I was just going to excuse myself.’
‘I’m not surprised. That’s about the tenth time you’ve yawned in the last few minutes.’
Stephanie smiled as they rode the lift up, Kasey snuggled in her father’s arms. ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean you were boring company.’
‘I understand.’ He stopped outside their door and waited for her to open it.
‘Do you?’
He placed Kasey on the bed and took off the girl’s shoes before pulling the covers around her. Then he straightened and walked over to Stephanie.
‘I understand completely,’ he declared firmly, and she knew they were talking about something completely different. They stood, gazing into each other’s eyes, the world around them disappearing. He brushed his fingers over her cheek, his thumb gently caressing her lips which parted immediately, letting him know they were desperate for his touch.
‘Steph,’ he sighed, his eyes darkening with desire, but he made no move to kiss her. He wanted nothing more than to be with her but knew he had to take it slowly, especially if he wanted his plan to come to fruition. With superhuman effort he dropped his hand and took two steps towards his door. ‘Get some sleep.’ His voice was deep and husky with repressed emotion. ‘I’ve booked us in for breakfast at nine so sleep in if Kaz lets you.’
In the next breath he was gone and Stephanie was left to have another fitful sleep, wet tears falling silently onto her pillow. In the morning she felt even more miserable than she had the previous day. It was then she realised that the emotions she was experiencing weren’t just her own. ‘Not now, Stephen,’ she muttered as she showered. Thankfully, Kasey had slept right through until just after eight o’clock and had then watched television while Stephanie had eventually given up all pretence of sleep and decided to get the day started.
They were halfway through breakfast when she suddenly felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders. ‘Excuse me,’ she said, pulling her cellphone from her pocket as she stood. ‘I just need to check on Stephen.’
Oliver glanced up. ‘Everything all right?’
‘Feels that way to me.’ She smiled brightly at him, unable to believe how happy she felt. ‘Back in a minute.’
Oliver watched her walk away before going over the plan with Kasey. He glanced again in the direction Stephanie had gone, wondering about her brother. Had Stephen found the answers to his own questions?
All was revealed when Stephanie eventually came back, brushing tears away. ‘What’s wrong?’ Oliver was out of his chair, his hands on her shoulders as he gazed down into her face. Then he realised she didn’t look upset…she looked happy.
‘Nothing’s wrong. Everything’s just perfect.’
‘What’s going on?’ Kasey demanded.
‘Stephen and Nicolette just got engaged.’
‘Just then?’ Oliver smiled, happy for her and for her brother.
‘Yes. They let me listen to the proposal and be involved and everything, and it was so great and now I just want to see them.’
‘But what about shopping?’ Kasey wailed.
Stephanie laughed. ‘We are not postponing shopping. I have to find the perfect outfit for my brother’s wedding.’
‘Do you think I’ll be invited?’
‘I’m certain of it. So, if you’ve finished eating, let’s get this shopping day organised.’ She turned to face Oliver. ‘No dress?’
‘No. I don’t have the legs for it.’
She laughed again, amazed at how happy she felt after being so miserable for the last few days. ‘Perhaps we should get you a kilt. Surely, with the surname of Bowan, you have some Scottish ancestors somewhere.’
‘Now, there’s a thought. If I wear a kilt, can I join in with the girl stuff?’
‘No!’ Kasey wailed, and grabbed Stephanie’s hand. ‘Let’s go, Steph. Bye, Dad.’
Stephanie shrugged as she snatched up her bag.
‘I’ll call you with details about lunch.’
‘OK,’ she agreed, before Kasey dragged her from the restaurant. The two of them shopped until they dropped and Stephanie was surprised how much fun shopping with an eight-year-old could be. ‘You definitely have a shoe fetish,’ she told Kasey. ‘You’ve already bought two new pairs. Do you really need these boots?’
‘But they’re so good. They’re purple.’
‘Yes. I wish they had them in my size. What’s the price?’ They checked the ticket and when they found they were half-price, Stephanie didn’t even hesitate in carrying them to the counter and paying for them. ‘Shopping is great but getting a bargain is even greater.’
‘I want to wear them.’
‘Yes. They match your new outfit perfectly.’
‘I love that new dress. The burgundy colour goes great with your new hair colour.’
Stephanie laughed. ‘I can’t believe you talked me into wearing it. It’s a bit flash just to go shopping in.’
‘But this is a special weekend, remember?’ Kasey smiled. ‘I can’t believe we have the same hair colour. It was so cool, watching you get it done. I like it.’
