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‘It’s where I wanted to be. Dee and Ryan came this morning too.’ He couldn’t take his eyes off her face. ‘Tarni, I have to tell you one thing before I tell you everything that’s happened.’ He held her hands tightly, and then remembered her injury. ‘Sorry.’

‘It’s fine. It’s almost healed. She reached for his hand again. ‘What did you want to tell me?’

Cy leaned closer to her. ‘I thought I was going to lose you. You’ve made me happier than I’ve been for a long time, and then I thought you would be taken from me before you knew how I felt. I need you to know how much I care about you.’

Tarni’s eyes held his and her smile was sweet. ‘I know you do. And I feel the same way about you, Cy. I’m looking forward to getting out of here and showing you how much.’

Cy lifted one hand and gently held the back of her head. He lightly brushed his lips over hers. ‘I’m looking forward to that very much too.’

Chapter 38

Hotel Playa Feliz, Mexico – a week later

Ellie

Kane and Ellie had talked and talked of the situation at home when the police had called a few days after Fairweather had died. Concern for Tarni had been their first reaction, and then disbelief that Russell Fairweather had been able to organise her poisoning, and then a truck crash from prison.

‘It was lucky for you we were away, Ellie.’ Kane had held her tightly.

‘Imagine what he could have done once he was released.’ Ellie shivered. ‘But not so lucky for Tarni. I’m just so grateful Cy was there with her and saved her life.’

It had taken a few days for them to get back to normal, and Kane had finished up at the farms. They’d made the decision to go home early, but when Kane had suggested another week at the resort with him not going to the farms, and spending each day with Ellie and the children Ellie had jumped at the chance.

On the last night before they flew home, Ellie lay on top of the crisp, fresh-smelling sheets as Kane took a shower in the ensuite. The gentle sea breeze blowing through the garden outside their balcony filled the room with a sweet fragrance. She jumped off the bed and grabbed her phone. She had been meaning to do a plant search on the ginger plant that smelled so wonderful and see if she could plant it at home.

‘That’s a nice view,’ Kane said with a chuckle as he stepped out of the bathroom. ‘What are you doing, Ellie?’

‘I’m taking photos of the plants.’

‘I hope no one’s looking in.’

‘At a naked photographer?’ she replied with a cheeky grin.

Their last night at the resort was bittersweet. It had almost become a second home to Ellie over the past weeks, and the kids had had an absolute ball.

She looked at her husband and thought how lucky she was. ‘It’s going to be good to go home, but sad in some ways. It’s been a wonderful two months.’

‘There’s no reason why we can’t have a holiday like this every year,’ Kane said.

‘That would be great, but the kids have grown so much Mum is not going to recognise Matilda,’ Ellie said.

‘I’m sure she will.’

‘Mum and Graysen had a wonderful time in Africa. I am so excited about getting home and seeing everyone.’

The bed tipped. Kane sat on the other side and then stretched out and rolled over next to her. ‘Have you had a good time, Els?’

‘It’s been wonderful, Kane. It’s been like a second honeymoon.’

He waggled his eyebrows. ‘Maybe we should make the most of our last night.’

She looked at her gorgeous husband and smiled. ‘Maybe we should. I’ve been thinking perhaps we should have another baby. Three is such an uneven number.’

A broad smile crossed Kane’s face. ‘Would you believe I was going to suggest that when we got home?’

‘Excellent. Decision made.’ Ellie chuckled as Kane rolled over and put his arms around her. ‘The trip’s been worthwhile for you, hasn’t it?’ she asked.

‘I can’t wait to get back and put all of what I’ve learned to work in our orchard. And I’m looking forward to talking to Tarni some more. Since she’s recovered, she’s made some great developments with the hybrid program, and it’s going to be great to combine what she’s been doing and what I’ve learned over here. I have a feeling she’d going to stay close by.’