Millionaire's Woman

by Helen Brooks

  She shook her head, smiling. ‘I’d love to come.’

  ‘I’ll expect you about twelve, then. We can have a stroll with Bran in the garden before lunch.’

  ‘Great,’ said Jo, and got up. ‘Past my bedtime,’ she announced and leaned down to kiss Kate’s cheek.

  ‘Goodnight, darling, sleep well.’

  Jo smiled as Jack got to his feet. ‘It was nice to meet you. Thank you again for the chocolates. I’ll look forward to Sunday.’

  ‘So shall I,’ he assured her.

  Jo hesitated, then held up her face and Jack touched his lips to the smooth cheek, his voice husky as he bade his daughter goodnight.

  When they were alone Kate exchanged a long look with Jack, then went into his arms with a shaky sigh.

  ‘Well?’ she said, tipping back her face. ‘What do you think of our daughter?’

  ‘She’s a darling.’ Jack leaned his forehead against hers. ‘I can’t believe she’s ours. I hope to God we can tell her the truth without turning her against me.’

  ‘And me,’ she reminded him, but Jack shook his head.

  ‘She very obviously thinks the world of you, so that won’t happen, Kate. As I said before, I’m the villain of the piece.’

  ‘We needn’t tell her about Dawn—’

  ‘But we will.’ Jack raised his head. ‘Meeting her tonight clarified that for me. If we have any hope of life together as a family, Jo must know everything.’

  ‘I just wish we could tell her in a way that wouldn’t hurt her—or you.’ Kate took his hand. ‘It’s not late. Stay for a while, Jack. I need you.’

  ‘I need you too,’ he said with feeling, and drew her down on the chaise with him. ‘Would our daughter be shocked if she saw me cuddling you?’

  ‘She’s thirteen, not three, Jack! She’d probably think it strange if we weren’t.’

  He laughed and rubbed his chin over her hair. ‘Do you think she liked me?’

  ‘Of course she did. Otherwise she wouldn’t have been chatting away so happily.’

  ‘I’ll ask Dad round to lunch on Sunday, too. He can always take off later if he can’t face the showdown.’

  Kate nodded thoughtfully. ‘Good idea. Jo liked him and, after all, he is her grandfather.’

  ‘He knew that the moment he saw her, which is why he was knocked for six.’ Jack sighed. ‘I suppose I’d better be on my way. Shall I call in tomorrow?’

  ‘Not tomorrow. Ben’s away so we’re sharing pizza and a video with Anna in the evening, but we’re in on Friday. Come for a drink on your way home.’

  ‘I’ll finish early for once. I need to make the most of her while I can.’ He stood up with Kate and set her on her feet. ‘After Sunday’s revelations she may never want to set eyes on me again.’

  Jack’s words stayed with Kate as she got ready for bed. It was hours before a dream-troubled sleep overtook her, but she woke early and got up feeling tired and heavy-eyed, in direct contrast to Joanna, who came bounding into the kitchen, full of the joys of spring.

  ‘I like Jack,’ she announced. ‘He’s easy to talk to, like Ben. Only better looking,’ she added with a grin, and poured herself some orange juice. ‘He’s quite a hunk!’

  ‘I’m glad you approve,’ said Kate dryly. ‘How about scrambled eggs?’

  ‘No thanks. I’ll just have yoghurt and toast.’ Jo applied herself to her breakfast while Kate drank a cup of tea. ‘Aren’t you going to eat anything?’

  ‘In a minute.’

  ‘You look a bit pale.’

  ‘I’ll be fine after more tea.’

  Joanna gave her a questioning look. ‘When you knew him before, was Jack your boyfriend?’

  ‘Yes.’ Kate braced herself. ‘In fact we were engaged briefly, but it didn’t work out.’

  ‘What happened?’

  Kate busied herself with pouring tea. ‘I was determined to work in London; Jack was equally determined to stay here, so we decided on a clean break.’

  Jo frowned and reached for more toast. ‘I bet you were both sorry afterwards.’

  ‘Yes, we were.’ Which was an understatement. Feeling like someone on the edge of a precipice, Kate changed the subject to Jo’s choice of birthday present for the twins. ‘We’d better pop into town this afternoon and find something.’

  Jack rang before they went out, to ask if his daughter approved of him, and laughed, relieved, when Kate told him he was not only easy to talk to but better looking than Ben Maitland.

