‘I’ll be fine. I’m safe here, I’m sure. And I’ll keep Fiona safe too. She’s probably asleep by now.’
‘Good. The poor girl must be worn out by all this.’
‘Yes! It’s been lovely to see her eat and relax.’
‘Thank you so much for all your help, Hattie. You’ve saved our daughter.’ There was a wry laugh. ‘Although my husband might take longer to be grateful.’
Hattie laughed too. ‘That’s OK. I don’t need his gratitude.’
‘I’m grateful enough for both of us, I’m sure.’
‘I was very happy to be able to help.’
It was only after she disconnected the call that she suddenly began to feel nervous. The cottage was far from any neighbours and Hattie had never minded this before. But the thought of Lance tracking her down, coming to her door to threaten her and Fiona, made her heartbeat increase.
She picked up the phone again. ‘Luke?’ she said when her call was answered. ‘Could I possibly borrow Frank and Fearless?’
Chapter Fourteen
‘What do you want them for?’
She hesitated for just a second too long, aware she should have got her story straight before she’d called.
‘I’m coming over,’ said Luke, and he hung up.
Hattie still hadn’t worked out what to say before she heard Luke’s truck pull up and the sounds of people getting out. The dogs arrived first, quickly followed by Xander.
‘What’s up, Hattie?’ he asked.
‘It’s complicated. Come in. But don’t go to your room, it’s got Fiona in it.’
‘Oh!’ said Xander. ‘I leave the house for an evening and you rent my room out to someone else!’
Hattie smiled, grateful to him for lightening the mood. Then Luke came in. He looked… not cross exactly, she thought, but resolute.
‘So?’ he said.
‘Well, come in properly,’ she said grumpily. ‘I’ll make some tea.’
Her mouth had gone dry and she was desperate for a cup, but even more, she wanted a bit longer to think what to say.
She brought through a tray of mugs and a plate of biscuits. Xander would appreciate them even if no one else would.
‘So?’ said Luke, looking at her over his mug.
He had a way of talking that was quiet but very firm, she realised. She wasn’t sure she’d seen this side to him before. Right now it was wonderfully reassuring.
‘It’s a bit complicated, and sorry for dragging you out,’ Hattie said. ‘I could have managed with Frank and Fearless, I’m sure.’
‘Really, Hattie,’ said Luke. ‘Surely you know me better than to expect me to just lend you my dogs without a proper explanation.’
Hattie sipped her tea. ‘OK. The thing is, I’ve got a girl – young woman – staying with me—’
‘So quick to replace me,’ said Xander, shaking his head.
‘And her – well – the man she left at the altar earlier today might find out where she is. And if he does, he’ll quite probably come here and he’ll be very angry.’
‘OK,’ said Luke, crossing one long leg over the other, ‘so your plan, if this man arrived at your door, angry, looking for his bride and finding you in his way, would be to set Frank and Fearless on to him?’
