Getting him discharged from the hospital had been quick and efficient and except for a light, quick, unexpected kiss she was still trying to recover from, he hadn’t tried to hold her hand or be near her. She fought to get her warring thoughts under control. In the cold, harsh light of a brand new day she tried to only see the implacable man she’d known for years. She had the schedule all set. She’d already told the kitchen staff to prepare a light lunch. Once he was home, she’d let him rest then casually mention her proposal again, just to get it out of the way. Her phone rang just as she was silently rehearsing what she would say. She frowned at the number. It belonged to Bill Homer at the factory. “Hello?” “You have to come quick. There’s been an accident at the factory.” “All right. I’ll be right there.” She hung up then spoke to the driver. “Change of plans. We have to go to Valdan. Please call the kitchen and let them know to hold lunch.” “Why?” Curtis asked.
