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A mile or so later she saw a familiar figure walking along the road, toward her barn.

Jay.

He stepped into the road and waved her down and Frankie pulled to a stop.

‘Frankie. I was coming to see you. I’m worried⁠—’

‘Get in,’ Frankie shouted.

Jay got in, casting a worried glance at Valentina.

‘Are you…?’

‘The baby’s coming,’ Frankie said. ‘And it’s time that little one’s father took his share of responsibility.’

‘I know that. I’ve been trying to tell Valentina.’

Frankie felt fury surge through her. ‘You could have tried a little harder!’

‘What the⁠—’

‘Please!’ Valentina cried out from between then. ‘Stop arguing.’

And then with a sudden explosion of the exhaust, Frankie’s van stalled and came to a standstill.

Frankie hit the steering wheel in frustration.

‘I don’t suppose you made it to an antenatal class?’ Frankie threw at Jay, staring him down.

He looked confused. ‘No. The only birth experience I’ve had is when we delivered Storm and the other puppies in your family kitchen.’

‘I am not a Golden Retriever!’ Valentina said firmly. ‘Take me home to Rocco’s. It’s a false alarm, I’ve read about them. It happens all the time. I feel fine now.’

‘We’re going to the hospital,’ Frankie and Jay said in unison.

‘Just as soon as I get this van moving,’ Frankie added under her breath.

‘Flip the bonnet,’ Jay said before opening the door and getting out. Frankie pulled the lever and scrambled out to join Jay who was looking at the engine.

‘Have you got a cloth?’

Frankie unwound the scarf from her neck and handed it to him. ‘Do you know what you’re doing?’

Jay covered his hand with the fabric and touched a couple of pieces of the engine.

‘Our first van was a piece of shit and had a habit of breaking down in the middle of nowhere, so we all got pretty good at basic car mechanics.’ He stood back. ‘Try the engine.’

Frankie hurried back to the driver’s side and switched on the ignition. After a couple of splutters it growled into life.

Jay dropped the bonnet and gave her a ghost of a smile before looking into the van and frowning. Frankie followed his gaze, but instead of seeing Valentina the middle seat was completely empty.

Luckily, she hadn’t gone very far. In fact, she’d only got to the back of the van and was leaning against it, resting her head on her forearm whilst making low, moaning noises.

‘Come on, get back in, the van’s working again,’ Frankie coaxed gently.

Valentina shook her head. ‘Don’t want to.’

Just then Frankie was aware of another car pulling up beside them. It was Rocco. Switching on his hazard lights he ran over, not bothering to close the driver’s door.