them to forget all about us while they’re on the Lady Laura.”
“I’m glad they took the time for themselves,” she said softly, receiving a sharp look from him in return. She sighed to herself. Did he have to believe she was incapable of feeling compassion?
After that they drove without talking. Nicole woke up cranky just as they were driving onto the ferry at Sorrento, but a diaper change and a bottle of formula soon had her returning to her sweet self.
Then they went up on deck and enjoyed the sunshine and brilliant views of Port Phillip Bay as they journeyed across to Queenscliff, but it was the dolphins swimming alongside the ferry that was the highlight of the forty-minute trip.
Cassandra felt refreshed by the time they were driving again, and she could see that Dominic was looking less strained around the eyes, as well.
Eventually they joined the Great Ocean Road, a magnificent marvel of a road built with picks and shovels by returning servicemen of the First World War in honor of their fallen comrades. It was a stunning drive, challenging and exhilarating, with rugged coastline on one side of the road and the natural bush on the other.
When they came around another bend and more spectacular sights greeted them, Cassandra couldn’t help but exclaim anew every time.
“I can’t believe you haven’t been down this way before,” Dominic said, giving her a curious look before concentrating on the windy road ahead.
“I wish I had. It’s breathtaking.” And that was all she said. She still wasn’t sure what Dominic knew about her childhood, but he must not know about her father being in the nursing home or he would have said something. If Dominic suspected anything amiss, she would know about it.
And they were married now, she told herself, so surely she could relax a little. She’d done what he’d wanted. Only if she decided to leave him might he discover the money Liam had paid her.
It was around seven that evening when they drove through Lorne, a seaside resort town set between the sparkling waters off its beautiful beach and the lush forests of the Otway Ranges. It was a lovely town dressed up with Christmas decorations, reminding her that Christmas was only a few weeks away. She didn’t feel like celebrating the festive season, but she would make the effort for Nicole’s sake.
“We’ll take a look around tomorrow,” Dominic said, slowing down and peering out his side window at the street signs.
“What are you looking for?”
“I can’t remember which road I’m supposed to take.”
“Why not stop and ask someone?”
“No need.”
She pointed to the small café and suggested, “Pull over there and check with someone in one of the shops.”
He shook his head absentmindedly. “No, I’ll find it.” He continued to drive, and she gave a small snort. He glanced at her. “What’s that for?”
“You’re a typical male. You’d rather chance getting lost than ask for directions.”
His eyes were amused. “Why ask someone when I can find it myself?” He looked back at the road, then put on his indicator to turn right. “Like now.”
She blinked. “How do you know this is the right one?”
“I just do.”
She smiled and rolled her eyes, but decided not to say anything more until they reached their destination. Or not.
It was quite a few miles before they turned into a meandering dirt driveway. And there, hidden behind towering gum trees, was the two-story cottage in a tranquil bush oasis. He’d found it like he had some sort of mental tracking device.
“Pure luck,” she quipped.
Okay, so she’d been wrong back there. This man wasn’t typical at all. Not only would he always find his way in the world, but he would do it his way.
He chuckled and she laughed and a rare moment of ease slipped between them as he parked. They got out of the vehicle, and she unbuckled Nicole from her seat while Dominic removed some of the luggage.
“There’s a woman who comes every second day,” he said as they made their way up the wooden steps. “She’ll tidy up and make sure we’re stocked up on food.”
Cassandra hadn’t needed to do housework since before her marriage to Liam, but that wasn’t the case growing up. Her parents had believed everyone did their fair share, and she’d had no problem with that.
She adjusted Nicole on her hip. “I’m sure I can manage to cook and clean for the week.”
“No. You’re to rest,” he said, spurting warmth through her. It had been a while