“So, we didn’t manage to sort out the accommodation situation today,” Nate said, sounding hesitant.
“I figured, seeing as you’re still here. Honestly, I don’t even care right now. I’m so tired I think I could sleep outside on the rosebushes and I probably wouldn’t even notice.” She didn’t want to explain it to Nate, but it wasn’t just the tiredness that made her care less about the cottage situation. After a birth, she always rode a wave of euphoria for at least a day. A new life coming into the world was something she never stopped feeling amazed by. It’s why she worked so hard; why she tolerated the sleepless nights and interrupted plans. Guiding a newborn into the world safely had given her life so much meaning that nothing else came close. It put everything in perspective every single time. She knew it’d wear off eventually, but for now, she was happy to stay in her blissful bubble, even if she spent the night on the couch again.
Nate rubbed the back of his neck, as if massaging away an ache. “You should take the bed tonight.”
“You’re going to sleep on the couch? I barely fit last night. Don’t worry about it.” She cracked into a wonton, enjoying the salty crunch on her tongue. A full stomach and a comfortable bed sounded like heaven, but she wasn’t about to fight for it. If he wanted the bed, so be it.
“It’s only fair,” Nate persisted. “You’re the one who actually delivered a baby today. I just pretended to deliver them.”
“Good point. Okay, I’ll take the bed. Thanks.”
The memory of James and Zara holding their newest addition to the family made her smile again. Her whole body buzzed with warmth.
“Have you been a midwife long?” Nate interrupted her thoughts.
“I graduated seven years ago.”
“You seem to love it.”
“There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. What about you?”
“I—ah.” Nate hesitated and gave her a curious look, like she’d just found a secret diary in his sock drawer.
“I guess most actors love acting?” she pressed.
“I did when I was a kid. I was in a UK soap opera for a long time and I enjoyed it, mostly.”
“Anything I’d know?”
“I doubt it.” Nate laughed. “So you’ve lived in New—”
“Uh-ah, you don’t get to change the topic that easy.” Scooping up another forkful of food, she waved it at him threateningly. “What were you in? Coronation Street? I have noodles and I’m not afraid to use them.”
Laughing again, Nate held his hand up, shielding his face. “Fine. Only because I’m worried I won’t win in a food fight. I was in a show calledFairworth Street.”
“You’re kidding!” Jess placed her fork down. “My mum was obsessed with that show. Who were you? Little Freddy?”
He winced. “Pete.”
“Oh no. Really?”
“What? Was I that bad?”
She loaded her fork with chicken and took a mouthful, making him sweat. Swallowing, she waved her hand at him. “Don’t look so horrified. You’re safe. I haven’t seen it. Mum always tried to get me to watch it with her, but I was too busy swooning over Todd fromDawson’s Creek.” She laughed at the memory, and the relieved look on Nate’s face.
“You didn’t miss anything, believe me. A bunch of old ladies pinching my cheeks and telling me to run off and play in the street so they could gossip and eat scones.”
“Sounds about right.” Jess remembered the British accents droning on in the background of their living room; her mum balancing a dinner plate on her lap in front of the tele, while Jess watched her own shows in her bedroom.
“So, did you live on set? I can’t even imagine how that works.”
“No, I lived with my parents in London. They were both busy. My father is an Oncologist and my mother is a Professor of Philosophy at King’s College, but they were very supportive. Still are.”
“And I’m thinking…private school.” She shrugged, teasing him.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nate laughed, trying and failing to look defensive.
“Am I wrong?”
