The characterisation was very good with a relatable cast of great friends who were loyal and supportive. This is their story of a high risk pregnancy, two lovers and very protective friends. She prays the test is not positive as she fears that will end their relationship and she will be a single parent. She has discovered she is late and worries what will happen if she is pregnant. Kathleen needs to do this pregnancy test. Her friends have bought a pregnancy testing kit, just to rule a disastrous pregnancy out. He is warned off because Kathleen is so ill. In 1785 Robert Burns wrote “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”, and unfortunately this happens once again, as sadly his proposal is halted before he gets a chance to propose.

He plans to ask her to marry him upon his arrival at her door.

He managed to get on an earlier flight than he told her, so he is sure she will be surprised to see him. They have been together, the four of them, since childhood and they know all about Weston and how much she wants to be with him, despite her engagement refusals in the past. She feels very weak and frail, but her friends are with her. However Kathleen is ill with a debilitating sickness bug that she just cannot get rid of. With him on the plane is a beautiful engagement ring that he has commissioned just for her, both unique and stunning. Unknown to Kathleen, Weston has sold his business and is on his way to her gorgeous house on Summer Island. They want to travel, enjoy each other and use their wealth to live a life of luxury, enjoying their time together without ties. In discussions together they have decided that they don’t want a family. Now in midlife Weston wants be with Kathleen forever and she feels just the same way. Both Weston and Kathleen had a miserable childhood believing they were unwanted and unloved. Kathleen’s mother was distant with her and threw money at staff to look after her and also kept the house clean.

Weston’s mother died in childbirth, the first born and never forgiven by his father. Theirs has been a rolling romance, but they are carrying scars from their family life in their childhood. They are both dedicated to their very successful careers and want for nothing. Weston Knox has met his true love Kathleen Stein.

Love's Long Shadow by Ciara Knight