It was getting dark when Dan came home. Bert, the plumber, was packing away his gear and Paula came outside in time to hear him repeating the extent of the plumbing issues to Dan. She had already listened to Bert’s detailed report on the state of their pipes.

“It’s the tree roots. They’re all through the old pipes,” he said.

“Were you able to fix it?” Dan said.

“Like I was telling your missus.” Bert nodded in Paula’s direction. “The pipes are cracked and the trees are too big. They’ll keep finding a way in. Only way to repair it is to get rid of some of those trees and replace the pipes.”

Dan pulled off his cap and scratched his head.

“I’ve fixed it for the time being,” Bert said, “but you’ll need to do something about it before too much longer or it will only block up again.”

“So everything’s okay now?”

“Yeah, for now. Lucky I could get out here though. Your missus was nearly up to her armpits in it.” Bert cackled and closed the back of his vehicle.

“Thanks, Bert,” Paula said and Dan shook his hand.

They stood together watching as the plumber drove away.

“Will we get him to come back and replace the pipes?” Paula asked.

“I don’t know. I’ll have a look at it. Might not be as bad as he says.”

Dan walked into the yard and Paula followed him.

“We can’t be without proper plumbing, Dan. I was chased out of the bushes by a revolting lizard.”

He stopped and looked at her. Paula could see a glimmer of a smirk.

“It was some kind of prehistoric thing and it hissed at me.”

“You probably scared it. Imagine being the lizard on the ground and this big bare…”

“Dan Woodcroft,” Paula warned. “It’s all right for you. You can stand and deliver. I’m the one who has to get up close and personal with the ground.”

Dan laughed, gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head. “You’re very brave.”

“More than that.” Paula pulled away and took him by the hand. “I’m ingenious.”

She led him to the back of the yard and over the stone wall. It was nearly dark but the old chair, with the shovel leaning beside it, was still visible.

“What’s this?”

“My temporary toilet.” Paula waved her hand with a flourish. “I didn’t know how long I’d have to wait for Bert so I decided to take matters into my own hands.”

“I’m impressed with your improvisation.” He put his arm around her shoulders and began walking towards the house.

“Oh, Dan.” Paula stopped abruptly and put her hand to her stomach.

“What?” He frowned.

“I forgot to tell you. I felt the baby move today. It was only a few little flutters but I’m sure that’s what it was.”