She couldn’t stand this any more. ‘I’m leaving at twelve, so yes or no?’ She had a pretty good poker face for work and she hoped it was doing its job now because her stomach was twisted in knots.

‘If you’re sure it’s no imposition, then yes, please. I’ll be ready at twelve. George picked up my things and checked me out of my hotel.’

Ava tried not to sag with relief. ‘Thank you.’ Now she really wanted to throw her arms around him. She’d better get out of here before she made him think she’d be offering inappropriate gestures of affection if he went with her.

‘You’ve made me happy. I’ll be back in a couple of hours then, at twelve.’ She smiled blindly in his direction and bolted to the stairwell, where, after trotting down to a landing, she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. Who knew that would have been so hard and so fraught? She just hoped she was doing the right thing for both of them, because if this didn’t work it was going to be hell for her. She really hoped these obstacles they’d encountered were not fate trying to warn her.

At twelve exactly, Ava pulled up at the entrance to the hospital. Zac appeared at the front steps looking pale but with the tilted smile she remembered from the plane, and she reassured herself that she wasn’t doing anything that was going to hurt her more than she already had been.

She jumped out and hurriedly opened the passenger door for him. ‘You look like death warmed up,’ she teased, although she was questioning whether he was actually well enough to travel four hours in a car. Especially after the last time she’d been driving.

‘I’m fine.’ Zac eased his long legs into the front of the vehicle. He glanced wryly at her as he settled, and the nurse who had followed him out handed Ava his bag.

‘Packing and getting himself sorted took a bit. You sure you’ll be right with him? What if he faints on you?’ The nurse, Jodie, was an agency nurse Ava had done a few shifts with.

‘I guess he’s better with me than alone in a hotel room here. If he deteriorates I’ll phone RFDS for advice.’ This was her one extravagance – she always carried a satellite phone.

Jodie nodded and stepped back. ‘He’s a nice guy – it’s a shame he’s sick. Say hello to the mums and bubs at the community.’ She looked a bit wistful. ‘Enjoy.’

‘Thanks, Jodie.’ The nurse waved as she turned away.

Enjoy, Ava thought with a pang, as she buckled her seatbelt and glanced at her passenger. He stared straight ahead, his profile strongly defined as if he were clenching his teeth. Which made her ask, ‘Are you in pain?’