BOOK 3

'Did you? By which time, I suppose, all signs of packing would have vanished and you'd have been able to break it to me gently. Was that the idea? Unfortunately for you, I finished my business earlier than expected.'

Connie nuzzled her nose into Brand's neck. 'I'm glad you came early, Daddy,' she murmured, tightening her grip on his shoulders. 'Now we won't have to go to Edmonton, will we?'

'Of course not.' Brand unclasped her arms and lowered her gently to the floor.

'Brand, you have no right to raise her hopes like that,' Isabella snapped. 'Connie, I'm sorry, darling, but it really isn't up to your father. You liked Edmonton before. You were happy there—'

'That was then. I didn't have Fluffy. Or my daddy.' Connie stuck out her lower lip and kicked mulishly at a worn patch on the carpet.

Brand put his hand on the top of his daughter's head. 'Listen, sweetheart,' he said, in a voice that Isabella could tell he was having trouble keeping even. 'Your mother and I need to talk this over