Page 88 of The Damaged Hearts Bargain

“Where’s what?” Pen said. “I’m gasping for a cup of tea.”

“The baby?” asked Lucy.

“You’re back!” cried George, coming in from the bookshop. “Jesus, what happened to the pair of you?”

“It might be time to spill our secret,” Ash said.

“Wait, I need to know more about this baby,” said Pen.

“The baby, the one you’re adopting,” Lucy said, still looking around as though a child might appear out of thin air.

“Good lord, we’re not adopting a baby,” chuckled Pen. “I’ve got enough to handle with George and you.”

“And I’m too old to be crawling around on my hands and knees,” Ash said.

“Um, I think you’d better tell us what’s been going on with this mysterious honeymoon,” George said, stepping around the counter to start making tea. “Before Luce starts arranging a christening or something.”

“I should have thought it was obvious,” Pen said, looking down at the bandaging around her leg. “We went to South America for a bit of tourism, obviously. But we also went for some top grade medical care. I’ve been waiting two years to get my knee operation, and over there I could get it done fast, cheap and well. And Ash has always been self-conscious about that bump on her nose.”

“What bump?” asked Lucy.

“That’s what I said,” said Pen.

“And it’s what I’ll be saying from now on since it’s now non-existent,” put in Ash.

Lucy shook her head. “I can’t believe how many conclusions I’ve jumped to,” she said. “I really should have known better. I blame George and all his gossip. It must be contagious.”

Pen turned to smile at Cal. “We can be a bit overwhelming,” she said. “Sorry about that. Feel free to join in though, don’t feel like you have to be quiet and polite.” She smiled more widely. “And I’m glad to see that you’ve stuck around.”

Cal smiled back. “For now.”

“You’re leaving?” George said, looking horrified.

Cal cleared her throat. “I’m, um, I’m going wherever… wherever my girlfriend is going.”

Everyone was very, very quiet for a moment. Then Pen started to clap and George hugged Lucy and all in all, with tea and cake and tales of travel it was a good hour before Lucy and Cal could escape out into the bright afternoon.

“They’re all crazy,” Lucy said.

“They’re lovely, and they love you,” said Cal. “It must be nice to be surrounded by people like that.”

“It is.” Lucy stopped and turned to Cal. “But it’s nicer to be with you. And we’ll do whatever we need to do to make both of us comfortable. Including potentially leaving here.”

“This is your home,” said Cal.

“I’m starting to realize that home is a person, not a place.”

Cal wrapped her arms around Lucy’s waist. “This is all new, for both of us, I think.”

“And we’ll have time to figure it all out.”

“We will,” Cal agreed, pulling Lucy in closer. “We’ll be in London for a few months, for a start.” She looked around conspicuously.

“What are you looking for?” Lucy asked.

“I was just wondering if there are any car horns or train conductors or honeymooning friends or anyone else that mightbe thinking about interrupting what I’d really like to do next,” Cal said.

“Ah,” said Lucy. “Well, if you want to do some of that kissy stuff, then perhaps we should go back to your house.”

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