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Lizzie was home and she’d never felt happier. Forget the adrenaline high of a fashion show or a perfume launch. Lying in bed, next to the man she loved, was a million times better. She smiled as she watched him sleep. He’d admitted, somewhere between the second and third time they’d made love, that he hadn’t slept much since he’d left her in LA all those months ago. Thankfully his face looked less drawn now, more at peace. What a gorgeous face it was, she thought, as she traced the outline of his strong jaw and his lovely straight nose. But it was the man inside that was the most beautiful part of him. He gave her laughter, security, peace. If she had to sum it up in one word, it would be contentment. With him, she didn’t feel the need to do anything. She was happy to just be. Coming back to England had been the easiest decision she’d ever had to make. Especially after she’d found the note in her mother’s diary.
Suddenly realising she hadn’t shown Nick yet, Lizzie scampered out of bed and rummaged round her handbag. Clasping the diary to her, she leapt back into bed.
‘What on earth?’ Nick opened an eye.
‘Sorry, but I wanted to show you this.’ She thrust the bookmarked page under his bleary eyes. ‘I’ve been reading through all my mother’s diaries. Please read out what she wrote on my twenty-first birthday.’
Nick struggled to sit up and focus his eyes. Frowning, he looked down at the neatly written page. ‘My darling daughter looks stunning today,’ he started, then grinned sideways at her. ‘Obviously such a rare occasion she needed to mention it in her diary.’
Lizzie thumped him on the arm. ‘Keep reading.’
‘She seems really happy,’ he continued, smirking slightly. ‘I’m sure modelling is everything she dreamt it would be. If only she would stop cavorting with all these slick, young Americans. She’s brought another one out with her tonight. He’s all white teeth, square jaw, and boundless confidence.’ Nick stopped to pull a face at her, but when his eyes skimmed over the next few sentences, the amusement left his eyes and his voice turned husky. ‘I wish Lizzie could see how wrong this man is for her. I wish she could see the real gem that’s right under her nose. Dear Nick, who is so clearly in love with her. I hope one day they will find each other.’
Listening to him read out her mother’s words, tears welled once more in Lizzie’s eyes.
‘She called me a gem.’ Nick looked like he was having trouble holding back the tears, too.
‘Of course she did. She always knew a diamond was this girl’s best friend.’
He let out a bark of laughter. ‘That’s a terrible pun.’
Lizzie reached to kiss him. ‘I know, but it’s also true. Best friend and lover. A girl can’t ask for more.’ She glanced down at her ring finger. ‘Except perhaps a real diamond.’
Another burst of laughter rumbled through him as he carefully put the diary on the bedside table. ‘Your subtlety is just one of the many things I love about you.’ Before she could ask him to list some others, he placed a finger on her lips. ‘I’ll get you that diamond, Lizzie Donavue. But first, we have a lot of catching up to do.’
And with that, he pressed his mouth against hers, very effectively silencing her.
