They arrived at Serville at nine o'clock the following evening. Deborah had refused to let go of her father and the father was not complaining because he also held on to her as though his life depended on her.
Sharon herself slept most of the way, her head on Bryan's shoulders.She woke when the plane touched the runaway, embarrassed colour flushing her cheeks as she lifted her eyes and met Bryan's dark eyes.
'What time is it?' she asked as she smothered her hair, feeling hot and tired, needing something to say.
'Just after right', he said. He was watching her, his eyes unfathomable.
She turned away, looking through the tiny window and found that Deborah was sleeping peacefully on his laps.
Outside, it was very dark and she couldn't see a thing as the plane slowed.
'I must have been asleep since we left Valencia', still embarrassed that she had woken in his arms.
He must have felt very uncomfortable as she had slept resting her head on his shoulder and his daughter had slept on his thighs and yet he had not complained nor pushed her away nor woken her.
Bryan smiled at her nervous chatter and lowering his head, kissed her briefly on the mouth.
She looked at him, wide eyed with surprise, her fingers coming up to touch her lips but he was already moving, with his daughter in his arms, reaching for her jacket and handing it to her. Most of the first class passengers had left the plane when they were in Valencia. Serville airport terminal was small and deserted and they cleared customs quickly.
A tall dark man suddenly shouted Bryan's name and Bryan responded in rapid Spanish, leading Sharon to the man who was standing with his arm around a slender dark - haired woman.
He introduced then as Concepcion and Fernando Garcia deLoza.
Sharon smiled shaking hands. Fernando was tall and distinguished. She guessed that he was in his early forties, very attractive, his face tanned and strong. His wife Concepcion was younger, very beautiful with long raven hair plaited down her back.
'You must call me Conchi, everybody does', she said, her English perfect.. She took Sharon's arm as they stepped out into the night air.
Concepcion and Fernando we're leaving on a three months trip to Hong Kong the following day. Knowing that Bryan needed a place to stay for his honey moon and do some banking marketing survey, they had offered the use of their house while they were away.
Fernando was an old friend. He and Bryan attended the same university. Fernando was now a very rich, very successful antique dealer with an international reputation.
At the Kerb outside stood a black Limousine, a driver holding open the doors.
Sharon breathed in, enjoying the night air with it's distinctly continental scent.
'Is this the first time you are visiting Spain?' Concepcion asked noticing Sharon's interest in everything.
'Yes, and I think I am going to like it'. She said her eyes shinning.
Fernando watched her face as she was speaking, openly admiring. He turned to Bryan and said, 'You are a lucky man my friend, your new wife is very beautiful.
'I know', Bryan said very softly, his eyes serious as he looked at her. Something in his voice made her heart lurch violently. She knew it was for the benefit of Concepcion and Fernando but she couldn't help responding.
I am just a fool. She thought, looking out of the window.
The airport was some distance from the city but the ride was pleasant.
Deborah stirred and woke.
'Dad, where are we?'
'In a long car called a Limousine', Bryan answered her kissing her forehead.
'Mum, have you been in a Limousine before?'
'Yes, I have. When I worked in the same bank with your father'.
The Spanish couple looked at them all, smiling.
'Your daughter look so much like you my friend. You did not tell me you had a grown daughter. We were of the opinion that you just got married and I had not wanted to ask whose child you were carrying because I did not want to cause any embarrassment', Fernando asked amused. They had no children of their own yet but that did not stop he and his wife from loving each other and being happy with each other or for others who had.
'It is a long story. I shall tell you all about it. It was all about stubbornness and stupidity on both our paths. I just found out myself but you shall learn of the details later. Though you are right, we just got married. It had been long overdue', he said looking affectionately at Sharon who flushed and looked out the window.
Fernando and Bryan spoke in English as a courtesy to Sharon. It was clear that they were close friends. Strong bonds of affection and friendship binding them together.
As they got close to the centre of the city, the traffick got heavier.
Soon they arrived. The car pulled through high ornate iron gate into a huge tiled courtyard, filled with exotic plants, orange trees and a splashing sounds of a fountain.
Sharon and Deborah stepped out of the car with an exclamation of delight as they looked around. The night air was warm and inviting. The smell of jasmine, orange blossoms and carnation filling Sharon's nostrils.
'It's beautiful... breathtaking', Sharon said looking round and found Bryan beside her holding Deborah's hands. He smiled into her lovely green eyes, his mouth sensual.
'I'm glad you like it's.
There was mockery in his voice reminding her of her reluctance and stubbornness about coming here. But there was tenderness too and for a moment, they were totally alone, a deep awareness binding them together.
'You will want to rest before dinner, though there are some biscuits for the lively girl before then. Beautiful, what is your name?' Concepcion said bending and speaking tenderly to Deborah.
'I am Deborah Ferdinand'.
Bryan smiled down proudly on his daughter's up turned face. She already knew her surname. No one would know that she just learnt it a couple of days ago
'Very good. Hope you will like some biscuits before your dinner?'
'Yes, if it is no trouble'.
'It is not but you are really charming. Your parents have really taught you well', she said smiling.
Bryan looked at Sharon gratefully.
Concepcion's laughing voice interrupted their intimate look. 'Let me show you to your room. Leave the cases, Joaquin will bring them up directly'.