BOOK 3

Isabella looked up. 'What did you say?'

'Nothing. I—' Whatever he had meant to say was cut off by a brisk tap on the door.

'Judy!' Isabella, with obvious relief, jumped up to hand a gurgling Billy back to his apologetic mother.

'Oh, dear. I was sure he wouldn't wake up,' exclaimed Judy when she saw the green towel wrapped around her son. 'I can't think what happened. He always sleeps in the afternoon.'

'Gary happened, I expect,' Brand murmured. 'He usually does.'

Judy giggled uncomfortably, and Isabella gave him a sharp look and asked her friend if she had managed to get the job.

'Yes! I did. Isn't it great? Just entering data, but it's a start. Listen, thanks again, Bella. I have to run. Mom's waiting to hear how I made out.'

Isabella nodded. 'Of course.'

'I notice you didn't say, "Drop him off any time," ' Brand observed as his wife shut the door behind Judy.

Isabella tossed her head. 'No. You said yourself that babies aren't my specialty.'

'So I did.'

'You seemed to know what you w