Jack smiled despite his heavy heart. ‘A tall poppy, eh?’ He’d heard the expression from some of the Aussies he’d met in France, and knew it meant a person of wealth and substance. ‘Well, I was counting on being one right here in Cliffehaven where I belong, not in some far-flung corner of Australia.’

‘But you’ll think about it?’ she asked breathlessly, her brown eyes pleading.

Jack didn’t have the heart to shatter her dreams, so stayed silent and occupied his restless hands by rolling a cigarette. Having got it alight, he put his arm round her shoulder. ‘Why don’t you tell me more about Peter Ryan? What is it about this man that makes him so special?’

He listened with a heavy heart as she rattled off all the things she loved about Peter, and how she’d never thought she could care for anyone so much after having lost her first love, Matt. It seemed the young man was not only handsome and clever, but a brave fighter pilot, a gifted mechanic and all-round clever clogs. Peggy and Cordelia had evidently fallen for his charms – along with the nurses and matron at the hospital, and all in all, to Rita he was just about perfect.

‘Sounds like he’s one in a million,’ he murmured when she finally stopped talking. ‘But if he cares for you so much, how come he won’t stay here and make a life for you both in Cliffehaven? You could both come in with me to run the repair shop.’

‘It’s not something we’ve ever really thought about or discussed,’ she admitted softly.

‘Then perhaps you should,’ he replied, thinking that Ryan was being extremely selfish in asking her to sacrifice her home and all she knew for a future on the other side of the world without even considering staying on here.

‘Pete made Australia sound very exciting and you have to admit, Dad, it’s certainly not that here. It would be an adventure after the dark years we’ve been through, and a chance to grab new opportunities. Besides, he’s been away for years and wants to go home to his family. I’m sure we could make a very good life for ourselves out there.’ She glanced at him with a watery smile. ‘And so could you, Dad.’

He ignored the prompt. ‘So why are you holding back, Rita?’

When she remained silent, he grasped her hand and firmly ignored the pain in his heart. ‘If he’s the one, then don’t give up on him because of me, darling,’ he said softly. ‘I’ve lived long enough to know where I belong, and after what I went through in Europe, I want nothing more than to be back here and spend the rest of my days just doing what I do best. Australia’s for the young and adventurous, and I really can’t see myself settling there.’