  ‘You can’t get higher praise than that,’ Kate assured him.

  ‘Thank God for it. I’ll sleep a lot easier tonight than I did last night!’

  ‘So what do you think of Kate’s friend, Jo?’ asked Anna that evening.

  ‘I think he’s lovely. Much better looking than David,’ said Jo, startling Kate.

  ‘You remember David, then?’

  ‘Of course I do.’ Jo pulled a face. ‘He used to come to Sunday lunch sometimes when you were together. He talked down to me. You know, as if I was a baby—which I suppose I was then. But Ben and Jack treat me like an adult.’

  ‘As they should,’ said Anna, trying not to laugh. ‘So you approve of Jack?’

  Jo nodded, and flashed Kate an impudent smile. ‘I think he wants to get back with you.’

  ‘Do you, indeed!’

  ‘Why do you think I went to bed so tactfully last night? I could tell he was dying to be alone with you.’

  Kate stared at her, speechless, and Anna dissolved into helpless laughter.

  ‘What do they teach you at that all girl establishment of yours?’

  ‘It’s a school, not a convent,’ Jo pointed out. ‘And some girls have boyfriends back home and bore you rigid about what they get up to with them. Not me, of course,’ she said regretfully.

  ‘Not yet,’ murmured Anna, and helped Jo to more pizza. ‘How would you feel if Jack Logan did get back with Auntie?’ she asked bluntly, ignoring Kate’s glare.

  Jo thought about it as she munched. ‘I wouldn’t mind at all. He’s cool. And he’s potty about Kate.’

  ‘Why do you think that?’ demanded Kate, her colour high.

  Jo gave her a pitying look. ‘It was pretty obvious! Besides,’ she said thoughtfully, ‘you sort of look right together.’

  When they got home Kate waited until Jo was in bed, then rang Jack to report on the topic of conversation over pizza at the Maitland house.

  ‘Anna just asked her straight out?’ said Jack, laughing. ‘What did you do?’

  ‘Blush,’ said Kate succinctly. ‘Trust Anna to ask the question I wouldn’t dare to. Anyway, we’re in the clear. She seems quite happy about you as the current man in my life.’

  ‘The only man in your life! Was marriage mentioned?’

  ‘Even Anna didn’t go that far!’

  ‘Pity. Jo’s opinion would have been interesting.’

  ‘She thinks we look sort of right together, if that’s any comfort.’

  ‘Damn right it is! Dad’s very happy about Sunday, by the way. Last I heard he was off to buy the biggest Easter egg in town.’

  ‘How sweet!’ Kate took in a deep, unsteady breath. ‘Oh, God, Jack, I do hope there’s a happy ending to all this.’

  ‘Amen to that. In the meantime I’ll call in tomorrow evening to make the most of my daughter while I can.’

  Jack’s second visit was as much a success as the first. Joanna opened the door to him again and greeted him with such open pleasure that Kate could tell he wanted to hug her. He stayed for an hour, admired the sweatshirts purchased as birthday presents for the twins, and approved the white jeans and jade-green top Joanna fetched to show him.

  ‘I was going to wear my mini-skirt to the party,’ she told him, ‘but Kate and Anna said the jeans would be better.’

  ‘Try them on and show Jack how you’ll look tomorrow, if you like,’ said Kate, and Joanna rushed off immediately.

  Jack groaned. ‘Mini-skirt with those long legs?’

  ‘My sentiment
s exactly,’ said Kate, grinning. ‘Anna’s, too.’

  Joanna came back into the room in her party gear, her eyes sparkling as she did a twirl. ‘What do you think?’ she asked Jack.

  ‘Absolutely gorgeous,’ he said without hesitation.

  Kate and Joanna saw him to the door when he left soon afterwards, and Jack kissed Jo’s cheek and Kate’s mouth before getting into his car.

  ‘You really like him, don’t you?’ said Jo as they waved him off.

  ‘Yes, darling, I really do. Now, take the new things off and climb into your pyjamas. You need an early night tonight if you’re partying tomorrow.’

  It was hard to know who was the more tense when Kate delivered Joanna to the Carey house the following evening. Music was thumping from a barn decorated with fairy lights and a large streamer wishing Josh and Leo a happy birthday, and Jo took in a deep breath as the two boys raced towards her, their eyes snapping with excitement as she handed them the parcels she’d taken ages to pack earlier.

