“It’s supposed to be a surprise, so don’t tell her I told you.”

“I won’t.” She dashed tears away, grateful she could keep her voice even. It hurt, but was also a comfort to be able to speak to someone who knew and understood Faith as she did. “I miss her. The last few weeks always seem the hardest.”

Her voice wasn’t as steady as she thought—and a mother hears what others don’t. “Liz, why don’t you come home? Spend the rest of the month here while she’s in school?”

“No, I can’t. How’s Dad?”

Rose fretted impatiently at the change of subject, then subsided. She’d never known anyone as thoroughly stubborn as her daughter. Unless it was her granddaughter. “He’s fine. Looking forward to coming down and doing some diving.”

“We’ll take one of the boats out—just the four of us. Tell Faith I…tell her I called,” she finished lamely.

“Of course I will. Why don’t I have her call you back when she gets home? The car pool drops her off at five.”

“No. No, I’m not home. I’m in Acapulco—on business.” Liz let out a long breath to steady herself. “Just tell her I miss her and I’ll be waiting at the airport. You know I appreciate everything you’re doing. I just—”

“Liz.” Rose interrupted gently. “We love Faith. And we love you.”

“I know.” Liz pressed her fingers to her eyes. She did know, but was never quite sure what to do about it. “I love you, too. It’s just that sometimes things get so mixed up.”

“Are you all right?”

She dropped her hand again, and her eyes were dry. “I will be when you get there. Tell Faith I’m marking off the days too.”

“I will.”

“Bye, Momma.”

She hung up and sat until the churning emptiness had run its course. If she’d had more confidence in her parents’ support, more trust in their love, would she have fled the States and started a new life on her own? Liz dragged a hand through her hair. She’d never be sure of that, nor could she dwell on it. She’d burned her own bridges. The only thing that was important was Faith, and her happiness.

* * *

An hour later, Jonas found her at the pool. She swam laps in long, smooth strokes, her body limber. She seemed tireless, and oddly suited to the private luxury. Her suit was a flashy red, but the cut so simple that it relied strictly on the form it covered for style.