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Their conversation was interrupted a second time by the sound of a car pulling into the driveway.
“Ah, we have a visitor.” He didn’t seem surprised.
“Is this another one of your women on the prowl?” Carmen asked when she caught sight of a blonde woman in the backseat of Andy Redmond’s taxi.
Rex glanced over. “Actually, yes, it is.”
When she looked at him for more of an explanation, he grinned at her.
Bemused, Carmen followed his gaze. “I don’t think I can deal with any more surprises today,” she murmured to herself.
A glamorous woman emerged from the car, and Rex strode over and embraced her.
“I’m so glad you could make the journey,” Rex said as he led the visitor over to Carmen.
“Well, I had to.” The woman beamed at Carmen and then glanced up at the house. “Swore I’d never come back here, but I had to meet my son’s fiancée, didn’t I?”
“Fiancée?” Carmen repeated, sta
ring at Rex in astonishment.
“Oh, dear, have I jumped the gun?” She stepped forward and grasped Carmen’s hands. “Ignore me, darling. It’s lovely to meet you at last. Now whatever you do don’t call me Mum, it’s Bea.”
Carmen mustered herself, and welcomed Rex’s mother, instantly fascinated by her.
“You were so sure I’d accept?” she asked Rex later when the three of them made their way inside.
“I was sure of me, the rest I could only hope for.”
That held great weight for Carmen and she nodded. “I’ve always loved you. You know that. But this is all a bit hard to take in.”
His eyes twinkled with pleasure. “Take your time.”
Bea wandered across the tiled entryway. “Never thought I’d stand here again. I vowed I wouldn’t. But my God, it’s a beautiful house.” She looked over her shoulder at them. “I always liked the place, deep down. I can admit that now your father isn’t here to hear me.” She chuckled and continued her exploration.
“Burlington Manor draws everyone back to it,” Carmen said.
Rex shook his head. “It was you that brought me back here.”
When she looked into his eyes she saw how much he loved her. “And you really think we can make it a happy place again?”
“If you marry me, yes, without a doubt.”
“Blackmail!”
Beyond them a squeal erupted, followed by another.
Carmen turned and saw Bea and Mrs. Amery embracing each other, both talking rapidly in excited voices and hugging several times over.
“There’s your proof...happy times ahead.” When he caught sight of her staring at Mrs. Amery, agog, he laughed. “They were close.”
“You’re not kidding. I’ve never seen Mrs. Amery so animated.”
“You haven’t answered my question.”
She shot him a look. “You already decided I was your fiancée, according to our visitor.”
“Planning ahead.”
