THREE WEEKS LATER Jasmine stared at her phone which was ringing for the fourth time that evening and sighed. It was Favour, and she knew that her sister wasn't going to stop calling her until she picked the call. Heaven knew that she loved her sister and was willing to do anything for her, but sometimes Favour was just too much to handle, and this period, all she wanted was some time to herself, but Favour just wasn't going to allow that to happen. Her sister always thought that all of her problems existed because she was lonely and needed a man, but that wasn't true. Okay... Maybe it was a little bit true, but honestly sometimes it was just about work and right now, she really didn't want any man. Not that she was even attracted to anyone, because she wasn't. Not since Collins. Who had tried many times to reach her since that day she'd turned down his offer to meet him at the garden. He hadn't reached out for a week now, and Jasmine didn't know if she should be happy or sad about i

He shrugged. 'Oh its nothing.' Collins replied. 'The both of you have been such amazing friends to me, and I have known Leonard all my life, and now you guys are having a baby.... My speech wouldn't have been complete if I hadn't mentioned the both of you' Favour smiled at him, while Jasmine said nothing. She concentrated on the plate in front of her, although she was barely eating anything from it. Collins mentioning Favour and Leonard's baby seemed to hurt her even more. Clearly he had not mentioned her miscarriage to Leonard, and even if she was glad that he didn't, she couldn't help but wonder if it was to protect her privacy or his. Damn, she was a mess. 'Enjoying the meal, Jasmine?' Favour asked suddenly, bringing Jasmine back to reality. She raised her head to find everyone staring at her and managed a smile and a nod while carefully avoiding Collins gaze. 'Yes I am' she replied, 'The food is great, Leonard. Favour was right. You are a great cook' 'But you have barely

Jasmine nodded. 'I'll come' she replied. He smiled, relief and happiness written all over his face. 'Thank you' he said, then reached forward and kissed her forehead. 'I'll see you tomorrow' When he left Jasmine just stood and stared at the door. She could be making another mistake.. Or not, but she'd never know if she didn't take the chance. --------- Jasmine stood on the corner of Macquarie Street where the big iron gates to the botanical gardens were wide open, inviting the public to wander in and enjoy the ambience of beautiful trees and flowers. She doubted such pleasantries would even impinge on her consciousness if she entered these grounds. It was past noon. A steely pride had overridden her usual passion for punctuality. No way would she be found waiting for Collins Templeton. Not after all the disappointments. She'd allowed an extra half hour in case he'd run into unavoidable delays, but if his word meant anything, he should be in the rose garden by now. Still th

'I had work commitments and I couldn't see a place for you in the schedule I had planned. But it was worse this time. I couldn't keep you out of my mind. You haunted my nights.' Days and nights for me, she recalled, especially after learning a baby had been conceived. 'Jasmine... look at me!' he commanded. Her head snapped up. The angst in his eyes begged her belief. 'The women I took to the award ceremonies... they were just window-dressing. I didn't have sex with them. Didn't want to. In fact, it was after barely tolerating the model I was with at the BAFTA Awards that I called you to meet me in L.A. You were the one I wanted to be with.' A wave of sadness rolled through her at the memory of her miscarriagein Los Angeles. It had thrown a black cloud over everything. Though before she'd told him she was pregnant... 'You still didn't see a place in your life for me, Collins. It was just for a week.' 'That was the plan,' he conceded heavily. 'I don't know that it would have

Favour clapped her hands. 'Oh, this is marvellous! How far along?' 'Almost four months.' Sheer astonishment. 'You can't be! You're not even showing.' Her gaze dropped critically to Jasmine's stomach. 'Luckily the long cowl on this dress hides a very definite mound.' She lifted it. 'See?' Favour pointedly examined the vital area. 'That's a very small four months. Trust you to keep nice and slim. I had a positive pot belly by then.' She frowned. 'How come you haven't told any of us before this?' 'I am older than you, as you've frequently mentioned,' Jasmine answered carefully. 'I wanted to make it through the danger period first before letting anyone know there's a baby on the way.' Favour shook her head chidingly. 'You've got a very secretive nature. No doubt about it. Honestly. Jasmine, you could be a bit more forthcoming.' 'Oh, I don't know.' Her eyes were deliberately leasing. 'You do have a habit of telling me how to live my life, little sister.' Favour humphed and plan