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'I can see why you took this place,' Catherine said once Beth had shown them round and then settled the pair of them on the sofa with a cold drink 'It's so peaceful Mind, I don't think I'd want to be here all by myself in the winter'

'I'll be back in London by then' Beth save a funny little lurch at the thought of leaving Already the cottage seemed like home

Catherine nodded 'And what about hi armour?' she asked archly 'Have you seen any more of him since he rescued you from the brink of disaster?'

'Hardly a disaster' Beth laughed and hoped her sister didn't notice it was forced She had lossed over Travis's part in it as ht have known Catherine would seize on the fact that an attractive unattached man was in the immediate vicinity Her sister had already et Keith was to ued about it before she had left London Eventually they'd agreed to differ

'So, have you seen hilance Michael gave her which sug¬gested she was being too nosy 'Travis, wasn't it?'

Beth nodded 'Once or twice in passing,' she said casually, adding, 'and where are those photos of Ja to see them'

The diversion worked as Beth had known it would Catherine worshipped the ground her baby toddled on and had already confessed to phoning Michael's mother six ti was all right

Beth oohed and ahhed over the pictures of her nephew enough to satisfy even Catherine, but while she looked at the bright-eyed little boy andthat it was extreh it would have been satisfying to show hiested she was, Catherineidea And once Catherine was on a mission wild horses wouldn't deflect her from her purpose

Michael had booked a table at the hotel he and Catherine were staying at, which was half an hour's drive frouilty at theher, she told herself it was Michael's decision and one which she secretly welco into Travis there if he did decide to arrive late, whereas the village pub er

She had already spent so ready before Catherine and Michael arrived, detere to her sister She knew Catherine worried about her and so she had taken special care with her appearance, choosing a sleeveless wispy chiffon dress in a deep blue shade which e it up with a wide funky sequinned belt and fragile ankle-strap sandals It had actually felt good to apply es Having had a break fro it every day now made it a pleasure

So when, at just gone seven, Michael suggested theyher bag and short-sleeved cotton cardigan from the bedroom

After telling Harvey to be 'on guard', an instruction the big dog understood toher, Beth led the way to the front door Catherine had cheekily enquired if she was sure she'd got her key as Beth opened the door and, s, Beth had been about to reply in kind Her mouth failed to form the words

Her eyes widening, she stared aghast at Travis, who slowly lowered the hand hich he'd been about to knock He looked good More than good Sensational

'Hello, Beth'

It was soft but the lowup behind her, her sister's voice holding a bright note as she said eagerly, 'Well, hello there We didn't hear you, did we, Beth? I'm Catherine, Beth's sister, by the way And, as it doesn't look as though she's going to intro¬duce anyone, this—' she waved a hand at Michael, as out of Travis's line of vision, having had the good manners not to rush to the doorway and stare as his as doing '—is my husband, Michael'

Recovering herself, Beth took a deep breath 'I'm sorry,' she said evenly, 'you startled me, that's all Beth, Michael, this is Travis Black I think I ht I was here'

'When you locked yourself out and he took you hoeously 'Course I remember'

'Don't forget a very good dinner was included too' Travis smiled at Catherine over Beth's shoulder and she was forced to stand back so Catherine could take the hand Travis was holding out 'Nice to meet you, Catherine'