  ‘Hi,’ they said in unison as they tore away the paper. ‘Great! Just what we wanted—thanks a lot.’ They handed the presents to their mother and grabbed Jo’s arm. ‘Leave your coat with Mum and come on, it’s party time!’

  With anxious eyes Kate watched her ewe lamb run with the twins towards the lights and music, then turned to smile ruefully at their mother.

  Megan Carey patted her hand. ‘She’ll have a great time. Don’t worry; the others are a nice crowd of kids and Jim and Ben are on hand to keep a discreet eye on things.’

  Kate thanked her warmly, told her she was at the Maitland house if needed and, with a last glance towards the barn, waved at Ben at his post on the door and went to join Anna.

  As usual Anna’s company was a calming influence as Kate reported on the previous evening.

  ‘He seems to be calling in quite a lot lately. Are you still just good friends?’

  ‘Jack wants more than that.’

  ‘Of course he does—he’s a man!’ Anna looked at her curiously. ‘Does he want to marry you?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Do you want to marry him?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Then what’s stopping you—?’ Anna breathed in sharply and put a hand on her stomach, her eyes wide.

  Kate jumped to her feet in alarm. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘Nothing at all.’ A beatific smile spread over Anna’s face. ‘I think my baby just said hello for the first time.’

  Kate hugged her. ‘How lovely! Isn’t it the most wonderful feeling—?’ She bit her lip and stood back, colour rushing into her face as Anna stared at her in silent, wide-eyed question. Kate sat down abruptly and took in a deep breath. ‘It’s all going to come out tomorrow, anyway, so I’ll tell you first, Anna. I remember exactly how it feels to be pregnant because, although she doesn’t know it yet, Joanna is my daughter, not my niece.’

  Anna gave a screech and pulled Kate into her arms, tears pouring down her face as she held her close for a long, emotional interval. ‘Sorry, sorry!’ she said at last. ‘It’s hormones. But you must know about that. For heaven’s sake don’t leave me in suspense, love—’ She stopped dead and moved back to peer into Kate’s face, swallowing hard. ‘Oh, my God, it’s Jack, isn’t it? He’s her father.’

  Kate sat with her on the sofa and told her story with as little drama as possible, but by the end of it both of them were in tears again. ‘So tomorrow, after Easter Sunday lunch at Mill House,’ Kate finished thickly, ‘Jack and I are going to make a clean breast of it and throw ourselves on our daughter’s mercy. Funny, really,’ she added, sniffing, ‘I’ve kept my secret all these years, and now I’ve told my story three times in one week.’

  ‘Three times?’

  ‘Jack’s father.’

  ‘Oh,of course.’ Anna blew out her cheeks. ‘Poor man. He must have thought he was seeing a ghost if Jo looks that much like his wife.’

  ‘She does. Margaret Logan had dark curling hair like Jack’s, but otherwise it could have been Jo in the photograph. When I saw it the hairs stood up on the back of my neck.’

  ‘I bet they did.’ Anna let out a deep breath. ‘It’s a pity you’re driving Jo home. You could do with a stiff drink. I know I could. But, since neither of us can indulge, let’s have some coffee.’

  In the end Kate made the coffee because Anna was in such a daze after the revelations that she couldn’t concentrate enough to operate the machine. She was still talking about Jo when Kate’s phone interrupted the flow.

  ‘Joanna!’ Kate spilt some coffee as she grabbed the phone, then blew out her cheeks in relief. ‘Oh, Jack, thank God. I thought something was wrong with Jo.’

  ‘Why?’ he demanded. ‘Didn’t she want to go to the party?’

  ‘She wanted to so much I just hope she isn’t disappointed.’

  ‘She won’t be. She’s probably having the time of her life. How did she look?’

  ‘To quote you, Jack, she looked absolutely gorgeous.’

  ‘In that case she’s probably beating off dance partners with a stick. If they have dance partners these days. Tell her I want chapter and verse tomorrow.’ Jack took in an audible breath. ‘How the hell are we supposed to get any sleep tonight, Katie?’

  ‘Beats me.’ Kate glanced at her watch. ‘Only half an hour to go and I pick her up.’

  ‘Next time I’ll do that—I hope.’

  ‘I hope so too, Jack.’

  ‘That was Daddy, worrying about his daughter, I assume,’ said Anna, handing Kate a fresh cup of coffee.

  ‘About tomorrow too, like me!’

  ‘Try not to worry, love. Knowing Jo as I do, I’m sure she’ll take it well.’

