Back in Her Husband's Arms. Susanne Hampton

was deep in terrible, vivid thoughts she didn’t want to have filling her head, when Stuart’s prickly beard brushed against her neck as he kissed her cheek to thank her yet again.

      ‘I won’t forget this, kiddo,’ Stuart told her. ‘If there’s ever anything I can ever do for you, just ask.’

      ‘Don’t you think twice about it,’ she returned. ‘Just get Bonny well—that’s enough for me.’

      ‘Well, I expect to see you up on the farm the first break you get.’ He smiled and was gone, leaving her alone in the office with Tom.

      The atmosphere in the office changed within moments.

      With calm composure Sara walked to the door and softly closed it. Her hand quietly released the handle before she turned on her heel and marched over to his desk. ‘Why didn’t you tell me about Bonny when we caught up the other night?’

      ‘I hadn’t seen you for three years, we were keeping it light and I didn’t see the point. You said you were leaving to live in Texas. What could you have done? I had no idea that you were coming here to work with me...’

      ‘Neither did I, but surely something as serious as that would rate a mention.’ Sara was angry with Tom and not afraid to let him know it.

      ‘Sara, you walked out on me. You walked out on our life together and everything we shared. You never brought up Stu or Dana that night. What right do you have to question me about my actions or what I do and don’t tell you? We shared a few hours together. I don’t know what’s been happening in your life any more than you know what’s been happening in mine. We kept it light, Sara, so don’t lecture me about what I should and shouldn’t have shared with you.’ His lips were tight and his mouth formed a hard line.

      Sara stepped back. She was acutely aware that Tom was right. She had walked away and she had no right to criticise him. She hadn’t asked about Stu and Dana during the evening they’d spent together. That night she had purposely steered the conversation away from anything and anyone that linked her back to their life together.

      ‘You’re right. I’m sorry,’ she said, regret tainting her voice. ‘I guess it wasn’t your job to bring me up to speed that night. It’s just that we were so close to Stu and Dana and I wish I’d known. I wish they’d called me or I’d called them.’

      Sara realised that she had only herself to blame. It wasn’t Tom’s fault. Her lack of sleep was finally taking its toll and she could feel that her eyes were becoming heavy.