‘Does that mean you like your colour now?’
She thought about it for a moment. ‘You know, I think I do. And mine’s natural.’
Stephanie laughed as Kasey changed her shoes, the purple patent-leather boots topping off her outfit. ‘We look fit for lunch with the Queen.’
‘Who’s the Queen?’ Kasey asked as the sales assistant boxed up her old shoes and handed them over.
‘Oh, Kaz. You’ve been living in America too long.’
‘Duh. Only all my life…until now.’
Stephanie’s phone rang. ‘That’ll be your dad.’
‘Having fun?’ he asked.
‘Definitely.’
‘Almost done?’
Stephanie checked her watch, surprised to find it was half past one. ‘I think we’re definitely in need of sustenance.’
‘Good. Where are you?’ She gave him the name of the store. ‘Be outside the main entrance in five minutes.’
‘OK.’ She disconnected the call and was stunned when five minutes later a limousine pulled into the kerb and Oliver got out. ‘Oliver!’ She looked him up and down. ‘You look…’ She shook her head, unable to find the words to describe how incredible he looked in a tux.
‘I was just thinking the same thing about you. I really like the hair.’
She smiled shyly under his gaze.
‘What do you think of my new outfit, Daddy?’
Oliver somehow managed to tear his gaze from Stephanie to look at his daughter. ‘You look so grown-up. You’re very beautiful, Kaz.’ Then he frowned. ‘Did you get your ears pierced?’
‘No way. They’re clip-ons. Steph said I should wait till I’m a bit older.’
He looked back at Stephanie. ‘She’s a wise woman.’ He winked conspiratorially at Kasey. ‘And she should know, she has so many earrings. Now, shall we go to lunch?’ The chauffeur came and relieved them of their many shopping bags before Oliver helped Kasey into the car. Then he turned to Stephanie, his gaze washing over hers once more. ‘Mademoiselle?’ He offered his hand.
‘Monsieur.’ When she placed her hand in his, she had the strange sensation she’d just come home. It was odd. ‘So where are we going, or is it a surprise?’
‘Sydney Tower.’
‘To the revolving restaurant?’
‘Yes. Problem?’
She pretended to consider him thoughtfully. ‘I’m concerned you can’t handle it. From what I’ve heard, you get sick on dizzy rides.’
Oliver pointed his finger at Kasey. ‘Someone told you about Disneyland.’ Kasey merely giggled. ‘Thankfully, the restaurant doesn’t go around that fast.’
When they arrived, and after going through the metal detectors, they were whisked up in the high-speed lift, their ears popping. At the gallery level, they exited and went through to the reception lounge, where they were greeted by the restaurant’s hostess.
‘Welcome, Dr Brooks, Ms Bowan and Dr Bowan,’ the hostess said. ‘This way.’
Stephanie frowned. ‘How did she know my name?’ It wasn’t until they were shown to their table that Stephanie realised they were the only ones in the restaurant.
‘Surprise!’ Kasey said, clapping her hands excitedly. ‘Now you see why you had to wear your new dress? So we could all be in our bestest clothes for lunch.’
Stephanie’s gaze met Oliver’s. ‘I don’t understand. Is this because you have custody of Kaz?’
‘Partly. Please, have a seat.’ He glanced at Kasey. ‘Now or later?’
‘Now. Now. Do it now.’ The eight-year-old was bubbling with excitement.
‘Yes. I can’t wait either.’ He motioned for the hostess and she wheeled over a trolley. On the trolley were two bunches of Australian wildflowers and two tiny boxes…jewellery boxes. Oliver handed one box to Kasey and took the other one for himself. ‘You first, honey.’
‘OK.’ Kasey came around and gave Stephanie a hug.
‘No,’ Oliver said. ‘Wait a second.’ He pulled his cellphone from his pocket. ‘We need to call Stephen.’
‘Good idea.’ Kasey gave Stephanie another hug, climbing onto her lap. ‘Isn’t this exciting?’
‘I…’ Stephanie swallowed, unsure what was going on, but knew, whatever it was, it was something vitally important to each and every one of them. ‘Yes.’
‘Stephen,’ Oliver said into his phone, and Stephanie wondered how he’d got Stephen’s number before she remembered Oliver had access to it at the hospital. ‘It’s Oliver. I hear congratulations are in order.’
‘Yes. Is Steph all right?’
‘I think so. Her hair is now a beautiful reddish-orange and it completely suits her, as does the beautiful dress she’s wearing.’
