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No one should have to watch the person they love fade a little day by day But Finlay knew that every day the world over, there were thousands of people sharing the same experience he had

Grace was standing in front of hi?’

‘Nothing’ He shook his head ‘Nothing What do you need?’

She nodded to the snaking line in front of them ‘We’ve reached the front of the queue I need you to pay’

Pay Soht

He walked to the front of the line and handed over the credit card The personal shopper was putting all the purchases into some trolley for them to take to the car He stopped her as she started to wrap the coat in tissue paper ‘Don’t,’ he said ‘Just take the tags off Grace should wear it’

There was a moment’s hesitation on Grace’s face as he handed the coat over But after a few seconds she slid her arms back inside ‘Thank you’

‘No problem’

By the ti on the paves and roads

Grace fastened her coat and slid her hands into the leather gloves while all their packages were stored in the boot of the chauffeur-driven car

The journey back to the hotel was silent He’d started this afternoon with the hope of a little Christ But souilt and despair

Grace’s fingers fu at the passing shop s Her face serious and her eyes heavy What was she thinking about?

When they reached the hotel he couldn’t wait to get out of the car ‘I have an international videoconference,’ he said as he climbed out

‘Good’

He stopped mid-step ‘What?’

She walked around to the boot of the car ‘I don’t want you to see anything until I’ve finished It’s better if you have soet Frank and sos up I’d prefer it if you waited until I was finished—you know, to get the full effect’

It was alears from her soain Ready to complete her mission