‘Oh Lottie, of course, I’m sorry I’ve been so preoccupied … I should have asked.’ He glanced down but my stomach was hidden by the table. ‘You’re going through so much too. Evie told me how nasty it turned between you and Harvey. I wish I’d known, I’d have had some serious words with him.’

‘You weren’t to know,’ I assured him. ‘Besides, he wasn’t always like that, was he? The four of us used to have fun together, once upon a time.’

‘We did.’ He nodded ruefully and we fell silent for a moment, thinking of happier times.

‘And how do you feel?’ He scanned my face.

‘Physically I’m fine.’ I hesitated and Darren raised an eyebrow expectantly. ‘Mentally it has taken some getting used to; pregnancy was the last thing on my agenda. Particularly given my last encounter with the father.’

He winced. ‘What are you going to do?’

‘I’m going ahead with the pregnancy. No question,’ I said. ‘I’ve got my first scan next week; I want to find out when it’s due before I make any more decisions.’ I sucked in a sharp breath, not wanting to get distracted by my own problems. ‘Anyway, back to you. What’s next?’

He reached across the table for my hand. ‘When that plonker Tommy Dawson started mouthing off about fancying Evie, I realized that I can’t let her go; I love her too much to see her with someone else. I want Evie back, Lottie.’

‘So what are you going to do?’

‘I’m running out of ideas.’ He shrugged. ‘She won’t take my calls, when I went round she wouldn’t let me in. I’ve sent her flowers, written her a letter. I even tried my key in the door, but she’s changed the locks. Will you help me – help us? Please?’

My heart ached for the two of them and I felt a flush of guilt for not trying harder to make up with Evie. I’d been so wrapped up in my own issues and coming to terms with being pregnant that I’d glossed over her trauma. Not only was she facing a future without Darren, she was possibly facing a future with a baby in the family, except not her own as she’d always wanted. We’d never gone this long not speaking to each other. I’d make it my mission to make amends as soon as I could, and maybe I’d be able to salvage her and Darren’s marriage too.

‘I’ll do my best,’ I promised, squeezing his hand. ‘I want her back too and I’ll tell her as much, even if I have to camp out on her doorstep.’

It had to be worth a try; I missed her so much and so, by the look of it, did Darren.

Chapter 20