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hair and light blue eyes. His soft, sensuous lips.
    â€˜I might have to stay on in Australia for a bit. To help. It’s hard to know, but one thing’s certain – I won’t be staying at home forever.’ Bella spoke with gathering confidence. ‘I’m totally hooked on travelling these days. I’m a migratory bird.’
    At this, Anton smiled. ‘A migratory bird? Or pigeon voyageur ?’
    â€˜What’s that?’
    â€˜You know – the bird that flies straight to home by the fastest route.’
    â€˜Oh, right. We call them homing pigeons.’
    â€˜Homing pigeon,’ Anton repeated, dropping the h and making it sound French and sexy and reminding her of all the things she would miss about him.
    â€˜I’ve left stacks of my stuff behind and for only one reason. I’m coming back.’
    â€˜Excellent,’ he said at last, with a smile she was so going to miss.
    At the airport gate, she clung to him, aware that she was walking away from so much – not just her hot new boyfriend, but her new world, her brave new self .
    Anton kissed her and murmured sweet, adorable things to her in French and even though she didn’t understand all the words, his voice was soothing and gorgeous, winding through her like pink smoke from a magician’s spell.
    On impulse Bella reached behind her neck and unclasped the gold chain carrying a horseshoe charm that she always wore. She pressed it into Anton’s hand.
    He looked down at it with obvious surprise, then his dark brows drew into a frown as he rubbed the little horseshoe between his thumb and forefinger. He shook his head. ‘Why are you giving this to me, Bella? You always wear it. It’s important to you.’
    It used to be important.
    That thought caused a swift, painful sting, bringing memories she was still trying to forget. ‘I know it’s safe with you and I’m leaving it as proof that I’m coming back.’
    Anton was still frowning.
    â€˜You might think it’s totally high school and clichéd, but honest, Anton, it makes me feel better.’
    Sliding her arms around his neck, she kissed him again. I have to come back here. I can’t stay at home.
    She didn’t dare to ask herself why.
    Anton’s eyes glistened as he gently traced her cheek and then her jaw with the backs of his fingers. ‘I didn’t want to say too much – I thought I would make it harder for you if I told you how much I will miss you.’
    Now her throat was sharp. She forced herself to speak. ‘A girl never minds hearing that.’
    A voice in a microphone spoke rapidly in French.
    â€˜That’s a final call for your flight,’ Anton said. ‘You don’t want to miss it.’
    Pressing a finger to his lips, Bella managed a brave smile. ‘In a while, crocodile.’
    â€˜Pardon?’
    â€˜That’s Aussie speak for see you later.’ It was another of her dad’s favourites. During her childhood she must have heard him say it a thousand times, but if she thought about that now she’d start to cry.
    Turning abruptly, she marched to the gate and handed over her boarding pass and passport to be checked. She didn’t look back.

2.
    â€˜My niece will be here soon.’
    â€˜And you’d like me to leave.’
    â€˜I think it would be best, Michael. Bella’s bound to be upset.’
    Michael Allingham downed the last of his scotch, set the crystal glass on a silver coaster on the coffee table and, with an easy familiarity, stretched his arm along the back of the sofa, not quite touching Liz.
    She’d welcomed his visit as a pleasant interlude after a hectic day of trying to reach Bella, of cancelling concert commitments – accompanied by her agent’s anguished wringing of hands – and then packing for Australia.
    â€˜So,’ Michael said. ‘Here we go with yet another goodbye.’
    Liz gave a soft laugh. ‘At