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“I still say you better be careful You’re stepping over the line with this one,” Isla said

Darcie nodded her agreement

He leaned back and looked at one then the other “Well, are either one of you going to report me?”

The tomen looked at each other Both shook their heads

“Thank you I asked Phoebe to co out her husband was killed and then that she was pregnant This was her big night out before the baby co the baby will be a moot point in a feeeks So, ladies, I appreciate your concern but I’ and if that looks bad to you I’m sorry”

They grinned at each other

“You were right, Isla He does care about her” Darcie smirked

Isla patted him on the shoulder “Good luck”

Ryan wasn’t sure what thathe didn’t believe was a problem

Phoebe returned, and Isla moved back to her chair and kissed her husband on the cheek as she sat down She smiled at Phoebe

After Phoebe sat she leaned over and whispered, “Is everything all right?”

He took her hand beneath the table, gave it a squeeze and held it “Everything is great”

Dessert had been served by the ti their guests When they reached Phoebe and Ryan’s table Sophia hugged each person in turn until she worked her way to Ryan

“Well, I’lad to see you I wasn’t sure you’d be here”

Ryan hugged Sophia in return “O ye of little faith”

She laughed and turned to Phoebe For a second there was a look of astonishment on Sophia’s face when she saw her but it soon disappeared “Phoebe, I’lad to see you I’d like you to meet my husband, Aiden”

While Phoebe spoke to Aiden, Ryan didn’t miss the look that passed between Sophia, Isla and Darcie

Did his feelings for Phoebe really show that much? They must if they were that obvious to the three wolanced at Phoebe The devil of it was, he hadn’t All it took was just being around Phoebe to make him care And that he did far too much

She giggled at so Sophia said He wanted her too s Hoould she take it when he told her that he could no longer be her midwife?

The strains of an orchestra tuning up came from somewhere in the house

Sophia’s father asked everyone to join theroom in the solarium Ryan took her hand as they made their way there It was as if he didn’t want to break the contact with her She didn’t want to, either

Phoebe had been sure that what she’d already seen of the castle couldn’t be surpassed, but she’d been wrong Two-thirds of the solariu It had turned dark and sical place

Ryan directed her to one of the café-size tables stationed around the rooroom dance their first dance The staff saw to it that everyone had a glass of chalass Phoebe took the slass down His joined hers on the table The orchestra began to play again

Ryan stood and offered his hand “It’s tiood on my promise Would you care to dance?”

“Why, sir, I think I would” Phoebe smiled at him and placed her hand in his

“I’ll have to tell you that I’ood dancer,” Ryan said, as he led her out on to the floor

She laughed “Have you looked at raceful so I don’t think it’ll ood dancer or not”

“Then I guess we’re the perfect match”

Were they really?

Ryan took her into his ar her close as they moved around the floor He’d touched her before but had never put his arms completely around her It was lovely to have him so close He smelled like a

war rain She leaned in and inhaled Wonderful