‘Knock, knock.’
Benjamin’s voice calling out as he opened the door made Jessica’s eyes widen.
‘Mr Tall, Dark and Handsome is here,’ Rose teased.
When Benjamin walked into the room, she stayed sitting while Jessica jumped to her feet, and Rose watched on nervously as the two most important people in her life met for the very first time.
‘You must be Jessica,’ Benjamin said, stepping closer and kissing her friend’s cheek. ‘I’ve heard so much about you.’
‘And I you,’ Jessica said, turning and giving Rose an arched brow as if to tell her just how much she approved. ‘It’s good to finally meet the man who swept my best friend off her feet.’
‘Rose told me that if I didn’t make a good impression on you, you might not let her move, so I’ve been a little nervous about meeting you.’
‘Oh, she did, did she?’ Jessica laughed. ‘I can’t say I approve of her moving countries, but I am looking forward to coming to visit. Advance warning, my girls are desperate to sit on an actual horse, so they may be expecting pony rides.’
Rose stood then, holding out her hand for Benjamin to help her to her feet. When she was standing, she slipped an arm around his waist, glancing up at him.
‘Jess, we actually have some news to share with you.’
Jessica looked as if she were about to faint. ‘Yes! I will be your matron of honour! I’ve waited years to be asked.’
Rose laughed, before placing both of her hands on her stomach and seeing the look on Jessica’s face change.
‘You will be, but we’ve decided to delay the wedding for a year or two.’
Jessica gasped. ‘You’re pregnant?’
‘It wasn’t exactly planned, and I wanted to wait until I’d actually seen a doctor?—’
‘But we’re over the moon about it,’ Benjamin interrupted, as Rose let go of him and embraced Jessica, who looked like she had no idea what to say.
‘You’re going to be a mum?’
Rose smiled through her tears as Jessica held her tight.
‘I am,’ she whispered back. ‘And if I can be half the mum you are, I’ll know I’m doing something right.’
‘You look after this girl,’ Jessica said when she finally let go of Rose. ‘She’s more special than you’ll ever know.’
‘How about I take you both out for lunch to celebrate?’ Benjamin said.
‘I’d love that,’ Jessica said. ‘I’m only here for two days, and I want to make the most of it.’
Benjamin excused himself then and Rose took hold of Jessica’s hand. ‘You like him?’
‘Like? How could I not?’ Jessica said, pulling her in for another hug. ‘He’s gorgeous, he’s charming and he’s the father of your child. Of course I love him.’
‘Do you think Mum would have liked him?’
‘I think your mum would have adored him. He’s everything she could have ever wished for in a man for her only daughter.’
Rose smiled, glimpsing Benjamin through the open door that led into her bedroom.
‘And you know what?’
‘What?’ Rose asked.
‘He looks at you like you’re the only person in the room,’ Jessica whispered. ‘I think the house could have fallen down around us, and he still wouldn’t have been able to take his eyes off you.’
