“Yes, but he wasn’t expecting me home tonight. Would you like tea or coffee?” He waved a cup at her.

“No, thanks.”

“What about food? Are you feeling hungry?”

“No, just some water, please.”

He peered at her. “You’re looking a bit pale again.”

A throbbing ache radiated through her. The nurse had said to take the pain relief regularly but she’d forgotten. “I’m a bit sore. I should take some tablets.”

He rushed away and came back with a glass, keeping a close eye on her as she swallowed the pills.

Keely stifled a yawn. “I really think I should probably just go to bed.”

“Of course. You can have my bed.”

“Oh, no…” Keely blushed.

“I always give it up for visitors. I’ve got a spare bed in the den. Maggie sleeps in there when she visits. It’s got clean sheets and there’s an en suite and in the morning you’ll have a beautiful view of the river.”

Keely was too tired to argue. After all, it was only for a night or two. Then she’d be on her way again. “Thanks,” she mumbled and Euan helped her up.

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

Keely struggled to open her eyes. It was dark. She fought to banish the dream where hands had clutched at her and young faces sneered at her. She tried to sit up, and the sudden pain reminded her she’d had her appendix out. But this wasn’t the hospital.

Then she remembered Euan, realised where she was and relaxed, letting the tension flow away. He had been so concerned for her and she had been grateful for his kindness. She smiled and stretched again, carefully this time.

Her eyes adjusted to the gloom and she noticed light edging in around the thick curtains. It must be morning; she felt as if she’d been asleep for a long time. The distant calls of cattle reached her then, and closer, she could hear the raucous laughter of kookaburras.

There was also a glow coming from under the door that led to the family room. It was the last thing she remembered seeing as sleep had swallowed her the night before. It had been reassuring to look at that little strip of light. After she’d crawled into bed and waited for the painkillers to work, she’d had a sudden pang of homesickness. The light from under the door and the sounds of Euan moving around beyond it had been her comfort. Now, after a good sleep, she felt her determination to explore and enjoy her holiday return.