Saving His Little Miracle (Mills & Boon Medical) by Jennifer Taylor

‘I have some savings and I shall manage.’
    ‘I’m sure you will. It appears to me that you are extremely good at managing your affairs, Lowri. However, why should you have to struggle when I can help you?’
    ‘Because I don’t want your money, Vincenzo! This has never been about money.’
    ‘I know that.’ His eyes met hers, held them fast so that she couldn’t look away. ‘Your only concern all along has been our daughter and I admire you for that. But please don’t cut me out. I want to help and not just because it would make me feel less guilty to be able to do something for Megan. What happens to her truly matters to me, in here.’
    He laid his hand over his heart and she felt tears prick her eyes. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he was telling her the truth and she was deeply moved by his honesty. How could she refuse and deny him the chance to do something for their daughter when it was so important to him?
    ‘I promise that I won’t try to cut you out, Vincenzo,’ she said softly. ‘If you want to help then of course you can.’
    ‘In that case, maybe you will consider an idea I’ve had.’
    ‘What idea?’ she said cautiously.
    ‘Dr Simpson stressed how important it is that Megan should avoid coming into contact with anyone who might be harbouring some kind of infection at the present time, didn’t he?’
    Lowri nodded, wondering where this was leading. ‘That’s right.’
    ‘ Bene . Well, it seems to me that the ideal place for her right now would be the villa.’
    ‘The villa,’ she repeated uncertainly.
    ‘ Sì . My villa at Garda. The place you visited when you came to see me.’ He paused to give her time to absorb the idea before continuing. ‘My suggestion is that you take Megan there to recuperate. Not only will she be able enjoy the fresh mountain air and the sunshine, but she will be in a relatively germ-free environment.’
    ‘It’s kind of you to suggest it,’ she began, but he cut her off.
    ‘It’s not kind—it makes sense.’ His tone held an arrogance that immediately made her bridle.
    ‘Maybe it makes sense to you but I have already explained that I don’t want to take any more leave unless it’s absolutely necessary,’ she retorted.
    ‘And you don’t consider it necessary now? Not even after Megan has been rushed back into hospital suffering from some sort of infection?’ He stared coldly back at her. ‘It seems to me that you need to decide where your priorities lie.’
    ‘That is totally unfair!’
    ‘Is it?’ He shrugged. ‘I disagree. It sounds to me as though your job is more important to you than she is.’
    ‘Nothing is more important to me than Megan!’ she said, deeply hurt by the accusation. ‘However, we don’t all have the luxury of family money to fall back on. If I don’t work, we shall probably lose our home. Is that what you want, Vincenzo, that our daughter should be left homeless?’
    ‘Of course not!’ He sounded rattled by the suggestion and Lowri couldn’t stop the small thrill of pleasure that ran through her for having pierced his armour.
    ‘Then you must understand why I can’t accept your offer?’
    ‘No, I don’t understand. I don’t understand why you are willing to put Megan’s health at risk when there is no need.’ His tone was icy and yet beneath its chill she sensed a passion that filled her with heat. All of a sudden she knew that this was important to him even though she wasn’t sure why.
    ‘You and Megan can stay at the villa for as long as you like. I shall pay all your bills here and meet all your expenses while you are there.’ He looked her squarely in the eyes and she shivered when she saw the determination on his face. Vincenzo intended to get his own way about this no matter what she said or did and it was more than a little scary to realise it.
    ‘It will solve two major problems. Not only will Megan be able to recuperate and regain her strength but it will give us the opportunity we