I shake my head. “No. He phoned asking if he could catch up and I fobbed him off. Might as well get it over with now he’s here.”

I open my door, hop out and thank Emma. She wishes me luck and drives away.

Pete watches me walk towards him. I can’t tell from his expression which way this is going to go.

“I phoned you at work and they said you were off sick,” he says, shoving his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his heels.

It’s the way he often stands when he’s talking to people. I used to find it sexy. I still do.

My palms ache as I stop a metre away from him, keeping space between us.

“I haven’t been well, but I’m improving. Sorry I didn’t get back to you.”

He smiles faintly. “It’s OK. I know you don’t like these sorts of moments.”

“What do you mean?”

He tips his head to one side and lowers his eyelashes – another of his mannerisms that used to melt my insides.

“Awkward emotional outpourings,” he says softly.

I look away from him “Do you want to come in?”

Pete doesn’t answer. Instead, he steps back so I can use my key in the door.

“How’s the baby doing?” he asks.

I feel his breath on the back of my neck.

“Fine.”

He follows me into the kitchen. “You’ve got a nice little bump happening.”

Why is he sounding so friendly?

“Coffee?” I ask, flicking on the machine.

Pete pulls out a chair and sits at the table. “Thanks.”

I sit opposite as we wait for the machine to warm up.

“So, what’s with the surprise visit?” I ask.

Pete smiles and tips his head to the side again. I wish he’d stop doing that. Where’s the angry guy who stormed out of the café gone?

“Sorry, I know you don’t like surprises.”

It’s one of the things he used to tease me about. He’d ring me at work and say, “Just warning you – I’m going to arrive home with something different than planned for dinner.” Or: “I have a birthday present for you and it’s not one of the items on your list. Just wanted to let you know in advance so you don’t freak out.”

He knew me so well.

“I thought you weren’t talking to me,” I say quickly. “That you didn’t want anything to do with this baby.” I place a protective hand on my belly.

“I reacted badly. It was a shock, Trish. A big one.” He clasps his hands on the table and leans forwards. “A few months ago, you didn’t want me in your life. Then all of a sudden…” He waves his hand at my stomach. “This.”

“I didn’t plan for it to happen,” I mutter.