Chapter 29

Twenty-Nine

T amara’s breath caught at her first glimpse of the Taj Mahal, as it did every day she’d come here on the off chance Ethan may arrive early.

As the sun set, the faintest pink blush stole across the marble, the highest dome a breathtaking silhouette against the dusk sky.

Despite the tourists milling around, snapping photos and posing for selfies, a sense of peace infused her and she headed toward the back where the river flowed on a familiar path as old as time.

That had been their favourite spot—hers and Ethan’s—and while it may seem foolish, she knew she’d feel closer to him there.

Rounding the corner, a pair of rambunctious six year olds almost mowed her down and once they’d disentangled themselves, she brushed off her dusty pants and set off for the river.

A lone figure stood on the banks. A man, dressed in khaki chinos and a white polo shirt. A man whose breadth of shoulders she’d recognise anywhere, the casual stance with hands thrust into pockets so familiar.

As if sensing her presence, he turned, and her heart leapt with the overwhelming rush of recognition.

A surge of adrenalin urged her to run towards him but she’d done that before and he still hadn’t said he loved her.

Ethan had come, but he could be here for any number of reasons: scoping out another restaurant site, poaching another top chef, a business meeting.

However, as he strode towards her, long, hungry strides rapidly closing the distance between them, she knew he was here for none of those reasons.

The expression on his face told her why he’d come.

And the realisation took her breath away.