Free Homecoming by Catrin Collier Page A

on.’
    â€˜They’ll look wonderful with my dressing gown,’ she joked.
    â€˜They’d look better without it.’
    â€˜I’ll reserve that fashion show for our bedroom.’ She kissed him again before slipping the plain gold studs from her ears and replacing them with the sapphires. ‘Help me with the necklace.’
    As he fastened the clasp, she slid the ring on to her finger. ‘It fits.’
    â€˜I remembered your size.’ He took her hand and fastened the bracelet around her wrist. ‘I told you I’d give you a reward if the meal was good.’
    â€˜You did,’ she smiled, ‘but I wasn’t expecting anything like this. Thank you.’
    â€˜You can thank me properly later.’
    â€˜Would you like another piece of chocolate cake?’
    â€˜No, it might interfere with the plans I’ve made.’ Picking up the tray she’d loaded with their dishes, he carried it into the kitchen. ‘Leave those,’ he said, as she began to run a sink full of water. ‘I’ll do them in the morning.’
    â€˜You?’ She looked at him in surprise.
    â€˜Yes, me, I’ll have nothing else to do. I was hoping you could take some time off.’
    â€˜I have, two weeks.’ Untying the apron from her waist, she hung it on the back of the door. ‘Dad said you can go back to the warehouse whenever you want. You can talk to him about it tomorrow night.’
    â€˜I’m not sure I want to go back.’
    â€˜You want to do something else?’ She followed him into the living room.
    â€˜I’ve had two and half years of taking orders. That’s more than any man should put up with.’ He sat on the sofa facing the fire.
    â€˜Working for my father wouldn’t be like being in the army.’
    â€˜I know, sweetheart.’ He slipped his arm around her shoulders as she nestled close to him. ‘But with Katie married to him …’
    â€˜They’re happy.’
    â€˜Can’t you see it’s all too neat and convenient? Me married to you, your father married to my sister. I don’t want a job that’s reliant on family charity.’
    â€˜You were good in the warehouse. The stockroom manager said you were one of the best boys he’s ever had working under him. He’s been looking forward to you coming back.’
    â€˜Anyone can put stock out in a warehouse, Helen.’
    â€˜Then what do you want to do?’
    â€˜Spend all the time I can with you, while looking around to see what else is on offer. I’ll find something.’
    â€˜I don’t doubt you will. And if whatever it is doesn’t work out, you can always go back to the warehouse.’
    â€˜Perhaps.’ He nuzzled her ear. ‘When are you going to tell me about the party tomorrow night?’
    â€˜Party –’ Her eyes blazed as she moved away from him. ‘Martin said something, didn’t he? And he promised he wouldn’t. I’ll kill him.’
    â€˜It wasn’t Marty, it was you.’
    â€˜Me!’
    â€˜You just said I could talk to your father tomorrow night, you wouldn’t have invited him without everyone else.’
    â€˜Oh.’ Anger deflated, she moved close to him again. ‘You don’t mind, do you?’
    â€˜No, sweetheart, not as long as you’ve kept the next two weeks free. This evening’s reminded me just how much I like being married to you.’

Chapter Four
    â€˜Those look even better than they smell.’ Martin glanced around the kitchen door at the trays of cheese straws, oyster patties, miniature Cornish pasties, and choux cream and chocolate buns that Lily had spent all morning baking.
    â€˜Thank you.’ Lily recalled the night before and gave him a quick, self-conscious smile. ‘You were up early.’
    â€˜The car needed servicing and I couldn’t sleep. You looked so peaceful I was afraid I’d disturb you if I