Although of course Ethan couldn’t know that.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
She deliberately lightened her tone. “Well, I should hope you’re going to let me read it sometime.”
“Of course. It’s just still a bit messy at the moment, that’s all.”
“I see.” Vanessa’s heart sank. Could Daisy have misread the situation? Or had she completely misread it herself?
She turned to look at Ethan’s daughter, who was sitting quietly at the breakfast bar.
“Well, we’re looking forward to seeing you soon. When are you due back?”
“My flight’s this evening at seven. Are you and Daisy having a nice time?”
“We’re having a lovely time,” she said. “Do you want to talk to her?” She was rather hoping Ethan might confess to Daisy what was going on and then she in turn might be able to enlighten her further.
“Yes, please.”
“Hi, Dad. Yes, we’re having a great time… No, not really.”
At this, Vanessa could see the guilty shadow that crossed Daisy’s face and realized that Ethan must be asking something about the secret they were keeping. She clenched her hands into fists. How could she get it out of Daisy?
“Yeah, I miss you too. See you soon, Dad.”
With that, Daisy handed Vanessa back the phone.
“We can come to Heathrow later and collect you.”
“No, it’s fine. No need to go to any trouble. I can get the train.”
“Well, as long as you’re sure…”
“I am. I’d better go. I have quite a lot to get through today. A few more options to explore.”
“Of course. Well, enjoy the rest of the trip, and if there’s anything I can help with…any research I can do, let me know.”
“Ah, no, after today, I should have it all under control,” he said, sounding uncomfortable.
“Good to know. See you soon.”
But as Vanessa disconnected, she wondered how much longer she would be able to stand the suspense.
Chapter 37
Ethan knew that he should have bitten the bullet and taken the ring back last night, but he just couldn’t do it.
He was too soft…or too bloody stupid, more like. By rights, he should be on a plane back to London by now. Instead, he was heading back to Gillini for one last-ditch attempt at getting the job done.
“Ethan, hello again!” Before he could ponder his predicament any further, he was greeted with Rachel’s beaming smile.
All thought of getting the ring back suddenly left his mind as he stood there stupidly staring at her, and he felt a spasm of something go through his stomach. He couldn’t put his finger on what it was exactly, but he knew it was no longer just about the ring.
The truth was, he was still struck by Rachel’s comment last night about wanting to marry Vanessa so that he and Daisy could be a family again. Was there something to it? Was that the real reason he was so keen to make her his wife?
For her part, at least Rachel understood the importance of family in her own life following the loss of her parents.
But that didn’t necessarily mean it was good enough reason for either of them to be committing. And Ethan figured that they each had far more in common than he realized.
