Free The Most Magical Gift of All by Fiona Lowe

strangely at the empty look in his eyes and she wished she could put back the spark that had greeted her so enthusiastically a short nine hours ago.

CHAPTER FIVE
    J ACK had developed a loathing for his phone. ‘Yes, I’ll hold.’ He ground out the words, trying to maintain his veneer of civility. He’d spent most of the day either caring for Imogen, or in the home office on the phone. He’d been dealing with bureaucrats, social workers, case managers and the police, trying to find out where Kylie had vanished to and trying to find a foster family who could care for Imogen. Trying to sort things out so he could leave town.
    He had squat.
    As promised, he’d stayed out of Sophie’s way since they’d arrived back last night. He’d only caught a couple of glimpses of her, which was the only thing going his way right now. Every time he saw her he was reminded of the tickle of her hair, the way her exotic scent scudded rampant desire through his veins, and how wonderful it had felt making love to her.
    Don’t go there. It’s never going to happen again.
    He was leaving in the morning. He had to. He should have been gone already, but everything had taken longer than he’d wanted it to. He tugged at the collar on his polo shirt and silently breathed, ‘Hurry up,’ into the phone. It was four-forty-five in the afternoon and he was close to a solution; he was sure of it.
    â€˜Dr Armitage.’ The too-calm voice of Carmel, the social worker, grated against his frustration. ‘Sorry for the delay, but there are no new developments. We’ll continue to try and locate Kylie, but even if we find her we have grave concerns about returning Imogen to her care. Given Kylie’s recent behaviour, coupled with last year’s episode, we feel that it wouldn’t be in Imogen’s best interest for her to return to her mother. We’ve drawn up the paperwork making arrangements for on-going foster care until Kylie makes a choice. Either she accepts our help and works towards being deemed a fit parent, or she decides she no longer wants to raise her child. Given her history there’s a strong chance she may wish to place Imogen into permanent care.’
    He ploughed his hand through his hair. ‘You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know. I agree, Imogen needs stability, and a foster family would give her that.’
    Carmel made a sympathetic murmuring sound before pausing for a beat. Goose bumps instantly rose on Jack’s arm.
    â€˜Jack, we could place Imogen with another family, but that would mean her leaving Barragong and I’m sure you’ll agree that really isn’t in the best interests of the child. We’re certain that isn’t what either you or your mother would want. We really appreciate you caring for Imogen while your mother’s on her well-earned holiday and I’m sure it’s what she’d want as well.’
    What about my well-earned holiday? But voices from the past suddenly started talking over him, competing for air space in his head. His father’s warmth: Jack, as doctors we don’t just treat the sick in this town. We’re a moral compass, a barometer of social conscience—it’s our duty.
    Mary’s ultimatum: Jack, it’s me or this town.
    His own voice: It’s my life too.
    â€˜Jack?’ Imogen, clutching Sheils and a large piece of paper, peeked around the door before running over to him and climbing onto his lap.
    The voices muted into an uneasy silence as all the tightly wound frustration seeped out of him and a sudden, unsteady peace took its place. He blew out a long, decision-making breath, said goodbye and ended the call. He couldn’t fight it any longer. Imogen’s welfare was first and foremost and he grudgingly accepted he was in Barragong until his mother returned. The town had won this round, but he wasn’t giving up on his long-awaited