“It reminds me ofAlien.”
“The film?”
She nods. “It’s not the best mental image.”
“No.”
Niamh lets go of my hand. “I’ll call when I go into labour.”
“Or if you need anything?”
“I promise. Take care, Callan.”
“You too.”
I linger a moment longer and then head to the door. I’m not sure what was more awkward—seeing Rory for the first time in seventeen years or Niamh for the first time in seven months.
6
RORY
It’s chilly in my room because I have the window open as wide as it will go. I’d rather be cold than high on fumes from spray glue. I’ve just finished sticking my template onto a piece of oak when there’s a knock on my door. Not many people visit my room, so I guess it’s Theo or Callan. I haven’t heard the front door recently, so Callan is probably still out seeing Niamh. I’m not sure I have the right to hope he comes to talk to me about it when he gets home, but I wish for him to do so.
“Come in.” I look over my shoulder as Theo enters.
He’s holding a bowl of breakfast cereal. “What are you doing?”
Over the months since we moved in, I’ve learnt that Theo loves company.
“Making a toy.”
“A toy? For Fiona?”
I laugh. “I think she’s a bit old for rattles.” That was probably a mistake. I’m the only one who knows why Callan is here, and it’s not my place to share his news.
“Is your sister having another baby?”
“No. I just fancied making something. I saw this idea online and decided to give it a go.”
“Uh-huh.” Theo leans against the edge of the table I use as a workbench and eats a spoonful of cereal. “Aww! It’s a hippo. Cute!” He tilts his head. “Is wood safe for babies?”
“Most is, as long as it’s properly sanded and treated with a non-toxic sealant. You need to avoid walnut, rubberwood, purpleheart, and cedar.”
“I’ve never even heard of a wood called purpleheart.”
“It’s a hardwood that’s toxic to humans.”
Theo’s eyes widen. “Ouch.”
“Indeed.”
“What wood are you using?”
“Oak.” I point to a couple of other pieces of wood. “And I’ll use cherry and maple for the rattles, for some colour variation.”
“Pretty!”
I smile. “I’m glad you approve.”
