‘I think she was making a big effort today, so it must matter to her that you get along.’
‘She was, wasn’t she? We had a good chat in the ladies’. It cleared the air, put us on an even keel finally. In fact, she was even kind of’ – Zoe smiled to herself – ‘wise. I’ve never really seen that side of her before, but I suppose I never gave her enough attention to see it. The funny thing is, I don’t think she even knows when she’s being wise.’
She suddenly sat up and faced him. ‘Actually, I’ve made up my mind.’
He frowned. ‘About what?’
‘If you and Billie will still have me, then I’d love to move in.’
‘With us?’
Zoe nodded, and he pulled her into a long, heavy kiss.
‘That’s amazing!’ He pulled away to hold her in a gaze full of passion and joy. ‘But what changed?’
‘I don’t know. I was talking to Chantal, of all people, about it, and she said some things to me, and I thought, she’s right.’
‘Whatever she said, I need to thank her!’
‘Well, you’ll be able to soon enough because there’s a wedding coming!’
‘Before then, we could have them over to dinner at Hilltop if you like. It’s bigger than your place, so it might be easier. And as it will be home for you soon…’
Zoe’s answering smile was brighter than the moon now dominating the sky outside. ‘That’s an exciting thought, isn’t it? Hilltop Farm – my home.’ She was suddenly doubtful. ‘What do you think I should do about Victor and Corrine? My lease isn’t up yet. I’d hate to leave them in the lurch by moving out early. They’ll miss out on a couple of months’ rent…’
‘We’ll talk to them. Victor’s half expecting this anyway – or that was the impression I’ve been getting. If it’s only a couple of months and it really is going to inconvenience them, we’ll paythe remaining rent whether you’re there or not. It won’t be all that different to how things are now because you’re only half living there anyway and we’re paying two lots of bills on two houses.’
‘And I suppose in some ways we’d be doing them a favour because they could find a new tenant while I’m still paying them rent.’
‘Exactly. Everyone wins.’ He stroked a gentle hand over her hair. ‘Billie will be made up. We meant what we said, you know. Just because you know about babies, we’re not going to expect you to be the live-in nanny service. Billie wants to do it herself.’
‘I know she does. And in truth, I don’t know that much about raising them. Once someone has popped one out, it kind of puts me out of the picture. If you think about it that way, Billie and I will be learning a lot together.’
‘This is the best day. We should open a bottle of something to celebrate. I’ve got that champagne left from Christmas that Magnus gave to us. It’s in the fridge at Kestrel Cottage. I should go and?—’
‘You’re surely not going out to get that now!’ Zoe said with a laugh. ‘All the way across those fields in the dark just for a drink? We’ve got wine here – it will do just fine. Save the champagne; we’ll drink it another time.’
‘When the baby comes? Then Billie can drink it with us.’
‘If she’s breastfeeding, then the baby will be sharing it too.’ His face fell, and she had to laugh again. ‘Don’t look so stressed! I’m joking! I mean, it’s true, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.’
‘I don’t remember it being so difficult when Jenny had Billie, you know. It seems like I hardly remember what it was like having a baby at all.’
‘I would imagine that’s because Jenny did everything and left you to be the fun parent. It often happens. Fathers think they’resharing the childcare, but that’s only because they don’t see what mum is doing all the time under the radar. You wouldn’t believe the times I’ve sat and listened to a new dad going on like he’s father of the year.’
‘I never thought…now I feel bad.’
‘Don’t. From what I’ve seen, you’ve more than made up for anything you might not have got quite right when Billie was born. You’re a brilliant dad, and you’re going to be a brilliant grandad.’
He grinned. ‘I still can’t get used to the idea of being a grandparent.’
‘Imagine how I feel – I’m going to be dating one! And I had the nerve to judge my dad and Chantal for their age gap!’
‘We’re not that far apart!’
‘Not technically,’ she said with a coquettish look, ‘but I might occasionally enjoy reminding you that you are a grandparent. Just to keep you in your place, you know.’
‘Fair enough. I wonder if Billie’s still awake? I want to let her know the good news.’