‘Steph’s in a dress? Is that why she’s apprehensive, or is there another reason?’
‘There’s definitely another reason and Kaz and I would like you to witness it…well, listen to it.’ He shook his head. ‘We’ll just get on with it.’ He placed the phone on the table and nodded to Kasey.
‘OK.’ Kasey handed Stephanie the box. ‘Open it.’
Stephanie did as she was told and gasped when she saw the most gorgeous pair of emerald earrings nestled there.
‘I love you, Steph. You’re so much fun and you make me and my dad happy. Please, be my stepmom?’
Stephanie didn’t even make an effort to stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks.
‘You have to, you know, because we have the same hair colour.’
Both Stephanie and Oliver chuckled, their gazes blending.
‘Now it’s your turn, Dad.’
Oliver nodded and went down on one knee. ‘Stephanie, what Kaz said is so true. You make us both so happy and it’s because you love with such a generous spirit. In a very short time you’ve made me understand and feel wholeheartedly what true love is all about. I not only want to apologise for being so slow to realise it but I want to remedy the situation right now.’ He opened the box and there was the most perfect emerald ring with a circlet of diamonds twinkling around it. ‘I love you, Stephanie. Please, accept me as your husband.’
Stephanie looked at him through blurry eyes and sniffed again. ‘Dad. We forgot tissues,’ Kasey whispered, but a moment later a box appeared and Stephanie was able to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.
‘Are you thinking about it? If you are, I don’t blame you.’ Oliver gazed at her with love and a hint of uncertainty. ‘I was such a jerk not to realise sooner just how I felt about you.’
Stephanie reached out and placed a finger over his lips, silencing him. ‘How could you even think I’d refuse? I love you, Oliver.’
He stood and, breaking the drought, pressed his mouth to hers. For both of them, it was as though they had truly come home.
‘Hey. You’re squashing me.’
Oliver and Stephanie laughed as they broke apart, both of them kissing Kasey—one on each side.
‘I love you, too,’ Stephanie said. ‘So much. And I’d be honoured to be your stepmum.’
‘It’s mom.’
They all laughed and then Stephanie remembered the phone on the table. She picked it up. ‘Hi, bro.’
‘Hey, yourself. Nice going.’
‘You, too. How’s Nic?’
‘Doubly excited now.’
Stephanie laughed. ‘I’m glad you were listening.’
‘Tell Oliver I appreciate it. He’s perfect for you.’
Stephanie smiled at the man of her dreams, who was sliding the emerald ring onto her finger. ‘You’ve got that right. I’m going to go now. Love you.’ She rang off. She admired the ring on her finger. ‘It’s so perfect.’
‘It had to be green because, no matter what colour your hair is, the emerald will remind us of what colour it was when we met.’
‘Put the earrings in,’ Kasey suggested, and Stephanie complied.
‘I’ve asked the estate agent to hold off putting the offer in until you’ve had a good look over the house. Kaz likes it and so do I but you need to like it, too. If you don’t, we’ll find one we can all grow old together in.’
Stephanie inserted the earrings and, after admiring them, Kasey walked off to ask about lunch, declaring herself very hungry.
‘I’m so sorry, Steph,’ Oliver said, sitting down and dragging her onto his lap, his arms securely around her. ‘I was scared to take a chance. Things went so wrong with Nadele that I wasn’t sure I could put my heart on the line again. You’ve taught me how to trust, how to give and how to love. For years I’ve been trying to get home. The only problem was, I had no idea where home was. Now…’ He pressed his lips to hers. ‘Now…I’m finally there and it’s perfect. You are perfect for me and I have to warn you, I can’t get enough of you.’
Their lips met and in the kisses they shared there were no unanswered questions, no wondering, no unknown factors. There was truth, respect and a powerfully consuming love.
‘Are you two still mooching?’ Kasey demanded, as she returned and sat down. ‘Well, you can keep on going but I was sick of waiting for lunch so I’ve ordered—for all of us.’
Grinning widely, she looked over her shoulder. The hostess was wheeling out another trolley, this one filled with desserts.
‘Lunch according to an eight-year-old.’ Oliver shook his head and smiled.
‘Hey. This is also lunch according to a thirty-five-year-old,’ Stephanie told him.
‘Women!’ Oliver rolled his eyes. ‘Should I start praying for a son now?’
Stephanie smiled and winked at Kasey. ‘It couldn’t hurt. Then again, it may be twins.’
Oliver groaned. ‘Heaven help me!’