She nodded. ‘And I guess we need to fully examine the baby.’

‘I’ll do that now.’

‘Thank you.’

Joss nodded, aware that he was retreating. He’d come out of his shell a little-a very little-but he didn’t want to stay out.

He had to leave.

‘I’m going to have to figure out how I can get away from this place,’ he said.

Her brows rose at that. ‘You’re leaving?’

‘I was. Until my car was totalled.’

‘Your father said you were here for two weeks.’

‘Yeah, well…’

‘The honeymoon couple were a bit much for you, were they?’ Her eyes danced in sympathy, demanding that he smile in return.

‘You know my father and Daisy?’

‘I certainly do.’ She grinned. ‘Until she met your father, Daisy had her name down here as a potential resident.’

‘Oh, yeah.’ Right.

‘They’re very happy,’ she said-and waited.

And out it came. ‘They’re always happy.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘My father’s been married four times.’ It was impossible to keep the bitterness from his voice.

She thought about that. Looking at his face, she saw the layers of pain behind the bald fact.

‘Divorce?’

‘Death. Every time.’

That made it so much worse. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Yeah.’ He gave a laugh that came out harsher than he’d intended. ‘You’d think he’d learn.’

‘That people die?’

‘Yes.’

‘You can be unlucky,’ Amy said softly. ‘Or you can be lucky. I guess your dad has had rotten luck.’

‘He keeps trying to replace…’

‘Your mother?’

He caught himself. What was he saying? He was talking as if she was really interested. As if he wanted to share…

She was a nurse. A medical colleague. He didn’t get close to medical colleagues.

He didn’t get close to anyone.

But she’d seen the expression on his face. She knew he needed to move on.