  ‘I just keep thinking she’ll hate me for giving her away.’

  Anna put her arm round her. ‘Jo loves you far too much to do that. She’s also mature enough to understand why you felt you had to.’

  When Kate arrived back at the Carey house the party had transferred to the kitchen where all the flushed, excited guests were consuming mugs of hot chocolate while they waited to be picked up. Jo was in the middle of an animated group in loud discussion over some pop band, totally unaware she was being watched, and Megan Carey laughed softly as she showed Kate into the room.

  ‘Someone had a really great time, by the sound of it.’

  Kate grinned. ‘Not only Jo. Everyone else too.’

  ‘Kate!’ Jo’s eyes lit up as she turned round.

  ‘Hi. Did you have a good time?’

  ‘The best,’ said Jo simply, and with unaffected good manners thanked Megan and Jim Carey, then said her goodbyes to the group, who followed her outside to Kate’s car to wave her off.

  ‘Thanks again for the presents. See you Tuesday,’ shouted Leo and Josh in unison.

  Jo nodded vigorously and waved until the car reached a bend which took it out of sight of the house. ‘That was such a cool party,’ she told Kate with satisfaction. ‘Great music, with a DJ, and there was a real bar. We had cocktails! Nonalcoholic,’ she added hastily.

  ‘I’m glad you enjoyed it, love,’ said Kate with relief.

  ‘Did you have a nice time with Anna? Silly question,’ added Jo with a giggle. ‘I expect you talked and drank coffee all night. Is she OK?’

  ‘She’s euphoric. She felt the baby move for the first time while I was there.’

  ‘Wow!’ said Jo, awed. ‘Did she cry?’

  ‘Yes, a bit,’ admitted Kate. ‘I even shed a godmotherly tear myself. Are you tired, darling?’ she asked as they arrived home.

  ‘I wasn’t until now,’ Jo admitted.

  ‘Straight up to bed then. You need some sleep.’

  ‘You do too, Kate; we’re partying again tomorrow,’ said Jo happily.

  Kate woke up downstairs in the middle of the night, to find Joanna patting her hand.

  ‘Oh, darling,’ she said, shivering. ‘I’m so sorry. Did I frighten you to death?’

  ‘A bit. You came into my room, then sort of glided out again, s
o I got up to see if you were all right. You didn’t answer me so I realised you were sleepwalking. A girl in my dorm does that.’ Jo pulled a face. ‘It’s creepy, but Miss Hayes said sleepwalkers mustn’t be shocked awake, so I followed you down here before I woke you. I’ll get your dressing gown,’ she added as Kate’s teeth chattered. ‘Then I’ll make you some tea, or something.’

  ‘You get the dressing gown, I’ll make the tea,’ said Kate. ‘Sorry about this. It’s a stupid habit.’

  ‘I know. Mummy told me—shan’t be long.’ Joanna raced upstairs, and Kate pulled herself together and made for the kitchen to fill the kettle, glad to get into her dressing gown when Jo ran back with it.

  ‘You should go back to bed,’ she said sternly, holding it out.

  Kate hugged her and promised that once she’d made their drinks she would do as she was told. Back in bed she drank her tea, then slid down under the covers, glad to get warm again while she waited for morning, knowing of old that she’d get no more sleep that night. But, to her delight, Jack rang before she got up.

  ‘How are you, my darling?’

  ‘All the better for hearing your voice, Jack,’ she assured him.

  ‘And how’s our daughter? God, that gives me such a kick to say that. Did Jo enjoy the party?’

  ‘She certainly did. I’ll leave it to her to tell you the details.’ Kate sighed. ‘Time to get up, I suppose. What are you doing right now?’

  ‘I’m in bed, waiting impatiently to see my two girls again.’ His voice dropped a tone. ‘I wish I had you here with me.’

  Kate laughed, told him she loved him and ordered him to behave himself until she got to Mill House.

  ‘Does that mean I don’t have to once you come?’

  ‘Certainly not,’ she said primly. ‘Thank you for ringing, Jack. I was feeling pretty tense.’

  ‘I thought you might be. Do you feel better now?’

  ‘Yes. I love you, Jack.’

  She heard a quick intake of breath. ‘I love you too, my darling. See you soon, and don’t be late.’

  Feeling a lot more prepared to face the day, Kate got up and had a bath, then came out to find Jo on the landing, her eyes anxious.