And what about Abbey herself?

She had loved this man once, she conceded. Or maybe that was wrong. She’d loved this boy before he’d become a man. This boy was now a surgeon-a career-oriented doctor, engaged to be married to a woman in Hawaii and home for only two weeks.

Home?

No. This wasn’t Ryan’s home. This was his honeymoon destination. Abbey gave herself a fast mental shake. It was no use growing accustomed to Ryan being at her kitchen table. In two weeks he’d be gone.

Once, many years ago, she’d broken her heart over his leaving. Not any more. Now she didn’t even know him.

‘Your leg’s hurting,’ Ryan said softly, and Abbey flushed as she realised he’d been watching her.

‘N-no.’ she lied. ‘Well, maybe just a bit.’

‘Do you want more morphine?’

‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘I’ll take aspirin if I need to.’

‘Aspirin’s not strong enough, Abbey.’ Once again, that cool voice which held a hint of concern-a voice that was close to Abbey’s undoing. The same voice she remembered from all those years ago. ‘It’s no weakness to admit you’re in pain. And there’ll be scratches and bruises under that filthy T-shirt. Would you like me to help you bath?’

‘No way!’ She blinked, determined. ‘And I’ll stick to aspirin, thanks very much. Morphine will just make me go to sleep.’

‘That’s just what you need to do, girl,’ Janet said strongly, and Abbey shook her head.

‘No. I have to bath Jack and put him-’

‘In case you haven’t noticed, Jack’s in his pyjamas,’ Janet told her. ‘Ryan and I have already bathed Jack.’

Abbey blinked. ‘You!’ Her eyes swivelled to Ryan.

‘There’s no need to sound as if you think I’m completely useless,’ Ryan complained. ‘I can cope with the odd baby bath.’

‘Yeah?’ Abbey gave him a sideways look. ‘How many babies have you bathed in your time, Ryan Henry?’