Free An Aussie Christmas Angel by Clare Revell Page B

at lunch time. Finally convinced Dad they only transmit images when you physically turn it on, so we can chat via the internet tonight. And I can finally see that wonderful smile of yours again.”
    “OK. That would be awesome as I’d get to see your smile too. Just angle the camera so the lights don’t reflect of your glasses.”
    “Webcams don’t have lights.” He laughed. “I am not falling for that one.”
    She giggled. “OK. And no take out at lunch time either. Or if you do, don’t get chicken. Else you won’t be able to afford a webcam ‘cause you’ll need a new tire.”
    “I knew I shouldn’t have told you about that one. Guess what arrived yesterday?”
    “More snow?”
    “Other than that. My suitcase. It’s a little worse for wear.”
    “Wow. Where’d it go?”
    “Canada.”
    “I’m sorry? It went to Canada?”
    “Sydney, Nova Scotia, rather than Sydney, New South Wales.” He laughed. “Right city, wrong continent. Anyway, it found its way home eventually.” There was silence for a bit. “I should go or I’ll be late for work. I’ll ring tonight when I get in.”
    “I’ll be out then. I’m going to see a friend.”
    “OK, cool. Have fun.”
    “I will. I’ll speak to you tomorrow. I should be around at the usual time unless I end up seeing this friend again.”
    “Should I be jealous?” he teased.
    “Not at all. Now go to work or you’ll be late. Speak soon. Take care.”
    “You, too. Bye.”
     
    ****
     
    Despite what Jo had said, John rang when he got home, but there was no answer. He tried again before he went to bed and again when he got up in the morning. Still nothing. Worry gnawed at him.
    What if she’d had an accident on her way home from the airport or from her friend’s house? Her parents didn’t have his number. They’d have no way to contact him. And he didn’t have numbers for Rob or anyone else out there. He’d get Pip to ring Rob later. Maybe he’d go around to the house and make sure Jo was all right.
    He set off for the hour long drive to the airport, praying all the while that Jo was safe. That she had merely gone to her parents for the weekend on the spur of the moment, and she wasn’t lying dead in a ditch somewhere. He shook his head. Now he was being morbid. Nothing would happen. Most likely she’d gone to church or something.
    He parked and headed in to the arrivals terminal. Part of him wished it were Jo he were picking up, not Pip, but seeing her would at least give him a connection to Jo.
    Fifteen minutes later, he finally saw Pip make her way through the doors. He waved and smiled as she made her way over to him. “Hello, Pip. How was the flight?”
    “Long, but OK.”
    Someone tapped him on the shoulder. A cheery Australian voice said, “Hello, handsome.”
    John froze. It couldn’t be. It sounded like…
    He spun around to see Jo. Her eyes sparkled and a huge grin covered her face. “Surprise.”
     
     
     
     

7
     
    Jo surveyed the frozen man in front of her. His smile was stuck in place, his eyes wide. Oh, Lord, please tell me I didn’t do the wrong thing. She thought he’d be pleased, but this? This eventuality didn’t even enter into the equation.
    Pip looked at her and then nudged John. “Surprised?”
    “Yeah,” John said. He swallowed. “Hi, Jo.”
    “Hi.”
    “Let me take your case. I, uh, I should ring Mum, tell her—”
    “It’s sorted. I rang her last week and arranged it. I asked her not to tell you because I wanted to surprise you.”
    “You did that all right.” He hugged her. “How are you?”
    “I’m fine. It’s nice to be standing up after that long flight.” She hugged him back and winked. “I did tell you I was going to see a friend.”
    “I’ll be right back,” Pip said. “Going to the ladies’ before we head to the football. Watch my case.”
    Jo nodded. “Sure.”
    John smiled at her then looked back at Jo.
    She watched Pip head across the concourse and then twisted back to John. She